Contemplate the Northern Lights in Norway – Your Guide to the 14 Best Spots around the Country

The sky always offers breathtaking views. In the morning, the bright heavens fill the world with light and positivity, along with alluring clouds accentuating the scene. However, at night, it is a different story. The moon and the stars lighten the dark skies, presenting spellbinding views. No wonder stargazing is an exciting activity for many people.

This is not where the sky’s exceptional splendour ends. Somewhere around the Arctic Circle, the divergent phenomenon of the Northern Lights occurs. Often known as the Aurora Borealis, they’re one of the rare natural wonders that leaves the beholder in profound delight. Norway is one of the best lands on Earth to observe this peculiar phenomenon.

I just want to give a brief introduction about what Aurora Borealis is. It’s an excellent ray of colourful light that appears in super-dark skies when solar activity surges. In other words, it’s a result of the intersection of sun particles into atoms from the Earth’s atmosphere—such a brief strike results in the magical lights we see from down here.

This magical wonder occurs around several destinations within the Arctic Circle, including Norway. Observing the Northern lights in Norway is a primary objective on many travellers’ bucket lists. This phenomenon is rare, so we’ll guide you to spots in Norway that offer better chances to see them.

1. The Lofoten Islands

Chasing the Northern Lights in Norway is far from an impossible mission. The Lofoten Islands, with their zero pollution and complete darkness, offer an ideal setting for witnessing the Aurora Borealis. Located approximately 800 miles from Oslo, these tranquil islands are renowned for their unobstructed views of the Northern Lights, thanks to their isolation from the artificial lights of urban areas.

Winter is the prime season for observing the Aurora, as the nights are at their darkest. However, the Lofoten Islands offer more than just spectacular light shows. Visitors can enjoy a range of activities, including hiking, Arctic surfing, kayaking, skiing, fishing, and cycling. Additionally, the islands boast several attractions, with the picturesque, painted fishing village being particularly popular.

2. Tromsø

Tromsø is one of Norway’s most charming cities, known for its friendly locals and fascinating history. Often referred to as “the Capital of the Arctic,” Tromsø is a top destination for observing the Northern Lights.

The city is an excellent choice for aurora enthusiasts due to its many pollution-free areas and specialised safaris designed to maximise your chances of witnessing the spectacular display. Several companies offer these safaris, allowing you to easily book a tour and embark on an unforgettable journey under the aurora-filled sky.

Beyond chasing the Northern Lights, Tromsø offers a range of exciting activities and attractions. You can experience unique adventures such as a reindeer sled ride, a ride on the cable car, or whale watching.

3. Svalbard

To maximise your chances of witnessing the Northern Lights, it’s essential to get as close to the North Pole as possible. In this regard, Svalbard stands out as a premier destination for aurora enthusiasts.

Located midway between Norway and the North Pole, this archipelago offers ideal conditions for observing the Northern Lights. Remarkably, Svalbard is one of the few places in the world where you can see the Aurora during the daytime.

But Svalbard has more to offer beyond its exceptional aurora viewing opportunities. The islands appear to rise dramatically from the sea, and while waiting for the lights to make their appearance, you can explore the breathtaking landscapes of snow-capped peaks and majestic glaciers.

4. Kirkenes

Kirkenes, a quaint town in the Finnmark region of Northern Norway, offers an authentic winter experience. Located in the far east of Norway, near the Russian border, Kirkenes provides excellent conditions for viewing the aurora borealis throughout much of the year, making it a popular destination for travellers.

Despite its small size, Kirkenes is situated in the heart of the Northern Lights territory in Norway and attracts visitors from around the world annually. Beyond aurora watching, the town has various attractions to explore, including a nature reserve, a museum, and a historical bomb shelter.

No visit to Kirkenes is complete without a stay at the Snow Hotel of Norway. This uniquely constructed hotel features timber cabins and distinctive rooms, but its true allure lies in the fact that it is entirely made of ice and snow.

5. Narvik

Narvik is a popular destination for chasing the Northern Lights in Norway. Situated near the head of Ofotfjorden in the county of Nordland, within the Arctic Circle, Narvik is a stunning town surrounded by mountain ranges and fjords.

These natural features provide excellent vantage points for tours aimed at spotting the Aurora Borealis. Narvikfjellet, a prominent landmark, has played a significant role in Narvik’s rising popularity. You can take a gondola ride to its summit and wait for the magical lights to dance across the dark skies.

Narvik is also rich in history and culture. You can explore famous landmarks, including historical museums and several mountains perfect for climbing. For a unique experience, try staying in the Arctic Dome, which offers breathtaking views of the snowy landscape. If you’re lucky, you might even catch the Northern Lights from inside. Don’t miss the Polar Park, where you can observe rare wild animals.

6. Senja

Senja is the second-largest island in Norway, following Spitsbergen. Its remote location, far from major cities, ensures minimal light pollution, significantly enhancing the chances of witnessing the Aurora.

With expansive skies and vast open spaces, Senja offers excellent opportunities for spotting the Northern Lights. The island’s stunning natural landscapes are an added visual treat.

Senja is a haven for nature lovers. It is not only a prime location for observing the Northern Lights in Norway but also a great place to encounter rare wildlife. Eagles, seals, and moose are just some of the animals you might see during your visit.

7. Alta

Alta, located in the county of Finnmark, is the most populous area in the region. With its stable climate and minimal light pollution, especially in the wilderness surrounding the city, Alta offers excellent opportunities to witness the Northern Lights.

Alta is also home to Norway’s first Northern Lights observatory. Due to its proximity to the Arctic Circle, scientific studies of the aurora borealis began here, earning Alta the nickname “the City of the Northern Lights.”

While the main attraction is watching the Northern Lights, Alta offers several other activities to enjoy. Dog sledging and snowmobile riding are particularly popular, allowing you to immerse yourself in an authentic winter experience while exploring the icy landscapes of Norway.

8. Bodø

Situated just below the Aurora Oval, Bodø is one of the best places in Norway to experience the Northern Lights. Located above the Arctic Circle, Bodø offers excellent conditions for aurora hunting, with waves of dancing lights frequently gracing the skies.

The city’s expansive sky views make it ideal for tours around popular spots. One of Bodø’s key attractions is the Rønvikfjellet mountain, where a hike to the summit brings you closer to the skies, enhancing your Northern Lights experience.

Bodø also has a variety of attractions to explore. For museum enthusiasts, the Bodø War History Museum, Nordland Museum, and Bodø Bunker Museum are must-visits. Nordlandsbadet, a popular waterpark, offers therapy pools where you can relax and unwind—making it the perfect destination for some leisure time.

9. Trondheim

As the third-largest city in Norway, Trondheim offers plenty to see and do. Although sightings of the Northern Lights within the city are rare—typically occurring only two or three times a year—your chances improve significantly when you venture away from the city’s light pollution and closer to natural surroundings.

Trondheim is surrounded by hills and pristine forests, providing ideal settings for immersing yourself in the winter darkness and enjoying the Aurora. Wrap up warmly, bring a hot drink, and prepare to witness the captivating display of colourful magnetic fields across the sky.

In addition to its Northern Lights potential, Trondheim is a great destination for winter sports enthusiasts. Popular activities include winter hiking, ice skating, skiing, and sleigh riding, offering a range of experiences to enrich your visit.

10. The North Cape (Nordkapp)

The North Cape is a renowned destination for observing the Northern Lights in Norway. Located at the northernmost point of Europe, it offers a sense of standing at the edge of the world. Despite its remote location, the North Cape is accessible by car.

The Nordkapp attracts adventure enthusiasts, particularly during the winter months. Visiting this remote spot is a memorable escapade, and witnessing the Aurora at Europe’s most northerly point adds a remarkable chapter to your travel story.

Snowmobiling is a popular way to reach Nordkapp, and like many locations in Norway, hiking is a key activity here. Fishing and skiing are also exciting options to consider. Don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy the stunning Arctic views.

11. Lyngenfjord

Lyngen is a strikingly long fjord in Troms og Finnmark county, just a few hours from Tromsø. At nearly 82 kilometres in length, it is the longest fjord in Troms and is situated behind the Lyngen Alps, giving it the driest climate in Norway. In fact, it may well be the driest region in Europe.

This dry climate is ideal for observing the Northern Lights, as the region typically experiences clear skies with minimal cloud cover, maximising your chances of seeing the aurora dance across the night sky.

Lyngenfjord also offers exciting daytime activities. Snowmobiling through the wilderness provides an exhilarating experience while exploring the snowy landscape on a reindeer sledge, which adds a touch of adventure. There is much to enjoy in this remarkable region during the day, leading up to the spectacular Northern Lights display at night.

12. Hammerfest

Hammerfest is a significant city in Northern Norway, located on North Kvaløya Island. Like the North Cape, it sits in the northernmost part of Europe, making it an excellent base for viewing the Northern Lights in Norway.

Surrounded by expansive natural landscapes, Hammerfest is situated far from the nearest town, providing wide-open sky views and minimal light pollution—ideal conditions for spotting the Aurora. Additionally, the generally cloudless skies in Hammerfest enhance your chances of observing the Northern Lights.

For the best experience, venture into the surrounding nature. A short trip from the town centre will lead you to Mount Salen, which offers outstanding views of the lights. If you spend a few nights in the area, consider visiting Sørøya and Seiland islands. These beautiful islands have cleaner air, providing even better conditions for Northern Lights viewing.

13. Vesterålen Islands

The Vesterålen Islands, an archipelago in Nordland County, are located south of Tromsø and north of the Lofoten Islands. While many travellers simply pass through these islands on their way to the renowned Lofoten Islands, they may overlook the Vesterålen Islands as a prime destination for viewing the Northern Lights.

Despite not being as widely recognised, the Vesterålen Islands offer excellent opportunities to witness the aurora borealis. This less frequented destination provides a chance to explore the region rather than just passing through.

In addition to Northern Lights viewing, the Vesterålen Islands are famous for whale watching, offering breathtaking views of marine life. You can also embark on a moose safari under the Aurora. The region boasts numerous attractions and natural landscapes waiting to be discovered.

14. Varanger

Located along the Barents Sea in northernmost Norway, Varanger is a remote region that requires some effort to reach. Yet, its seclusion makes it an excellent spot for observing the Northern Lights.

Situated directly under the auroral oval, Varanger offers exceptional conditions for aurora hunting. Despite the relatively long journey to get there, the minimal light pollution ensures stunning views of the Northern Lights.

In between your aurora-chasing sessions, you can explore the charming small towns scattered along the Barents Sea. Varanger offers a unique opportunity to experience both the natural wonder of the Northern Lights and the serene beauty of its coastal communities.

Conclusion

Getting closer to the Arctic Circle has charm and fascination, but nothing beats watching the aurora borealis. Many forecast centres can help you arrange your trip by chasing the lights. However, these spots are the best to maximise your chances of observing the Northern Lights in Norway. 

Don’t forget to treat yourself to exciting historical tales about the Vikings by visiting the remote small towns. During your hunting journey, make sure you fill your vision with the exceptional snowy landscapes of the Nordic lands.