Northern lights in the Lofoten Islands - Official travel guide to Norway

The famous archipelago of Lofoten

The wild nature of the Lofoten Islands is just as beautiful in winter as the rest of the year, especially when the northern lights come out at night. Every outing in the region is framed by rugged mountain tops that rise straight from the sea.

Winter in the Lofoten Islands comes in thousands of colours that present a visual enjoyment of contrasts, hues and tones. The experience is even stronger at night, when the flickering northern lights in the sky are reflected in the sea.

For a thousand years, fishermen have come to Lofoten from near and far to take part in the renowned cod winter fishing. It is a living history that is confirmed by the numerous typical fish drying racks in the villages.

Lofoten is situated just beneath the auroral oval, a belt of light that encircles the geomagnetic poles and provides some of the best chances for seeing the northern lights.

Get to know Lofoten’s colourful fishing villages with the characteristic “rorbuer” (fishermen’s cabins), local handicrafts, and rich history that dates back to the Vikings. It is easy to get to the Lofoten Islands.

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Northern lights over Hamnøy, Lofoten

Alex Conu / Visitnorway.com

Northern lights over Henningsvær, Lofoten

Vidar Lysvold / Visitnorway.com

Boating in Lofoten

CH / Visitnorway.com

Hiking in Lofoten

Alex Conu / Visitnorway.com

Moskenes, Lofoten

Christian Bothner / www.nordnorge.com

Skiing in Lofoten

Espen Mortensen / www.nordnorge.com

Boat safari in Lofoten

CH / Visitnorway.com

Svolvær, Lofoten

Making View / Visitnorway.com

Campaign: northern lights offers

Experience the northern lights with Svinøya Rorbuer

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Experience the Lofoten peninsula

This two-day fast-paced experience will take you close to the wildlife and nature of the Lofoten archipelago and some of the world’s most challenging and infamous stretches of sea, feared by seafarers for thousands of years.

Accommodation will be in scenic surroundings in state-of-the-art rorbu cabins that has everything you need for a comfortable stay. Good food experiences and local culinary traditions are also essential in the Smaken av Lofoten package.

Price from NOK 2,290 per person

Included: accommodation in a historic rorbu cabin, a rib boat trip to Moskenesstraumen maelstrom, and a fishing village walk.

Other winter activities in Lofoten

Where to stay in Lofoten

Northern lights forecast

With the Norway Lights app you can check out the best times to see the northern light in your area.

Getting here and around

Get in-depth travel information on Lofoten’s official website.

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See it for yourself

Lofoten also offers …

There is no need to wait until you’re here to find out what you’d like to do. Filter your search and check out the offers below.

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Northern lights

The famous archipelago of Lofoten

Campaign: northern lights offers

Experience the northern lights with Svinøya Rorbuer

Experience the Lofoten peninsula

Other winter activities in Lofoten

Where to stay in Lofoten

Northern lights forecast

Getting here and around

See it for yourself

Lofoten also offers …

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