How to experience the northern lights in Norway

Standing under star-filled skies right at the top of the world, breathing in the pure Arctic air, a recent snowfall softening the landscape… winter in Norway is truly magical. Looking up to see great swaying pillars of green and pink shimmering across the night sky takes things to another level. Having a chance to see the northern lights in Norway is an experience that will stay with you for many years to come…

Why you should see the northern lights in Norway

For majestic landscapes and wild beauty, Norway has to be one of the most breathtaking countries in the world. Nature here is pristine, with high mountains, glittering fjords and sky-bound delights. In winter, pale pink and apricot-washed afternoon skies glow over snowy lands. The light quickly fades, giving way to ink-dark nights garlanded by bright stars, and (fingers crossed) the psychedelic dance of the aurora.

The magical atmosphere of Norway in winter adds to the otherworldly experience, and there are bracing outdoor activities to enjoy, followed by muscle-melting saunas and ice hotel stays. The cities of northern Norway are a lot of fun, too: Bodø was crowned European capital of culture in 2024, and Tromsø offers the comforts of a city right on the threshold of the Arctic wilderness.

Read more: Tales from TravelLocal: Jo’s family trip to Tromso, Norway

Best time to see the northern lights in Norway: seasonality and planning ahead

A northern lights tour in Norway can be planned anytime between late September and March, offering a fairly generous window of opportunity. You can see the northern lights in Norway throughout this time, though for southern Norway, visits during the winter proper, from November to February, are best. The season stretches out a little longer in northern Norway, allowing the chance to see the northern lights in late fall and early spring (late September throughout October and March).

Top locations to see the northern lights in Norway

• For the best odds of catching a dazzling display of the northern lights, head north, deep into Norway’s Aurora Zone and inside the Arctic Circle.
• Tromsø is the gateway city to this region and a great base for a northern lights hunting trip. You can often see the colorful dance of the aurora from the city, but for maximum impact, heading into the wild, away from any light pollution, is key.
• Trips out from Alta are a great option too, with the wilderness even more accessible from here.
• The stunning Lofoten Islands archipelago is another excellent destination for witnessing the Aurora Borealis in Norway. This is the land of the Vikings, rich in fresh seafood and with incredible vistas of sea, sky and dramatic island landscapes.
• The remote North Cape, way up at the most northerly point of Europe, is a magical and sparsely populated realm of ice, sea and dark skies. Beyond that, out into the Arctic Ocean, Svalbard, just over 600 miles from the North Pole, may be too ‘out there’ for many.

Top winter activities in Norway

All manner of winter adventure awaits on a trip to Norway. This is a land steeped in Viking history, of embracing the outdoors and rejoicing in the magic of the elements. Mountains, fjords and open ocean provide a playground for skiing, boat trips, snowmobiles and sleighs. Then, every night, there’s the tantalizing possibility of witnessing one of nature’s most spectacular shows…

As well as making the most of Norway’s many natural wonders and outdoor pursuits, the small cities of the north are a lot of fun to get to know. Lively and cultured, Tromsø is surprisingly cosmopolitan with a fantastic dining scene. Here you can feast on the freshest seafood in slick surroundings, and perhaps even gaze at the northern lights while you dine.

Read more: The best time to visit Norway: winter vs summer

Preparing for your northern lights adventure in Norway

The single most important preparation to make before your trip is a mental shift. The Aurora Borealis is a natural phenomenon, and sometimes, weather conditions and solar activity don’t align. It’s best to accept that you might not see them this time. Having said that, with our local aurora hunters on hand, it is unlikely that you’ll be disappointed.

Understanding the northern lights

The northern lights appear in the night sky when charged particles blown in by solar winds interact with the Earth’s atmosphere and magnetic field. The biggest and brightest displays happen when a solar storm blows large clouds of these particles into the atmosphere on a clear night.

The lights appear between 50 and 150 miles above the Earth’s surface. Visible colors differ depending on the type of molecules interacting. Oxygen atoms glow green, which is the most usual to see, while nitrogen emits pink, purple and blue light.

The Aurora Borealis is more likely to be visible closer to the North Pole, so Scandinavian countries such as Norway, Finland and Iceland are good locations for northern lights spotting. In recent years, there have been sightings as far south as Scotland and other parts of the UK. Solar activity appears to follow an eleven-year cycle, currently peaking between 2024 and 2026. So, if you’ve been contemplating a trip to the frozen north, now is the time!

Read more: When and how to see the northern lights in Iceland

Essential packing guide

Packing for an Arctic adventure requires a similar packing list to a ski trip:

• Take plenty of merino and microfiber layers (tops and bottoms), a windproof hooded jacket, and waterproof ski pants.
• Hats, scarves, gloves and plenty of good socks are essential, as are sturdy winter boots.
• Take along lighter shoes for indoors and thongs for saunas (swimwear is optional!)
• UV-blocking sunglasses are important to protect the eyes, along with sunscreen for the face and lip balm.

Our top trip itineraries for northern lights spotting in Norway

Northern lights chasing in the heart of winter

Seven days of snowbound fun await on this trip into the heart of winter in Tromsø and Alta. Whale watching, dog sledging, and snowmobile safaris get you out and about in the winter landscapes. Come evening, you’ll have an appetite for a traditional Nordic sauna followed by feasting. You’ll also spend time with the indigenous Sami people and stay in a snug tipi under the stars, and an igloo hotel.

Fjords, northern lights, and glamping under the stars

On this epic journey, begin your stay amidst the dramatic mountain peaks and icy waters of the Lofoten Islands, where tiny fishing villages dot the coast and Viking history is all around. Then, cruise overnight through the fjords to Tromsø, heading out on deck after dark with your fingers crossed for a sighting. If conditions are right, out on the water is a prime place to see the northern lights. From Tromsø, journey into the wilderness for a snowmobile adventure to a remote camp where you’ll spend the night under the stars in a cozy glamping dome.

Huskies, reindeer, and a North Cape aurora expedition

You’ll be way out there on this winter adventure to Finnish Lapland and Norway’s distant North Cape. Steer a snowmobile through the forest on a northern lights hunt, ride a reindeer sleigh and a dog sleigh, and experience the magical quiet of the Arctic night. Go ice fishing, catch king crab, and stand on the most northerly point of Europe at the starkly beautiful Cape Horn. All the while, you’ll have expert northern lights trackers on hand to help you catch a sighting.

Make it happen

See the northern lights in Norway for yourself, in all their dazzling and unforgettable splendor: get in touch with our locally-based travel experts, who’ll help you plan a personalized trip with the best chance of marveling at this natural wonder.