The northern and southern lights – also called the aurora borealis and aurora australis – are spectacular natural light shows caused by the particles from the sun collidingwith atoms in the Earth’s atmosphere. The lights dance across the sky, rolling, twisting, and turning, in a breathtaking, colorful display. Here are some of the places from where you can watch those breath taking views and have that unforgettable experience.

Kakslauttanen, Finland

This is probably the best spot to view the northern lights. The skies of Finland are blessed with northern lights for 200 nights in a year. Have a romantic vacation that you will never forget. Book a snow igloo at Finland’s Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort, which is located roughly around 55 miles north of Arctic Circle. While you watch an unbelievable overhead display from the comfort of a sleeping bag, snuggle up with your girlfriend.

This is a very special place. This is an ice hotel meticulously carved out of ice from scratch every year. It is situated in the village of Jukkasjarvi, 120 Kms north of Arctic Circle. Ice is harvested from Torne River to construct intricate snow and ice guest rooms. The hotel offers snowmobile tours into wilderness to view the lights. Enjoy a rustic dinner after that. Once you are done with your adventuring, glam up with a glass of champagne at the ice bar.

Alaska is one place, where you can see the lights without the bracing cold. Look no futher than the Chena hot springs resort that is situated 60 miles off Fairbanks, Alaska. While you soak in warm, mineral-rich waters of rock lake, you can enjoy some spectacular green, yellow and purple hues of northern light. You can an excellent aura of northern lights as Fairbanks lies directly beneath a band of aura activity. The resort people will give you a “aurora wake up call” as the light show begins.

The main difference between the northern and the southern light is in their color palette. The northern light is mostly green, while southern light introduces pink, purple, orange and many more. The southern lights are also less elusive.

If you really want to view the aurora australis, visit Lake Takapo in New Zealand’s central south Island. This UNESCO “dark sky reserve” offers skies free of pollution for a spectacular stargazing experience. If you want to enjoy the best view of Aurora, I would suggest that you shift to the south-facing Mount John observatory for an elevated vantage point. You can also have some other form of entertainment activities such as hot pools, a day spa, an ice rink and a tube park.

Tasmania’s Hobart offers you the best view of the Aurora lights. There are plenty of large open spaces and minimal artificial lights. Though the lights can be seen round the year, however, winter is the best time to catch the glimpse of the lights. You can spend a beautiful day Walking, cycling and enjoying the beach.

Seeing the Northern and Southern lights is an experience, you will never forget.