Northern Lights in Norway is one of the most amazing sights on Earth. The dance of “green lights” in the night sky is unforgettable.
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Where to see the Northern Lights?
When I was planning a trip, I was looking for the best place to see the northern lights in Europe. Aurora can be seen everywhere in Scandinavia, but in the end I chose Norway. Beautiful landscapes, a relatively mild climate and a well-developed infrastructure.
In this short article I will tell you how to see the Northern Lights in Norway.
First of all, you must find the best place and time to see the Northern Lights.
The best time to see the Northern Lights in Norway
October to March is the best time to see the northern lights.
Darkness is a must for Aurora to see. In northern Norway, the autumn and winter months have more hours of darkness. In summer it is not possible to see the northern lights because there are midnight sun and light around the clock in northern Norway.
Not all winter months are equally good for observing northern lights in Norway. But you’ll see it anyway.
The strongest activity (KP index) of the Northern Lights was in October and early March. The Northern Lights in Norway can be seen from 8 to 9 pm.
August to October. The Northern Lights can be seen from the end of August. But its intensity is not strong and the night is still very short. In October, everything changes. October is one of the best months to see the Aurora.
November is December. It’s not a good time to visit Norway. The weather is terrible, with long rains and storms.
January to March. From early February to mid-March is the best time to visit Norway and take pictures of the Northern Lights. The day is getting longer. There are more sunny days and less rainfall.
End of March to April. By the end of March there is less and less opportunity to observe Northern Lights. This is due to the fact that the days are getting longer. I’m not sure you can see it in April. NORTHERN LIGHTS
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Where to see the Northern Lights in Norway
Northern Norway is the best place to see the northern lights. It has the lowest control and the best chance of seeing Aurora. Of course, you can see it in the south of Oslo. But your chances are much less and the intensity of the Northern Lights should be high.
The best place to see the Northern Lights in Norway
- Lofoten Islands: The best place to see the Northern Lights in Norway. I wrote in detail about shooting in my guide.
- Senja: The second best area for observing the Northern Lights is the island of Senja in Norway. There are not many places here as on the Lofoten Islands, but the fjords and beaches will be a good place to watch Aurora.
- Tromsø: If you arrived in Norway at the international airport at Tromsø, it is a good starting point to see Aurora.
- Alta: A city located at 70º latitude is the capital of the Northern Lights in Norway. Unlike the Lofoten Islands and Senja, there are hotels specializing in the Northern Lights. You can stop at the igloo and watch the Aurora from your hotel room.
- Nord Cape: If you reached Nord Cape in the winter, it will be unforgettable. Watch Aurora on the edge of the world at 71º latitude.
- Svalbard: The northernmost part of Norway. 81º latitude. You will see the Northern Lights but what will you do next. In winter, the sun does not rise in Svalbard for several months. Very cold. This is a good choice if you are planning a winter Arctic trip, dog sledding and watching polar bears.
- Oslo: Although Oslo is located in the south of Norway, you can see the Northern Lights in Oslo in winter if there is a very strong solar storm. But it will be less intense.
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Aurora Forecast in Norway
The Aurora Forecast in Norway is a very necessary tool for you. You should not miss the chance to see the northern lights. Maybe it is better to stay home or spend half the night at the seaside.
Fortunately, you can use the Aurora Forecast online. The forecast does not give a full guarantee that you will see the Northern Lights, but it is accurate enough.
You will be informed of the time and intensity of the northern lights and will be ready to go.
Aurora Forecast resources
You can watch the forecast of the Northern Lights online. All you need is the Internet.
SPACE WEATHER PREDICTION CENTER
Look at the weather forecast!
Even if there is a strong solar storm but the sky is covered with clouds, your chances of seeing the Northern Lights are zero. However, the weather in Norway is very fickle and you should not despair, even if it rains.
Read More NIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY SETTINGS
Northern Lights tours in Norway
Northern Lights tours are the best way to see Aurora. There are many Northern Lights tours in Norway.
You can take the Northern Lights tour anywhere: to Tromsø, Lofoten Islands, Senja, etc.
Tromsø
Most Northern Lights tours are in Tromsø.
Ride a reindeer and see the Northern Lights
And of course, pay attention to the Tromsø Ice Domes Hotel Overnight Stay. It's not necessary to spend the night here, but you won't be left without amazing selfies for your Instagram.
Lofoten Islands
Lofoten is a very popular place. Lofoten is one of the most beautiful places on Earth and everyone wants to see it.
Northern Lights Tours in Lofoten Islands
If your goal is up to your photography skills, I invite you to my weekly photo tours on the Lofoten Islands. During the week we will be focused on the 'hunting' for the Northern Lights.
Kanika Bakshi says
I was planning for a solo trip to Norway to see the Northern Lights and I wanted to have proper knowledge about it so I decided to do my research work and came across this article and I found it really helpful and informative, keep posting such informative articles, I really appreciate it.
maratstepanoff says
Thank you!