Chase the Northern Lights in Norway

The Arctic sky awakens as the Northern Lights swirl in vivid shades of green, pink, and violet.

In Norway’s remote landscapes the aurora borealis puts on a show like no other, untouched by artificial light.

This isn’t just a sight; it’s nature’s own fireworks.

But what is this phenomenon?

For centuries, people have looked up at the night sky, mesmerized by the northern lights, weaving myths about their origins. Today, we know it's a cosmic dance—charged particles from the sun colliding with our atmosphere, painting the sky in green, red, and purple.

But long before we understood the physics, myths and legends tried to explain this otherworldly glow. From Sami warnings to Chinese fertility beliefs, the northern lights have sparked stories across cultures for centuries.

Curious about these ancient tales? Dive into our in-depth article to uncover the folklore behind the aurora!

Photo by Steffen Fossbakk | Visit Norway

When to see the Northern Lights

Thanks to Norway’s perfect location under the auroral oval, its one of the best places on earth to witness the magic of the northern lights. From late september to march, the long Arctic nights create the perfect stage for the aurora to dance across the sky.

And here’s the exciting part – there’s never been a better time to go!

We’re entering a peak in solar activity, meaning the northern lights are stronger and more frequent than they’ve been in over a decade. From now until 2026, expect amazing displays lighting up the Arctic sky like never before.

Photo by Steffen Fossbakk | Visit Norway

Northern Lights guide: month-by-month

But even with increased activity, timing still matters! Wondering when to go?
Check out our Northern Lights Guide for a month-by-month breakdown of the best times to see the aurora.

Photo by Bob Engelsen | Fjord Travel Norway

Where can you see the northern lights ?

See all destinations

the cathedral of Alta with northern lights dancing on the sky — The Northern Lights Cathedral in Alta.
Photo by Ina-Cristine Helljesen

Alta - experience the authentic life in the Arctic

Alta emerges as Norway's rising winter destination, where vast arctic plains meet intimate experiences in a setting that favors authenticity over crowds. While the town itself keeps a modest scale, everything else here exists on nature's grand canvas - from the sweeping Finnmark plateau to the endless arctic sky.

The striking Northern Lights Cathedral stands as a modern tribute to Alta's scientific heritage, as this was home to the world's first northern lights observatory, strategically placed where sea meets plateau creating unique atmospheric conditions that often yield clear skies - perfect for aurora viewing.

Want to explore Alta's untamed beauty and authentic Arctic life? Find out more about the destination and our Alta experience below!

Northern lights dancing on the sky above the city of Tromsø — Tromsø has established itself as a leading northern lights destination.

Tromsø - urban pulse in the Arctic

Northern Norway is one of the world's premier destinations for experiencing the aurora borealis, with Tromsø standing out as one of the top destinations for aurora hunting.

In Tromsø, Arctic life meets international flair, and the city have a great urban energy to it. Despite the city being small in international terms, you find plenty of restaurants, bars and cultural offerings due to its position as a safe destination for experiencing the Northern Lights.

The airport is well-connected and is a natural gateway to northern Norway and the Arctic realm. You can read more about Tromsø and our offers by clicking on the link below.

Northern lights dancing over red fishing huts in Lofoten — Few things beat the combination of northern lights and rorbuer

Lofoten Islands - Norway's island bridge to the Atlantic

While the nature of Lofoten draws influencers in the summer like seagulls to a freshly caught cod, these legendary islands cast an equally powerful spell in the winter. Stretching westward into the Atlantic like nature's own viewing platform, Lofoten offers pristine conditions for northern lights hunting.

With an uninterrupted northern horizon where the aurora can dance freely above fishing villages and mirror-calm harbors.

Want to experience Lofoten beyond the Instagram fame? Discover why these islands captivate travelers year-round in the link below.

Northern lights above the Snowhotel in Kirkenes — The Snowhotel in Kirkenes. Photo by NTC

Kirkenes - gateway to the Barents Region and High North

Kirkenes writes its own unique chapter in the north. Here, where king crabs rule the local cuisine and the freezing cold demands its own survival strategies - like keeping car engines running during quick shopping trips to prevent batteries from dying.

Visitors discover a corner of Norway that feels wonderfully foreign even to Norwegians themselves. Kirkenes is both the start and end point of the historic coastal route that connects Kirkenes with the rest of the coast down to Bergen.

Curious about life where Norway's coastal route ends and arctic adventures begin? Learn more about Kirkenes's authentic experiences below.

Man looking at the Northern lights above Bergen — In 2025 and 2026, the northern lights activity is high!
Photo by Foap | VisitNorway.com

Norway's light show moves south in 2025 and 2026

With the recent increase in solar activity, the northern lights have become even more intense, and occasionally appearing further south in Norway.

On particularly strong nights, regions that normally see fewer auroras, such as Trondheim, Bergen, and even Oslo, can experience nature’s most mesmerizing light show.

See all our destinations

Life under the Northern Lights

Meet Trond who works as a Northern Lights guide and spends most of his time searching for the auroras. Join him on an unforgettable adventure as he shares his passion, expertise, and the magic of the Arctic night.

Video by Emil Trier / One Big Happy Family / Visit Norway

Check out our handpicked Northern Lights tours and make your dream of seeing the auroras a reality!

Northern lights tours with Hurtigruten or Havila Voyages

View all trips

The exterior of the Snowhotel in Kirkenes

Start from: Oslo

Ship from Havila Voyages

Start from: Oslo

View of Tromsø seen from Fjellheisen

Start from: Oslo

Ship from Havila sailing under the Northern Lights

Start from: Oslo

Northern lights tours in Tromsø and Kirkenes

View all trips

northern lights above the city of Tromsø

Start from: Tromsø

Northern lights dancing on the sky above the city of Tromsø

Start from: Oslo

Northern lights chasing with dog sled in Kirkenes

Start from: Oslo

The Snowhotel in Kirkenes

Start from: Oslo

Our most authentic and raw Northern Lights experience

Chase the Northern Lights at 70 degrees north

Questions about our tours?

Message

Send us a message

Phone

Available 08:30 - 15:00 Mon-Fri.
+47 55 13 13 10

Email

[email protected]