Scotland is, of course, famous for its natural beauty, Celtic heritage and colourful culture, but one thing special about it is the surreal Northern Lights. The Aurora Borealis is the name given to this natural light display that streaks across the night, likely leaving everybody fascinated with its bold greens, purples and pinks wherever they can see it.
Whether you are an experienced aurora hunter or a complete novice, the wilderness of Scotland offers the ideal canvas for this awe-inspiring event. In this guide, we’ll explore the best spots to experience the Northern Lights, along with tips to enhance your adventure.
Being on its rugged coastline, Aberdeenshire presents an excellent opportunity to witness the Northern Lights. Favourites such as Cruden Bay and Peterhead are embracing their dark skies on a burgeoning basis. The region's primitive landscapes, rolling hills, and serene beaches allow a breathtaking aurora display.
Local guides can help the guests to national parks, which are the perfect viewing spots for this interception of nature. The historical castles, which are part of its vista, only serve to make the whole experience more magical and make it a must-see for those keen to witness the Northern Lights.
The Shetland Islands are located far north of the Scottish mainland and make for a great base to hunt the Northern Lights. The islands have long winter nights and little light pollution, making it a perfect vantage point for viewing the night sky. It is why places like Unst and Fetlar are known for their clear skies, making them great spots to see the Aurora Borealis.
This magnificent backdrop is provided with a little help from the rough coastlines and high cliffs; the lovely landscapes are distinct between them. The local folklore surrounding the Northern Lights also adds more to the experience, as Shetlanders tell tales of the magical lights dancing across their skies.
Another great place to see the Northern Lights in Scotland is Orkney. With their northern location and far-flung status, the islands are also ideal for witnessing the Aurora Borealis. The Ring of Brodgar and Skara Brae are sweeping places with an incredible night sky backdrop, lit up on good nights by the ethereal northern lights.
The islands are characterised by a unique ambience due to their rich history and temples, allowing tourists to find pleasure in both natural and cultural wonders. Most of the local accommodations can also set up an alert to ensure you don't miss that spectacular sight.
The Isle of Skye is a beautiful destination no matter the time of year, but winter nights are hard to beat when viewing the Aurora Borealis. The optimum time to see it in Scotland is between the beginning of winter and the end of February, and locations like Quiraing and Neist Point are perfect vantage points.
The stunning surroundings, rocky mountains, and sea cliffs make it the perfect site for the spectacle. Many local guides offer tours to chase the lights and stargazing, which adds to the experience. A strong sense of isolation and the stunning landscapes on the Isle of Skye make it an unforgettable location to see the aurora.
With its wide open spaces and dark skies, Cairngorms National Park is one of the best places to experience the Northern Lights. Aviemore and Rothiemurchus are perfect places to catch the aurora on view from within this stunning National Park. Mountains, lochs, and forests all come together to make for a truly magical place to witness the northern lights.
The beauty of its surroundings — which include a lake, several trails and great hiking paths — draws visitors looking for outdoor activities throughout the year. In winter, there are skiing and snowshoeing options to keep you busy, too. Many local accommodation providers supply aurora alerts, so you never have to miss the show.
Loch Ness, of mythical monster fame, is another prime spot for seeing the Northern Lights. The calm, black waters in the loch provide mirror-like reflection, really capturing the vibrance of the Aurora Borealis as it swirls above. The loch and the hills that form the horizon of the surrounding area offer some stunning panoramas from places such as Fort Augustus and Dores Beach.
Its rich history and legends are other reasons why it is such an interesting place to see the lights. Guests can bundle up for extra warmth and combine the experience with a boat tour or visit the historic Urquhart Castle while stargazing.
Galloway Forest Park, known for being a Dark Sky Park, is a prime location for observing the Northern Lights. The park's remote setting ensures minimal light pollution, providing clear views of the aurora when conditions are right. Visitors can explore the park’s numerous walking trails, offering scenic spots for aurora viewing.
The area is also home to diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes, enhancing the experience. The park's facilities include dedicated dark sky viewing areas and events, making it an excellent choice for families and novice aurora chasers looking to enjoy the celestial display.
The Northern Lights are best viewed in Scotland during the winter, with long nights running from late September until early April. With longer, darker nights offering more optimal conditions for the dancing lights in the sky, the best times to see them come between December and February. The best are clear nights when there is no cloud cover, so you may want to check the weather forecast online to increase your odds.
The auroras are also visible for longer time periods during high solar activity, and you can easily measure this through space weather updates. If you want the best shot of seeing this beautiful display, travel to a remote area away from artificial light during these months.
Selecting a campervan for your Scottish Northern Lights sight-seeing trip provides you with the best aspects of both camping and cosy cabin trips. A campervan will make it very simple for you to get away from all of the city lights and increase your chances of seeing the aurora. Campervans offer comfortable bedding, basic cooking amenities and heaters for post-stargazing warmth. And the kicker is that you would wake up to breathtaking Scotland.
Compass Campers gives you a choice of fully equipped campervans so you can experience the Northern Lights not just in comfort but also in style. Travel with comfort and adventure at Compass Campers by contacting us today.
