|  
Northern lights over Ersfjord at Kvaløya in Tromsø, Norway Photo: Andreas Skjervold
Northern lights, also known as the aurora borealis, dancing in the clear night sky above the fishing village of Ersfjord in the county of Troms. Photo: Bjørn Jørgensen/Innovation Norway
Svolvær in Lofoten is one of many places in Northern Norway to see the northern lights, also known as the aurora borealis. Photo: Stockshots.no/Innovation Norway
A show of dancing northern lights, also known as the aurora borealis, above the small island of Landegode just outside Bodø in the county of Nordland. Photo: Kent Even Grundstad
Enjoy the crisp sea air and the magnificant show of the northern lights from the deck of one of Hurtigruten's (the Norwegian Coastal Voyage) ships. Photo: M. Horender
Go on a cruise with Hurtigruten (the Norwegian Coastal Voyage) during late autumn or winter/early spring - you might see the splendid northern lights. Photo: Ivan Mervillie
The magical northern lights will often flicker across the night sky high above the Lofoten Islands during late autumn and winter/early spring. Photo: Stockshots.no/Innovation Norway
Northern lights performing a dance of inspiration above Vågakallen Mountain in Lofoten. Photo: Stockshots.no/Innovation Norway
A show of natural wonderment is displayed by the northern lights over the small town of Svolvær in Lofoten. Photo: Stockshots.no/Innovation Norway
Travel to Lofoten in late autumn and early spring in order to see the northern lights. October through to March are the best months. Photo: Stockshots.no/Innovation Norway
Northern lights dancing above Vågakallen Mountain in the Lofoten Islands. Photo: Stockshots.no/Innovation Norway
The Lofoten Islands are an excellent location for viewing the northern lights perform their magical display in the night sky. Photo: Stockshots.no/Innovation Norway
The blue night sky and green aurora rays are a fitting backdrop for the large island of Sørøya in Western Finnmark. Photo: Bård Løken/Innovation Norway
The charming fishing village of Henningsvær in Lofoten is a great place to see the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis. Photo: Stockshots.no/Innovation Norway
In Tromsø, the highest northern lights frequency is between 6 pm and 1 am. The best months are December, January, February and March. Photo: Kjetil Skogli/Visit Tromsø
A curtain of northern lights touches the mountains beside the Ersfjord in the county of Troms. Photo: Kjetil Skogli/Visit Tromsø

The Arctic

Nature rules the north of Norway, and over thousands of years, people have found ways to adapt to the Arctic climate.

The Sami are Norway’s indigenous people. They have lived at one with nature and developed their Sami culture since the first people came to the Arctic areas of Norway over 11,000 years ago. You can learn about their way of life in the Sami theme park in Finnmark.

Arctic Norway is the kingdom of light. In the summer, the sun never sets. It is a surreal feeling, walking around the spectacular countryside in sunlight at three in the morning. The mountains form a magical backdrop against a sky that lights up with spectacular colours.

And as the seasons change, the sun disappears permanently for the winter. The climate shifts between harmony and wildness, and the magical Northern Lights dance across the sky.There are many places and ways to expereince the Northern Lights, choose for example a Northern Light Cruise.

You feel alive when standing behind 12 eager Greenland dogs or sitting on a snow scooter packed with horsepower, ploughing through ice and snow. You can experience the exciting side of the Arctic fauna on a king crab safari, where you get to see and taste the enormous crabs.

Furthest north lies the North Cape. As you stand here gazing northwards, all that separates you from the North Pole is the archipelago of Svalbard. You get a tiny sense of having conquered something when you stand at the end of Europe and feel the wind from the North Pole in your face.

Last updated:  10 October 2011
Sami women wearing traditional clothing in Finnmark, Norway - Photo: Jørn Tomter/Finnmark Reiseliv
Sami women wearing traditional clothing in Finnmark, Norway

Interest:  Arctic Norway

Share:
Close
Share with others
Close
Embed this article

Copy and paste this code into your blog/website

Preview

Northern lights over Ersfjord at Kvaløya in Tromsø, Norway - Photo: Andreas Skjervold

The Arctic

Nature rules the north of Norway, and over thousands of years, people have found ways to adapt to the Arctic climate.

The Arctic

Source: Visit Norway

Share your thoughts about this article

Tromsø

The capital of the Arctic is a lively, humorous and beautiful city packed with culture and history, and surrounded by mountains, fjords and islands.
Interest: City holiday, Arctic Norway

What to do in Finnmark

Join a fisherman on the fjord or experience a king crab safari, get to know Sami culture, try dog sledging or go on a snowmobile safari.
Interest: Nature attractions, Wildlife safari, Fishing, Riding & Sledging, Winter without skis, Snowscooter, Arctic Norway, Coast and coastal culture

Winter activities in Troms

Winters in Troms feature blue light, northern lights and white snow.
Interest: Riding & Sledging, Nature attractions, Skiing, Fishing, Arctic Norway, Coast and coastal culture

Getting to Svalbard and around

From Oslo and Tromsø there are daily flights to Longyerbyen, the capital of the Svalbard Islands.
Interest: Getting here and around, Arctic Norway

About the Arctic

Nordland

Nordland is known for wildlife safaris and stunning scenery. National Geographic Traveller has rated Lofoten among the best islands in the world.

Troms

Archipelagos, fjords and mountains create the basis for the vast county of Troms with added colour from the midnight sun and northern lights.

Campaigns and Sponsored

CAMPAIGN
View pictures

Snowman charters to Norwegian Lapland

Escape the stress – join one of our Snowman charters from UK to Snowman International Airport, Bardufoss in Norwegian Lapland this winter!
Interest: Winter sports, The northern lights, Arctic Norway

Arctic Light Safari

Freedom. Adventure. Imagine a snowmobile journey through the Arctic landscape, with the polar night lit only by the stars and the dancing aurora.
Interest: Action & Adventure, Arctic Norway

Arctic Enduro

Beaten Paths are for Beaten Men... Create your own tracks by joining this life challenging adventure with Arctic Enduro 2012.
Interest: What to do, Winter sports, Arctic Norway, Expeditions

Mary-Ann's Polarrigg

Stay in the midst of history on Svalbard.
Interest: Hotels, Arctic Norway

Fishing at Offersøy Feriesenter

Experience Offersøy – the gateway to Lofoten and Vesterålen. Here you can go deep-sea fishing, diving and join a killer whale safari.
Interest: Fishing, Arctic Norway

Featured

Experience the marvel: The northern lights

Watch nature's own theatre unfold above you as the most spectacular light show takes centre stage: The northern lights with you in the front row.
Interest: Nature attractions, The northern lights, Arctic Norway

The Land of the Midnight Sun

Once arrived, the sun never sets. Capture this magnificent experience on a midnight sun cruise or safari before the darkness of winter returns.
Interest: Nature attractions, Arctic Norway, The midnight sun

ADS

Arctic Norway

Morning
Sun/clear sky, Moderate breeze
-6°C

Selected videos

ADS

TEXT ADS