Have you ever dreamed of gazing up at the night sky and seeing the dazzling dance of the Northern Lights? Greenland is one of the best places on Earth to witness the Aurora Borealis in all its glory. You're in for an unforgettable experience as the neon lights swirl and shimmer across the inky black sky. The good news is you absolutely can see the Northern Lights in Greenland, and your chances are pretty high if you visit during the prime viewing season from late August through early April. Some of the top spots with minimal light pollution and maximum Aurora potential are Ilulissat, Kangerlussuaq, Nuuk, Sisimiut, and Tasiilaq. While Iceland may be more accessible, Greenland offers a more pristine setting and fewer crowds to share the spectacle with. According to Inuit mythology, the Northern Lights are the souls of the dead playing football with the skull of a walrus. Ready to start planning your adventure to chase the Aurora across the Greenland sky?
Did you know that over 80% of tourists miss the Northern Lights due to the lack of Aurora knowledge? Don't let that be you! The right time and the right place are the key. Northern Lights Online Course and Aurora mobile app designed for beginners will significantly increase your chances.
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Yes, Greenland is one of the best places on Earth to witness the Aurora Borealis. The Greenland's location in the Arctic Circle, combined with the lack of light pollution, means you have an excellent chance of catching a glimpse of the magical Northern Lights.
What Month is Best to See the Northern Lights in Greenland?
The best time is between late August and early April, especially around the equinoxes in September and March. During these months, the nights are long and dark, and solar activity is higher, increasing your odds of spotting the Aurora.
Where is the Best Place in Greenland for the Northern Lights?
Some of the top spots are:
Ilulissat Icefjord: A UNESCO World Heritage site with minimal light pollution. You can see the Aurora reflect off massive icebergs.
Kangerlussuaq: Located in a valley, offering views of the Lights directly overhead. It's also a popular spot for Aurora photography.
Sisimiut: A coastal town where you can view the Northern Lights dancing over the sea. There are many hiking trails to escape the little light that exists.
Uummannaq: A colorful village surrounded by mountains and fjords. The dramatic landscape complements the beauty of the Aurora.
Tasiilaq: The largest town on the east coast with an open view of the Lights across the sea and surrounding mountains. You may even spot whales while viewing the Aurora.
Are Northern Lights Better in Iceland or Greenland?
Greenland generally has a slight edge due to less light pollution, being under the Aurora Oval and closer proximity to the magnetic North Pole. However, both destinations offer a fantastic chance to witness a spectacular display of the Aurora Borealis in a stunning natural setting. It often comes down to personal preferences for activities, culture, and climate.
What is the Myth of the Northern Lights in Greenland?
The Inuit people of Greenland believed the Northern Lights were the spirits of the dead playing football with a walrus skull. Other Aurora myths depict the Lights as the souls of unborn children, or the fires of the gods in the heavens. These colorful stories reflect the mystery and magic surrounding this celestial phenomenon.
When it comes to viewing the Northern Lights in Greenland, location is everything. Some of the top spots will give you the best chance of witnessing the Aurora Borealis in all its glory.
Check our article on how to easily find the best place for Greenland Aurora Lights viewing in 4 easy steps: Where Can I See the Northern Lights
An easy way to find the darkest place ideal for Aurora viewing is to use the light pollution map: Light Pollution Maps for Aurora Hunters
The Northern Lights Greenland forecast for 3 days and long-term Aurora forecast for up to 27 days ahead can be found here: Geophysical Institute Forecast, NOAA Aurora Forecast, Spaceweatherlive Forecast and Aurora activity in real-time here: Boreal Webcams
Before going out for your first Greenland Northern Lights hunt it's a smart move to take Northern Lights Online Course where you will learn all you need to know to successfully hunt for the Northern Lights. This course is designed for beginners so you don't need to worry about not knowing much yet.
So you want to see the legendary Northern Lights in Greenland? You’ve come to the right place. Greenland is one of the best destinations for viewing the Aurora Borealis, with its pristine skies and minimal light pollution.
The Best Time to Visit
The best time of year to spot the Northern Lights in Greenland is between late August and early April. During these months, the nights are long and dark, and solar activity is higher, increasing your chances of seeing the Greenland Aurora Lights shimmer and dance across the sky. For the strongest solar storms and most intense displays, aim for the equinoxes in September and March.
Within those months, the specific dates around the New Moon are optimal, as the darker skies make the Lights much more visible. Check an astronomical calendar to plan your trip during a New Moon for the best viewing.
Is there any difference between photos and seeing Aurora Borealis in reality? You would be surprised how easy it is to miss it even if you are looking directly at it.
While the Northern Lights are often visible as early as 9 pm, the later into the night you stay out, the better. The Aurora is most active in the hours around midnight. Find a cozy spot, bundle up, and be prepared for a long but rewarding night of waiting and watching the skies. Your patience and endurance will pay off!
The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon and there are no guarantees of spotting them on any given night. But by planning your trip during the peak fall and winter months, staying in a remote area far from city lights, and remaining outside during the late hours of the night, you’ll maximize your chances of witnessing the Aurora Borealis dance across the Greenland sky. An experience you’ll never forget!
Greenland is one of the best places on Earth to witness the spectacular Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights. The vast open landscapes, clear skies, and ideal latitude make it a prime destination for any Aurora Hunter.
1. Kangerlussuaq
This small town in western Greenland is one of the best spots to see the Northern Lights. With minimal light pollution, the night sky is dazzling. Take a dogsled or snowmobile tour out into the wilderness for the best views.
2. Ilulissat
The picturesque town of Ilulissat, set among massive icebergs in Disko Bay, offers stunning vantages to see the Aurora. Take a boat tour to get out on the open water, or drive to the outskirts of town to escape the lights. The hilly terrain provides panoramic views of the night sky.
3. Ittoqqortoormiit
East Greenland’s most isolated town is one of the most pristine places to witness the Greenland Aurora Lights. With only 450 residents, there is virtually no light pollution. Charter a helicopter or boat to access rugged, dramatic coastal landscapes. The Aurora reflects off massive icebergs, doubling the spectacle.
4. Tasiilaq
The largest town on Greenland’s east coast, Tasiilaq offers a rugged setting to see the Northern Lights. Surrounded by fjords and mountains, the night skies are crystalline. Take a snowmobile or dogsled out to a remote mountain lodge for the best unobstructed views.
5. Nuuk
Although Greenland’s capital city has more light pollution, the Northern Lights are still visible, especially outside of town. Head to Quassussuaq, a mountain just north of Nuuk, for panoramic views of the sky and city below. Or take a boat tour out into Godthåbsfjord to escape the city lights.
In summary, the ideal time is between late August and early April, in very remote, northern areas of Greenland with little to no light pollution. Bundle up, grab your camera, and get ready for a dazzling display of one of nature’s greatest wonders!
When it comes to seeing the Northern Lights, Greenland and Iceland are two of the best places on the planet. But which destination has the better Auroras? Let’s compare.
Season
The Aurora Borealis is visible in Greenland and Iceland primarily from late August through early April. The autumn and winter months from September to March tend to be the best time to spot the lights in both places, especially around the equinoxes in September and March. So if chasing the Northern Lights is your goal, plan your trip during these months.
Darkness
To see the Auroras, you need clear, dark skies. Greenland has very little light pollution outside of towns, so its pitch-black skies are ideal for viewing the lights. Most of Iceland’s population lives in the capital Reykjavik, so getting away from the city lights is important. The more remote areas of Iceland, like the Westfjords, offer stunning dark skies. Overall, Greenland may have a slight edge here due to its sparse population and lack of major cities.
Activity
The visibility and intensity of the Northern Lights depend on geomagnetic activity from the sun. Generally, both Greenland and Iceland see Auroras throughout the viewing season. However, some of the most spectacular displays tend to occur around the equinoxes in September and March during periods of heightened solar activity. There is no way to predict solar activity or Auroras very far in advance, so flexibility in your travel dates will increase your chances of catching a vibrant show.
Myths
The Northern Lights have fascinated mankind for ages and given rise to many myths and legends. In Greenland, the Inuit believed the lights were spirits of the dead playing football with a walrus skull. In Iceland, Auroras were thought they will release the pain of childbirth but the mother was supposed not to look directly at those swirling green lights otherwise her child would be born cross-eyed. No matter where you go, the dancing lights evoke a sense of mystery, magic and wonder.
Overall, while Iceland and Greenland are two of the world’s best destinations for seeing the Northern Lights, Greenland’s sparse population, lack of light pollution, and Inuit cultural connections to the Auroras give it a slight edge. But either place would be a dream trip for any Aurora Chaser!
The Northern Lights are a spectacular natural phenomenon, but in Greenland, they hold special meaning. The Inuit people of Greenland, the Kalaallit, have many myths and legends surrounding the Aurora Borealis.
According to Inuit mythology, the Northern Lights are the spirits of the dead playing in the sky. The lights were believed to be the souls of babies that had died at or around the time of birth. The pulsating and shimmering lights were thought to be the babies playing, jumping and dancing in the heavens. Some Inuits also believed the lights were fallen warriors battling in the sky.
The Northern Lights are also linked to the Inuit sea goddess, Sedna. As the legend goes, Sedna's father chopped off her fingers while drowning her, and her fingers became the whales and seals that the Inuit hunted. The Northern Lights were thought to be Sedna and her dogs traveling across the sky. The whistling and crackling sounds that sometimes accompany the lights were Sedna calling to the whales and seals.
The many myths and beliefs surrounding the Aurora Borealis highlight their mysterious and magical nature. Next time you see the spectacular lights dancing across the Arctic sky, imagine the spirits playing or Sedna traveling with her dogs. Understanding the cultural significance and mythology behind the Northern Lights in Greenland will give you a deeper appreciation for their beauty.
Whether you believe in the Inuit myths or not, seeing the Northern Lights is a magical experience. Bundle up, find a dark location away from city lights, and enjoy one of the greatest natural wonders. Let your imagination run wild - who knows, you may even spot Sedna and her dogs dashing across the starry sky.
So now you know - Greenland should definitely be on your bucket list for the best Northern Lights chasing experience. With its pristine landscapes and minimal light pollution, you'll be dazzled by the vibrant colors dancing across the Arctic sky. Bundle up, get yourself to one of the prime viewing spots, and be patient - the rewards of witnessing the Aurora Borealis in all its glory will be well worth the effort. Who knows, you might even glimpse the legendary spirits of long-ago ancestors in the rippling lights. However you interpret the sight, seeing the Northern Lights in Greenland is sure to be an experience you'll never forget. What are you waiting for - time to start planning your adventure!
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