Northern Lights in Norway

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Our bold claim is that Northern Norway is amongst the most comfortable and interesting places to see the northern lights, as hundreds of thousands of people live in this huge geographical area. The region offers a vast selection of activities, tours, cruises, restaurants and hotels, which all play an important part in the Arctic experience. Check out the northern lights campaign offers.

To the locals in Northern Norway, the northern lights are a part of life and a fertile source for art, mythology, and legends. To others, like celebrity scientist Neil deGrasse Tyson, the phenomenon is an example of just how beautiful science can be.

Some media have reported that scientists expect the aurora lights to fade and appear less frequently over the next ten years. This is not true for Northern Norway, though, as scientist Truls Lynne Hansen at the Tromsø Geophysical Observatory explains: “It is true that we are past the northern lights climax which means there will be fewer observations around Oslo and further south. But under the auroral oval in Northern Norway we will not see any difference”.

What are the northern lights? On a very basic level, the northern lights are quite simple to explain. It is created from a collision between electrically charged particles from the sun that enter the atmosphere of the earth. The lights come at night when the sky is dark. It’s like a celestial ballet of light dancing across the night sky, with a colour palette (green, pink, violet) reminiscent of a really cool fashion show from the 1980s.

Between late September and late March, it is dark from early afternoon until late morning. This is the best time to see the northern lights. It is easy to get to Northern Norway and around.

Install the NorwayLights app for iPhone, Android or Windows – a forecast that helps you find the best time and place to see the northern lights.

iPhone: Download NorwayLights for iOS
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Facts about the northern lights

Northern Lights, Grøtfjord, Kvaløya.
Photo: Gaute Bruvik - visitnorway.com

Northern lights offers

Check out the northern lights destinations in the map below and read about their campaign offers.

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Destinations with northern lights offers

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Northern lights and pink sky over snow-covered mountains in Svalbard

Northern lights in Svalbard

Welcome to Svalbard, an island realm with ice-covered fjords, glaciers, soaring mountains, and rare wildlife that includes polar bears. A prime… Read more

Northern lights in Svalbard

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Northern lights at the North Cape

Raw beauty, extreme seasons and the Arctic light and northern lights dancing across the polar sky. Welcome to winter wonderland in… Read more

Northern lights at the North Cape

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Nordlyskatedralen Cathedral in Alta surrounded by northern lights

Northern lights in Alta

Welcome to Alta, a city located directly under the northern lights oval. Here you can experience winter adventures on powdery snow and the open sea.… Read more

Northern lights in Alta

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Northern lights over Tromsø city at night

Northern lights in Tromsø

Discover the city of Tromsø and its Arctic history, culture and cuisine. With 170 activities on offer, you are sure to find one that suits you. Read more

Northern lights in Tromsø

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Two people standing under the northern lights in Lyngenfjord

Northern lights in the Lyngenfjord region

Get your northern lights experience in the Lyngenfjord region, which is blessed with dramatic landscapes and boasts one of the driest areas in Norway… Read more

Northern lights in the Lyngenfjord region

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Northern lights over the Buksnesfjorden fjord in Vesterålen

Northern lights in Vesterålen

Visit the archipelago of Vesterålen, inhabited by whales, seals, and seabirds. Situated just north of the Lofoten Islands, this peaceful region… Read more

Northern lights in Vesterålen

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Northern lights in Narvik

Narvik in Northern Norway is the ideal winter holiday destination if you are interested in Arctic nature, snow-based activities, Sami culture,… Read more

Northern lights in Narvik

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Northern lights in the Lofoten Islands

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. Read more

Northern lights in the Lofoten Islands

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Northern lights in Bodø

With its dramatic surroundings and ever-changing light, Bodø is a sought-after holiday destination for photographers and nature… Read more

Northern lights in Bodø

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Man with headlamp looking at the northern lights during winter in Helgeland

Northern lights in Helgeland

Cross the Arctic Circle and get access to Helgeland’s thousands of islands and fairytale-like mountain formations and pristine snowsure… Read more

Northern lights in Helgeland

Northern lights activities offers

Snowmobile safari in Varanger

A guided tour through the Varanger peninsula with snowmobile safari, northern lights hunt and dinner in a Sami lavvo, from NOK 3,650 per person, when…

Snowmobile safari in Varanger

See the northern lights from Alten Lodge in Alta

Two nights in double room including breakfast, airport shuttle, and one night hunting the northern lights by car from Nok 3,490 per person Read more and book here

See the northern lights from Alten Lodge in Alta

Narvikfjellet ski resort

One night at Scandic Narvik, breakfast and day pass from NOK 1,000 per person with 2 people in a double room. Read more and book here

Narvikfjellet ski resort

Lights at the lodge gourmet in Narvik

One night accommodation, breakfast, 3-course dinner, shuttle, cable car, guide, refreshment/2 drinks from NOK 2,790 per person when 2 people share a… Read more and book here

Lights at the lodge gourmet in Narvik

Northern lights reindeer experience in Narvik

Experience Sami Siida, reindeer and the aurora all in one package, from NOK 1,495 per adult. Children age 12 and under from NOK 850. Read more and book here

Northern lights reindeer experience in Narvik

Explore powdery peaks in Helgeland

Airport transportation, double room accommodation, meals, kayaking equipment and guided tours from NOK 17,250 per person. Read more and book here

Explore powdery peaks in Helgeland

Hidden fjords and northern lights in the Tromsø area

Join a 4 or 5-day cruise with the expedition vessel MV Quest and discover the fjords, the northern lights and arctic wildlife, from NOK 20,500 per… Read more and book here

Hidden fjords and northern lights in the Tromsø area

Whale and northern lights adventure in the Tromsø area

A three-day package with whale watching, northern lights chase, and mountain sightseeing from NOK 3,000 per person Read more

Whale and northern lights adventure in the Tromsø area

Dog sledging and northern lights in Tromsø

Join two of the most popular activities in Tromsø. The tours can be completed over two days or spread out. From NOK 2,600 per adult, children age 4–12… Read more

Dog sledging and northern lights in Tromsø

Fjords, whales and the aurora in the Tromsø area

Join a 30 hour all-inclusive tour where you can experience whales from a RIB-boat and stay at a Crystal lavvo and the opportunity to see the northern… Read more

Fjords, whales and the aurora in the Tromsø area

Aurora, whales and Hurtigruten in the Tromsø area

Experience the Aurora, spot a whale and explore the Norwegian Coastal Voyage Hurtigruten all in this 30-hour package deal, from NOK 3,900 per person. Read more

Aurora, whales and Hurtigruten in the Tromsø area

Lauklines holiday resort in Tromsø

The ideal location to explore the northern lights in winter and the midnight sun during summer. From NOK 2,259 per night/cottage, minimum 2 nights,… Read more and book here

Lauklines holiday resort in Tromsø

Crystal Lavvo, snowmobile and aurora in the Tromsø area

Join a 26-hour all-inclusive adventure including snowmobile excursion, lunch, dinner, breakfast, accommodation, transport from NOK 3,600 per person. Read more and book here

Crystal Lavvo, snowmobile and aurora in the Tromsø area

Experience the green lady in Tromsø

From late August to early April, there is a great possibility to experience the green lady Aurora dancing over the sky. Choose from a wide selection… Read more and book here

Experience the green lady in Tromsø

Package deals in the Lyngenfjord region

In the Lyngenfjord region, you can experience the northern lights from September to March and combine northern lights adventures with other seasonal… Read more and book here

Package deals in the Lyngenfjord region

Hunting the Northern lights in Bodø

Join Polar Tours on an exciting aurora hunt just outside the city of Bodø, with round-trip transport, drinks, snacks, guiding by driver, movie and… Read more and book here

Hunting the Northern lights in Bodø

Lofoten Links Lodges

Your northern lights base camp. Experience the aurora from the comfort of your private lodge, from NOK 700 per person per night. Read more and book here

Lofoten Links Lodges

3-night package with Svinøya Rorbuer in Lofoten

Stay in a cosy waterfront rorbu cabin and experience the aurora borealis, from NOK 3,995 per person, based on a minimum of two persons. Read more and book here

3-night package with Svinøya Rorbuer in Lofoten

Winter whale safari in Vesterålen

Experience a winter whale safari with 100% whale guarantee from NOK 1,095 per person. Available for both individuals and groups. Children aged 5–13… Read more and book here

Winter whale safari in Vesterålen

Green sky on Svalbard

A 4-day package with accommodation and activities that will give you the best chances of seeing the northern lights. From NOK 6,900 per person. Read more and book here

Green sky on Svalbard

Chase the northern lights on Svalbard

Join Hurtigruten Svalbard for an adventure under the northern lights including round-trip flight Oslo–Longyearbyen, 3 nights accommodation, breakfast,… Read more and book here

Chase the northern lights on Svalbard

Accommodation offers in Northern Norway

Lauklines holiday resort in Tromsø

The ideal location to explore the northern lights in winter and the midnight sun during summer. From NOK 2,259 per night/cottage, minimum 2 nights,… Read more and book here

Lauklines holiday resort in Tromsø

Lofoten Links Lodges

Your northern lights base camp. Experience the aurora from the comfort of your private lodge, from NOK 700 per person per night. Read more and book here

Lofoten Links Lodges

3-night package with Svinøya Rorbuer in Lofoten

Stay in a cosy waterfront rorbu cabin and experience the aurora borealis, from NOK 3,995 per person, based on a minimum of two persons. Read more and book here

3-night package with Svinøya Rorbuer in Lofoten

Scandic Ishavshotel, Tromsø

Stay right by the quayside in Tromsø, the ’Paris of the North’, and enjoy fantastic views from our hotel. Read more

Scandic Ishavshotel, Tromsø

Scandic Havet, Bodø

Noteworthy adventure hotel on the quayside in Bodø, with 360-degree views. Read more

Scandic Havet, Bodø

Scandic Svolvær

With spectacular landscapes and beautiful nature, this is the hotel for anyone wanting to experience Lofoten at its best. Read more

Scandic Svolvær

Scandic Vadsø

Scandic Vadsø is the perfect starting point to experience Vadsø, its rich cultural life and wide range of activities and events. Read more

Scandic Vadsø

Scandic Kirkenes

The hotel is centrally located, close to the Snow Hotel and the Varanger museum. Read more

Scandic Kirkenes

Scandic Narvik

An award-winning hotel. Enjoy the panoramic views of Narvik, Ofotfjord and the surrounding mountains from the sky bar on the 15th floor. Read more

Scandic Narvik

Scandic Hammerfest

Beautiful nature and exciting things to do right on your doorstep. Go sea fishing, take in the spectacular landscape and catch a true glimpse of Sami… Read more

Scandic Hammerfest

Scandic Bodø

Stay near the sea in the centre of Bodø. Experience the midnight sun, northern lights and world-class nature experiences. Read more

Scandic Bodø

Scandic Nordkapp

Here you will be surrounded by stunning landscapes. A perfect base for experiencing the North Cape, magnificent nature and many exciting activities. Read more

Scandic Nordkapp

Scandic Bryggen, Honningsvåg

Wake up to beautiful views of the sea and idyllic Honningsvag. Experience the spectacular landscape, the North Cape and exciting activities such as a… Read more

Scandic Bryggen, Honningsvåg

Scandic Grand, Tromsø

Here you stay in the city centre with the airport shuttle bus on your doorstep. An ideal base for all the adventures Tromsø has to offer. Read more

Scandic Grand, Tromsø

Scandic Alta

The hotel is perfect for anyone wishing to experience Norway’s spectacular nature up close. Here you can easily combine business with pleasure. Read more

Scandic Alta

Scandic Leknes

With the dramatic landscape of Lofoten on its doorstep, this is the perfect hotel if you want to explore the wilderness of Lofoten. Read more

Scandic Leknes

Scandic Karasjok

Karasjok is an exciting destination, home to the Sami people, and rich in culture and tradition. Experience the northern lights, the beautiful… Read more

Scandic Karasjok

Scandic Honningsvåg

Stay in the centre, right by the quayside where the Hurtigruten ferry docks. Experience the spectacular nature, the world-famous North Cape and… Read more

Scandic Honningsvåg

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Statens Kartverk, Geovekst og kommuner - Geodata AS

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Things to do

All top destinations for northern lights sightings present tours and packages for experiencing this nature phenomenon up close and personal. Get a complete list of northern lights campaign offers.

Tromsø.
Photo: Visit Tromsø

Northern lights Offers Start planning your winter holiday

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Where to stay

Sleep in comfort at a handful of recommended hotels near the northern lights viewpoints or check out the northern lights campaign's accommodation offers.

Places to go

Cities and places

Things to do

Plan your trip

Northern lights offers

Get inspired

Things to do

See it for yourself

Travellers’ own pictures

Where to stay