Murmansk: Hunting for Northern Lights

Northern Lights in Murmansk January 20 as photographed by Mikhail Rzhavin. 

Little did we all know, Murmansk is one of the most affordable place on earth to hunt for the Northern Lights!


"Seeing Aurora Borealis with my own eyes" is one experience I am dying to tick off from my bucket list. However I still couldn't afford a trip up to Scandinavia to do just that! On January 3, when I was in Elbrus, I came across an article on "Yahoo!Travel" that says 2016 will be the last chance to see the Northern Lights before they dim for a decade. From that moment onward, my decision was sealed: I am going to Murmansk.

another photograph by Mikhail Rzhavin, found on the facebook
page: Northern Lights Murmansk Aurora Borealis

Endless surprises seemed to pop out in every corner since the very first day. Flying into Murmansk at night was one of the most magical experience I've ever had. I remembered the night when the plane flew above those dense clouds, I turned over to face the window as I prepared to sleep... and there I see it-- The dancing Northern Lights, right in front of me!

During our hunting tour, Mr. Oleg brought us across the river to take in the nice night of Murmansk city. Then, he drove us to his secret aurora spot where we prayed fervently for a glimpse of the Northern Lights. Mr. Oleg even prepared hot tea while we waited, and a bottle of (rum?) to celebrate the sighting. Weather was not the best when we were on our hunt. Fortunately we managed to locate a window of clear sky and later, witnessed a spectacular dance of the spirits from a distance.

Photo Credits: Ng Yung Jeat

@littlemisshappyfeet

It was quite a weak one but we were grateful. When we were on our way to the airport on the final night, we managed to watch it 3 more times. One of them was a really strong one dashing across the clear sky full of twinkling stars. It lasted for a short 10 second. To me it seemed like a green dragon flying across the sky in those Chinese Fantasy Dramas.

Aurora Borealis in Murmansk.
Photo by: Visit Murmansk

Thanks to Mr. Олег Теребенин from Visit Murmansk and v-leto.ru for organizing our trip. 

Contact: Mr. Oleg Pavlovich Terebenin

Phone: +79212731919

E-mail: terebenin@mail.ru

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Northern Lights Murmansk Aurora Borealis

Thank You for Reading! 

This post is based solely on my opinion and personal experience. 

Feel free to share your Aurora experiences with me by commenting below!