Stargazing in Norway: Best Observatories and Open Areas
Guide to Stargazing in Norway
Norway consists of many pristine natural areas, making it a paradise for both astrophotographers and stargazers. It doesn’t take much to escape light pollution and admire the beautiful starry sky, making Norway a top destination for stargazing. Let’s look at the best places where you can experience the magical night sky. And if you’re extra lucky, you might see the dancing Northern Lights too!
Dark Therapy: A New Trend
As the world becomes increasingly lit and much of our day (and night) is spent in front of a screen, it’s unavoidable that Norway has dark winters. Above the Arctic Circle, it’s dark season where you won’t see the sun for several months, which has led many to resort to light therapy during the darkest time. The sun is obviously a good source of vitamin D, but artificial light benefits us only so far as enabling us to see better. As we spend more and more hours under artificial light, darkness has become a rare resource. Therefore, it’s advisable to skip light therapy and try dark therapy instead. It’s a simple process that gets you out in the fresh air, allowing your body to relax and produce more melatonin. By heading out into the dark night, you can let stargazing become your new form of relaxation, recharging your batteries without any artificial light. It does wonders for both body and soul!
Trysil: More Than Just Skiing
Trysil is not far from the illuminated capital and is best known for après-ski and slalom skiing in winter. However, it’s easy to get away from civilization and out into the wilderness in Trysil. In addition to having one of Norway’s best ski slopes, Trysil is also known for its starry sky. Stargazing tours are organized, which are ideal for beginners. Although the starry sky is fantastic to observe on your own, a guide can be very helpful if you want to learn more about all the stars you can gaze at. It’s also possible to go to Trysil without signing up for a tour, and create a romantic atmosphere under the starry sky in the wilderness.
Northern Gudbrandsdalen and Rondane National Park
Northern Gudbrandsdalen is often referred to as one of the darkest areas in all of Norway. It’s only a stone’s throw from the beautiful Rondane National Park, where you can observe the beautiful starry sky in total darkness. Both the DNT cabin Rondvassbu and Haverdalseter Tourist Cabin are located right in the middle of Rondane National Park, creating a perfect starting point for stargazing. The best months to observe the night sky are indeed from November to February, and by lodging in one of the cabins, you can sleep indoors in the warmth. Yet, you will only be one step away from a starry sky. The full moon is a beautiful time to go to Rondane National Park, but often stargazing is even better during the new moon.
Northern Lights and Stargazing
Above the Arctic Circle, you may be lucky enough to experience the Northern Lights, which adds extra spice to observing the starry sky. In Northern Norway, there is lower light pollution than in the rest of the country, as the settlement is quite sparse north of the Arctic Circle as long as you get away from large towns or cities. We have four great glamping cabins just outside Harstad, where stargazing can take place right from your bed. Two of the cabins have skylights that ensure you get a full panoramic view of the starry sky – and hopefully the Northern Lights. If you want an extra superb experience, you can use a private jacuzzi to gaze at the stars to make it extra romantic. Remember that you can only observe the starry sky north of the Arctic Circle in winter, as the sun never sets in summer.
Good Tips for Stargazing
We Norwegians love the outdoors, but it’s always wise to take precautions. Observe the mountain code when you go stargazing, and be sure to bring food if you are going to be out for a long time. When you embark on your adventure under the stars, we recommend remembering:
- Do not look directly at strong light sources. Night vision will start after half an hour in the dark, and even one second of strong light can weaken your night vision. Of course, you need to be able to see if you are going out in the woods or up the mountain, but you must use a flashlight with red light. If you don’t have a flashlight with red light, you can buy a red filter or paint the glass with red nail polish.
- Go to areas with minimal light pollution, such as forests, mountains, and coastal areas. Fortunately, it’s not difficult to get out of city centers to find dark areas in our scenic country.
- Bring the necessary equipment, such as binoculars or a telescope, star chart, and warm clothes. Since the summer is characterized by a lot of sun and sunlight, stargazing is best in winter. This means you need good clothes, preferably wool, to be as comfortable as possible.
- Explore different heights for better views and less light pollution. Professional stargazers often say that the more lactic acid you have in your legs, the better observations you get of the Milky Way. Try to get up in height, far away from artificial light.
- Plan in advance. It’s not just artificial light that creates light pollution. Even moonlight contributes to weaker views of the beautiful stars. You should therefore take a look at the calendar to find out when the next new moon is, or wait until the moon has set.
Feel the Magic
Whether you are an experienced stargazer or just curious about natural experiences, the night sky offers unforgettable experiences. By studying the starry canopy above us, we gain a new perspective on the universe around us. Make sure to plan well in advance, and always let someone you know where you are going to be on the safe side.
