The best places to see the Northern Lights in Norway

Witness the magical light show of nature, the Northern Lights in Norway are a must-see attraction for many tourists, as they mesmerize with their vibrant colors dancing in the sky.

Longyearbyen

Longyearbyen is located 900 kilometers north of mainland Norway and 1300 kilometers from the Arctic. It has a unique environment suitable for various activities related to the Northern Lights. During the polar night, the Northern Lights can even be seen at noon. Every October and February, the Northern Lights can be seen both day and night, with the daytime Northern Lights appearing blue.

North Cape

North Cape is a plateau with the highest cliff reaching an altitude of 307 meters, extending all the way to the sea. Standing on North Cape, you will feel extremely thrilling and exciting. You will be amazed by the stunning views of the Barents Sea and might even witness the spectacular Northern Lights. The North Cape plateau is located on Magerøya Island, at 71 degrees north latitude, and is a major attraction in the area, drawing numerous visitors. During this journey, tourists will enjoy the beautiful pristine natural scenery and experience the unique charm of the Arctic winter. The daylight here lasts only a few hours, and you might catch a glimpse of a few rays of sunlight on the horizon.

Varanger Peninsula

Varanger is located at the center of the so-called auroral oval, making it an excellent place to watch the Northern Lights when the weather is clear. When you can see the Northern Lights right at your doorstep, there's no need to drive two or three hours to find the best viewing spot. The lights from the small towns in the area won't spoil your viewing experience. In Varanger, there are various ways to watch the Northern Lights. You can ride a snowmobile, go snowshoeing, or take a boat. It's all up to you.

Alta

Alta is a modern city with a population of 20,000, located at 70 degrees north latitude in a well-protected, secluded valley covered with pine forests. The city is surrounded by Arctic tundra and mountains. Alta is situated directly under the auroral oval, with a stable inland climate and many clear weather days, making it possible to see the Northern Lights on most nights. In fact, the first modern research on the Northern Lights began here.

Tromsø

Tromsø is the largest city in northern Norway. Located near the 70th parallel north, it is surrounded by fjords, mountains, and islands, making it an ideal starting point for your Arctic adventure. Tromsø is situated in the center of the auroral oval, offering a high probability of witnessing the Northern Lights. While enjoying the Northern Lights, you can also participate in a range of exciting daytime activities such as dog sledding, whale watching, snowshoeing, or snowmobiling, making your Arctic journey even more memorable. You can also venture into nature to take selfies with local reindeer and sea eagles.

Lyngen

The 82-kilometer-long Lyngen Fjord is the core of this region, surrounded by blue glaciers, bottomless ravines, and the Lyngen Alps with a maximum altitude of 1833 meters. This place boasts beautiful scenery and offers many adventure and leisure activities, making it a popular destination for tourists and Northern Lights observers. The transportation is also more convenient than you might think.

Vesterålen Islands

Visit the Vesterålen Islands and encounter whales, seals, and seabirds that inhabit the area. The tranquil Vesterålen Islands are located north of the Lofoten Islands. Here, you can experience a rich fishing culture, appreciate interesting artworks, and enjoy a prime location to witness the spectacular Northern Lights.

Bodø

Bodø's geographical environment is uniquely distinctive, with ever-changing auroras, making it a popular vacation destination for photography enthusiasts and nature lovers.

Haigeland

Haigeland is located within the Arctic Circle and is a serene and secluded winter holiday destination. Here, you can experience the local lifestyle and cuisine, try various outdoor adventure activities, and witness the incredible winter Northern Lights.