Throughout history, the northern lights have had different meanings for various cultures around the world. In some cultures, the vibrant light display has been seen as a bad omen, while in others it has been considered a sign of good luck. Today, we know that the northern lights occur when the right atmospheric conditions exist, creating these colorful light phenomena.

Conditions for Viewing the Northern Lights

To see the northern lights, certain special conditions are needed. Some aspects to consider are:
• Location
• Timing
• Correct atmospheric conditions

Location

Depending on where you are, the northern lights may be easier or harder to see. It can be advantageous to get away from cities with streetlights to avoid light pollution, although the northern lights have actually been observed from several cities in Värmland. There are numerous maps to check to ensure that light pollution won’t interfere.

Timing

There are differing opinions about the best time of day to see the northern lights, but the most activity usually occurs between 10:00 PM and 2:00 AM. The high season for northern lights is typically from August to April, although it is possible to see them nearly year-round.

Correct Atmospheric Conditions

The physics behind the northern lights is quite complicated. To see the northern lights, solar wind eruptions need to have occurred on the sun, causing charged particles to swirl out from the sun’s surface. When these particles reach Earth’s atmosphere and collide with gas particles, they create the light phenomena we call the northern lights. Earth’s magnetic field causes the particles to be drawn to the two poles. There are several websites to check the conditions for viewing the northern lights, such as the Northern Lights Sweden Facebook page.

Maximize the Northern Lights Experience in Värmland

There are several ways you can maximize your Northern Lights experience in Värmland.

In western Värmland, you will find Yggdrasil Igloo Water Huts, which offer water-based and comfortable accommodations for a nature-close experience. These accommodations are located on Lake Foxen, floating on the water in summer and resting on the ice in winter.

If you want to sleep among the treetops, Naturbyn in Säffle offers cozy tree houses for rent. There are also forest cottages and houseboats available so you can choose the nature experience you prefer.

How about spending a night or two in Mattila, the old village in the Finnskogen region of northwest Värmland? Here, you’ll find plenty of space to watch the Northern Lights without the risk of light pollution.

If you prefer to see the Northern Lights while camping, Värmland Camper offers the option to rent a caravan to hook up to your car or a bike trailer for a more comfortable camping experience.

Why not pick up some delicious food from a local restaurant and have a midnight picnic under the Northern Lights?

Good places to see the Northern Lights in Värmland

Some good places to see the Northern Lights in Värmland are:
• Brattforsheden and Kittelfältet’s amazing forest environment
• Frykstahöjden. Here you might not see as far as Mariannelund, but at least to Kil
• Tossebergsklätten in Sunne municipality
• Observation towers. For example, Loslätten Observation Tower in Ransäter, Värmullsåsen Observation Tower in Hagfors and Granberget in the northernmost part of Torsby municipality

Good luck with your Northern Lights watching, and don’t forget to tag your Northern Lights pictures with #visitvarmland!