Northernlights Norway: a guide to the best viewing spots

Introduction to Northern Lights in Norway

Norway, a country known for its dramatic landscapes of fjords, mountains, and pristine coastal areas, offers some of the best places on Earth to witness the Northern Lights. This natural phenomenon, also known as the Aurora Borealis, transforms the night sky into a vibrant canvas of colorful light, providing an unforgettable experience to those lucky enough to view it. This guide provides detailed insight into the best spots to see the Northern Lights in Norway, local tips, and how to maximize your chances of witnessing this celestial spectacle.

Understanding the Northern Lights

The Northern Lights are caused by solar particles interacting with the Earth’s atmosphere. The intensity and visibility of this interaction are higher near the magnetic poles, making northern Norway an ideal location for viewing. These dancing lights are most prominent in the winter months, from late September to early April, when the nights are long and dark. Clear skies and minimal light pollution are essential for the best viewing experience, which Norway offers in abundance.

Tromsø: The Gateway to the Arctic

Tromsø, often referred to as the « Gateway to the Arctic, » is one of the most popular destinations for Northern Lights enthusiasts. Located 350 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle, Tromsø offers excellent aurora viewing opportunities along with a myriad of winter activities.

Best Viewing Spots in Tromsø:

• Prestvannet Lake: Just a short walk or bus ride from the city center, this lake is a great spot due to its elevation and minimal light pollution.
• Telegrafbukta Beach: A picturesque coastal spot, offering a clear view of the horizon and the night sky.
• Ersfjorden: Just a 20-minute drive from Tromsø, this fjord provides a stunning natural backdrop for the aurora.

Alta: The City of the Northern Lights

Alta is another prime location for viewing the Northern Lights. Known as the « City of the Northern Lights, » Alta has a rich history of Northern Lights research and offers various activities designed to enhance the aurora experience.

Best Viewing Spots in Alta:

• Alta Observatory: Located on Mount Haldde, this observatory is historically significant and offers a brilliant vantage point.
• Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel: This unique ice hotel provides a magical setting for aurora viewing right from your doorstep.
• Komsatoppen: A short hike up this mountain rewards you with a panoramic view of Alta and the shimmering auroras above.

The Lyngen Alps: A Scenic Wilderness

The Lyngen Alps, located to the east of Tromsø, offer a remote and picturesque setting for Northern Lights viewing. This area is renowned for its unspoiled nature and dramatic landscapes, providing an ideal backdrop for the aurora borealis.

Best Viewing Spots in the Lyngen Alps:

• Lyngseidet: The main village in the Lyngen Alps offers stunning views of the mountains and fjords, ideal for Northern Lights photography.
• Svensby: A ferry ride from Breivikeidet, this quaint village is perfect for a serene aurora experience.
• Blåvatnet: A relatively easy hike leads to this striking blue lake, providing an enchanting setting for the Northern Lights.

Lofoten Islands: A Dreamy Arctic Archipelago

The Lofoten Islands are famous for their scenic beauty and picturesque fishing villages, making them a coveted destination for Northern Lights chasers. The islands’ rugged landscapes and remote location enhance the aurora-watching experience.

Best Viewing Spots in the Lofoten Islands:

• Hamnøy: This iconic fishing village offers beautiful vistas, with red cabins and dramatic peaks providing a perfect foreground for the Northern Lights.
• Henningsvær: Known as the Venice of Lofoten, the charming village provides excellent viewing spots along its many bridges and islands.
• Å: The last village on the Lofoten archipelago’s main road provides a remote and tranquil setting for aurora viewing.

Tips for Viewing the Northern Lights

Here are some practical tips to improve your chances of seeing the Northern Lights in Norway:

• Check the Aurora Forecast: Websites like the Norwegian Meteorological Institute offer real-time aurora forecasts, helping you plan your outings.
• Stay Away from Light Pollution: Head to remote areas outside city limits where artificial light doesn’t interfere with the natural glow.
• Dress Warmly: Northern Norway can be extremely cold in winter, so dressing in layers, with thermals, windproof gear, and insulated boots is essential for an enjoyable experience.
• Be Patient: The Northern Lights are unpredictable. Be prepared to wait and bring activities to keep yourself occupied while you wait.
• Photography Tips: Use a tripod, set your camera to a high ISO, and use a wide aperture to capture the best photos of the Northern Lights.

Photography Tips For Capturing the Northern Lights

Capturing the sheer beauty of the Northern Lights on camera requires some preparation. Here are some tips to help you take the perfect shot:

• Use a Tripod: Ensuring your camera is steady is crucial for long exposure shots necessary to capture the Northern Lights.
• Manual Settings: Set your camera to manual mode, using a wide aperture (f/2.8 or wider) and a high ISO setting (800-3200), with a shutter speed between 5 and 25 seconds depending on the activity level of the lights.
• Focus: Manually focus your lens to infinity. Use live view and zoom in on a distant star to get the sharpest focus.
• Composition: Include interesting foreground elements like mountains, trees, or water to provide context and scale to your aurora images.
• Remote Shutter Release: Use a remote or the camera’s built-in timer to avoid camera shake during long exposures.

Local Experiences Enhancing Your Aurora Hunt

While the Northern Lights are the focal point of any winter trip to Norway, engaging in local experiences can enrich your overall journey. Here are some activities to consider:

• Dog Sledding: Experience the thrill of mushing your own team of huskies through the snowy wilderness, an adventure often combined with aurora hunting tours.
• Snowmobile Safaris: Ride through remote snowy landscapes, sometimes under the aurora-lit skies, providing speed, excitement, and unique access to off-the-beaten-path locations.
• Reindeer Sledding: Learn about the indigenous Sami culture by going on a reindeer sledding tour and perhaps catch the Northern Lights while bundled warmly under furs.
• Ice Fishing: A quintessential Arctic experience, ice fishing can be done day or night, and you might even see the Northern Lights reflecting on the ice-hole.

Conclusion

Experiencing the Northern Lights in Norway is an unparalleled adventure, offering breathtaking sights and a profound connection with nature. With its array of prime viewing spots and a rich assortment of local activities, Norway stands out as one of the best destinations in the world to witness this natural wonder. Whether you’re standing at the edge of a fjord in Tromsø, climbing a mountain in Alta, or relaxing in a traditional fishing village in the Lofoten Islands, the magic of the aurora borealis is sure to leave an indelible mark on your memory.