How to Experience the Northern Lights in Norway

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Introduction

Norway is one of the best places in Europe to see the incredible aurora borealis, more commonly known as the Northern Lights. This natural phenomenon is where swirls of vivid light fill the night’s sky, generated by activity on the sun’s surface. Brilliant green, violet and pink hues sweep across the sky to create an awesome and atmospheric display. 

If you’re planning a trip to Norway, be sure to take these five tips into account to optimise your chances of witnessing this magical moment.

Head North

Norway is a beautiful country to visit. In the south you can experience enough variety to get a true feeling of Norway in a nutshell. However, the further north you travel in Norway, the better chance you have of seeing the aurora borealis. Tromsø is considered one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights, particularly from the viewing platform on the Fjellheisen Mountain. 

Svalbard is an archipelago that offers excellent conditions for seeing the display, because it’s more sparsely populated than mainland Norway. It’s also a great place to spot rare polar wildlife, including polar bears if you’re lucky. 

Bodø, The Lofoten Islands, Vesterålen, Senja, Alta, Nordkapp, Varanger, and Kirkenes are also excellent destinations for viewing the Northern Lights.

Away from Norway, a great alternative country to visit for a chance of seeing the aurora borealis is Iceland, in particular its Snæfellsnes Peninsula.

Visit Between Late September and Late March

The shortest days in the northern region of Norway are between late September and early March, when it gets dark in the early afternoon and stays that way until the late morning. Your best chance of seeing the Northern Lights is during these autumn and winter months. 

You’ll also have a chance to appreciate the unique nature of winter light during sunset. Beautiful orange, pink and purple hues fill the sky towards the south, while the sky in the north turns a rich midnight blue. As twilight takes hold, the snow-covered landscape becomes a deep, glassy blue, which is why this time of day is known as “the blue hour”.

Stay For at Least Four Days

There’s never any guarantee of seeing the Northern Lights, so prepare to be perseverant. You should stay in the northern region for at least four days to optimise your chances, but a week-long visit is ideal. There are plenty of other activities to get up to, so you don’t have to worry about getting bored. 

You can explore the awesome landscape by hiking, skiing, snowmobiling, or dogsledding. Or, head out onto the fjords to give fishing a try whilst appreciating the incredible coastline. There are plenty of museums, art galleries, and cultural attractions to explore in northern Norway’s cities, so you can learn more about this fascinating part of the world. Foodies can enjoy sampling Norway’s culinary delights, particularly when they visit seafood restaurants to sample the likes of local salmon and king crab.

Look Up Between 11 p.m. and 2 a.m.

Peak time for viewing the Northern Lights in Norway is between 11 p.m. and 2 a.m., when the sky is at its very darkest and clearest. This doesn’t mean to say you won’t see it at other times, but you’ll optimise your chances if you head to viewing areas at these times. 

You should also check the Northern Lights forecast each day, which recommends the likelihood of seeing the lights at a variety of different locations and lists peak viewing times so you can plan your excursions carefully.

Wear Warm Clothes

It should go without saying that Norway in winter is incredibly cold. Average temperatures from September to March range between -4°C and 7°C, but in January and February it can get as cold as -6°C, and is unlikely to get warmer than -1°C. 

Layering is key to staying warm, and it helps you adjust your outfits easily when you’ll be moving between indoors and outdoors frequently. You’ll need a hat, scarf, and gloves, and don’t forget to bring sturdy winter boots suitable for walking in the snow.

The Wait is Worth it

Seeing the Northern Lights is an unforgettable experience, so plan your trip carefully, wrap up warm, and be prepared to be patient to see this incredible phenomenon. The wait is definitely worthwhile.