How to find a northern lights tour in Norway

Norway is one of the best places in the world to see the aurora borealis, or northern lights. It’s consistently underneath what’s known as the auroral oval, where activity is most concentrated. And the country’s vast, untouched landscapes and minimal light pollution provide ideal conditions for seeing the lights. 

Learn more about where and how to experience the northern lights in Norway.

What you’ll learn:

• Prime locations in Norway for northern lights viewing include Tromso, Alta and Svalbard.

• The best time to see the northern lights in Norway is generally between 11 p.m. and 2 a.m., September through March. 

• There are lots of different ways to experience the northern lights in Norway, from cruises and dog sledding to snowshoeing tours.

• Capital One travel credit cards can elevate your trip with flexible rewards, smart tools and travel benefits.

The northern lights are a natural phenomenon that illuminates the night sky with vibrant colors from green to purple. Norway is one of the best places in the world to see them. But there are still things you can do to maximize your chances.

Some of the top locations in Norway for consistent aurora viewing include:

• Tromso: Also known as the Capital of the Arctic, Tromso is a popular and accessible base for northern lights viewing. It’s in the center of the auroral oval, which ensures a high probability of sightings.

• Lofoten Islands: This picturesque archipelago offers a scenic backdrop for the aurora and the possibility of seeing its reflection in the sea.

• Kirkenes: Located in the far northeast, Kirkenes typically experiences more than 200 aurora nights per year.

• Alta: Home to the world’s first northern lights observatory, Alta offers good accessibility and stable weather conditions.

• North Cape (Nordkapp): Europe’s northernmost point provides a dramatic and remote setting for an Arctic adventure.

• Svalbard: In its perpetual winter darkness, this remote archipelago offers a unique opportunity to see the aurora even during the day.

For the northern lights to occur at all, the atmospheric conditions have to be just right. And even then, you can’t always see them. Following these general guidelines can offer your best chance of catching the northern lights in Norway.

• Time of year: Aurora season runs from late September to late March. The peak season, November through February, offers the longest and darkest nights. 

• Time of day: Clear skies, away from city lights, significantly improve visibility. The darkest hours, typically between 11 p.m. and 2 a.m., are often most favorable.

You can always chase the northern lights on your own. But organized northern lights tours in Norway are designed to give tourists the best possible viewing experience. They might offer these benefits:

• Comfort: Given the Arctic weather, many tours offer practical benefits to enhance your comfort. These might include access to warm shelters, such as traditional Sami tents or heated cabins, where you can warm up between skygazing sessions. Hot meals and beverages, like local stews or hot chocolate, may be included. Tours may provide specialized thermal suits, gloves and boots, ensuring you stay warm and dry outdoors for extended periods.

• Knowledgeable guides: Experienced aurora hunters with a deep understanding of local weather and aurora forecasts can strategically choose the best viewing spots, often away from city lights, and share fascinating facts about the aurora’s science, local history and the unique culture of the region. They can also offer tips for aurora photography.

• Customization: You can choose a tour size and activity pace that suits you. Larger bus tours may be more budget-friendly. Private tours can tailor their itineraries to your interests.

• Other activities: Some tours combine evening aurora viewing with a daytime activity, like wildlife spotting.

Norway offers a wide range of northern lights tours, each providing a unique way to experience the Arctic landscape and the aurora borealis. Here are a few.

Snowmobile safaris are an exhilarating way to hunt for the northern lights. Guides take you through vast, snow-covered landscapes, across frozen lakes or through forests, with stops for viewing and photography. Safety briefings and warm gear are often provided. These tours are popular in regions like Tromso, Alta and Kirkenes. 

Experiencing the northern lights from the serene waters of Norway’s iconic fjords can be magical and tranquil. Cruises can range from short evening excursions to multiday voyages along the coast. They provide an escape from light pollution and offer unobstructed sky views, with the calm water creating stunning reflections of the aurora. Boats often have warm indoor viewing areas and open decks, with amenities like hot drinks and dinner. Some cruises might also offer daytime wildlife spotting.

Bus or minibus tours are a popular, flexible and accessible way to chase the northern lights. They can be highly adaptable so that the guides can choose the viewing locations based on real-time weather and aurora forecasts. Vehicles range from comfortable coaches to smaller minibuses. They typically depart from major hubs like Tromso, Alta and Kirkenes and head into the wilderness for clear skies. 

Dog sledding tours often take place in remote areas with minimal light pollution. Dog sledding is popular in northern Norway, around Tromso, Alta and Kirkenes. You can meet the huskies, learn about their training and sometimes even drive your own team. Tours usually last a few hours and might include a warm meal around a campfire.

Small group and private tours can provide a higher level of service than larger tours, including photography assistance and premium gear. Small group tours may allow for more personalized interaction with the guide and greater flexibility in choosing viewing locations. Guides may also be able to cater to specific interests like photography.

With a private tour, the itinerary can focus entirely on your preferences. You can have exclusive access to the guide’s expertise and the freedom to decide where and when to go. 

According to Sami tradition, the northern lights, or “guovssahas,” are sacred and powerful, believed to be the energy of souls or animal spirits. You can immerse yourself in the rich culture of the indigenous Sami people while hunting for the northern lights. 

Reindeer are central to Sami life, and many cultural experiences involve interacting with them. Tours often begin at a Sami camp, where you can learn about their nomadic way of life and feed the reindeer. Tours typically include warm beverages, traditional Sami food and storytelling around a fire. They may also feature gentle reindeer sledding under the night sky.

You can spend the night under the northern lights in special accommodations like an igloo with a glass roof, a Sami lavvu or tent, or a transparent cabin. 

Photography tours can provide hands-on guidance on camera settings, composition and techniques for capturing stunning images. They often include transportation to dark viewing spots and provide tripods.

These guided tours take you silently through the snowy landscape, with the aurora potentially illuminating your path. They offer a peaceful and meditative way to enjoy the Arctic night.

Some packages offer ice fishing on a frozen lake, perhaps in a heated hut, while viewing the northern lights.

Expedition-style cruises sail the fjords, combining daytime scenic sightseeing with evening opportunities for aurora spotting.

From adventurous snowmobile safaris and culturally rich Sami encounters to serene boat cruises through the majestic fjords and intimate small group excursions, there’s a Norway northern lights tour tailored to every traveler’s desires. 

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