The sky is calling, and travelers are answering with a newfound enthusiasm for celestial tourism. This burgeoning trend has seen a significant rise in the United States, where astrotourism experiences such as witnessing the Northern Lights, solar eclipses, and the Midnight Sun are becoming bucket-list items for many. Airlines have recognized this demand and are offering specialized flights to cater to these celestial seekers.
One of the most magical experiences in celestial tourism is witnessing the Midnight Sun. This phenomenon occurs during the summer months in regions north of the Arctic Circle, where the sun remains visible at midnight. The Midnight Sun can be experienced in various destinations, including Alaska in the US, Canada, Denmark, Iceland, and Norway.
Finnair, Finland's flag carrier, has capitalized on this trend by offering flights from Helsinki to Bodo, Norway. From now through August 12, Finnair will operate five flights a week to this northern seaside town, providing travelers with the opportunity to experience the Midnight Sun. "With demand for travel to the Nordics continuing to rise exponentially, we are excited to be relaunching our direct flights between Helsinki and Bodo," said Pasi Kuusisto, Finnair’s general manager for North America.
Bodo, located north of the Arctic Circle, is not just a gateway to the Midnight Sun but also a destination rich in natural beauty and cultural experiences. The town offers activities such as camping, cycling, and glacier-climbing, alongside a vibrant waterfront filled with modern architecture and restaurants. This year, Bodo is celebrating its designation as the 2024 European Capital of Culture, hosting numerous concerts and art exhibits.
The flights themselves are part of the experience. Some of them will be in full daylight, even after departing at 8 PM. Daytime itineraries offer breathtaking views of the Svartisen glacier, Norway’s second-largest, and the Saltstraumen, a tidal current that forms giant natural whirlpools—two remote destinations that are well worth seeing.
Other airlines have also joined the celestial tourism bandwagon. Icelandair offers routes from Reykjavik to Greenland and the Arctic region, where travelers can experience Iceland's Midnight Sun from May through August. Norwegian Air Shuttle ASA provides daily flights from Oslo to Bodo during the summer, with the last flight of the day departing at 9:35 PM and arriving at 11:05 PM, with the sun still shining just outside.
The rise in celestial tourism is not limited to the Midnight Sun. The Northern Lights, or aurora borealis, are another significant draw. Geomagnetic storms have made the Northern Lights visible in unexpected locations across the United States, from Alabama to California. This increased visibility, combined with predictions that the aurora borealis will be at its most active until 2026, has further fueled interest in celestial tourism.
Astrotourism, a subset of celestial tourism, focuses on stargazing and other astronomical events. The United States boasts numerous dark sky parks, certified by the International Dark-Sky Association, where light pollution is minimal, and the night sky is at its most brilliant. These parks offer unparalleled stargazing opportunities, attracting both amateur and professional astronomers.
The rise of celestial tourism has opened up new travel opportunities for those enchanted by the wonders of the night sky. Airlines are responding to this demand by offering specialized flights to destinations where travelers can experience phenomena like the Midnight Sun and the Northern Lights. As interest in these natural spectacles continues to grow, so too will the options for travelers seeking to explore the cosmos from the comfort of their airplane seats.
