Norway: Your guide to seeing the Northern Lights

romaingillettema
Jun 10
4 min read

What are the Northern Lights?

The aurora borealis occurs mainly near the North Pole, in the northern hemisphere. This natural phenomenon happens when particles from the sun collide with gases in Earth’s atmosphere. This collision produces bright flashes of light that create the northern lights.

Located close to the Northern Hemisphere, Norway gives you the chance to witness them. You can see them in different colors. The most common is green, but they can also appear yellow, red, or blue.

a geen, ring-shaped aurora borealis over the mountains and small, illuminated villages near a lake — Northern Lights Tromsø

Why Norway?

Norway is the best Scandinavian country to see the Northern Lights.

Norway lies at the highest point of the Arctic Circle, which means there is a strong presence of Northern Lights during the night, especially in the winter season. In Northern Norway, you can see the auroras from September to April, with a peak between October and January. During winter, the nights are very long, increasing your chances of seeing them over an extended period.

It’s the best country to witness the Northern Lights because you can enjoy them in a variety of landscapes depending on your preferences whether in mountainous areas, fjords or coastal regions near the sea.

The weather is also favorable for viewing the Northern Lights. Norway is milder than other Scandinavian countries thanks to the warm Gulf Stream current that flows through the region.

Snowy forest landscape with snow-covered trees, a cloudy sky, and a central tall tree. A serene, wintery scene with soft light. — Snowy landscape in Norwegian Lapland

Best places to see the Northern Lights

The best city to see the Northern Lights is Tromsø, often nicknamed the Arctic capital of the country.

The most well-known cities for observing the Northern Lights are Tromsø, Alta, Kirkenes, Narvik, and the Lofoten Islands. Each destination is unique and offers a different kind of journey depending on what you are looking for. All of these cities are located in the Norwegian Lapland region, within the Arctic Circle. This is the area where you are most likely to witness the Northern Lights

Tromsø is the most popular city in Norway for seeing the Northern Lights. It's the place where you are most likely to witness them. It's also one of the most accessible northern cities for tourists. The best time to visit Tromsø, before the winter tourist crowds arrive, is in October or March, as there is still daylight during these months. From November to mid-January, the region experiences the polar night, a time when daylight is very limited. During this period, it’s harder to enjoy the views and the surrounding nature. However, you can still go snowshoe hiking if you book a guide.

Alta is a city in northeastern Norway, near the North Cape, offering a variety of activities. Located by the sea near the Altafjord, you can head to the highest viewpoint of the fjord, shielded from city lights. The city is home to the Northern Lights Cathedral, a spectacular and well-known architectural landmark. During the day, you can discover the indigenous Sami people, go on a dog sledding tour, or have a unique experience at an ice hotel.

Dog sled team pulls a sled on a snowy trail with mountains in the background. Clear blue sky and barren trees add to the scenic winter setting. — Sled dog rides

Kirkenes is a small town located in the northeast of Norway, near the Russian border. Although it's a small town, it leaves a strong impression. One of the best spots to watch the Northern Lights is in the Pasvikdalen Valley, known for its wild landscapes. A cruise aboard the Hurtigruten offers a quieter but equally stunning experience. To fully enjoy the Northern Lights without any artificial light, it's best to head out into the plains, away from the city.

Narvik is a very popular city located in the Ofotfjord, which boasts spectacular landscapes and unique natural phenomena such as the Northern Lights. It offers a variety of outdoor activities, even in winter, including hiking and biking, all within the calm atmosphere of the mountains.

People rest in snowy landscape with ski poles and gear. Trees frame the scene; tracks lead into distance. Sky is partly cloudy. — Cross-country skiing in the mountains

This is a region of mountains and fjords, and it's also one of the most beautiful ski destinations in Norway, so don’t miss the opportunity.

Take the cable car up Mount Narvikfjellet to admire the Northern Lights at night. If you are interested in learning more about Norway's history during World War II, Narvik is the perfect destination. Combine the magic of the Northern Lights at night with historical exploration during the day.

The Lofoten Islands are a group of islands that always leave a lasting impression on tourists. To increase your chances of witnessing this phenomenon, I recommend heading to the northern coast of the islands, where there is the least light pollution. While you're there, you can also take a marine wildlife excursion to see the giants of the sea—whales, of course, as well as orcas and dolphins.

Useful tips for watching the Northern Lights

Behind the illuminated village lie high, snow-capped mountains. A cluster of green northern lights illuminates the gloomy sky. — Northern Lights in Norway

To begin with, it's important to choose your observation spot in advance. Select a location far from the city to ensure it’s dark and free from light pollution. Before heading out, make sure to check the weather. The sky should be clear and cloudless, and go at the right time. You can use the YR website, which gives reliable predictions for the likelihood of seeing the Northern Lights. There are also other helpful apps like SolarHam, Aurora Forecast, and Norway Lights.

Next, be sure to dress appropriately, as it can get extremely cold. I recommend wearing a thermal shirt along with fleece or insulated clothing, as temperatures can drop to -20°C. Keep in mind that nighttime temperatures are lower than during the day.

Patience is key to increasing your chances of seeing the Northern Lights. I suggest going out between 10 p.m. and 3 a.m., which is when you’re most likely to see them.

I also recommend hiring a tour guide. They can take you to the best spots, making the experience easier and more certain. Plus, you’ll get additional explanations during the excursion.

Conclusion

Visiting Norway in winter to see the Northern Lights is an excellent idea, as the weather conditions are most favorable, especially in the north. Cities like Tromsø or Alta offer the best experience. To fully enjoy the Northern Lights, head away from the city and make sure to check the weather before you go. Even though there is little daylight, take the opportunity to enjoy typical activities like dog sledding.