Ultimate Guide to Seeing the Northern Lights in Norway

Whether you are an adventurous traveler or a passionate photographer, Norway is one of the most magical places to experience the northern lights. Known also as the Aurora Borealis, it is a natural wonder that many of us have on our bucket list.

In this guide, we will explore why the northern lights occur, delve into the myths and traditions surrounding it, and reveal the best places to observe it, so you can go on a northern lights hunt! Why do northern lights occur? The northern lights, or Aurora Borealis, occur when electrically charged particles from the sun, known as solar wind, penetrate the Earth’s atmosphere. When these particles collide with gases in the atmosphere, particularly oxygen and nitrogen, they produce a stunning glow that we see as the northern lights. This natural dance in the sky is a result of this cosmic dance between the solar wind and Earth’s magnetic field. Myths and Traditions For the Sámi, the indigenous people of the North, the northern lights have always been more than just a natural phenomenon; it is a source of wonder and admiration, deeply rooted in their culture and traditions. According to Sámi belief, the northern lights are not just a visual spectacle but also a symbol of the presence of gods and a source of wisdom and insight. Their mythology suggests that the northern lights are a form of communication between the gods and their ancestors. Many also believe that the northern lights have healing powers. It has always been important for the Sámi to show respect to both the northern lights and the rest of nature around us, and several Sámi have also been involved in bridging their own traditions with modern research on the northern lights.

The Best Places to See the Northern Lights:

1. Tromsø: Considered one of the world’s best places to experience the northern lights, Tromsø is a vibrant city located under the northern lights oval. With relatively dark winter nights and minimal light pollution, Tromsø offers spectacular views of the northern lights. Head to Fjellheisen Mountain for a fantastic view of the city and the dancing lights in the sky.
2. Kirkenes: Kirkenes is one of the few cities in Norway that boasts about 200 nights of northern lights per year, making it another top destination for northern lights enthusiasts. The tranquil atmosphere and beautiful landscape make it a perfect place to experience this natural phenomenon.
3. Narvik: Located right under the northern lights oval, the Narvik region offers ideal conditions for northern lights observation. Board the Northern Lights Express, the world’s northernmost railway line, and be enchanted by the spectacular nature and the dancing northern lights from the train window.
4. Lofoten: With its dramatic nature and mountainous landscape, Lofoten is another great place to see the northern lights. The many mountains can help create gaps in the cloud cover, thereby increasing the chances of catching glimpses of the northern lights, even on cloudy days.
5. Bodø: The northern city is located near the Rønvik Mountains, where you can expect clear skies and great vantage points. This makes Bodø another great place to observe the northern lights. Take a trip outside the city to escape light pollution and get an optimal northern lights experience.
6. Svalbard: With its location between mainland Norway and the North Pole, Svalbard has extremely good conditions for seeing the northern lights. The untouched nature and the Arctic landscape provide a unique setting to experience this phenomenon. Is there always northern lights? While the northern lights can be most visible during the dark winter months, it is not always guaranteed. It is important to be aware of weather and cloud conditions when planning your northern lights experience.

Here is an overview of when you have the best chance of experiencing the northern lights:

• September-October: Although it is not yet the dark time, September and October still offer good chances to experience the northern lights. You might not experience the same intensity since there are not as many dark hours as later in the winter, but it is still possible to see the Aurora Borealis dancing in the sky.
• November-February: These months represent the most favorable times for northern lights observation in Northern Norway. Above the Arctic Circle, it is dark time from November to the end of January, which means no daylight hours. Both days and nights are dark, and the chances of seeing the northern lights are high. However, the risk of cloud cover and snow, which can reduce the visibility of the northern lights, also increases.
• December: December is especially popular among northern lights enthusiasts, as it combines the dark nights that are ideal for northern lights shows, with the holiday season. Many travelers like to combine the northern lights experience with celebrating Christmas, and there is an atmosphere of magic and mystique in the air.
• March: Although spring is approaching and the days are getting longer, it is still possible to experience the northern lights in March. The high solar activity can lead to amazing northern lights displays even as the days get lighter. It is a great time to experience the northern lights before winter completely lets go. Join a Northern Lights Tour On a northern lights tour, experienced guides with extensive local knowledge will lead the way. They take you far from the city and light pollution to increase your chances of a successful hunt. While we have put together a small guide to Northern Norwegian cities where it is best to see the northern lights, it is of course important to get out of the city center for the best view – just like when you’re going stargazing.

Remember that the northern lights are a natural phenomenon, and there is no guarantee that you will experience the light show on your trip. However, the guides will closely monitor the weather and aurora forecast when they decide where it is best to go and take you to the best conditions far from light pollution. You can also venture out of the city center on your own if you keep up with northern lights alerts, but a northern lights tour is a social activity. Go Glamping For a truly memorable experience, why not go glamping under the northern lights? In Northern Norway, unique accommodation options, such as glass cabins with panoramic views of the mountains and fjords, allow you to enjoy the northern lights in all their glory from the comfort of your own room. We have partnered with ÖÖD Houses to create quality cabins with skylights, so you can observe the northern lights right from your bed. Since it is the dark time in Northern Norway in the winter, you can actually see the northern lights when it is not night too. All our glamping cabins in the north come with a private jacuzzi – imagine enjoying a jacuzzi in the wilderness under the dancing northern lights!