The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, are elusive as they are beautiful. So if you’re planning to make a trip out to Norway to catch them, here’s everything you need to know to increase your chances!
In a blink of an eye, we’re already midway through the third quarter of the year. This also means we’re fast approaching September — when the next round of school holidays are in order!
So if you’re thinking of enjoying the cool fall weather while travelling a little further out, then this guide to experiencing the Northern Lights in Norway may come in handy. After all, apart from its majestic mountains and deep coastal fjords, Norway is often known to be the place to catch the lights in its full glory, especially starting from this time of the year.
Read on for everything you need to know, along with tips on where to spot them!
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What Are The Northern Lights?
Image Credits: Unsplash
For the unacquainted, the Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis, are a gorgeous natural phenomenon caused by solar storms and giant flares from the sun. What happens is that they send charged particles of electrons and protons into the atmosphere, causing a collision — giving rise to the brilliant green, purple, and violet hues that fill and dance in the 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.
So… How Can I Increase My Chances Of Spotting Them?
Image Credits: Unsplash
1. The closer to winter, the better.
The Northern Lights season typically occurs between mid-September to late-March, although more so in the tail ends of this period, where you have both the autumn and spring equinox in full swing. This is because you’ll need a dark and clear sky, along with tons of solar activity — a tricky combination.
While the months of September to October may not have a lot of darkness, they are ripe with solar activity. However, in the months of November to February, while dark, the snowfall and cloud cover may make it difficult to spot the lights. Plus, it doesn’t help that Arctic winter is a whole different ball game, especially for tropical folk like us.
The verdict? You may have a higher chance of spotting the lights earlier in the season, so September is a great choice.
2. The longer your stay, the better.
As mentioned earlier, the Northern Lights are not 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, and locals recommend staying at least 3- 4 days in your chosen location.
3. The further North, the better.
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.
So while staying put in Norway’s capital, Oslo, may seem like a tempting proposition for your trip, it’s not close enough to the Arctic Circle. Which brings us to our next point…
Places To Visit In Norway To Up Your Chances
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 tops, as it falls straight in the middle of the Northern Lights belt. And with many cities in Northern Norway to choose from, here are our top five picks:
1. Tromsø
Image credits: Unsplash
Heralded as one of the best spots to chase the Northern Lights. If you’d like a fuss-free experience, there are plenty of guided tours to choose from to make the trip more manageable, especially in such a foreign location. 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
Head up to 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, a lake on top of Tromsø, or to Telegrafbukta, a quiet park and beach area — both accessible by public transport and by foot.
Image credits: TripAdvisor
And when you’re not busy chasing the lights, other must-dos in the city include a trip to the Vulkana Spa situated on an old refurbished Norwegian fishing boat, a cheeky pint or two at the Magic Ice Bar (built entirely out of ice, no less), along with some whale watching if you wish.
Everything You Need To Know About Seeing The Northern Lights In Norway: Check out our guide to hottest off-the-beaten-path travel destinations to visit!
2. Bodø
Image credits: Planet of Hotels
Known as Northern Norway’s mini metropole, Bodø is a charming little town that has plenty to show for. Located right above the Arctic Circle, Bodø is another popular spot for chasing the Northern Lights. With plenty of vast, open space, this also means quite a variety of viewing spots to choose from. But for the ultimate viewing experience, Mount Rønvik promises tried-and-tested views from its plateau. Alternatively, make the trip an even more special one 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.
Everything You Need To Know About Seeing The Northern Lights In Norway: Find out more here
3. Svalbard
Image credits: Adventure Life
Now, if you’re up for a true adventure, this is the Arctic wilderness at its finest. Located between mainland Norway and the North Pole, Svalbard is a Norwegian archipelago that is the epitome of an Arctic fairytale — think rare wildlife, tundras, glaciers, extreme light variations i.e. 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. But 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.
Everything You Need To Know About Seeing The Northern Lights In Norway: Find out more here
4. Narvik
Image credits: Cunard
Here’s another great place to catch the Northern Lights in action. The Narvik region is located right under the Northern Lights oval, making it an ideal spot. 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.
Everything You Need To Know About Seeing The Northern Lights In Norway: Find out more here
5. Kirkenes
Image credits: Arctic Today
Now this one’s a curious cultural adventure! 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.
When it comes to the probability of spotting the Northern Lights, Kirkenes’ dry and clear winter climate gives it an advantage over other coastal cities in Norway, with an average of over 200 Aurora Borealis nights per year!
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.
Everything You Need To Know About Seeing The Northern Lights In Norway: Find out more here
Feast Your Eyes On The Wonders of Nature
We hope that you’ll find this list useful when planning your trip out to Norway and beyond — and will inspire you to travel the world and soak up all its wondrous sights. When booking hotels and other adventures on your trip, enjoy greater peace of mind and attractive discounts with our partners like Klook, Booking.com, Agoda, and the like. And as usual, remember to make use of your YouTrip Card to lock in those wholesale exchange rates!
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