Dazzling light festivals in Norway

Elvelangs .
Photo: Ruben Kjærbo, Maverix / Visit Norway

Let there be light!

Heart shaped lights .
Photo: Marcus Wilter, Maverix Media / Visit Norway

It's time to celebrate, and what better way to do it then with lights, art, and music!

Whale of light .
Photo: Miriam Haug, Midtbyen Management

Welcome to a luminous festival experience!

Fjord Oslo Light art festival .
Photo: Kenneth Sporsheim / Fjord Oslo

Norway is home to a number of light art festivals that celebrate the unique culture and landscape of the region. Come explore light festivals in Norway as they brighten up the darkest nights of the year.

Start exploring

In winter, the days grow shorter and the light starts to fade, creating the perfect atmosphere for cultural enlightenment and setting an inspiring scene for the lighter days to come.

Lights have been a very important element in many festivals, even before the discovery of electricity. Lighting lamps or lanterns was a significant part of celebrations. Many light festivals around the world have been illuminating communities year after year for centuries. Lights and fireworks not only dispel darkness, they also hold different meanings in different cultures.

Light is celebrated in many ways all over Norway. Check out our most luminous festivals!

Polar Night

The polar night is a natural phenomenon that occurs in winter north of the Arctic Circle and correspondingly south of the Antarctic Circle.

During this period of the year, the sun's path passes entirely below the horizon, even when it is at its highest.

Light art at FjordOslo 2022.
Photo: Antero Hein / FjordOslo

Fjord Oslo Festival of Light Art

Fjord Oslo is a free light art festival that transforms the harbour promenade in Oslo into an outdoor exhibition of light, open to everyone.

It's the biggest light art festival in Norway. By bringing together an exciting program of renowned artists from around the world, this annual celebration provides a broad exploration of light art. Experience everything from projections on landmark buildings to intimate installations, site-specific light sculptures, and immersive video work. Fjord Oslo introduces locals and visitors alike to some of the best light art in the world.

People looking at light art at FjordOslo light art festival 2022 in Oslo

FjordOslo light art festival 2022.
Photo: Antero Hein / FjordOslo

Fjord Oslo takes place annually on the first Thursday to Sunday in November in the centre of Oslo, with works at Tjuvholmen, Aker Brygge, Rådhusplassen by City Hall, and Akershusstranda by Akershus Fortress.

Lumagica

Lumagica light festival .
Photo: Miriam Haug, Midtbyen Management

A magical route

The Lumagica Light Park in Trondheim guides you through a magical route where you pass over 40 unique and spectacular light installations. Each installation is a light show in itself, and several of them are interactive. There is the option of good food, as well as hot and cold drinks, in the park.

The park an excellent place to bring your family, colleagues, friends, or someone special for a magical and unforgettable evening of light art, music, and good food and drinks. Lumagica is located at Kristiansten Fortress in Trondheim and also has a sister park in Bergen.

Four pictures of different light arts at Lumagica in Trondheim

Lumagica light festival.
Photo: Miriam Haug, Midtbyen Management

Lumagica is open from the end of January to the end of February. Entry is free for children under the age of 4, and family tickets are available at a discount.

Geiranger Light art festival.
Photo: Fredrik Ahlsen, Maverix / Visitnorway.com

Geiranger Light Art Festival

Geiranger Light Art Festival is a unique experience that transforms Geiranger into a large-scale, outdoor light art landscape. A magical atmosphere with light art in natural surroundings creates a powerful and inclusive experience of art, light, and nature in one of the most spectacular destinations in Norway.

Three images showing the light art festival in Geiranger

Geiranger light art festival.
Photo: Fredrik Ahlsen, Maverix / Visitnorway.com

The festival normally takes place on the last weekend of February. Admission is free and the event is suitable for children and adults of all ages.

Elvelangs in Oslo

Acrobatics .
Photo: Marcus Wilter, Maverix / Visit Norway

A splendid walk by the river

If you find yourself in Oslo during the autumn equinox, then you should definitely check out Elvelangs!

This light art walk stretches all the way from Nordre Aker in the north all the way down to the city centre. Stroll alongside the Akerselva river, where the electric lights have all been replaced with thousands of torches, and you can experience a variety of dance, music, and light art on the way. The event is entirely free, and you can choose to walk the entire distance, or just check out one part.

Three different shows and installments at Elvelangs in Oslo

Elvelangs.
Photo: Marcus Wilter, Maverix / Visit Norway

There are several main stages where you can stop and stay for a while and enjoy bigger shows, or find your own favourite along the river.

There are even more light festivals and smaller events in Norway that celebrate light. Check local listings for more details!

Åmot bridge .
Photo: Marcus Wilter, Maverix / Visit Norway

Don't miss!

Bergen Lights – enjoy a magical outdoor light journey along the harbour at the end of March.

Lighten // UP // North – the city of Tromsø, the polar night, and the snow combine to create the perfect backdrop to this unique and inclusive festival held on the third week of November.

Geiranger light art festival .
Photo: Fredrik Ahlsen, Maverix / Visitnorway.com