Norway is one of the best places in the world to see the magical northern lights, in stunning Arctic surroundings.
When can you see the northern lights?
Did you know that you can experience the northern lights as early as late September until late March? Northern Norway is dark from afternoon until late morning, when the northern lights frequently soar across the sky. Our bold claim is that this part of Norway, with its multiple islands, deep fjords and steep mountains, is among the world's most beautiful and interesting places in which to see the northern lights.
As hundreds of thousands of people live in this huge geographical area, the region of Northern Norway has everything from cities with lively night life and excellent museums to small fishing villages and vast, tranquil spaces without light pollution.
The northern lights can be seen when the sky is clear and dark. Peak time is often between 11 p.m. and 2 a.m.
Statistically, spring (March/April) and autumn (September/October) have the highest level of aurora activity. However, you can also spot them in November, December, January, and February. You then just have to cross your fingers for a sun storm to send some magical particles in your direction...
Don't worry if you need to wait a while to see the green diva dance. There are plenty of other unforgettable things to experience in Northern Norway!
The best time to go is now!
Northern lights activity started peaking in 2024. From then until 2026, aurora borealis activity is expected to reach its highest levels in 11 years.
Unique winter light
Although there's no guarantee that the northern lights will appear – they are a natural phenomenon, just like the weather – you are still guaranteed to experience magical light in Northern Norway all through the dark winter season.
On clear days, you can see beautiful sunset colours in the south while the sky to the north is a deep midnight blue. In the 'blue hour' at twilight, the snowy landscape is bathed in a glassy, deep blue colour.
Explore the North
The aurora can be a shy diva, but in addition to hunting for the northern lights, Northern Norway offers winter fishing, hiking, skiing, and dog sledding. You can also experience Sami culture or join a whale or wildlife safari.
Afterwards, you can relax in unique hotels and eat incredible local food. Why not join a northern lights safari and enjoy a meal in a traditional lavvo? A night in anice hotel is also something you never will forget.
Things to do
Go dog sledding, whale watching, snowshoeing and much more.
The best places to see the northern lights
Tromsø has established itself as the main hub for northern lights trips with a number of direct international flights. It has become very busy in the winter months, so it's recommended to come in autumn or to venture out to nearby destinations such as Alta, Lyngen, or Senja. You can also sail with Hurtigruten or Havila on a cruise between Tromsø and Kirkenes to experience more secluded calmness and less light pollution.
Another up and coming northern lights destination is Bodø and the surrounding Salten region, a bit further the south. It's a lively city that was the European capital of culture in 2024, with a centrally located international airport. The Lofoten Islands have also become a popular spot for aurora visitors, who often combine a trip there with a visit to Vesterålen, where one can go whale watching. If you love alpine skiing, you can experience it under the auroras in Narvik.
You can also sometimes see the northern lights in other parts of Norway, such as Trøndelag, and in Western and Southern Norway, particularly during periods of increased solar activity. You can also leave the mainland behind and seek out the lights in the incredible Arctic landscapes of Svalbard.
Northern lights destinations
Go in autumn and enjoy less people and higher temperatures!
Book a northern light adventure
Chase the northern lights and the get best offers from our partners.
4+ Days ・ September - MarchBook nowShort winter cruise
Tromsø and a Hurtigruten CruiseThis tour includes a cruise with Hurtigruten. Choose from a wide selection of winter activities including dog sledding and northern lights excursions. / Authentic ScandinaviaPrice From 7 095 NOK
6+ Days ・ September - MarchBook nowNorthern lights cruise
Tromsø, the North Cape and KirkenesTour including a return cruise from Tromsø to Kirkenes with Hurtigruten. Visit the North Cape and try winter activities including dog sledding and snowmobiling. / Authentic ScandinaviaPrice From 14 200 NOK
4 Hours ・ September - MarchBook nowAurora dinner cruise
Boat tour in TromsøJoin a northern lights cruise and enjoy delicious arctic tapas from our partner in Tromsø, while hunting for the northern lights! / Brim ExplorerPrice From 1 890 NOK
5 Days ・ December - MarchBook nowMagical northern lights
Dog sledding and reindeer sledding in AltaStay in Alta at an Arctic wilderness resort, a forest chalet and an igloo-style dome. Enjoy dog sledding, snowmobiling, and ice-fishing. / Up NorwayPrice From 40 800 NOK
4+ Days ・ November - MarchBook nowTromsø winter break
Tromsø, northern lights, dog sleddingWinter break to Tromsø, including dog sledding and a northern lights chase by minibus. Additional winter activities can be added. / Authentic ScandinaviaPrice From 9 060 NOK
4+ Days ・ September - MarchBook nowTromsø wildlife & northern lights
City break with a wildlife cruiseTake a break to Tromsø with a cruise and hunt for the northern lights. With one free day, you can add winter activities like dog sledding, a reindeer safari, and more. / Authentic ScandinaviaPrice From 7 690 NOK
6 Days ・ September - OctoberBook nowAutumn auroras on the coast
Tromsø and SommarøyThis tour includes a guided day tour of Tromsø, sea kayaking, and a sea eagle safari. Stay in a small fishing village and learn how to capture the northern lights on camera. / 50 Degrees North NordicPrice From 16 275 NOK
4 Days ・ November - MarchBook nowLofoten & northern lights
Lofoten archipelago experienceTrip with an aurora-chase guided tour, RIB boat tour, and accommodation in a traditional fisherman's cabin. / 50 Degrees North NordicPrice From 9 498 NOK
6+ Days ・ September - MarchBook nowFjords & northern lights
Oslo, Bergen, Flåm and TromsøWinter adventure. See the fjords and the Arctic city of Tromsø. Winter activities like dog sledding, a northern lights safari, and much more can be added. / Authentic ScandinaviaPrice From 9 500 NOK
3 Hours ・ September - MarchBook nowNorthern lights dinner cruise
Boat sightseeing in TromsøExplore the Tromsø fjords on a hybrid-electric boat with panoramic windows, while savouring a delicious dinner and keeping an eye out for the magical northern lights. / Go FjordsPrice From 1 590 NOK
5 Days ・ November - MarchBook nowNorthern lights safari
Round trip from Oslo to TromsøJoin a northern lights round trip. Fly from Oslo to Tromsø and experience all the highlights of the region, including several opportunities to chase the northern lights. / Fjord Travel NorwayPrice From 27 995 NOK
6 Days ・ November - MarchBook nowNorthern lights & Tromsø
Ice hotel and reindeer sleigh rideRound trip from Oslo. Stay at an ice hotel, go on a king crab safari, take a reindeer sleigh ride, and enjoy an Arctic gourmet dinner. / Fjord Travel NorwayPrice From 31 595 NOK
6 Days ・ October - MarchBook nowNorthern lights cruise trip
Cruise and train adventureRound trip from Oslo including a scenic train ride to Trondheim, two nights onboard a cruise ship, a visit to Bodø, Tromsø, and a Viking feast on the Lofoten Islands. / Fjord Travel NorwayPrice From 24 350 NOK
8 Days ・ November - MarchBook nowWinter cruise & northern lights
Trip from Kirkenes to BergenFly from Oslo to Kirkenes and stay overnight at a snow hotel, then go wilderness dog sledding before taking a 5-night cruise to Bergen. Visit Trondheim's Nidaros Cathedral and Lofoten along the way. / Fjord Travel NorwayPrice From 34 510 NOK
7 Hours ・ October - MarchBook nowAurora safari camp in Tromsø
Northern lights at a private campYour guide will choose the camp location with the highest chance of seeing the northern lights. All camps have shelters, toilets, campfires, and benches outside. / Fjord ToursPrice From 1 490 NOK
December - FebruaryBook nowUnique northern lights stays
The best northern lights accommodationCombine a northern lights experience with comfort and luxury. These once-in-a-lifetime stays are in prime locations for optimal aurora borealis viewing. / CampanyonPrice From 3 000 NOK
24 Hours ・ December - MarchBook nowLavvo and northern lights
Winter experience outside of TromsøSpend a night in a private crystal Lavvo in the Lyngen Alps. Learn how to photograph the aurora and try snowshoeing. Return transfers, lunch, dinner, and breakfast are also included. / Booknordics.comPrice From 3 390 NOK
4 Days ・ October - MarchBook nowHoliday package in Tromsø
Trip in Tromsø and the Lyngen AlpsEnjoy two nights in central Tromsø , including a northern lights tour. Stay in a Crystal Lavvo in the Lyngen Alps, with a view of the auroras. Local transfers, activities and meals included. / Booknordics.comPrice From 11 220 NOK
17 Hours ・ November - MarchBook nowSami experience from Tromsø
Overnight reindeer sledding tour with lavvo stayTry reindeer sledding, spend the night in a traditional Sami tent, feed reindeer, and enjoy Arctic landscapes. With some luck, the northern lights might appear! / Booknordics.comPrice From 3 995 NOK
5 Days ・ November - MarchBook nowArctic escape in Alta
Northern lights, snow hotel, and dog sleddingExperience Oslo city highlights before travelling to the Arctic tundra. Choose between winter activities like dog and reindeer sledding, snowmobile riding, fatbiking, photography and more. / Fjord Travel NorwayPrice From 21 500 NOK
7 Days ・ December - AprilBook nowFjords, cities and the Arctic
The Flåm railway, fjord cruise and snow hotelTravel between Oslo, Kirkenes, Flåm, and Bergen. Experience the Oslo Opera House, northern lights, Nærøyfjord, Aurlandsfjord, UNESCO-listed Bryggen, and more. / Fjord Travel NorwayPrice From 29 500 NOK
6 Days ・ September - MarchBook nowNorthern lights in Tromsø
6 days in Arctic Norway with activitiesSpend three nights in Tromsø, and join three unique excursions: An Aurora safari by coach to a base station, an evening trip by reindeer or husky sledding, and a northern lights evening cruise safari. / My Nordic TravelFrom 25 000 NOK
What are the northern lights?
On a very basic level, the phenomenon is quite easy to explain. The lights are created from the collision between electrically charged particles from the sun that enter the atmosphere of the earth.
The lights, which are also called aurora borealis, appear at night when the sky is dark. It’s like a celestial ballet of light dancing across the night sky, with a colour palette of green, blue, and sometimes even pink and violet.
More northern lights
Northern lights forecast
Check if Aurora is expected to dance in the next three days!
Plan your Arctic adventure
Go north to see the lights.
Look at the stars
And even if the Auroras don't dance, experiencing the infinite starry sky can make you reconnect with the universe. Light pollution obscures the night sky in more than half of Europe.