Northern Lights Adventure: Chasing Aurora Borealis in Norway

Introduction

The northern lights, or aurora borealis, are one of nature’s most dazzling spectacles. This astronomical phenomenon occurs when electrically charged particles from the sun enter the earth’s atmosphere and collide with gases, creating beautiful streams of colored light in hues of green, blue, pink, purple and more in the night sky. Many travelers dream of witnessing this magical sight, and one of the most popular places in the world to chase the northern lights is Norway. The combination of Norway’s optimal location directly under the northern lights oval, ample darkness and minimal light pollution in remote areas, and abundant winter activities to enjoy make it an ideal aurora hunting destination. Join me as we explore this once-in-a-lifetime travel experience of chasing the aurora borealis in Norway.

Best Times and Locations to See the Northern Lights in Norway

To maximize your chances of seeing the northern lights in Norway, aim to visit between September and March. The fall and winter months offer long stretches of darkness needed for aurora spotting. The further north you can travel in Norway, the better. Focus your search on northern Norway, above the Arctic Circle, where you’ll have the highest probability of sightings.

Some of the best locations for seeing the lights include:

• Tromsø – A lively city with vibrant nightlife and plenty of tours
• Lofoten Islands – Dramatic peaks and landscapes with minimal light pollution
• Svalbard – Rugged, remote islands far into the Arctic region
• Finnmark – Norway’s northernmost county and home to North Cape

The equinox periods in March and September also tend to have more northern lights activity. Try to schedule tours during new moon phases, which offers the darkest skies.

Booking a Northern Lights Tour in Norway

The easiest way to chase the northern lights is by booking a dedicated aurora borealis tour. Tours range from large bus groups to intimate vans to private outings by boat, snowmobile, dogsled, and more. Research companies and read reviews to choose a reputable provider. Advance booking of at least a few weeks is recommended.

Private tours offer the most flexibility and personal attention, while group tours tend to be more budget-friendly. Analyze the itinerary and activities – some focus solely on aurora hunting while others incorporate unique winter pursuits like reindeer sledding and snowmobiling. Factor in the cost, group size, included amenities, cancellation policy, and tour length as well. Many companies offer add-ons like winter gear rentals and photography tips too.

What to Expect on a Northern Lights Tour

Come prepared with warm, layered clothing and winter gear to spend extended time outside at night. Tours usually begin with pickup in the evening before driving to an optimal location away from city lights. You’ll spend 1-3 hours looking for any signs of northern lights activity and waiting patiently. Taking thermoses of hot drinks is a great idea.

If the lights appear, enjoy the dazzling show! Your guide should point out the best viewing spots and help with photos. If the lights don’t show, the tour may take you to chase other possible sightings or feature alternate activities like visiting churches, museums, or restaurants. Seeing the northern lights requires luck and patience, so come with an open mind.

Other Tips for Northern Lights Chasing

• Check aurora forecasts for upcoming solar storm activity and cloud cover. Apps like Space Weather Live can help.

• Avoid light pollution like cities to have the best chance of seeing lights.

• Use aurora borealis apps and alerts to know when activity is high in your area.

• Have patience and persistence! It may take more than one night of chasing to glimpse the lights.

• Have backup indoor plans in case the weather does not cooperate. Some tours provide alternate activities.

Unique and Special Ways to Experience the Northern Lights

In addition to guided tours, you can experience the magic of the aurora borealis by:

• Glass igloos or cabins – Offer amazing views from your bed!

• Ice hotels – Bundled up in an ice suite watching the dancing lights.

• Dogsledding and reindeer sledding – Mush through the arctic wilderness under the stars.

• Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing – Glide across snowy fields illuminated by lights.

• Snowmobiling – Zoom through remote forests and hills with ease.

Accommodation Options for Northern Lights Chasers

Maximize your chances of catching the lights by staying in accommodations situated in prime aurora-viewing territory.

• Hotels with northern lights wake-up calls – They’ll rouse you when activity starts.

• Cabins/cottages in remote locales – Offer darkness with optimal sight lines.

• Camping and wilderness glamping – Immerse yourself in nature away from city lights.

Additional Activities to Pair With Aurora Hunting

Northern Norway offers boundless winter fun. Combine a few of these with your aurora borealis chase:

• Dog sledding
• Reindeer encounters
• Snowmobiling
• Skiing and snowboarding
• Snowshoeing
• Husky safaris
• Snowcat driving
• Ice fishing
• Snow tubing

What to Pack for a Northern Lights Adventure

Prepare properly for the chilly temperatures with:

• Warm, layered clothing
• Winter boots
• Hat, scarf, gloves
• Camera/tripod
• Headlamp
• Hand/foot warmers
• Thermos with warm beverages

When to Visit Norway for the Best Northern Lights Chance

Target your trip to Norway during peak northern lights season:

• September to March – The long winter nights offer the most darkness.
• Equinoxes in March and September – Increased solar storm activity.
• New moon nights – The darkest skies each month for stargazing.
• Periods of high solar activity – Check space weather forecasts.

Why Norway is One of the Best Destinations to See the Northern Lights

What makes Norway such an exceptional place for aurora borealis chasing?

• Ideal latitude directly under the northern lights oval.
• Little light pollution in Norway’s vast remote areas.
• Winter activities like dog sledding and snowmobiling pair perfectly with seeking the lights.
• Breathtaking landscapes like fjords and mountains complement the magnificent lights.

Overcoming Challenges and Problems on a Northern Lights Chase

While a rewarding experience, aurora hunting comes with some common frustrations. Be prepared for:

• Potential weather cancellations – Tours may be called off due to storms.
• No guarantee you’ll see the lights, despite your best efforts. Patience is key.
• Very late night viewing hours, often between 1-3am when activity peaks.
• Coping with extended periods of time outdoors in the cold. Dress very warmly.

Travel Insurance and Safety Tips

• Purchase travel insurance to cover any canceled tours due to weather. Read the policy details closely.

• Check road conditions and closures frequently during winter. Tours may be impacted.

• Follow all safety rules and instructions given by your guide. Stay with the group if visibility is poor.

• Use caution walking on frozen, uneven ground. Injury risks increase in the dark.

• Keep camera batteries warm from body heat to extend their life in frigid conditions.

Appreciating the Magic and Beauty of the Aurora Borealis

Finally, when chasing the northern lights in Norway, remember that this natural phenomenon is about more than just snapping that perfect Instagram photo. The local Sami people consider the lights sacred. Take time to truly soak in the spiritual essence and magic of the experience. Marvel at the sheer beauty of nature’s light show dancing across the sky. Feel serene watching the undulating waves of color shimmer above the stillness of the arctic. The rarity of the event makes it even more special. Let the magnificent aurora inspire a sense of wonder about both outer space and the many mysteries still undiscovered across our planet.

Conclusion

A northern lights hunting adventure in Norway is an unforgettable, almost magical travel experience. With proper timing, location, preparation, and patience, you’ll have the best chances to glimpse this top natural travel spectacle. Don’t underestimate the thrill of the chase. Witnessing first-hand the dazzling dance of the aurora across the arctic sky is sure to be a highlight of any intrepid traveler’s bucket list.

FAQs

Q: What is the best way to photograph the northern lights?

A: Use a DSLR camera on manual settings with ISO 1600-3200, shutter speeds of 5-30 seconds, and wide aperture like f/2.8. Use a tripod, remote shutter release, and manually focus to infinity.

Q: How can you predict a strong northern lights display?

A: Check websites monitoring solar activity for warnings of solar flares and coronal mass ejections, which often indicate increased northern lights 1-3 days later. New moon periods also correlate with better viewing.

Q: What is the difference between the aurora borealis and aurora australis?

A: Aurora borealis is the northern lights seen in the northern hemisphere, caused by interactions with the Earth’s northern magnetic pole. Aurora australis is the southern lights occurring in the southern hemisphere near the southern magnetic pole.

Q: Can you see the northern lights from places other than Norway?

A: Yes, they are visible in northern areas of Canada, Alaska, Scotland, Greenland, Iceland, northern Scandinavia, and Siberia. Norway is renowned as one of the very best places for accessibility and viewing opportunities.

Q: Is there a season that does not offer a chance of seeing the northern lights in Norway?

A: The midnight sun during Norway’s summer means there is too much daylight for aurora borealis viewing from May to August. Optimal viewing is September through early April.