Experiencing the northern lights in Norway is a dream for many travelers, and for good reason. The country’s Arctic regions offer some of the best opportunities to witness this mesmerizing natural phenomenon. If you’re planning a trip to see the aurora borealis, here are some helpful tips to make the most of your adventure.
1. Choose the Right Location
The further north you go, the higher the solar activity will be, which means you’ll have a greater chance of catching the lights. So if seeing the Green Diva dancing is one of your main goals for your vacation, make sure you go to the northern parts. Tromsø, Svalbard, Bodø, Lofoten and Kirkenes are all popular places, but feel free to do some research and find your favourite travel destination.
2. Visit During Peak Season
The Northern Lights season in Norway lasts approximately from mid September to late March / early April. What you need is a dark and clear sky and loads of solar activity.
- September-October: These months doesn’t have long dark periods, but there is a lot of solar activity during this time, making it possible to see the lights.
- November-February: Darkness is guaranteed, but there is a greater chance of snow and cloud cover, which could hurt your chances of seeing the lights.
- March: The spring comes with more daylight, but the solar activity is usually high this month.
3. Stay for Several Days
The northern lights are a natural phenomenon, and sightings can never be guaranteed on a specific night. Ideally you’ll want to stay long enough to “wait out the bad weather”, and 4-5 days should in most cases give you enough time for a successful chase.
4. Escape the Light Pollution
To make sure you get a proper view of the Northern Lights, it's important to get away from the light pollution caused by cars, buildings, signs – and the biggest light polluter of all; the sun.
In most places in Northern Norway, you don’t have to travel very far to get away from the lights, you can go to a field, parks or beaches in pretty close proximity to the city and be able to see the Green Lady dance.
5. Book a Northern Lights Tour
Joining a guided northern lights tour can greatly enhance your chances of witnessing the auroras. Experienced guides know the best spots for viewing and are skilled at reading weather conditions and aurora forecasts. Many tours offer transportation to areas with the clearest skies, and some even include amenities like warm clothing, snacks, and photography tips. Check out some od our Northern Lights Tours in Tromso.
6. Dress Warmly
The northern Norwegian winter can be a chilling experience, but as long as you dress appropriately, you should be okay to stand the cold long enough to chase Aurora.
The best base layer is thin wool undershirt and longs/leggings (honestly, Norwegians swear by them). Thin wool in direct contact with your skin will help transport the humidity from your body and keep you warm at the same time – and no, these garments are not itchy, we promise!
The next best thing to put on is more wool. A nice thick sweater will do wonders to help you keep warm. Also make sure you bring a warm coat (or even better, a thermal suit), a scarf, hat, gloves – and one of the most important things of all; warm winter boots.
7. Capture the Moment
Taking pictures of the northern lights can be challenging, but with the right equipment and settings, you can capture stunning photos. If you have a DSLR or mirrorless camera, use a tripod, set the ISO between 800-1600, and keep the shutter open for 10-20 seconds. If you’re using a smartphone, try night mode or download a camera app that allows you to manually adjust settings. Remember to bring extra batteries, as the cold can drain them quickly.
8. Be Patient
Patience is crucial when it comes to seeing the northern lights. Sometimes, the auroras may only appear for a few minutes, while other times they can dance across the sky for hours. It’s important to stay positive and enjoy the overall experience of being in Norway’s beautiful Arctic regions, even if the lights are elusive on a particular night.
9. Plan Other Activities and Excursions
Sometimes the Northern Lights won’t appear during your vacation even if you did “everything right”. To avoid setting yourself up for disappointment, it’s a good idea to not make your trip solely about seeing Aurora Borealis.
Popular winter activities in the north include dog sledding, skiing, ice fishing, reindeer sledding and more. There are also cultural events like the Arctic Cathedral, The Polar Museum and various music and film festivals to check out.
Final Thoughts
Seeing the northern lights in Norway is a magical experience that requires a bit of planning and patience, but the rewards are well worth it. By choosing the right location, dressing appropriately, and giving yourself enough time, you can greatly increase your chances of witnessing one of nature’s most breathtaking spectacles. Enjoy your northern lights adventure in Norway, and don’t forget to look up!
