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Albom Adventures

Capturing the essence of travel through photography

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Lourdes, France – A Town of Healing Water and Miracles

Famous for its healing waters and miracles, Lourdes France is remarkable. Spiritual energy breathes through this small village in the foothills of the Pyrenees mountains. To date, there have been 70 confirmed miracles at Lourdes since the first apparition appeared to a 14-year-old peasant girl in 1858.

Not surprisingly, the pull of the city is powerful, encouraging six million people annually to visit Lourdes, many hoping to be the next miracle.

Torch-lit Marian procession

A torch-lit Marian procession begins at 9 pm every night since 1872. The overwhelming number of infirm wayfarers hoping for the miracle brought a tear to my eye.

They walked for nearly 1.5 hours, candle in hand, praying and singing in 6 languages to receive a blessing from the priest. And they just kept coming. So many of them.

While it was emotional to watch, there was also an unexplainable power, a motivating strength emanating from their belief.

Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes

The centre of all religious activity and religious tourism in Lourdes, the basilica is a masterpiece in its own right. Lourdes is a Catholic pilgrimage destination along the Camino, but unlike Santiago de Compostela , people come to Lourdes to be cured.

Lourdes healing water

The healing waters of Lourdes draw people from around the world. They come, they pray, they drink, they bathe, and all the while, they hope for a miracle.

While many hoped for medical miracles, others came for moral or spiritual healing. Importantly, drinking the water is easy, as it is free-flowing from taps labelled in six languages. Therefore, we joined hundreds of visitors and filled our water bottles at the side of the basilica.

One of our girls and many tourists filled bottles moulded in the shape of the Virgin statue to bring home. They seemed to be for sale in nearly every shop close to the cathedral. And to my surprise, they now ship these same bottles filled with the official Lourdes holy water and available from Amazon .

Grotto in Lourdes, France

The Lourdes Grotto is the spot where Saint Bernadette experienced 18 apparitions in 1858. Today, it is open to the public for candle lighting and, at specific times, to bathe in the healing water.

There are two queues, one for men, the other for women. Pilgrims and other visitors wait patiently. Once at the front of the queue, they stand naked, and two same-sex aids guide them into the icy water. One quick dunk and it is over. Many walk away feeling cured, or at least better than when they arrived.

We joined the queue on a rainy Sunday during the peak of the season. It crawled along slowly. The queues tend to be longer on Sunday as they are only bathing people who join the queue from 2-4 pm, rather than also having a morning time slot.

Staring at a several-hour wait and already wet from the rain, we backed out and opted instead to drink the water.

Lourdes healing water miracles

What constitutes a miracle.

The answer is more complex than I imagined. It is defined by rules from the Vatican and summarized here:

To be a miracle:

• The illness must have been incurable without medical treatment or medication that can be shown to have been effective.
• Healing must be immediate, instantaneous, complete, and without relapse.
• The church must sanction each miracle through a rigorous process.

Over 8,000 claims have been made to date, but only 70 meet the strict criteria of a miraculous cure, less than 1% of all claims. The most recent of these was declared a miracle of Lourdes in February 2018. And more on this detailed list of the first 67 Lourdes miracles.

Other things to do in Lourdes France

Underground basilica.

The massive size of the Underground Basilica surprised us. Here, we found modern religious symbols and the illustrated story of Bernadette and the 18 apparitions that appeared to her.

Château Fort

A Roman fortification, the castle on the rocky hill overlooking the city is one of the few secular attractions in Lourdes. While energetic visitors can hike to the chateau, there is also a funicular or a free elevator. Here you will find beautiful views of the city and a museum featuring folk art and local artefacts (Musée Pyrénéen).

Birthplace of Bernadette Soubirous (Moulin de Boly)

Bernadette was born and lived here until she was 10. It was originally a watermill. Today it is a museum offering insight into the life of peasant families in the 1800s.

Take a sanctuary and Grotto walking tour in Lourdes

The biggest mistake we made in Lourdes was not taking a tour.

Not so much for the sites, as they are easy to access, but rather for the history and legends. While we can get a lot from reading, there is something quite powerful in hearing about a miracle in the place it happened. If we get back, we will take a walking tour.

This private guided history tour of Lourdes tops our wish list. Highly rated, the reviews indicate that it’s the fascinating stories told by the expert guides that make this 3-hour walking tour so valuable.

Not only will you learn some of the religious history, but you will also see both the Basilica of Saint Pius and the newer Basilica of the Domain. And there are more stories as you visit the Grotto where Bernadette Soubirous experienced 18 apparitions, as well as the fountain and the Baths. Reserve your tour of Lourdes here .

Driving in Lourdes France

Despite having driven in countries all around the world, we were not mentally prepared for driving in Lourdes. We rely on our GPS or Google Maps on our phones. However, it was consistently sending us the wrong way down narrow one-way streets.

As it turns out, every 15 days, the city of Lourdes turns some of the one-way street signs the other way (no kidding) . This was a decision made after the one-way streets were initially instituted, and several businesses lost customer traffic. The solution was to turn the streets. So if your GPS is confused, it is because the signs are turned. Be patient and vigilant.

Getting to Lourdes, France

If you are brave enough to face the streets of Lourdes in your own vehicle, we recommend RentalCars.com . A conglomerator, they provide a list of cars and pricing available through local and well-known companies. It’s quick and easy, and they provide English-speaking customer service. We needed a vehicle, as Lourdes was the first stop on your French Pyrenees mountain road trip .

Otherwise, you can arrive by Eurail train, plane, or on a tour.

Take a day tour from Paris

A long day, this private 14-hour tour starts out on the high-speed train from Paris to the famous pilgrimage sight of Lourdes. Note that you will be in Lourdes for only about 3 hours, but they will be magical and jam packed. If you don’t have time for a longer trip, this one seems well liked by the people who have done it. Reserve your private tour from Paris here .

Or, day tour from San Sebastian, Spain

On this private eight-hour adventure you will travel from coastal San Sebastian the spiritual city of Lourdes. You can attend the principal mass at the basilica, and will also see the cave, get your own holy water, walk around the scantuary and grounds and visit Bernadette’s house. Reserve your private tour from San Sebastian here .

Where to stay in Lourdes, France

Travelling between March 29, 2024 and September 30, 2024? Check out: * Booking.com’s Getaway Deals 2024 Save 15% or more on selected accommodations. ( T&Cs ) No codes or memberships required

While there are many options, we don’t recommend where we stayed. Had we planned in advance or not visited during the peak of the season, we would have stayed at one of these two four-star hotels.

• Grand Hôtel Moderne : My top pick, this example of classic late 19th century French architecture and decor is perfectly located. An interior mix of Art Nouveau, elegance, and modern convenience, it boasts comfortable beds and delicious meals. Reserve your room at the Grand Hôtel Moderne here
• Grand Hôtel Belfry : Built in 1873, this pet-friendly four-star accommodation looks comfortable and lovely. Superior rooms face the Sanctuary, while standard rooms face the city and fort hill. The buffet breakfast includes organic local products, and the hotel has onsite parking (not an easy thing to find in Lourdes). Reserve your room at the Grand Hôtel Belfry here .

Tips for visiting Lourdes

• The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes and the Grotto is always open.
• Bring your water jugs to the cathedral to fill them from one of the taps with the healing Lourdes water. Water bottles in the shape of the Virgin Mary are available for sale at many locations in town.

Save on your trip with these resources

These are our go-to companies when we travel. We believe this list to be the best in each category. You can’t go wrong using them on your trip too.

• Flights : we use Expedia for the best and cheapest flight options.
• Accommodations: we use Booking.com (hotels), VRBO (self-contained), or Hostelworld (budget).
• Cars (gas or electric): we use RentalCars to search for deals and dealer ratings.
• Motorcycles : we have heard good things about BikesBooking .
• Campervans or Motorhomes : we use Campstar where Albom Adventures readers get a 3% discount.
• Private guides : we love the private guides at Tours by Locals .
• Travel Insurance: while not required, we always opt for travel insurance and start at InsureMyTrip to compare coverage plans.

Check out our travel resources page for more companies that we use when you travel.

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Some places stay with me forever. I am guessing that Lourdes will be one of them.

Have you experienced the Lourdes healing water?

Discover other areas in western Europe:

• Things to Do in Carcassonne’s Medieval Fortified City
• Salt Mines in Austria and Old Friends in Germany
• Pyrenees Road Trip: Quaint Towns in France from Lourdes to Béziers
• Saint Bertrand de Comminges: Charming French Village

About Rhonda Albom

Capturing the essence of travel through photography, Rhonda Albom is the primary author and photographer at Albom Adventures. She is an American expat based in New Zealand. She travels the world with her husband.

Reader Interactions

Sarah Samith

February 23, 2024 at 12:56 am

Didn’t know about this place, but it looks beautiful!

February 17, 2024 at 1:45 am

Great blog! Would love to travel to this place , as I have only been in Paris!

Miss Leslie

November 6, 2023 at 6:18 pm

Where ever you are on this planet, God can give you all the blessings and miracle your heart can hold with out stepping one inch out of your front door. He will give you all the love and information you will need to be saved and it does not get any better than this. God be with you always. Love through HIM. Miss Leslie Lakeside Elementary Los Gatos, California USA

June 3, 2023 at 9:59 am

You mention there are different seasons for visiting – when is the high season and when is the low?

June 3, 2023 at 3:03 pm

May to September is considered the high season with the highest number of visitors in July and August. There does seem to be a bit of a dip in June. The lowest visitor numbers are November to March (cooler weather).

May 12, 2023 at 3:26 pm

Years ago my baby sister becames very sick from bronchiolitis. She was in the hospital but wasn’t getting better. My mom was talking to a woman at the hospital and telling her how sick my sister was. The woman offered her a small bottle of Holy water. she said it came from Lourdes, France hich she got during her travels. she told my mom to sprinkle some on my sister and prayed for her.

My mom said my sister was close to dying at the time. after the prayers, she began to get well and grew up healthy. The lady told my mother to keep the water. My sister still has the bottle.

This would not meet the criteria for being a miracle, but my mother was convinced that it was. Perhaps Miracles need to be redefined. The good Lords’ helping hands are present everywhere and should be recognized by the church in some way. just my humble opinion.

janetsiebert

July 26, 2022 at 11:43 am

Is that the real healing water that Christ blessed

Rhonda Albom

July 26, 2022 at 5:46 pm

There have been 70 confirmed miracles at Lourdes since the first apparition appeared in 1858. That feels pretty real to me.

September 16, 2022 at 1:24 pm

Hi ma’am where is the miracles of lourdes in France where did we get the healing water it’s easy to get it in the cave ? I appreciate if you can answer me

September 16, 2022 at 5:58 pm

Thanks for reaching out. The water to fill our own water bottles was around the side of the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes. To get dipped in the healing waters, there are times when they do this. The line is long, and moves slowly, but even with that, I think was only about a 3-hour wait.

Tommy parle

January 14, 2022 at 5:47 am

I went in 1975, I was a 13 year old boy on a Liverpool Pilgrimage,the village was so beautiful, I was amazed by all all the people and their faith,so much so I returned 17 times (twice in 1983),my last visit was 1991,I really wish I could go back now,I miss the place so much.

October 1, 2019 at 3:46 am

Since we will never be able to travel to Lourdes…..Is there a local company in Lourdes that will ship water from the Grotto to you?

October 2, 2019 at 12:05 pm

Great question. I found some on Amazon and I will add it to the post above too. Here’s the link: https://amzn.to/2nCn3a2

Cathy Sargood

October 8, 2021 at 7:53 am

Amazing experience for cousin and I. We met with nuns who were also cousins who invited us to be nuns. Powerful and moving experience

September 20, 2019 at 1:57 pm

Wow! What an interesting place with such great history! I definitely learned something new – the place looks like something from a storybook

September 19, 2019 at 3:30 am

I can’t believe this is the first time I am hearing about Lourdes France! Adding it to my bucketlist!

Michael Anderson

September 9, 2021 at 11:21 pm

Hi Sam, You must watch the movie The Song of Bernadette (1943) if you have not done so already. After seeing the movie several times, I have always wanted to travel to Lourdes France.

Tania Muthusamy

September 18, 2019 at 10:37 pm

A fascinating place I would be interested in seeing. I’m amazed these processions occur every night and yet there have only been supposedly 1% of people that have experienced a miracle cure!

Rick Wroblewski

February 21, 2024 at 4:59 am

That is 1% according to the strict requirements of the Church to certify an event as a miracle. Many more of these healings may be actual miracles but according to the strict guidelines that the church uses, they cannot certify some of these miraculous events as miracles.

September 18, 2019 at 5:39 pm

The sanctuary is just one word – beautiful! This is the first time I’m coming across something as healing water. It is just so emotional to see the number of people joining every evening, that many people keeping their hopes up for a miracle in their lives. Hope they are able to get what they want 🙂

September 18, 2019 at 2:18 pm

I studied abroad in France and I can’t believe I missed out on visiting Lourdes!

August 12, 2019 at 8:33 pm

I want a crystal rosary

Carmen Edelson

May 18, 2019 at 6:55 am

I didn’t know about the healing water in Lourdes, very cool! I really want to explore more of France. I know Paris well but not the rest of the country!

Mohana and Aninda

May 17, 2019 at 3:39 am

The sanctuary of Our Lady of the Lourdes looks magnificent! The towering spires and the brightly lit altar looks beautiful. The town looks pretty too. I love the louvred windows in the houses!

Michael Hodgson

May 15, 2019 at 1:31 pm

Religion is such a mystery. As are the “rules” that guide the declarations and miracles so many espouse. Power of the mind or power of God or both or are they one and the same. Always an interesting topic of conversation. It would be fascinating to spend a few days in Lourdes observing the faithful, and especially the candlelight march. Great post!!!

The Holidaymaker

May 15, 2019 at 10:43 am

I am curious what brought you to this area in the first place, was it personal interest, did you know the history before going? Very interesting and as you said, will have a lasting impression on you.

May 16, 2019 at 7:49 am

We were living in Costa Brava Spain about 80 km south of the French border on a long-term home exchange. It was part of a massive road trip we did. We planned as we went, so we did not know the history when we started travelling, but we did before we arrived.

May 14, 2019 at 2:55 pm

Such a fun post! I never really thought about what constituted a miracle so the Vatican rules were very interesting. I have heard of miracle youth water in Japan and have always wanted to visit 🙂

Carol Colborn

May 13, 2019 at 10:32 am

Last year, I turned 70. I would now like to do my pilgrimages. This has convinced to include Lourdes with Santiago and Fatima.v

May 13, 2019 at 1:43 am

The driving sounds intimadating, but the town looks beautiful. Is there public transportation? I love the thought of the candle light ceremony and it happens every night. This Lourdes looks like a great place to travel.

May 13, 2019 at 9:55 am

We parked our car once and never moved it again. We could walk everywhere.

October 14, 2021 at 7:18 am

Are there car parks within walking distance of the town ?

October 14, 2021 at 8:15 pm

There were when we were there.

May 12, 2019 at 3:19 pm

I have not been there. I hadn’t heard of it before now. The first glance at it is just draw dropping and looks like it is something out of a fairytale movie scene. So every night they walk with candles? That is so interesting. Also interesting that you get naked and are helped into the water. Is this privately or can everyone see?

May 13, 2019 at 10:04 am

The impression I got was that it was neither co-ed nor private. However, we didn’t do it. We walked out of the line after 30 minutes.

Jenn and Ed Coleman

May 12, 2019 at 2:42 pm

Wow, Jenn would so hate having her GPS directing her the wrong way down one-way streets. That’s something that they turn the signs every 15 days. I could see it happening and it might even be more to local businesses but dang that’s hard to follow. It would almost take a miracle for me to keep it all straight.

May 12, 2019 at 1:36 pm

The sanctuary of Lourdes is so beautiful. I had no idea there were so many miracles after the original. I love seeking our former Roman ruins or buildings so the Chateau Fort would definitely be on my must visit list. Thanks for sharing!

January 9, 2017 at 9:36 am

I was really impressed about your story, Rhonda. While I don’t necessarily believe in miraculous healing, I know the power of faith can work miracles sometimes. I am not acquainted with this part of France at all, but I’d love to visit Lourdes someday.

October 3, 2012 at 4:47 am

I guess as long as you didn’t drink the same water that thousands of sick people got dunked in you would be ok 🙂

August 22, 2012 at 8:10 pm

That sounds amazing! I wouldn’t picture myself that there were places like this on our planet, it must have been a really strange experience to see them. I am sure I wouldn’t get naked and dip in the cold water, and honestly, I am wondering why people can believe in things like that…

October 14, 2021 at 7:21 am

If you don’t believe then it holds no power for you

August 21, 2012 at 7:49 pm

You are probably well out of this area now but a couple other places worth visiting are the town of Cahors on a river bend of the Lot River north of Toulouse and Rocamadour which is another pilgrimage site high up on a peak above the Dordogne

August 21, 2012 at 2:52 pm

February 12, 2022 at 12:53 pm

I would like to receive Healing water from the spring of Our Lady of Lourdes for me and my family. We could never afford to travel there . God Bless

August 21, 2012 at 1:58 pm

Hello no. I would have backed away like you LOL

August 21, 2012 at 1:33 pm

You hadn’t heard of Lourdes???

Okay, so it is predominently a Catholic thing, at least I think it is

Comedy Plus

August 21, 2012 at 11:39 am

I wouldn’t have gotten in that water either so I would have left too. Drinking the water is quite different. I would have done that.

Have a terrific day. 🙂

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The top 30 pilgrimage sites in Europe

Posted: February 9, 2024 | Last updated: February 9, 2024

While most pilgrimages started as journeys of religious significance, modern ones are not necessarily about that. You might just want to escape the hectic demands of modern life, or take in some history and culture while admiring spectacular landscapes. Whatever your reason is for embarking on a pilgrimage, it might just change your life. And Europe has some of the most breathtaking pilgrimage routes to test out. Whether it's the classic Santiago de Compostela , or Mount Athos in Greece, these routes promise unforgettable adventures.

Get your body and soul ready for some of the most spiritual routes in Europe. Click on to discover the top 30 pilgrimage sites on the continent.

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Santiago de Compostela, Spain

One of the oldest pilgrimage routes in the world, it terminates at the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Northern Spain . With many routes, the three most popular are the French Way, Portuguese Way, and Northern Way.

Sanctuary of Fátima, Portugal

In 1917, three young shepherds claimed to have seen an apparition of the Virgin Mary in Cova da Iria. Soon after, pilgrimages to the location began on the anniversaries of the apparitions. Fátima is located nearly 90 miles (130 km) from Lisbon.

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Glastonbury Tor to Stonehenge, England

The 44-mile (70-km) route takes travelers through the countryside of Southwest England’s Somerset County. From Glastonbury Tor to Stonehenge, the sites are famous for their Neo-Pagans and druid ceremonies.

Lourdes, France

The largest pilgrimage site in France, Lourdes is important due to the apparitions of Our Lady of Lourdes and the site's healing stream of water.

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Częstochowa, Poland

One of the most famous pilgrimage sites in Europe, Częstochowa is home to the Jasna Góra Monastery, which attracts millions of visitors every year. And they're all there to see the miraculous painting of the Black Madonna.

Mount Athos, Greece

Mount Athos is the oldest surviving independent monastic republic in the world, tracing its roots back to the 5th century. It's believed that John the Evangelist and the Virgin Mary sought shelter there from a storm.

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Nidaros Cathedral, Norway

Situated in the city of Trondheim, Nidaros Cathedral is the northernmost medieval cathedral in the world and the second largest in Scandinavia. The pilgrimage to Nidaros Cathedral is known as Saint Olav’s Way, and starts in Selånger, Sweden.

Altötting, Germany

For over 500 years, this Bavarian town has been one of Germany's most important places of pilgrimage, venerating the Virgin Mary.

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Armagh, Ireland

Also known as the Saint Patrick route, it was here that the saint established his church. This made the town the ecclesiastical capital of the island.

Einsiedeln, Switzerland

Einsiedeln gained popularity thanks to its Benedictine Abbey, one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Switzerland. Close to many scenic hiking trails in the Swiss Alps, the town is located about 25 miles (40 km) from Zurich.

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Mont Saint-Michel, France

For almost 1,000 years, Mont Saint-Michel has become one of the most popular places of pilgrimage in Western Europe. Located off the coast of Normandy, people go there to ask for eternal life from the Archangel of Judgement, Saint Michael.

Assisi, Italy

This Umbrian town is most famous for being the birthplace of Saint Francis. The different routes follow the journey he made in the Middle Ages. And it offers incredible landscapes of the Italian countryside.

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Basilica of Saint-Denis, France

This is one of the most sacred sites in France, as the cathedral was built on the exact spot where Saint-Denis is buried. Starting at Notre-Dame-des-Champs, pilgrims go through different related chapels and churches before ending at the basilica.

Međugorje, Bosnia and Herzegovina

In 1981, apparitions of the Virgin Mary appeared in front of six children in this Adriatic city. In turn, the city became a popular pilgrimage destination.

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Turas Glencolmcille, Ireland

Typically completed barefoot, pilgrims come across 15 stations on the five-hour trek in Glencolmcille. The pilgrimage occurs annually on the feast day of Saint Colm Cille.

Rocio, Spain

The pilgrimage of Rocio is one of the largest Roman Catholic pilgrimages in Europe. It's also one of the most colorful pilgrimages, providing insight into the unique culture of Andalusia.

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Mariazell, Austria

The most popular pilgrimage destination in Austria, the Mariazell Basilica contains a 23-inch (50-cm) high wooden statue of the Virgin Mary with child. It's one of the most visited shrines in Europe.

St Magnus Way, Scotland

On the enchanting coastline of the Scottish island of Orkney exists a route that's 58 miles (93 km) long, honoring the island’s patron saint.

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Isai, Romania

Isai is the second-largest city in Romania, and home to Saint Parascheva, one of the most beloved saints of the Balkans. She lived during the 11th century, and today attracts thousands of pilgrimages to Isai.

Chartres, France

Located 60 miles (95 km) from Paris, the Chartres Cathedral is known for holding the Sancta Camisa , the tunic the Virgin Mary wore when Christ was born. The annual pilgrimage starts at Notre-Dame in Paris and ends in Chartres.

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Great St. Bernard Pass, Switzerland

Only open for four months out of the year, from July through October, the Great St. Bernard Pass connects Martigny to the Aosta Valley in Italy. The famous hospice in the area was run by Augustinian monks in the Middle Ages, and today symbolizes their generosity towards travelers.

Pilgrims' Way, England

This historical 120-mile (190-km) route takes pilgrims from Winchester to Hampshire, while leading them through several religious sites.

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Romedius pilgrimage trail, Austria and Italy

The Romedius pilgrimage trail is perfect for advanced hikers. Starting at the village of Thaur in Austria, you'll follow the footsteps of Saint Romedius to San Romedio in Italy.

Via Francigena, UK, France, and Italy

One of the longest Catholic pilgrimages in Europe, Via Francigena starts in Canterbury, England. Pilgrims then pass through France, before wrapping up in Rome.

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Madonna del Ghisallo, Italy

A unique pilgrimage experience, this seven-mile (11-km) journey begins in the town of Bellagio, and ends at the Madonna del Ghisallo Chapel in Lombardy. A renowned cycling hub, it's perfect if you want to go by bike.

Stará Boleslav, Czech Republic

Situated 15 miles (25 km) northeast of Prague, Stará Boleslav is an ancient place of pilgrimage. It's connected to the martyrdom of the patron saint of the Czech state, Saint Wenceslas.

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Royal Monastery of Santa Maria de Guadalupe, Spain

In the 13th century, a cattle herder found, after a miraculous apparition, an image of the Black Virgin in the deep mountain ranges of Las Villuercas. From then on, the location became a popular pilgrimage site.

Hagia Sophia, Turkey

Once an important place of worship for both Christians and Muslims, the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul was built in 537 BCE as an Eastern Orthodox cathedral. It was later converted into a mosque in 1453, and served as such until 1931. In 1935, the building was secularized and became a museum.

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Knock Shrine, Ireland

Legend has it that in 1879 during a rainy witnessing of the apparition of the Virgin Mary in Knock, not a single drop of water fell on the vision. Since then, the town has become one of the most popular pilgrimage sites in Western Europe.

Luther Country, Germany

Travelers can follow the footsteps of Martin Luther in the states of Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringia, a region deemed as Luther Country. Sites related to the Protestant Reformation are located in several cities throughout the region. 

Sources: (National Geographic) (TourismReview)

See also: Interesting religious sites around the world  

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Europe tour overview

Delight in the wonders of France, Spain and Portugal on a captivating tour that connects these three colourful European countries!

Enjoy incredible sightseeing in Paris, the City of Light. Travel to the legendary Loire Valley and Bordeaux. Cross into Spain, where you’ll experience vibrant Barcelona, Valencia and Seville. Discover UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Granada and Lisbon.

Exploring historic sights, viewing iconic masterpieces, tasting delicious local cuisine and spending time in magnificent palaces and places of worship – it’s all part of the unforgettable experience.

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Now from $4999 per person in 2025: depart 14 February, 07 March, 21 March

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• Fly from Australian capital cities (prices may vary)
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Arrive in paris, paris - versailles - paris, paris - loire valley - tours, tours - bordeaux - lourdes, lourdes - carcassonne - foix - andorra, andorra - montserrat - barcelona, barcelona - peniscola - valencia, valencia – alicante - caravaca de la cruz - granada, granada - malaga - puerto banus - seville, seville - guadalquivir river - seville, seville - merida - evora - lisbon, depart lisbon - fly to australia.

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An escorted coach tour is the most comprehensive and comfortable way to explore Europe. This trip ticks all the boxes for great destinations and includes airfares from Australia.

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A moderate level of fitness and mobility is required for you to enjoy all aspects of the itinerary, as this is considered a fast-paced tour. While there is some free time scheduled either in the morning or afternoon, there are many full days of sightseeing with minimal rest and some early starts. You will be required to walk up and down stairs, get on and off the coach and scheduled sightseeing may be conducted on uneven ground and terrain. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability. If you have any form of walking aids, other than a walking stick or hiking poles, then this tour may not be suitable.

Important to remember...

The day-by-day tour descriptions are intended as an indicative guide only. Travel by nature is unpredictable. Weather patterns, river conditions, road accessibility, public holidays, travel restrictions and a multitude of other factors may necessitate itinerary changes that are ultimately for the client's benefit. It is essential that travellers are flexible and open minded in this regard.

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Top places to watch the Northern Lights in Russia

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Did you know that Russia is one of the eight countries in the world, where you can view the northern lights? If you have always dreamt of admiring this mesmerizing spectacle, here are the top 5 destinations in Russia to do this. A trip to Russia in winter is a challenging but unforgettable experience which will bring lots of insights into the local lifestyle and will allow seeing Russia from a different perspective.

01 Murmansk

The region of Murmansk on the Kola Peninsula is located in the far north-west of Russia, near Finland. With a population of 300,000, this is the world’s biggest city beyond the Arctic Circle, which makes it an outstanding location, where you can enjoy nature, yet have all the city amenities near you.

Although it is possible to see the Northern Lights from Murmansk, for better chances, you may consider a small village called Teriberka Just 120 kilometres away from the city. A conspicuous fact about winter in Murmansk is that it is mild, while the average temperature goes 10-15 Celsius below zero.

The Aurora show, however, is not only limited to the winter period, meaning you can plan your trip for mid-September to mid-April.

Since the Northern Lights is unlikely to be predicted, as it depends on the magnetic activity of the Sun, make sure to have enough time to try your luck and stay in the area for several days. While waiting for Aurora, you can experience other entertainment activities, such as skiing or dog sledging in the Murmansk area.

02 Arkhangelsk region

Arkhangelsk is another large city in the Arctic Circle. It is nowadays a modern city with an important historical centre and unique wooden architecture. The flight from Moscow to Arkhangelsk takes about two hours, a journey by train – about 22 hours, with an outstanding view on Russian winter.

When looking for the brighter sky, it is worth going further from the populated area, for example, consider Severodvinsk. The lights there differ by special green shade and flicker. The Aurora Borealis can last as short as 10 minutes or can go on for several days, there is no way of predicting its duration in advance.

While waiting for the sky to start the spectacle, you can visit the open-air museum of wooden architecture “Malye Korely”.

Kirovsk is located near the Khibiny Mountains on the Kola Peninsula, where many tourists go for a skiing trip. The recommended resorts to check out are Kukisvumchorr, Bolshoi Vudyavr and Kolasportland.

Beware that the climate there is more severe. The higher you go, however, the clearer and brighter the sky becomes, leaving you with more chances to see the Aurora. Your hike up will be rewarded with thousands of seemingly dancing lights in the sky.

04 Naryan-Mar

Another outstanding location for a great Aurora experience is the polar Naryan-Mar. It is the capital of the Nenets Autonomous District famous for reindeer farms, fishing and oil. While watching the Northern Lights there, one can immerse into local myths, legends, and indigenous lore, as well as experience a journey through Russia’s heartland.

The best period to observe the Lights is from November to March. The colours of the phenomena in this region are exceptional, and the flicker adds to the magic. The flight to Naryan-Mar from Moscow will take about three hours.

This destination is recommended only to the most persistent and experienced travellers, as the region is famous for the coldest weather in the world. Temperatures there can drop down to minus 60 degrees Celsius!

It is quite probable to see the Northern Lights near the regional capital — the city of Yakutsk. The sky here looks like a lavender-green star-encrusted veil. The flights from Moscow to Yakutsk take 6.5 hours.

General tips to prepare for a Northern Lights trip:

• Arrange a transport: If you want to go further from a city and see the Aurora from a local settlement, you will need to book a tour in advance to transport you into the wilder parts.
• Get ready to take pictures: If you aspire to capture this natural magic, you will need a tripod and a camera with manual mode settings. For better results, make sure you learn about ISO and shutter speed.
• Get Warm: The weather in winter in Russia corresponds to all the stereotypes, so once in the Arctic Circles you should prepare many layers of clothing. As hunting for northern lights takes some time, make sure you wear wool socks, gloves, scarf or even thermal clothing.

Best conditions: make sure to escape the city lights and look for dark skies. Before going on a hunt, check the weather forecast for a cloudless sky. Also check the information on the solar flares, as solar activity forecasts

• Top 10 places for a day trip from Moscow read
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• Russian Souvenir: what to bring home from a trip to Russia read
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• 4. Naryan-Mar

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Northern Lights in Russia - The Travel Guide

Home / Russia Travel Experiences / Northern Lights in Russia – The Travel Guide

This guide was created to help travellers who are considering experiencing the Northern Lights in Russia. We look into some essential considerations that will help you plan for the best possible Northern lights experience and help you decide where how and to take it all in.

Table of Contents

What is the Aurora Borealis?

Standing beneath the ethereal glow of the Northern Lights as they perform their dazzling, shape-shifting solar dance is one of earth’s most spectacular atmospheric phenomena and a must experience on just about everyone’s bucket list.

The Northern Lights – origin myths and legends

Humans have been enthralled by the mysterious beauty of the Northern Lights for millennia. In northern Europe, the Aurora Borealis was believed to be light emanating from the celestial bodies of the gods as they guided the recently deceased into to the next world. Some Inuit tribes gazed up at the Northern Lights and imagined spirits playing an inter-stellar ball game with the skull of a walrus.

For many of us today, escaping the modern world to witness the awe-inspiring spectacle of the Northern Lights is a tremendously powerful and uplifting experience. While these days we have the science to explain exactly what causes Auroras to develop in the earth’s atmosphere, we’ll no doubt continue to look up at the Northern Lights with the same sense of inexplicable wonder held by our ancestors long ago.

How the Aurora Borealis is formed

Essentially, the Northern Lights are created when gaseous particles from the sun interact with the earth’s atmosphere and magnetic poles. This is why the Northern Lights are almost exclusively seen in the skies in areas close to earth’s north pole.

The colour of the Northern Lights depends on the particular atmospheric gas that combines with the rays emanating from the sun. If the reacting atmospheric gas is oxygen, the output colour is a pale yellowish-green. If the reacting gas is nitrogen, the Northern Lights appears blue or purplish-red. More rarely, the Northern Lights appear as a series of pulsating scarlet streaks. The red northern lights occur when the reacting gas is high altitude oxygen, usually around 200 miles above the earth’s surface.

At the opposite time of year, in the southern hemisphere’s winter, an almost mirror-like reflection of the Aurora Borealis, called Aurora Australis, regularly appears in the skies above the remote territories near the South Pole.

Experience Northern Lights in Russia or other countries?

Perhaps the biggest consideration when planning a trip to see the Northern Lights is which destination you’ll base yourself. So where should you think of heading?

Head for the Arctic Circle

Only eight countries in the world claim territory above the Arctic Circle, making them the only destinations to offer high chances of seeing the Northern Lights in season. Although the Aurora has been spotted at latitudes typical below the “Aurora Zone” (in Northern Scotland for example, such sightings are relatively rare.

The eight best countries for hunting the Northern Lights

The Northern Lights can be observed in the northernmost regions of Canada, large parts of Alaska and the northern regions of Iceland, Norway, Finland and Sweden, as well as southern Greenland. There are also several Aurora hotspots within the Arctic territories of Russia. Which destination you choose will, of course, depend on time and budget constraints and what sort of Northern Lights experience is best suited to your travel tastes.

Creature comfort touring vs true adventure travel

Northern Lights tourism is highly established in Scandinavia, and with the exception of some of the more isolated encampments in the region, is far more commercialised than other destinations in the Arctic, with better tourism infrastructure, more creature comforts, a wide variety of tour operators to choose from and plenty of accommodation all the way up to five-star luxury. Travellers may see the popularity of the Scandinavian destinations as something of a drawback. For one, you can expect bigger crowds and premium prices in a region with an already pricey reputation.

Go and see the Northern Lights just north of Reykjavik in Iceland for example, and you’ll usually find yourself sharing this long-awaited spiritual experience with dozens of other tourists, cars and coaches. 

If your dream Northern Lights expedition means getting away from it all, communing with nature and absorbing a true sense of of the wild, lonely majesty of the Arctic, you might want to skip the more predictable places and consider some of the Arctic’s lesser-known hotspots and give a Northern Lights in Russia trip a go!

Why consider experiencing the Northern Lights in Russia?

The Scandinavian nations remain the “default destination” for many visitors embarking on annual Northern Lights expeditions. But did you know your chances of witnessing the glowing, ghostly spectre of the Aurora Borealis are equally as good in Russia? In fact, when it comes to far north excursions to see the Aurora Borealis in full flight, Russia might be the world’s best-kept secret.

Perfect conditions without the crowds

As Northern Lights tours have grown in popularity in recent years, the Russian Arctic has remained relatively under the radar, and this in itself offers a wonderful advantage. Peak season tourist crowds are virtually absent from even the best-known Aurora hotspots in Russia.

Tour groups are invariably small, and travel times are less taxing than you might expect. One doesn’t have to travel far from a major city, such as Murmansk (capital of the Kola Peninsula) to find themselves surrounded by endless expanses of pristine polar landscapes.

Imagine glittering white snow mounds in the tundra, jagged mountain peaks and the skeletal trees of the taiga, illuminated bright as day by the psychedelic hues of the Aurora. That, and almost complete solitude, is what a Russian Northern Lights expedition has to offer.

Not just uncrowded – cheap too!

Russia, of course, isn’t the only country that can provide an authentic, off the beaten track Arctic adventure. Remote parts Alaska, Canada and Greenland certainly fit the bill, but reaching these sparsely populated, infrastructure poor wilderness areas comes at a significant cost. Similarly, even the most bare-bones Northern Lights tours in Finland, Norway and Iceland couldn’t exactly be considered cheap. It’s a common belief among travellers that all Northern Lights tours are expensive. Yet it is possible to embark on an Aurora hunting adventure on a budget. Simply set your stargazing sights on Russia.

The best places to see the Northern Lights in Russia

Northern Lights tourism in Russia is becoming more and more popular over the past 5-10 years. there are few places in the Russian Arctic to have established a dedicated industry around the bucket list topping phenomenon.

Murmansk, Kola Peninsula

For the moment, Murmansk , the largest settlement in the Kola Peninsula, is Russia’s unofficial Northern Lights capital, and quite likely the world’s most affordable place to observe the phantom glow of the Aurora in Russia.

Located in Russia’s Kola Peninsula, the city lies 2° north of the Arctic Circle. With a population of over 300,000, it’s the largest city in the world above the Arctic Circle. It’s also most probably to be the cheapest place in the world to come and experience the Northern Lights either independently or on tour.

While it’s a surprisingly lively city, what makes Murmansk really unique it that it’s perhaps the only city where the Northern Lights forms its mesmerizing light show directly above the cranes, smokes stacks, factories and low-rise residential blocks of the town. Just beyond Murmansk lies a vast expanse of empty, mountainous tundra. Several vantage points just outside of town provide a panoramic view of the city as it becomes immersed in the alien green glow of the Aurora.

Russia, overall is a reasonably affordable country, particularly when compared to its neighbours in the Arctic Circle region. Domestic flights and overland travel (trains, buses etc.) are generally inexpensive, even though you’ll find yourself regularly having to cover massive distances. In winter, the 2.5 hour flight from Moscow to Murmansk might set you back around 8,000 RUB or $130 USD*.

As tourism is still in its infancy in the Arctic port city, Northern Lights tours in the Murmansk region are extremely modestly priced (relatively speaking), even covering snowmobile trips into the tundra in search of the lights, and extra activities such as dog-sledding and rural village visits.  

While Murmansk makes a comfortable introduction to the Kola Peninsula, the best Northern Lights hunting happens within a good few hours drive from the artificial lights of the city. There are few settlements of any appreciable size in the Kola Peninsula. It’s a land dominated by a wild tangle of taiga forest and polar tundra with crystal clear lakes, grassland and rugged coastline in between.

It’s out here in the unspoiled polar landscapes of the peninsula that the auspicious appearance of the Aurora can light up the land and sky in a full blaze of glory.  The Kola Peninsula also has a rich and ancient cultural heritage to explore. The reindeer-herding Saami people, who are also indigenous to parts of Northern Scandinavia, still live in scattered settlements across the peninsula and have retained large parts of their traditional lifestyle.

With a name that translates to “the edge of the world” in the native tongue, Yamal is the last refuge of the world’s nomadic reindeer herders, the Nenets.

Tours to the Yamal Peninsula generally have a strong focus on cultural immersion, involving homestays with Nenets families in their nomad camps and even participating in their grueling annual reindeer migrations. You can read more about the nomadic culture of Siberia’s Nenets here .

Over half of Yamal’s territory sits above the Arctic Circle. Outside of the twin towns of Salekhard (population 45,000) and Labytangi (population 25,000), the Yamal Peninsula consists of only a few isolated permanent settlements.

Around 50% of Yamal’s Nenets still engage in a nomadic way of life, following ancient north to south migratory routes twice a year, covering up to 1,000km each way.  Hundreds of miles from civilization, the winter nomad camps of Yamal are among the most isolated, unspoiled destinations anywhere on earth to see the Aurora Borealis in all its celestial glory, shimmering above the starkly beautiful, star-strewn Arctic taiga.

On the odd occasion, the Northern Lights have been sighted far south as St Petersburg! This, however, is an extremely rare occurrence and the light pollution emanating from the city causes Aurora’s lights to appear dull and obscured. The further you are from the artificial glare of the cities, the more spectacular your sightings of the Borealis will be.

When to see the Northern Lights in Russia?

Which months of the year are best.

The appearance of the Northern Lights isn’t actually restricted to a particular season. The chemical reactions that form the Northern Lights are a constant occurrence, meaning the Aurora Borealis is actually hanging about in the sky all year round. But because the Borealis is only observed at high latitudes (between 65° and 72° North), it’s all but invisible from April through to August, when the aurora zone experiences extremely long periods of daylight. During this time, the sky never darkens enough to make the lights visible to the naked eye.

It takes the long hours of darkness and its pitch-black night skies to really showcase the Borealis’ blaze of electric glory at its best.  The ideal time to see the Northern Lights varies somewhat depending on location, but as a general rule, the Aurora season starts at the end of August and finishes around mid-April.  Peak season is usually considered to be between late September and March when temperatures are at their coolest and the Arctic regions experience very few hours of daylight. However, at slightly lower latitudes, it’s sometimes possible to catch superb views of the Northern Lights in considerably more comfortable August temperatures.

Polar Night

Polar nights are a natural phenomenon that occurs at latitudes to the north of the polar circle. In northwestern Russia, the circle passes through the southern part of the Kola Peninsula and part of  Karelia . At Murmansk’s latitude, polar nights last about 40 days, while the phenomenon lasts half a year at the North Pole . The opposite phenomenon, polar days, occur during the summer when the sun does not set for the same period of time.

Even though the sun remains below the horizon, the Russian Arctic is not blacked out completely. On clear days, we can see beautiful sunset colours in the south while the sky to the north is a deep midnight blue.

Remember – the Aurora Borealis is unpredictable

What’s most important to keep in mind is that the Northern Lights, like any natural phenomenon, are unpredictable.

To get a picture-perfect view of the Lights requires pitch dark, crystal clear skies, free of any cloud cover. There also need to be solar flares and solar wind activity taking place in order to trigger the Aurora’s appearance. When the lights do appear, your time in their presence may be relatively fleeting (they can sometimes appear suddenly, only to vanish a few minutes later). On other nights, you could be treated to a 20 to 30-minute performance.

Thanks to technology, we now have Aurora forecasts online to predict the Aurora activity level in different regions. If you have your heart set on seeing the Northern Lights, you’ll want to maximise your chances by devoting several days at least to making dedicated Northern Lights expeditions far from the interference of light pollution from the cities. 

Tips for a successful Northern Lights in Russia experience

Peak viewing season is best – just be prepared for the cold.

The truth is, you can get insanely lucky and see the Northern Lights outside the unofficial “Aurora Season”, but if you really have your heart set on seeing the lights at their best, we strongly advise visiting during Borealis prime time – winter!

If you do decide to visit in mid-winter, keep in mind that above the Arctic Circle, particularly in January and February, temperatures can drop to around -20°C. Because you’ll be spending a lot of time outdoors, it’s essential you pack or purchase appropriate clothing and prepare yourself adequately to face sub-freezing temperatures).

We recommend:

• Several underlayers – long-sleeve shirts and leggings (preferably made from a quick-drying material like polyester, nylon or merino
•   A parka or insulated jacket to go over the top of your base layers. Jackets with a layer of duck down or synthetic insulation are especially good at holding in heat
• Snow and wind protection jacket – a quality ski jacket or windbreaker is a must when heading out into the tundra. A good jacket places a shield between you and the bone-chilling winds that often sweep across the Arctic 
• Warm boots – unless your feet are warm and snug, the rest of your body is going to be cold! Ideally, you’ll want at least one pair of sturdy winter hiking shoes or snow boots, ideally with a waterproof or fleece lining. It’s also a good idea to buy one size up when it comes to winter boots, so you’ve got plenty of room to squeeze a pair of thick woollen socks inside.
• Gloves, winter hat or balaclava/face mask, hat and sunglasses – Believe us, you don’t want exposed fingers in -15°C weather. Particularly for photographers, ski gloves with removable layers are great for when you need a bit of extra dexterity. You’ll want a warm beanie as a bare minimum for keeping your head warm. An insulated winter hat with ear flaps is even better, and many have detachable full-face masks to prevent windchill drying the skin around your lips and nose.

Glare from the sun reflecting off the snow is less of an issue in winter, but it can still catch you off guard – it’s annoying and best and damaging to your eyes at worst, so bring a pair of polarised sunglasses along.

Spend as many days hunt as you can hunting for Northern lights in Russia

Like any natural phenomenon, the Northern Lights are subject to the unpredictable whims of nature. Sometimes you can show up on clearest, coldest night imaginable, but without sufficient solar flare activity, the Aurora will refuse to perform. To boost your chances of catching the elusive Aurora, you’ll want to devote at least several days to tracking flares of flashing light across the tundra. We recommend staying on the tour for 4-5 days to maximise your chances.

The Northern Lights most commonly appear between 5pm and 2am. On a Northern Lights tour, it’s usually only in the evening that the group will head out to hunt for the Borealis. During the day, you’ll be kept entertained with other snow activities while you wait for the darkest part of the night to fall, such as:

• dog-sledding
• snowmobiling
• ice fishing
• road trips to the remote areas
• skiing and more

Check the Aurora Forecast online

Or don’t. For some, experiencing the Aurora without the foresight of forecasts and predictions adds to its mythical, untamed appeal. Using current solar wind conditions, the US-based Space Weather Prediction Centre has created and mapped out an Aurora forecasting model online that predicts the location and intensity of the Northern and Southern Auroras.

At the moment, the forecasts are only accurate to within about 30 minutes, however, they can hint at what the Aurora activity might be like a day or two either end. In fact, the SWPC has just developed a three-day Aurora forecasting system, which is available on their website as a trial. 

Tips for photographers

In order to get stunning pictures of northern lights, you will need a tripod, a wide-angle lens, high ISO, manual focus (extreme values), a long shutter speed, a charged camera battery, patience and warm clothes. You must have a camera that can shoot at long exposures and that has an automatic shutter release function with the ability to set the time of the self-timer. The camera must be kept in a heat-insulated camera bag or under clothing. You will also need a tripod – it will be difficult to achieve the desired result without it, because the movement of the camera during shooting will cause the photographs to be blurred. Finally, be sure to take the following with you: a thermos, boots and a great desire, because not everyone will agree to freeze in the cold night, and the night sky and frost do not care that you came to see a true masterpiece.

When you arrive at the photo shooting location, look around, adjust the tripod, and try to set the optical exposure in advance, especially if, by chance, the city lights are going to get in the way. The shutter should be rather long, because the Northern lights are not very bright, but do not forget that the night-time should be seen in the photo. If possible, increase the sensitivity, but be careful – you don’t want the noises to mess up your efforts. Do not forget to set the time of the shutter button, for example, every 2 seconds.

As soon as you notice the flaming aurora, take your camera out, set it on a tripod, point it at an infinite distance, remove the lens cap (if any), then direct it towards the aurora and shoot with the adjusted settings. By the way, you should change the latter during shooting, because the aurora will probably make you adjust the exposure setting (close the aperture by a half or whole level, lower the sensitivity matrix or reduce exposure). Make sure that your hands are nowhere near the object-lens, otherwise they will fog up and the photo session will end because the moisture condensation will freeze immediately and you won’t be able to get rid of it until the object lenses become room temperature.

Ditch the camera once in a while and remember to take it all in  

Everyone wants to come home with hundreds of mind-blowing photos and it’s hard to get any more show-off worthy than a perfectly timed image of the Northern Lights illuminating the glinting ice of the tundra. Whether you’re a total novice or a long-time pro, chances are when the lights do appear, they’ll be accompanied by the sound of camera shutters clicking every few seconds.

The first people in the Arctic looked up at the Northern Lights with extreme reverence, associating its mystical glow with gods, ghosts and spiritual realms beyond our own. Photographing the Lights is enjoyable, yet extremely demanding of one’s attention. It’s important to put the camera down once in a while and just enjoy the show. Your time is limited, so rather than endlessly fussing over camera settings, give yourself the chance to stop, take it all in experience the same sense of spiritual awe that has captivated humankind for countless generations.

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