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 an ice 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
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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.
More things to do in Northern Norway
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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.