Seeing the Northern Lights is a dream come true for many travelers, but venturing into the Arctic to witness them comes with risks that many underestimate. Every year, visitors unfamiliar with winter conditions put themselves—and sometimes others—in dangerous situations. From hazardous roads to dangerously low temperatures, being prepared is key to having a safe and enjoyable aurora experience. Here’s what you need to know before heading out.
Be Visible – Don’t Blend into the Darkness
One of the biggest dangers in the Arctic winter is how easy it is to become invisible. Many Northern Lights viewing spots are near roads, and wearing dark clothing at night makes you almost impossible for drivers to see. Some people even stop on roads to take photos without realizing how risky this is.
How to stay safe:
- Wear a reflective vest or at least reflective bands on your arms or legs.
- Use a red-light headlamp or flashlight to make yourself visible without ruining your night vision.
- Always stay off the road and in designated viewing areas whenever possible.
Think Before You Stop the Car
It’s tempting to pull over the moment you see the aurora, but stopping in the wrong place can be extremely dangerous. Many Arctic roads are narrow, icy, and lack streetlights, making sudden stops risky for both you and other drivers.
How to stay safe:
- Only stop in designated viewing areas or large, well-lit parking lots.
- If you must stop near the road, pull off as far as possible and turn on hazard lights.
- Always signal well in advance before stopping to avoid sudden braking on icy roads.
Don’t Trust GPS Blindly
Every year, tourists following GPS directions without question end up stuck in snowdrifts, stranded on seasonal roads, or even driving onto frozen lakes. Navigation systems aren’t perfect, and the Arctic can be unpredictable.
How to stay safe:
- Check real-time road conditions before setting out. Many Arctic regions provide live updates.
- If GPS suggests an unfamiliar or questionable route, cross-check with official maps or ask locals.
- Stick to major roads, even if a backroad looks like a shortcut—sometimes “shorter” isn’t safer.
Winter Driving is No Joke
Many visitors renting cars in Norway, Iceland, Canada, or Alaska have little experience with extreme winter driving. The result? Cars skidding off icy roads, getting stuck in deep snow, or causing accidents. Rental cars in ditches are a common sight in the Lofoten Islands and around Tromsø during aurora season.
How to stay safe:
- Drive slowly and avoid sudden braking or acceleration.
- Always rent a car with proper winter tires (preferably studded tires).
- Pack an emergency kit: blankets, food, a flashlight, and a snow shovel.
- If you’re unsure about driving, consider joining a guided tour instead.
Be Careful on Ice – Not Every Frozen Lake is Safe
Photographers love capturing the Northern Lights reflected on frozen lakes, but just because a lake looks solid doesn’t mean it’s safe to walk on. Falling through ice is a real danger, and getting wet in Arctic temperatures can quickly turn into a life-threatening situation.
How to stay safe:
- Never step onto ice without knowing its thickness—safe walking ice is at least 10 cm (4 inches) thick.
- Avoid rivers and moving water, as ice there is much weaker.
- Stick to designated frozen areas where locals skate or fish, and always err on the side of caution.
Hypothermia & Frostbite Are Real Threats
The Arctic cold is unforgiving, and exposure can become dangerous fast. If temperatures drop below -30°C (-22°F), frostbite can happen in less than 10 minutes. Wind chill makes the cold even more extreme, and standing still while watching the lights only increases the risk.
How to stay safe:
- Layer properly—use moisture-wicking base layers, insulating mid-layers, and windproof outer layers.
- Keep moving—standing still for hours increases your risk of frostbite.
- Carry hand warmers and make sure extremities (fingers, toes, ears, and nose) are well protected.
- Know the warning signs—shivering, numbness, dizziness, and slurred speech could mean hypothermia is setting in.
Wildlife – Not Every Furry Friend is Friendly
In some aurora hotspots like Canada, Alaska, and parts of Scandinavia, you may encounter wildlife such as moose, reindeer, or even bears. While they usually avoid humans, surprising or startling them—especially at night—can be dangerous.
How to stay safe:
- Never approach wild animals, even if they seem calm.
- If driving, slow down when animals are near the road—moose are especially hard to see at night and can cause serious accidents.
- Store food securely if camping—some animals are attracted to food scents.
Enjoy the Northern Lights, But Stay Smart
Chasing the aurora is an incredible experience, but safety should always come first. By staying visible, parking wisely, checking ice conditions, driving carefully, and preparing for the cold, you can make sure your aurora adventure is both magical and safe.
Use common sense, respect the environment, and take precautions—then all that’s left to do is look up and enjoy one of nature’s most breathtaking displays.