The stunning light show, also known as the aurora borealis, occurs when charged particles from the sun collide with Earth's magnetic field, and create vibrant waves of color that illuminate the night sky.
What are the
northern lights?
During large solar explosions and flares, huge quantities of particles are thrown out from the sun and into deep space, ultimately causing the phenomenon.
When the particles meet the Earth’s magnetic shield, they are led towards an oval around the magnetic North Pole where they interact with the upper parts of the atmosphere. The energy then released is visible to as the northern lights.
It adds to the magic to know that it happens approximately 100 kilometres above our heads. The immense power of the phenomenon is the reason we can see it so clearly, as it’s intensified by a multitude of atoms and molecules.
Never take the northern lights for granted. They are as much a natural phenomenon as the weather. The appearance and intensity of the northern lights are controlled by the sun’s activity and their location depends on the earth’s magnetic field.
The northern lights appear in a belt situated above the Earth in a regular position in relation to the sun.
More on the northern lights
Interested in learning more about aurora’s origin? This video explains the fascinating details.
The myths about the northern lights
Aurora borealis is far from a new phenomenon. The spectacle of the northern lights is described by early storytellers and has given rise to many legends. For instance, northern lights symbols are found on Sami shamanistic drums. The lights have several different names in Sami, including Guovssahas. which means 'the light which can be heard'. Poetry in motion.
During the Viking Age, the northern lights were said to be the armour of the Valkyrie warrior virgins, which shed a strange flickering light. Today, locals often respectfully refer to the northern lights as 'the green lady'. Check out the colours in the numerous photos and films of the lights posted on social media to see if you find that apt. You might see many more colours in real life, though.
When and where can I see them?
Northern Norway definitely offers the best and most consistent opportunities to see the northern lights, as this part of the country lies below the auroral oval. One place in this area is often as good as another – you can observe the same northern lights in Lofoten as in Tromsø, 500 kilometres further north, just from a different angle.
However, the aurora shows up in other parts of the country as well from time to time, including in Trøndelag and Southern Norway, particularly during periods of increased solar activity.
Patience is a virtue, including when hunting the northern lights. But to maximise your chances of a sighting, bear in mind that the lights are at their most frequent in late autumn and winter/early spring (from September to late March), during the hours from 6 pm to 1 am.
Lights, camera … action!
When the light show brightens up the sky, the moment is definitely worth capturing. Photographer Christian Hoiberg has loads of experience when it comes to photographing aurora’s fleeting beauty. Click the link below to get his expert tips!
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 7 355 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 14 500 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 10 320 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 8 310 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 10 170 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
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
6+ Days ・ April - SeptemberBook nowLofoten Summer Adventure
Svolvær, Reine and the midnight sunEmbark on a summer adventure to the stunning Lofoten Islands and experience the midnight sun. Journey by bus from Svolvær to Reine and spend three nights in an authentic fishermen’s cabin. / Authentic ScandinaviaPrice From 6 835 NOK
Experience the northern lights
See it for yourself! Norway is one of the best places on earth to experience the phenomena.
