Discover how to capture the northern lights with expert tips on gear, settings, and timing. Turn nature’s most elusive light show into breathtaking photos – whether you’re using a camera or your phone.
The mesmerising colours of the northern lights that flicker across the Arctic sky is a truly unique sight to behold. Watch them from a mountainside or the seashore, through the glass roof of a warm and comfy igloo, or get a front-row seat on the observation deck on board one of the Norwegian Coastal Express Hurtigruten’s ships as it sails under the auroral oval. You did bring your camera, right?
How to take pictures of the northern lights
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.
“Photographing the aurora isn’t that difficult when you have some basic knowledge of your camera. The hardest part is actually to find her, she can be quite the tease,” says Christian.
Here’s his northern lights photography guide for beginners.
1. Get away from artificial light
If you are too close to the city lights, your photos won’t be that good. Find a good spot away from the city centre. Your chances of getting the perfect Instagram pic can increase considerably if you join a local northern lights guide who knows the best lookout spots. In any case, never use flash when taking your pictures.
2. Check the forecast(s)
Remember to check the weather forecast (you want clear skies) and the aurora forecast (so you know when she’ll be dancing). Imagine sitting by a bonfire with a hot cup of coffee, ready to witness the greatest light show on earth – and then it starts to rain. Not your idea of a perfect evening, is it? Again, it might be wise to join a guided northern lights trip – the guides have first-hand knowledge of the local conditions.
For easy access on the go, download the northern lights forecast NorwayLights on your iPhone, Android, or Windows device.
3. Wear warm clothes
The winter in Northern Norway is cold. Shaky hands and frozen fingers are no use when you want to get a good picture, so bundle up in several layers of clothing. It doesn’t matter if it makes you look like the Michelin Man’s chubby cousin – aurora will be the star of your photo anyway.
Psst! If you visit in autumn, you might find the temperatures a bit more comfortable!
4. Keep your camera steady
Some blurry images may be artistic, but I guess that is not what you want here? Use a tripod, and your photos are less likely to look like they were taken after a few too many craft beers. If you don’t have a tripod, find a big rock, the bonnet of a car, or something else to keep your camera steady. A remote trigger or cable release can also come in handy.
5. Use manual settings if you have them
Yes, automatic settings make life easier, but they are not your friend when taking photos in the dark. Worst case scenario, the auroras won’t be visible in your photo at all!
The right camera settings for photographing northern lights vary with the time and location, and from camera to camera. Nevertheless, manual settings are always best. They allow you to adjust focus, shutter speed, ISO, and aperture. A good piece of advice is to familiarise yourself with your camera’s settings before you travel to increase your chances of getting that perfect aurora shot. Read more about camera settings in the fact box below.
6. How to photograph the auroras with a phone
Modern iPhones and Android phones can take surprisingly good photos of the northern lights using night mode or manual settings. Adjust the exposure and ISO to let in more light. Keep your phone steady on a tripod or solid surface to avoid getting blurry images. For the best results, turn off the flash and avoid using digital zoom.
Remember to bring a power bank! Batteries drain much faster in cold weather. To save power, it's also a good idea to shut down all your other apps and keep your phone in your pocket so it stays warm when you're not using it.
If your phone allows it, taking photos in RAW format will give you more flexibility when editing them afterwards.
The best conditions for photographing the northern lights with your phone are a bright moon, and sometimes, having a nicely lit building or object in the foreground really helps your shot pop!
The best time and place
Nature provides the lights, you have the camera, so now we are only missing the action. The best times and places to witness the magic are north of the Arctic Circle in late autumn and winter, as well as early spring (September to late March).
Check the local’s favourite viewpoints by yourself or join a guided tour before picking a spot.
Book nowOterenA Snowmobile excursion into the wilderness - evening tour with North Experience
We invite you to join us in a fun varied terrain snowmobile safari there where locals drive. You will get to explore a nature area outside of Tromsø. During our evening tour you might experience northern lights.
Book nowNord-lenangenNorthern Light snowmobile safari in the amazing LyngenAlps with XLyngen
Join a evening tour under the Northern Lights sky on a snowmobile adventure in the stunning surroundings of the Lyngen Alps. The tour begins with a ride towards the Lyngen Alps, where you will have the opportunity to drive yourself and experience the Arctic nature where mountains and fjords meet.
Book nowEvening Dogsledding and bonfire under the Lyngen Alps - Lyngen Safari
Join us for an exciting eveningtrip with dogsledding , bonfire and the possibility of experiencing the Northern Lights.You will be greeted by happy Alaskan Huskies, waiting for you to run and cuddle!The tour is on request only.
Go on a Northern lights cruise
If you want to see the aurora from the sea, book a trip with Hurtigrute or Havila. These iconic cruise ships sail directly beneath the auroral oval and even have a northern lights alarm to make sure you don’t miss the magic – even if you are sound asleep when aurora decides to go dancing!
Capture the polar light too
In the northernmost part of Norway, the polar night is characteristic of the winter months. The contrast between night and day gets blurred as weeks go by without the sun ever rising above the horizon.
But the polar night doesn’t mean you’re stuck without a glimmer of light during the day. Unless you visit the Svalbard islands, that is, where it is pitch black for a few weeks mid-winter.
In the mainland in Northern Norway, it's just a different kind of light. On clear days, you'll probably spend just as much time photographing the beautiful sunset colours in the south, and the magical, deep blue tint in the north.
During the 'blue hour' at twilight, the landscape is covered in what seems like a thin, blue veil. This can actually last for more than an hour and creates a unique atmosphere. It’s dark, yet not completely. It’s cold, yet the glow of lights from all the houses makes it warm and cosy. Definitely worth capturing with a camera!
Experience the aurora borealis
All about this incredible natural wonder in Norway.
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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
