The Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis, are a breathtaking natural phenomenon that enchants people worldwide. Lofoten is among the best places in Norway to witness and especially photograph this celestial dance. Have you ever wondered when is the best time to see the beautiful Northern Lights in Lofoten? Many people think they can only be seen in winter, but that’s not true!
This article will guide you on when and how to experience the magic of the Northern Lights in Lofoten. 🌌🌟
Hi guys, Radka and Ivar here! 👫
For those who do not know us, we are the faces behind the Guide to Lofoten page.
There have been many articles written about the northern lights. Yet, there are still many misconceptions about this beautiful natural phenomenon. Every day, we answer questions about the northern lights in our Facebook travel groups: “Are they visible in September, October, November? Can I still see them in March, etc.?”
Unfortunately, we still see incorrect or confusing answers among the responses, even from locals.
Moreover, most of the articles on the web focus on popular tourist destinations like Tromsø, and the articles about the northern lights in Lofoten usually target professional photographers.
So, what makes our article different?
We aimed to write this for regular tourists who are thinking about experiencing the northern lights in Lofoten.
This marks the first article of many, as we aim not to burden you with too much information right from the beginning.
Stay tuned for more insights on the northern lights to come!
From Lofoten with love,
Radka and Ivar 💙
PS: Most of the pictures in this article are taken by our friend and an amazing photographer, Martin Kulhavy. 📸
The northern lights, also known as the aurora borealis, are a stunning natural phenomenon caused by solar particles from the Sun.
The Aurora Borealis occurs when charged particles, mainly electrons, and protons, from the Sun’s solar wind collide with gases in Earth’s atmosphere, primarily oxygen and nitrogen.
These collisions result in photons (light particles) emission at various wavelengths, producing the beautiful light displays we see.
This is one of the best videos we’ve seen that explains how the northern lights are created.
The Northern Lights can only be seen near the Earth’s magnetic poles. They are usually visible between 60 and 75 degrees of latitude in an oval-shaped area known as the aurora oval, which encircles the magnetic poles.
The size and shape of the auroral oval are dynamic as it is influenced by various factors, particularly solar activity and the Earth’s magnetic field. It can vary depending on the strength of solar winds, geomagnetic storms, and the Sun’s overall activity.
The auroral oval’s dynamic nature allows it to stretch beyond its typical boundaries, creating a stunning spectacle of the Northern Lights visible at lower latitudes than usual.
When solar activity is high or during intense geomagnetic storms, the auroras can extend far from the magnetic poles, providing people in regions that don’t typically experience them, like Oslo, Bergen, or areas in Norway south of the polar circle, with a rare opportunity to witness this mesmerizing dance of lights.
Northern Norway: Norway’s northern regions, like Tromsø, are popular destinations for Northern Lights enthusiasts due to their optimal viewing conditions.
Northern Sweden: Abisko National Park in Sweden is renowned for its clear skies and favorable conditions for Northern Lights viewing. Its location within a rain shadow helps reduce cloud cover.
Northern Finland: Finnish Lapland, including areas like Rovaniemi, can have fewer cloudy nights than other locations, providing excellent opportunities for Northern Lights sightings.
Iceland: Iceland is located close to the Arctic Circle, which means it falls within the auroral oval—an area with a higher likelihood of Northern Lights sightings.
Canada: Parts of Canada, particularly the Yukon, Northwest Territories, and certain areas in Alberta, offer fantastic Northern Lights viewing.
Alaska, USA: Certain regions in Alaska, particularly Fairbanks, are known for their relatively clear skies and consistent Northern Lights displays.
First of all, before we address if you can see northern lights in Lofoten Islands, we should define where the Lofoten Islands are and provide some insights into their geography.
Lofoten is an island chain in Nordland along the north side of Vestfjorden. One common misconception about the Lofoten Islands is their geographical extent.
While people often think that the entire island chain from Bodø to Tromsø is part of the Lofoten Islands, it is, in fact, only the westernmost portion that is considered Lofoten.
Geographically, Lofoten extends from Røst Island in the southwest to Raftsundet strait in the northeast that, separates the islands of Hinnøya and Austvågøya. The islands north and east of Lofoten form the Vesterålen archipelago, while the area further east towards Narvik is known as Ofoten.
The Lofoten Islands consist of four main islands: Austvågøya, Vestvågøya, Flakstadøya, and Moskenesøya. In addition, several smaller islands belong to Lofoten.
So now that you know what Lofoten is, let us tell you that Lofoten is a fantastic place to see the Northern Lights. Lofoten’s breathtaking landscapes and almost no light pollution make it an ideal location to watch and photograph this incredible natural phenomenon.
However, while planning a trip to Lofoten to see the Northern Lights can be an extraordinary experience, there are some potential drawbacks to remember, mainly related to the weather.
Lofoten’s weather can be pretty unpredictable, particularly during the winter months when the Northern Lights are active. Cloud cover and frequent snowfall can often obstruct the view of the auroras, making it challenging to catch a glimpse of this inspiring natural spectacle.
Furthermore, the geography of Lofoten, characterized by its narrow and rugged islands, poses limitations on the options for traveling in search of clearer skies.
However, Lofoten’s unique geographical features also contribute to its diverse microclimates. While clouds might obscure the southern coast, the northern region could have clear skies, and vice versa. This distinct climate variability allows for finding pockets of clear skies if you know where to seek them.
To answer this question, we need to delve more into the geography of the Lofoten Islands. Let’s explore the distinctions between Eastern Lofoten (Vestvågøy and Austvågøy Islands) and Western Lofoten (Moskenesøy and Flakstadøy Islands) in terms of geography and tourism.
Eastern Lofoten includes the islands of Vestvågøy and Austvågøy, where you’ll find larger towns like Svolvær, Kabelvåg and Henningsvær. These areas have a more gentle topography compared to the rugged landscapes of Western Lofoten.
Due to its larger towns and more accessible road network, Eastern Lofoten is the hub for various services, including accommodations, transportation, and tours. It’s easier to reach, making it a more popular tourist base.
Due to its strategic location, Svolvær, in particular, is a central point for various activities, including northern lights tours.
This part of Lofoten features more dramatic and mountainous landscapes. The islands of Moskenesøy and Flakstadøy are renowned for their stunning fjords, majestic peaks, and cliffs. The terrain here is more rugged and offers a more remote and wild experience.
The natural beauty of this region draws outdoor enthusiasts, photographers, and those seeking a more untouched environment.
While Western Lofoten is breathtaking and offers a unique experience, it’s also more challenging to access than the Eastern part. The terrain and fewer developed facilities make it less suitable for large-scale tourist activities.
The concentration of Northern Lights tour providers in Svolvær, as opposed to Reine, can be attributed to various factors, including accessibility, infrastructure, and demand.
Svolvær is the largest town in Lofoten, making it a natural center for tourism-related services. It offers a broader range of accommodations, restaurants, and transportation options.
Moreover, its location on Austvågøy Island provides easier access to other parts of Lofoten and Vesterålen.
While stunningly beautiful, the fishing village of Reine is located on the more remote and rugged Moskenesøy island. The smaller scale of infrastructure and fewer accommodations in this area influence the availability of tour services.
Additionally, Reine’s geographical location poses challenges. It is situated on the southern side of Moskenesøya island, which is encompassed by the mountains of Lofotodden National Park in the northern part.
This limitation means that there is essentially only one direction in which tour providers could potentially drive in search of clearer skies to view the Northern Lights. The chances of successful viewings are, therefore, lower compared to Svolvær.
However, finding accommodations and arranging specialized tours in Reine is still possible. The village’s unique charm and proximity to natural wonders make it an attractive destination for travelers seeking a more remote and tranquil experience.
Check this fantastic 360° photography from Nesheia taken by Martin Kulhavy!
While the concentration of services is generally higher in Svolvær due to its practicality for travelers, Reine offers its distinctive appeal in stunning landscapes and a quieter ambiance.
To sum it up, the geographical differences and varying levels of development between Eastern and Western Lofoten play a role in the distribution of tourist services and activities, with Svolvær being a more prominent hub for Northern Lights tour providers due to its logistical and geographical advantages.
If you’re visiting Lofoten to witness and photograph the Northern Lights without a car, it’s certainly possible, but it might require some strategic planning.
The best move is to base yourself in Svolvær since it’s the largest town in Lofoten.
It is easily accessible by bus or boat (Hurtigruten) and has tour companies that offer Northern Lights tours.
There’s a chance you could luck out and arrive in Lofoten during a favorable weather period coinciding with significant solar activity. In such cases, you might even catch a glimpse of the northern lights from your accommodation’s balcony.
However, when the aurora activity is low, and your surroundings are clouded, the experts’ insights and transportation significantly increase your chances of witnessing the northern lights during your Lofoten adventure.
Since there are no Northern Lights tours around Reine in the western part of Lofoten, exploring this region to catch a glimpse of the auroras requires embracing driving in winter conditions. That can be challenging and potentially stressful, especially for travelers not accustomed to driving on icy and snowy roads.
In our Facebook travel groups, we answer questions about the Northern Lights daily. Unfortunately, there are many misconceptions about when you can see the Northern Lights, and we still notice comments where people provide completely false advice.
The most common misconception is that the Northern Lights are only visible in winter. The first Northern Lights in Lofoten appear as early as the end of August or the beginning of September when the skies become dark enough. Similarly, you can witness the Northern Lights until the beginning of April.
That being said, the prime season for Northern Lights watching is February and March. During these months, the weather tends to become more stable, and there is enough daylight to allow you to enjoy activities beyond just chasing the Northern Lights.
Another misconception we frequently encounter is the belief that the best time to witness the Northern Lights is during the polar night due to the increased darkness. Again, this is not accurate. While dark skies are a prerequisite for successful Northern Lights viewing, it is not the sole factor. Clear skies and some level of solar activity are also essential.
Pinpointing the absolute best month to experience the northern lights in Lofoten is challenging due to the various factors. Each season holds its own appeal, advantages, and challenges.
We recommend considering other activities you would like to do besides watching the Northern Lights. For instance, if you enjoy hiking in the mountains, consider visiting in September or early October. Conversely, if you’re interested in randonee skiing or experiencing the islands covered in snow, March might be your choice!
However, to make it easier for you to decide when to come to Lofoten, we are working on an overview of the best months when you can see the northern lights, along with factors such as weather, daylight hours, and additional elements that can impact successful northern lights viewing.
The locations and directions where you can spot the aurora borealis depend on factors like solar activity, the landscape’s features, and the number of city lights.
For instance, when the Northern Lights are faint, they can’t compete with the bright lights of the city that disturb your ability to see in the dark. In this situation, it’s better to find a place with very little city light where you can clearly see the northern or northwestern horizon.
Conversely, when the Northern Lights are strong, you might be able to see them even if you’re under a street light in the city center of Svolvær. They might be visible right above your head or even towards the south.
However, most nights, your best chance to catch the Northern Lights is by going to an area with minimal city light and a clear view of the northern or northwestern horizon.
Some of the most popular and easy-to-reach places that match these conditions are the beaches on Flakstadøya and Vestvågøya islands, such as Haukland, Uttakleiv, Vik, or Skagsanden Beaches.
We will discuss these sites and other locations in a separate article on The Best Places to Photograph the Northern Lights in Lofoten.
In Lofoten, there are several wonderful options for accommodations. However, certain places stand out due to their optimal locations for observing the northern lights. Some of the stays mentioned below even offer the convenience of watching the auroras right from your porch without needing to change out of your bathrobe.
It’s worth noting that most settlements in Lofoten are situated on the southern side of the islands, where they are protected from harsh weather by mountains.
However, these mountains also obstruct views to the north, making it challenging to spot faint auroras that usually appear on the northern horizon.
Here are some recommended options:
When it comes to experiencing the northern lights, there’s an essential factor to consider: even if the aurora activity is super high; you won’t see any northern lights unless you have a clear sky.
Weather forecasts play a crucial role in predicting when and where you can see the northern lights. Websites and apps like yr.no, ventusky, and windy are valuable tools for monitoring weather conditions.
As for northern lights apps and websites, they hold a slightly different significance in our latitude. Being positioned under the auroral oval, areas like Lofoten and Tromsø provide a chance to witness the northern lights even when the Kp index (a measure of geomagnetic activity) is as low as 0-1 (Tromsø) or 1-2 (Lofoten).
However, you can still utilize some helpful websites and apps for northern lights forecast in Lofoten that can assist you in predicting when the aurora will become (more) active.
👉 Norwegian Center for Space Weather (NOSWE)
This website serves as a comprehensive guide for Northern Lights enthusiasts in Norway. It shows the aurora forecasts for various locations such as Tromsø and Svalbard (sadly not Lofoten). In addition, it also displays the ovation auroral forecast specifically tailored for Norway.
👉 SpaceWeatherLive
This platform provides a wealth of information about solar activity, geomagnetic storms, and aurora predictions.
👉 My Aurora Forecast & Alerts
An app that provides detailed aurora forecasts, moon phases, and cloud coverage information, helping you plan your aurora photography outings. (Android / iPhone)
👉 Aurora Forecast
This app provides aurora forecasts and real-time aurora alerts based on your location. It offers a 3-day forecast, indicating the likelihood of northern lights’ visibility. (Android / iPhone)
Some of these resources require understanding how parameters like solar wind speed or magnetic field orientation influence the aurora activity. Graphs and tables on these pages can seem complex, but worry not! We’ll dedicate an entire article to explain how these factors influence the northern lights, so you’ll be well-equipped to interpret these indicators and enhance your aurora experiences.
Dressing appropriately is crucial when gearing up for a northern lights hunting adventure. Thanks to the warming influence of the Gulf Stream, Lofoten isn’t as chilly as inland regions in Norway, Sweden, and Finland.
To stay comfortable while searching for the lights, it’s all about the layering strategy. Begin with a moisture-wicking base layer to keep sweat away from your skin. On top of that, add an insulating layer, like a fleece or down jacket, to trap body heat. The final layer should be a waterproof and windproof outer shell to protect against the elements.
Photographing the Northern Lights requires some basic techniques and equipment. With modern technology, even smartphones are capable of capturing this breathtaking phenomenon. However, while smartphones can now capture Northern Lights images, dedicated cameras with manual settings offer more control over the final result.
Practice and experimentation are key to getting the best shots regardless of your equipment.
To start, find a location away from city lights to avoid light pollution. Set up your camera or smartphone on a sturdy tripod to keep it steady during long exposures.
Using a wide-angle lens helps capture more of the night sky.
CAMERA SETTINGS FOR NORTHERN LIGHTS PHOTOGRAPHY:
✅ High ISO (e.g., 800-3200)
✅ Wide aperture (e.g., f/2.8)
✅ Longer shutter speed (e.g., 1-30 seconds, depending on the strength of the aurora).
If you’re using a smartphone, you can use the “Night Mode” feature or install specific apps designed for astrophotography.
Keep your camera steady during the exposure to prevent blurriness. A remote shutter release or the self-timer function can help minimize camera shake.
For those interested in more detailed guidance, we’ll have a dedicated article on how to photograph the Northern Lights. This article will delve deeper into camera settings, composition, and post-processing techniques to help you capture the magic of the aurora borealis.
When planning a trip to Lofoten to witness or photograph the Northern Lights, several key factors will enhance your experience and increase your chances of catching this breathtaking natural phenomenon. Here’s what to keep in mind:
⏰ Time of the Year
The Northern Lights are visible in Lofoten from late August to early April. Choose the timing of your trip based on your preferences and other activities you’d like to explore in the region during your stay. Each season brings its charm and opportunities.
🕐 Longer Stays
To maximize your chances of witnessing the Northern Lights, consider staying for at least a week. This extended duration increases your likelihood of encountering clear skies and optimal aurora conditions.
🌌 Guided Tours
If you prefer a hassle-free experience and want to avoid navigating the complexities of optimal viewing locations, weather forecasts, and aurora activity, consider basing yourself in Svolvær and joining a guided Northern Lights tour. These tours are led by experienced professionals who know the best spots and can provide insights into the science and history of the phenomenon.
🌃 Darkness and Clear Skies
If you plan to embark on your own Northern Lights expedition, keeping an eye on the weather forecast is essential. The key is to find a location with clear skies and minimal light pollution.
🧭 Direction Matters
Depending on the strength of the aurora, your viewing direction matters. For weaker auroras, ensure an unobstructed view in the north or northeastern direction. If the aurora activity is stronger, seek out locations with an open view towards the east or even south.
⌛ Patience and Perseverance
While Lofoten offers an excellent opportunity to witness the Northern Lights, remember that they are a natural phenomenon, and their appearance can be unpredictable. Patience and perseverance are essential as you wait for the lights to grace the sky with their magical dance.
⚠️ Safety First
Safety is paramount when observing or photographing the Northern Lights. When choosing a location, ensure it’s away from the main road to prevent accidents. Wear reflective clothing to ensure visibility to passing vehicles if you’re anywhere near a road, especially during the dark winter months. It’s not uncommon for photographers to set up their equipment on the side of the road while wearing dark clothing without reflective elements. This poses a severe risk as they are practically invisible to passing cars until too late.
Check this fantastic 360° photography from Offersøykammen taken by Martin Kulhavy!
Polar lights (aurora polaris) are a natural phenomenon caused by high-speed electrically charged particles bombarding Earth’s atmosphere.
It occurs in both the northern and southern hemispheres. In the northern hemisphere, they are sometimes referred to as aurora borealis, while in the southern hemisphere, they are called aurora australis. Auroras result from disturbances in the Earth’s magnetosphere caused by solar wind particles.
To see the northern lights, you need the sky to be dark enough so the aurora becomes visible, which only happens between the end of August/beginning of September and the beginning of April.
However, most travel agencies run their tours from mid-September until the end of March.
The peak season is February and March, when the weather is slightly more stable than the other winter months. Moreover, the days in February and March become bright enough to enjoy other activities during the day and hunt the northern lights at night.
The Aurora Borealis presents itself in a broad ring encircling the Earth’s Geomagnetic North Pole, known as the Auroral Oval. This oval expands toward the south as geomagnetic activity increases, making the northern lights visible even farther south.
Lofoten’s distinctive position above the Arctic Circle enables the observation of the northern lights even during nights with relatively low geomagnetic activity (Kp 1-2).
Furthermore, Lofoten has various microclimates, leading to significantly differing weather conditions among neighboring islands. Driving to a location with clear skies within a 2-hour drive is often feasible, even on nights with heavy cloud cover (primarily referring to the eastern part of Lofoten around Svolvær).
Jann Engstad from Lofoten Aktiv shared that they have encountered a stretch of Northern Lights on 122 out of 129 excursions. Only nine trips were canceled on short notice (data from the 2018-19 season).
While it is possible to see the Northern Lights in Oslo, Bergen, or Trondheim, it is not as common or as spectacular as in more northern regions of Norway. These cities are located further south and do not fall within the Arctic Circle, where the Northern Lights are more frequently visible.
In Oslo, Bergen, and Trondheim, the Northern Lights are usually seen during periods of strong solar activity and under favorable conditions, such as clear, dark skies away from light pollution. When visible in these cities, the Northern Lights often appear as faint, greenish or whitish streaks or curtains in the night sky.
To increase your chances of seeing the Northern Lights, it is recommended to travel to more northern regions of Norway, such as Tromsø or Lofoten, where the Aurora Borealis is more reliably and spectacularly displayed during the winter months.
You do not need to book a tour with a travel agency to see the northern lights. If the sky is clear and the auroral activity is good, you can see northern lights even from the city center of Svolvær.
However, booking a tour with an experienced guide is always better to increase your chance of seeing the northern lights.
On cloudy days, the guides are excellent at reading the local weather forecast and choosing the spot with the most significant chance of a hole in the cloud cover.
On top of that, you will learn a lot about the region, local legends, and the northern lights. The guides will also take pictures of you and the lights, which requires some practice, and give tips on taking great pictures with your own camera.
The Northern Lights are active throughout the year in Lofoten, but their visibility depends on darkness. In the summer months, the continuous daylight makes it impossible to see the lights. However, you can witness this beautiful natural phenomenon in the Lofoten skies from late August to early April when the nights are darker.
Yes, you can witness the Northern Lights from a cruise, and one of the most renowned options is Hurtigruten.
Hurtigruten offers voyages along the stunning Norwegian coast, including the Lofoten region, providing a unique opportunity to catch glimpses of the mesmerizing Aurora Borealis while cruising on the Arctic waters. The dark, remote locations along the route, away from city lights, enhance the chances of experiencing this natural phenomenon in full splendor.
Lofoten in winter might not be the most suitable destination for families with children. From our perspective, there are limited activities explicitly catered to young ones during this season.The extended northern lights chases can be chilly and potentially uninteresting for small kids.
If you’re traveling with your family, we suggest considering Tromsø as an alternative. There, you’ll find a wider array of family-friendly activities, such as reindeer sledding, dog sledding, the opportunity to explore ice domes, and access to amenities like swimming pools and interactive museums, providing a more engaging experience for children.
No, the Northern Lights do not occur every night in Norway. Their appearance depends on solar activity, specifically solar flares and coronal mass ejections from the Sun.
Additionally, clear skies are essential to witness the phenomenon. Even if the Northern Lights are active, low-lying clouds can obstruct your view, making it possible to miss the display.
Therefore, both solar activity and favorable weather conditions play crucial roles in observing the Northern Lights.
Thank you for joining us on this journey through the magic of Northern Lights in Lofoten. If you found our guide helpful, we would be grateful if you could share it with fellow travelers.
Best regards from Lofoten, Radka and Ivar.
PS: If you still have any questions about the Northern Lights, feel free to ask us in the comments. We’re here to help and happy to provide answers.
Hi! We are Ivar & Radka, an international couple who runs the Guide to Lofoten. We met in Trondheim and lived together in western Norway, Narvik and Tromsø. At the moment we call western Lofoten our home. We hope our page will make it easier for you to explore the beautiful places that made us chose Norway for our home.
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