One of the most increasing famous and popular nature phenomenon and attractions in Norway is without any doubt the amazing Northern Light.

Many people forget about their busy life, annoying noise and agreements. Here in the clean air, the time stands still.  It is a soul-stirring experience to watch the sky come alive with the eerie glow of blue-green flickering lights. Therefore The Northern Lights in Norway is on many travellers’ bucket list.

What are the Northern Lights?

The Northern Lights are born on the Sun. Electrically charged particles are catapulted off the surface of the Sun in the aftermath of powerful solar storms. Some of these particles travel towards Earth. They are conducted in the protective magnetic fields towards the magnetic North and South Poles when they reach the planet.  In a ring-shaped pattern around the magnetic poles, the particles encounter the upper layers of the atmosphere. In a process identical to the one that occurs inside a fluorescent light, energy is released as the light we can observe from the Earth. Most Northern Lights “displays” take place at a height of around 100 km above the Earth’s surface.

Northern Lights adventures

You will find numerous Arctic tours for people who hope to observe the aurora borealis on their visit. The activities present a chance to catch the elusive lights while trying out an exotic pastime. Just to mention some dog sledging, snowmobiling, ice fishing, whale watching, cross-country skiing, photography courses and visiting an ice hotel. Another option is hunting for the lights on board Hurtigruten, the Norwegian coastal steamer that calls at 34 ports along the coast.

Where to discover the Northern Lights

The Northern Lights belt stretches along the coast of Northern Norway from Lofoten to the North Cape. Northern Norway is then the perfect place to observe this natural phenomenon. The Northern Lights are more commonly seen here than anywhere else. Svalbard (Spitsbergen) is a little farther from this belt, but here you can see the daytime Northern Lights in mid-winter.

See more: Best places to discover the Northern lights in Norway

Seasons for Northern Lights

The Aurora Borealis (northern lights) is best seen on very clear and dark winter nights.  The lights are most frequent in late autumn and winter/early spring. Between the autumn and spring equinox (21 September - 21 March), it is dark between 6 pm and 1 am, and you have maximum chances of spotting the lights. However, the weather is also essential, and September, October, and November tend to be wet and snowless in the north.

See more about the northern lights in Norway