Where to see the northern lights in Norway: the best aurora locations

Want to maximise your chances of seeing the aurora borealis on your northern lights holiday? Then, you need to pick the right destination.

Norway is one of the best places to see the northern lights — but only if you travel north, into the Arctic Circle. Read on to discover the best places to see the aurora borealis in Norway.

Can you see the northern lights in Norway?

Yes, you can see the northern lights in Norway. But it depends on where you go. In southern Norway, the aurora borealis is only visible a couple of times a year. But in the north, it appears much more regularly.

Northern Norway sits within the Arctic Circle and the aurora zone. This zone lies between 65 and 72 degrees north of the equator. Here, the aurora borealis appears with the greatest frequency and intensity.

Where to see the northern lights in Norway

The best places to see the northern lights in Norway are:

• Tromsø
• The Lofoten Islands
• Vesterålen
• Senja
• Svalbard

These destinations are all located in northern Norway.

Can you see the northern lights in Tromsø?

Tromsø is the best city in Norway for seeing the northern lights. It’s right by the aurora zone, which means it’s possible to see the aurora borealis, even when solar activity is low.

The best time to see the northern lights in Tromsø is from September to March. And you have the best chance of seeing the aurora if you travel out of the city to areas with dark, cloudless skies.

On an Aurora Nights holiday to Tromsø, you go on exciting northern lights excursions, out into the dark, Norwegian wilderness. You can also spend time exploring this beautiful city, along with the craggy peaks and crystal-clear fjords that surround it.

Can you see the northern lights in Svalbard?

Yes, you can see the northern lights in Svalbard. The Svalbard Islands are located in the Arctic Ocean, halfway between mainland Norway and the North Pole.

The winter here is long and dark, which makes for excellent northern lights viewing. And with icy tundra, glaciers, and the odd polar bear, Svalbard is a holiday destination like no other.

Can you see the northern lights in Lofoten?

The Lofoten Islands are a magical place to see the Norway northern lights. Lofoten is located just beneath the aurora zone. Its spectacular scenery makes an unbeatable backdrop for the dancing colours of the northern lights.

You can also see the aurora on the neighbouring islands of Senja, Andøya and Vesterålen. This whole area is a base for outdoor activities like husky sledding, kayaking and snowshoeing. You can also visit the space station at Andøya to learn more about solar science.

Can you see the northern lights in Oslo?

Oslo — Norway’s capital city — can be found in the south of the country. Surrounded by mountains and fjords, it’s a stunning place with a lively music scene and world-class museums.

We highly recommend spending some time in Oslo on your northern lights trip. But because of its southerly location, Oslo isn’t the best place to see the northern lights. The aurora borealis is very rarely visible here. It’s the same in Bergen, another city at the southern end of Norway.

If you want to see Oslo and the northern lights, we recommend that you spend some time in the capital before heading north to the aurora zone.

How to see the northern lights in Norway

The northern lights are caused by solar activity, which varies from day to day. So seeing the aurora borealis always involves a little bit of luck.

To maximise your chances of seeing the northern lights in Norway, you need to base yourself in the north of the country. You should also seek out areas with:

• Little or no artificial light
• Clear, cloudless skies
• A great view of the night sky — hilltops and lakeside locations are ideal

When you book a northern lights holiday to Norway with Aurora Nights, we take you to regions that tick every item on this list.

You stay in cosy lodges in the Arctic wilderness, where the northern lights shine brightest. Or — if you prefer to be in the hustle of a city — you can journey away from artificial lights on aurora excursions.

Your northern lights guide will closely monitor local weather and solar forecasts. Then, they’ll take you to areas with dark, cloudless skies where the northern lights are most likely to appear.

The beauty of our northern lights locations in Norway is that they offer plenty of daytime adventure too. You can go whale watching, sail the fjords or mush a team of huskies. Then, wrap up warm, ready to chase the aurora borealis each night.

Best time to see the northern lights in Norway

Now you know where to see the northern lights in Norway. But when should you visit?

The Norway northern lights season runs from September to March. This is the best time to see the aurora borealis in Norway.

Here’s what you can expect from a northern lights trip to Norway, month by month.

September and October in Norway

At this time of year, the midnight sun finally sets and night time returns to northern Norway. During autumn months, the Norwegian countryside is a blaze of colour. Nights are also extra dark because there’s no snow to reflect light back into the sky. This makes for great aurora viewing.

November in Norway

In November, daytime temperatures in northern Norway start to drop below freezing. There’s often rain and some snow. Longer nights mean the northern lights are more visible. But cloudy skies sometimes prevent a sighting. Because of the Gulf Stream, most of Norway’s fjords remain free from ice throughout winter.

December and January in Norway

This is the coldest and darkest time of year. Temperatures rarely rise above freezing and there are just a few hours of daylight each day. In Tromsø, the sun sets at the end of November and doesn’t rise again until mid-January, so there’s lots of time to catch a glimpse of the aurora borealis. There’s also plenty of snow on the ground, ideal for winter activities.

February and March in Norway

Temperatures in Norway remain extremely cold in February and March. Snow is at its deepest so you can continue to enjoy activities like husky sledding and snowshoeing.

Spring and summer in Norway

From April onwards, temperatures rise and the days grow longer. Norway is beautiful at this time of year. But you’re unlikely to see the northern lights during spring and summer. That’s because in the north — in places like Tromsø — the sun doesn’t set at all from the middle of May to the end of July. The best time to see the northern lights in Norway is autumn and winter.

Still not sure when to plan your northern lights trip? Get in touch with the Aurora Nights team. Tell us what you want to see and do on your aurora holiday and we’ll recommend the best time of year to visit.

5 reasons to see the aurora borealis in Norway

Norway is one of the best places in the world to see the northern lights. Here are some other very good reasons to pick this destination for your aurora adventure.

1. Sail the fjords to see majestic whales

The seas and fjords around Norway are home to orca, humpback whales and sperm whales. You can sail around the coast of northern Norway to see these marine mammals in their natural habitat.

2. Visit the iconic Lofoten Islands

The Lofoten Islands are famed for their towering peaks, colourful wooden houses and long sandy beaches. Travel here to soak in the scenery and explore the islands’ vibrant art scene.

3. Enjoy adventures in the great outdoors

Mush a team of huskies through snowy landscapes. Explore the magical ice formations of an ice cave. Ride a snowmobile across icy tundra. Take your pick from unforgettable winter activities.

4. Venture north to the remote islands of Svalbard

Svalbard is a land of dramatic mountains, glaciers and icebergs, deep inside the Arctic Circle and just 800 miles from the North Pole. Journey here and you can’t help but feel like a polar explorer.

5. Experience “The Paris of the North”

Enjoy stunning landscapes and city sights in Tromsø. Sample the wares at Mack Brewery. Visit the Art Museum. Hit the slopes in the nearby Lyngen Alps. And take the cable car to the top of Mount Storsteinen for breathtaking views of Tromsø and its fjords.

Where else can you see the northern lights in Europe?

Norway isn’t the only place in Europe to see the northern lights. The aurora borealis appears in all locations within the Arctic Circle. This includes northern parts of Finland, Sweden and Iceland.

All these destinations have a unique appeal. Finland is the official home of Santa Claus and boasts incredible log cabin and glass igloo accommodation. In Sweden, you’ll find the Ice Hotel, rich Sámi culture and the famously clear skies of Abisko National Park. Over in Iceland, you can explore dramatic volcanic scenery and hot springs.

Take a look at our other northern lights destinations for some holiday inspiration:

• Northern lights holidays in Finland
• Northern lights holidays in Sweden
• Northern lights holidays in Iceland

And remember, all Aurora Nights holidays are tailor-made. We can adapt our tours to include your choice of destinations. Ask us to plan a multi-destination tour and experience the very best the Nordics have to offer.