Why our Russia Northen lights tours are the ultimate Aurora hunting experience?
If seeing the awesome cosmic spectacle of the Northern Lights is on your bucket list, you’ll know that there are a few locations where you can make this dream travel experience a reality. The prerequisite is that you need to be in an above the Arctic Circle, something that only parts of eight countries in the world can lay claim to. The Scandinavian nations remain the most popular places for embarking on a Northern Lights tour, but did you know your chances of witnessing the phantom lights of Aurora Borealis are equally as good in Russia?
So, why set your sights on a Russia Northern Lights tour? The fact that this region is still relatively unknown offers a wonderful advantage. The lack of crowds means Russia is the perfect place to experience the ultimate feeling of being one with nature. There are several wonderful destinations for Northern Lights viewing in Russia, all with differing landscapes, cultures and additional activities to enjoy.
Experience Aurora Borealis in Russia - highlights:
- Most Russia northern lights tours start from the port city of Murmansk, the capital of the Kola Peninsula. With a population of 300,000, it’s the largest town located above the Arctic Circle and hosts an unusual mix of Russian, Finnish and indigenous culture. Apart from being a surprisingly lively city, the hilly vantage points outside town offer one of the most unique views of the Aurora Borealis - glowing bright above the manmade city skyline and its eerie harbour.
- Venture further into the Kola Peninsula where you’ll have the opportunity to see the Northern Lights dancing and shapeshifting over the pristine polar tundra.
- Visit the rustic settlements of the indigenous Saami people of the Kola peninsula and experience their favored method of winter transport - the traditional husky dog sled!
- Travel to the Arctic Circle on an incredible Russian train tour. The journey from St Petersburg on your very own “Polar Express”, then cross the border into the Norwegian town of Kirkenes to marvel at the enchanting Snow Hotel and search for the elusive lights.
- Join an Arctic expedition isolated region of Yamal, home to the nomadic, reindeer-herding Nenets. Spend some time in their winter camps and with luck, you might look up to see the Aurora in all its celestial glory, shimmering above the starkly beautiful Arctic taiga.
To be rewarded by the sight of one of the earth’s most spectacular natural phenomena means covering vast distances - and that sort of travel comes with a cost. This is especially true of the extremely popular Scandinavian destinations. But there are alternatives that don’t cost a fortune. Murmansk is considered the most affordable place to see the Northern Lights. And, the Russian Arctic is far more accessible than you might think. From St Petersburg, Murmansk is a mere two-hour flight and two and a half hours from Moscow.
Not only does the far north of Russia provide some of the most reliable places on earth to witness the winter lights (generally between November and March), it also offers majestic snow-covered tundra, taiga, and the chance to discover the fascinating cultures of the ethnic Saami of the Kola Peninsula and the Nenets of Yamal.
