Every year, the sky in Northern Norway above the Arctic Circle turns into a myriad of dancing colours, mesmerising those watching. Tour the Aurora begins as early as September, and you can enjoy front-row seats throughout the season!
Experience the greatest light show on earth
It's showtime!
Would you like to experience the greatest light show on earth? The next few years are predicted to be especially good for those chasing the spectacular northern lights (but don't worry, there will be PLENTY of auroras in the following years as well!).
“We expect to reach a new peak in 2025.”
"The activity of the sun controls the activity of the northern lights. The sun constantly emits charged particles. Sometimes there are solar storms that emit even more of these particles. Right now, the sun is approaching a new solar maximum, when there is much more activity than usual. There are 11 years between such peaks, and we expect to reach a new peak in 2025," says Pål Brekke, Head of Space Research at the Norwegian Space Agency.
Increased solar activity also maximises your chances of seeing the northern lights in more parts of the country.
Get the very best experience
The greatest light show on earth is not ordinary show, where you can simply appear and know that the diva herself, Lady Aurora, will do the same. She is a shy diva, but don't worry.
Luckily, there are plenty of local, skilful guides who can maximise your chances of witnessing this spectacular phenomenon. With local knowledge, comfortable transportation, and hot beverages, local Aurora whisperers will ensure that you will have an even more immersive experience.
About the northern lights
What is the aurora?
The lights are created from a collision between electrically charged particles from the sun entering the upper atmosphere of the earth.
Why does the aurora move?
This collision emits lights in the sky that appear to 'dance' in an ever-changing pattern across the sky.
Where can we see the aurora?
The aurora is mostly seen in a belt around the magnetic north pole. This auroral zone passes over northern Scandinavia, Iceland, the southern tip of Greenland, Alaska, and Canada.
What are the best months to see it?
Statistically, spring (March/April) and autumn (September/October) have the highest level of activity. However, you can see it from October through March.
What is the best time to see it?
Peak time is between 11 PM and 2 AM.
Is the aurora more visible on cold nights?
The aurora occurs above the altitude of clouds. On cold nights, the sky tends to be clearer, making it easier to see the lights. However, cold nights and clear skies alone are not the only factors determining the visibility of the northern lights. Other factors, such as geomagnetic activity, light pollution, and local weather conditions, can also influence visibility.
No luck? No worries!
Northern Norway has so much more to offer! There is always something on, both indoors and outdoors. The unique culture scene north of the ordinary will blow you away. No matter if you are a foodie, culture lover, avid museum goer, or simply want to dance the night away, Northern Norway will give you the experience of a lifetime!
Northern cities, including Tromsø and Bodø, the European capital of culture in 2024, have vibrant cultural scenes with concerts and festivals all year round.
An active holiday
In addition, just being out in the raw and wild nature can be a life changing experience in itself. Go dog sledding, have a close encounter with reindeer, meet the Sami people, feast on king crab, go whale watching or join a guided snowshoe trip. You can even stay in an ice hotel or cabin with a glass roof!
One of the most comfortable ways to experience the auroras are from a front row seat onboard a Hurtigruten or Havila cruise. They even have a northern lights guarantee!
See popular northern lights destinations below.
Enjoy the show from the front row
Experience the northern lights in Ausvika, just outside the centre of Bodø, in these unique and comfortable aurora chairs by local designer Sander Kommedahl!
The greatest light show on earth - Front row seats
The greatest light show on earth - Explore the Arctic
Book a northern light adventure
Chase the northern lights and the get best offers from our partners.
- 4+ Days ・ September - MarchBook now
Short 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 now
Northern 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 now
Aurora 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 now
Magical 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 now
Tromsø 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 now
Tromsø 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 now
Autumn 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 now
Lofoten & 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 now
Fjords & 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 now
Aurora 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 now
Unique 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 now
Lavvo 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 now
Holiday 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 now
Sami 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 now
Northern 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 now
Lofoten 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
Want to learn more about the northern lights?
Here's everything you need to know.
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