The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, are elusive as they are breathtaking. So if you’re planning a trip to Norway to witness this natural wonder, here’s everything you need to know to maximise your chances!
Known for its majestic mountains, deep fjords, and prime location under the Aurora Oval, Norway is one of the best places in the world to witness the Northern Lights. With cooler fall weather and longer nights, the months between September and April are the best time to visit Norway for the northern lights. Ready to chase the Aurora Borealis? Bookmark this Northern Lights in Norway guide for tips on when, where, and how to see the Aurora Borealis in Norway!
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What are the Northern Lights?
Image Credits: Unsplash
For the unacquainted, the Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, are a stunning natural phenomenon caused by solar storms and giant flares from the sun. When charged particles from the sun collide with the Earth’s atmosphere, they cause a collision — giving rise to the brilliant green, purple, and violet hues that fill and dance across the night sky.
And if the information in the preceding paragraph is an indication of anything, it’s that such solar activity is very unpredictable (as nature is), making the sighting of strong Northern Lights one that isn’t always guaranteed. But with the right planning, you can significantly increase your chances of witnessing this magical display in Norway.
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How to increase your changes of spotting the Northern Lights in Norway:
Image Credits: Unsplash
1. Visit during peak season
The Northern Lights season typically occurs between mid-September to April. While September and October offer higher solar activity, November to Feburary provides darker skies. However, heavy snowfall and cloud cover during winter can make sightings tricky. For the best balance, plan your trip in September or early October.
2. Stay longer for better odds
As mentioned earlier, the Aurora Borealis is unpredictable and sightings are is not always a guarantee. However, as we’ve learnt in math class, with more attempts, the higher the probability. Planning a longer stay may increase your chances of spotting these gorgeous lights. Locals recommend staying at least 3- 4 days in your chosen location to maximise your opportunity to see the Northern Lights in Norway.
3. Head further North
As its name suggests, the Northern Lights are much easier to spot the closer you are up North in the Arctic Circle. This is because of the higher rate of molecular activity that happens closer to the Earth’s magnetic poles.
While staying put in Norway’s capital, Oslo, may sound like a tempting proposition, it’s too far south for reliable sightings. Instead, focus on destinations in Northern Norway, which lies directly under the Aurora Oval. Which brings us to our next point…
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Best places to see the Northern Lights in Norway:
While there are several other Scandinavian countries that can offer you a glimpse of the Northern Lights, such as Iceland, Finland, and Sweden, Norway generally comes up on top, thanks to its prime location under the Northern Lights belt. And with many cities in Northern Norway to choose from, here are our top five spots to chase the Aurora Borealis in Norway:
1. Tromsø
Image credits: Unsplash
Known as the “Gateway to the Arctic”, Tromsø is heralded as one of the best spots to chase the Northern Lights. If you’d like a fuss-free experience, join a guided tour to make the trip more manageable. However, if you prefer to travel off the beaten path, car rentals may be your best bet as public transport in this city is relatively sparse.
Image credits: GetYourGuide
Explore viewing spots like Fjellheisen Mountain for a panoramic view of the city, and if you’re lucky, against the backdrop of the aurora dancing in the sky.
But if you prefer something with a little less light pollution and something more intimate, then head to Prestvannet Lake or Telegrafbukta Beach— both accessible by public transport and by foot.
Image credits: TripAdvisor
And when you’re not busy chasing the lights, enjoy whale watching, relaxing at Vulkana Spa (situated on an old refurbished Norwegian fishing boat), and a cheeky pint or two at the Magic Ice Bar (built entirely out of ice, no less).
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2. Bodø
Image credits: Planet of Hotels
Located right above the Arctic Circle, Bodø is another popular spot for Aurora hunting. With plenty of vast open spaces, this also means quite a variety of viewing spots to choose from.
For the ultimate viewing experience, head to Mount Rønvik for tried-and-tested views from its plateau. Alternatively, make your trip even more special with a drive out to the popular Mjelle Beach.
Image credits: Daily Scandinavian
For the culture vultures, immerse yourself in Norway’s history at the Kjerringøy Trading Post, one of the oldest in the country, with origins dating back to the 19th century.
Or, pay a visit to one of the largest maelstroms ever — the Salstraumen Maelstrom — at 10 metres wide.
Image credits: Taste Atlas
Not forgetting some delicious Arctic grub! For some of the freshest seasonal Norwegian produce, Lyst På answers the call.
Locals also recommend trying some Møsbrømlefse, a traditional Norwegian flatbread that’s been stuffed with melted, caramelised goat cheese and syrup reduction, over at Bodø Bakeri.
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3. Svalbard
Image credits: Adventure Life
For a true Arctic adventure, visit Svalbard, a remote Norwegian archipelago between Norway and the North Pole. Svalbard is the epitome of an Arctic fairytale — think rare wildlife, tundras, glaciers, and extreme light variations. That means full-on darkness or light for months on end, depending on the season — making it the perfect place to catch the lights.
In fact, they call their winters the ‘Northern Lights Winter’ because the conditions are simply just exceptional for watching the auroras.
Image credits: Visit Norway
Kickstart your adventure in the city of Longyearbyen, home to just 2,400 residents. Book a ride on the many snowmobiles available and chase the lights. For the full experience, try your hand at dog and reindeer sledding, available outside the city. B
ut remember it’s true wilderness out here in Svalbard, with polar bears a real threat. So always travel with a local!
Image credits: The New York Times
When you’re not out hunting the lights, go check out some of their cool places of interest like the abandoned Society coal mining settlement, Pyramiden.
Or, try some reindeer, seal, and even whale meat, available at restaurants like Huset, or simply at their grocery store.
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4. Narvik
Image credits: Cunard
Situated under the Northern Lights oval, Narvik is ideal for Aurora hunting. Plus, it’s perfect if you’re a fan of winter sports!
Image credits: Visit Narvik
Hop on the Northern Lights Express and chase the magical Aurora on the world’s most northern train up in the mountains and far from the city lights.
And since you’re already so far out, go ahead and splash out on a stay at the Elvegård Aurora camp — think large, glass surfaced all around for unobstructed views of the majestic fjords and of course, the Northern Lights if conditions are right. Prices start from 2,950 NOK (~S$380) a night, which is money well spent if you ask us.
Image credits: Visit Narvik
Otherwise, take a cable car up to Narvikfjellet Mountain a.k.a. Norway’s top skiing destination, where you can choose to stay and ski against the backdrop of nature’s light show, or simply relax and unwind.
Don’t leave Narvik without making a trip to Fiskehallen Narvik, the freshest and most popular fishmonger restaurant in town. Trust us when we say you’re in for a treat.
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5. Kirkenes
Image credits: Arctic Today
With over 200 Aurora nights per year, Kirkenes is a hidden gem for Northern Light seekers due to its dry and clear winter climate, giving it an advantage over other coastal cities in Norway.
Here, you get to experience a melting pot of Norwegian, Sami, Finnish, and Russian influencers, thanks to its close proximity to both the Russian and Finnish borders.
Kirkenes is also perfect for nature buffs, with opportunities to chase the lights deep in the Siberian Taiga forests in the Pasvikdalen Valley, or aboard the Hurtigruten cruise ship.
Other adventures include deep sea fishing, where you can catch your own lunch as you embark on a king crab safari.
Or you can choose to learn about the unique and strategic location of Kirkenes at the Borderland Museum. Whatever you choose, you’re definitely in for a ride.
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Plan your Northern Lights adventure in Norway
Witnessing the Northern Lights in Norway is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. With its stunning landscapes and prime location under the Aurora Oval, Norway is the perfect destination for Aurora hunting.
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