How to see Northern Lights in Norway

Northern Norway is one of the best places in the world to see the aurora borealis, or northern lights. Norway’s clear inland skies and long winter nights make it an ideal destination for viewing this spectacular natural phenomenon. Here’s a guide to seeing the northern lights in Norway.

When to See the Northern Lights

The northern lights are visible in Norway from late September to early April. The best time is between November and February, when the nights are longest and the skies are darkest. However, the aurora is a natural phenomenon and can be unpredictable, so it is important to be flexible with your travel plans and to allow several nights rather than one.

Where to See the Northern Lights

The northern lights can be seen throughout northern Norway, but some areas are better for viewing than others. Here are some of the best places to see the aurora borealis in Norway:

1. Tromsø: known as the “Gateway to the Arctic” and the easiest base to reach by air. It sits under the auroral oval, though you will want to get out of the city lights.
2. Lofoten Islands: dramatic peaks and sea as foreground, which is why the photographs from here are the ones you have seen. Coastal weather means more cloud.
3. Alta: inland and drier, with a long-standing reputation for clear skies and a genuine claim as one of the more reliable spots.
4. Kirkenes: far northeast, near the Russian border, offering a distinctly Arctic experience with very low light pollution.
5. Svalbard: the only inhabited place where the aurora can be seen in the middle of the day, during the polar night.

How to See the Northern Lights

To increase your chances, plan ahead and be prepared:

1. Check the forecast: look at the Kp index and, just as importantly, the cloud forecast. A strong aurora behind cloud is invisible. Yr.no is the standard Norwegian weather source.
2. Choose the right time: activity is most often seen between roughly 6 PM and midnight, though it can appear at any hour of darkness.
3. Find a dark location: get away from town. Most tour operators exist precisely because they will drive you to wherever the sky is clear that night.
4. Be patient: stay out for several hours. The aurora comes in bursts, and the gap between them can be long.
5. Bring warm clothing: standing still at minus twenty is a different proposition from walking at minus twenty. Layers, proper boots, and more than you think you need.

Conclusion

Seeing the northern lights in Norway is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. By going in season, choosing a dark location, watching the cloud forecast and being patient, you can improve your odds considerably. For the rest of the trip, see our guide to travelling in Norway.