How To Plan A 3-Day Trip To See The Northern Lights In Norway

Norway is one of the best places in the world to witness the magical phenomenon of the northern lights, also known as the aurora borealis. These dazzling lights are caused by charged particles from the sun colliding with the earth’s atmosphere, creating a colorful display of green, purple, pink, and blue across the night sky.

Seeing the northern lights is a bucket list experience for many travelers, but it requires some planning and luck. The northern lights are not visible all year round, nor are they guaranteed to show up every night. You need to be in the right place at the right time, with clear and dark skies.

If you have only 3 days to spend in Norway, you might wonder if it is possible to see the northern lights in such a short time. The answer is yes, but you need to be flexible and prepared. In this blog post, we will give you some tips on how to plan a 3-day trip to see the northern lights in Norway, including where to go, when to go, what to pack, and what to do.

Where To Go

The northern lights are most visible in the northern part of Norway, above the Arctic Circle. This region is known as Northern Norway, and it covers several destinations such as Tromsø, Kirkenes, Lofoten Islands, North Cape, and Svalbard.

Tromsø is one of the most popular and accessible places to see the northern lights in Norway. It is a charming city with a lively culture and nightlife, as well as many activities and attractions. Tromsø is also well connected by flights and buses to other parts of Norway and Europe.

Kirkenes is a small town near the Russian border, and it is home to the famous Snow Hotel of Norway, which is made entirely out of snow and ice every winter. Kirkenes is also a great place to see the northern lights, as well as enjoy winter activities such as dog sledding, snowshoeing, and ice fishing.

The Lofoten Islands are a group of islands with stunning scenery of mountains, fjords, and fishing villages. The Lofoten Islands are also a good place to see the northern lights reflected in the sea. You can reach the Lofoten Islands by ferry or plane from Tromsø or Bodø.

The North Cape is the northernmost point of mainland Europe, and it offers a spectacular view of the Arctic Ocean and the horizon. The North Cape is also a prime spot for seeing the northern lights, as there is nothing between you and the sky. You can reach the North Cape by bus or car from Alta or Honningsvåg.

Svalbard is an archipelago halfway between mainland Norway and the North Pole. It is one of the most remote and adventurous places to see the northern lights in Norway. Svalbard is also home to polar bears, glaciers, and wildlife. You can reach Svalbard by plane from Oslo or Tromsø.

When To Go

The best time to see the northern lights in Norway is between September and March, when the nights are long and dark enough for the aurora borealis to be visible. However, within this period, there are some factors that can affect your chances of seeing the northern lights.

First of all, you need clear skies. Cloudy or rainy weather can block your view of the northern lights. Therefore, you should check the weather forecast before you go and be ready to change your plans if necessary. You can also use apps or websites that track aurora activity and alert you when there is a high probability of seeing them.

Secondly, you need solar activity. The northern lights are caused by solar storms that send charged particles towards the earth. The intensity and frequency of these storms vary depending on the sun’s cycle. The peak of this cycle is called solar maximum, which occurs every 11 years. The last solar maximum was in 2014-2015, so we are currently in a declining phase. However, this does not mean that you cannot see the northern lights during this period. Solar storms can still happen anytime, and they can produce spectacular auroras even during solar minimum.

Thirdly, you need darkness. The northern lights are only visible when it is dark enough for them to contrast with the background sky. This means that you should avoid light pollution from cities or towns, as well as natural light from the moon or the sun. In Northern Norway, there are two phenomena that affect daylight: midnight sun and polar night.

Midnight sun occurs when the sun does not set below the horizon for several weeks or months during summer. This means that there is no darkness at all during this period, making it impossible to see the northern lights. Midnight sun occurs between May and July in Northern Norway, depending on the latitude.

Polar night occurs when the sun does not rise above the horizon for several weeks or months during winter. This means that there is no daylight at all during this period, making it ideal for seeing the northern lights. Polar night occurs between November and January in Northern Norway, depending on the latitude.

In between these two extremes, there are periods of twilight, when the sun is below the horizon but still illuminates the sky. These periods are called “the blue hour” or “the golden hour”, and they can create beautiful colors and atmospheres. However, they can also make it harder to see the northern lights, as they reduce the contrast with the aurora. Therefore, you should aim to see the northern lights between 11 p.m. and 2 a.m., when the sky is the darkest.

What To Pack

Packing for a trip to see the northern lights in Norway can be challenging, as you need to be prepared for different weather conditions and activities. Here are some essential items that you should pack for your 3-day trip:

• Warm clothing: Norway can be very cold in winter, especially in the north. You should pack layers of clothing that can keep you warm and dry, such as thermal underwear, wool socks, sweaters, fleece jackets, hats, gloves, and scarves. You should also pack a waterproof and windproof outer layer, such as a parka or a ski jacket, and snow boots or hiking shoes with good grip.
   
• Camera gear: If you want to capture the northern lights on camera, you need to have the right equipment and settings. You should pack a camera that can shoot in manual mode, a wide-angle lens with a fast aperture (f/2.8 or lower), a tripod to stabilize your shots, and spare batteries and memory cards. You should also learn how to adjust your camera settings for low-light photography, such as ISO, shutter speed, aperture, and focus.
   
• Headlamp: A headlamp is a useful item to have when you are out at night looking for the northern lights. It can help you see where you are going and avoid tripping over obstacles. It can also help you find your camera gear or other items in the dark. However, you should be careful not to shine your headlamp directly at other people or at the sky, as it can ruin their vision or their photos of the northern lights.
   
• Power adapter: Norway uses type C or type F plugs, which have two round pins. If your devices have different plugs, you need to bring a power adapter that can fit into these sockets. You should also check the voltage and frequency of your devices, as Norway uses 230V and 50Hz. Some devices may not work or may get damaged if they are not compatible with these standards.
   
• Water bottle: Staying hydrated is important for your health and comfort, especially when you are traveling in cold and dry environments. You should bring a reusable water bottle that you can fill up with tap water or filtered water. Norway has high-quality tap water that is safe and delicious to drink. You can also use a water bottle with a built-in filter if you want extra protection or if you are traveling in remote areas where tap water may not be available.

What To Do

There are many things to do in Norway besides seeing the northern lights. Here are some suggestions for your 3-day trip:

• Day 1: Arrive in Tromsø and explore the city. Tromsø is a vibrant city with a rich culture and history. You can visit the Arctic Cathedral, a striking white church with a large stained glass window; the Polar Museum, which displays exhibits about polar expeditions and hunters; the Tromsø Museum, which showcases Norwegian nature and culture; and the Fjellheisen cable car, which takes you to a viewpoint overlooking the city and the fjord. In the evening, you can join a northern lights tour that will take you to a secluded spot away from light pollution where you can watch the aurora borealis.
   
• Day 2: Take a day trip to Sommarøy Island. Sommarøy Island is a scenic island with white sandy beaches and turquoise water. It is also a great place to see the northern lights reflected in the sea. You can take a bus or a car from Tromsø to Sommarøy Island, which takes about an hour. On the island, you can enjoy activities such as hiking, kayaking, fishing, whale watching, or relaxing at a cozy hotel or cabin.
   
• Day 3: Take a flight to Svalbard and explore Longyearbyen. Svalbard is an archipelago halfway between mainland Norway and the North Pole. It is one of the most remote and adventurous places to see the northern lights in Norway. You can take a flight from Tromsø to Svalbard, which takes about an hour and a half. On Svalbard, you can explore Longyearbyen, the largest settlement and the administrative center of the archipelago. Longyearbyen is a colorful town with a mix of old and new buildings, as well as museums, shops, and restaurants. You can visit the Svalbard Museum, which displays the natural and cultural history of Svalbard; the North Pole Expedition Museum, which tells the stories of polar explorers and adventurers; and the Svalbard Gallery, which exhibits local art and crafts. In the evening, you can join a northern lights tour that will take you to a remote location where you can enjoy the aurora borealis in complete darkness.

Conclusion

Seeing the northern lights in Norway is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you will never forget. However, it requires some planning and luck to make it happen. By following these tips, you can increase your chances of seeing the northern lights in Norway in just 3 days. You can also enjoy the beauty and diversity of Norway’s landscapes, culture, and wildlife along the way. So don’t hesitate and book your trip to Norway today.

FAQs

Q: How can I increase my chances of seeing the northern lights in Norway?

A: The best way to increase your chances of seeing the northern lights in Norway is to go to the north of the country, above the Arctic Circle, where the aurora borealis is most visible. You should also go between September and March, when the nights are long and dark enough for the northern lights to be seen. You should also check the weather forecast and the aurora activity before you go, and be ready to change your plans if necessary. You should also join a northern lights tour that will take you to a secluded spot away from light pollution where you can watch the northern lights.

Q: What are some of the best places to see the northern lights in Norway?

A: Some of the best places to see the northern lights in Norway are Tromsø, Kirkenes, Lofoten Islands, North Cape, and Svalbard. These places offer stunning scenery, tranquil atmosphere, and plenty of activities to suit your mood. Whether you want to swim, snorkel, surf, or simply soak up the sun, these places will make you feel refreshed and rejuvenated.

Q: What are some of the best activities to do in Norway besides seeing the northern lights?

A: There are many things to do in Norway besides seeing the northern lights. You can enjoy winter activities such as skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, dog sledding, snowshoeing, and ice fishing. You can also enjoy cultural activities such as visiting museums, galleries, churches, and historical sites. You can also enjoy nature activities such as hiking, biking, kayaking, fishing, whale watching, and wildlife spotting.

Q: What are some of the best tips to photograph the northern lights in Norway?

A: If you want to photograph the northern lights in Norway, you need to have the right equipment and settings. You need a camera that can shoot in manual mode, a wide-angle lens with a fast aperture (f/2.8 or lower), a tripod to stabilize your shots, and spare batteries and memory cards. You also need to learn how to adjust your camera settings for low-light photography, such as ISO, shutter speed, aperture, and focus. You should also scout for a good location with a clear view of the sky and no light pollution.

Q: What are some of the best souvenirs to buy from Norway?

A: Some of the best souvenirs to buy from Norway are:

• Norwegian sweaters: These are woolen sweaters with intricate patterns and colors that represent different regions and traditions of Norway.
• Troll figurines: These are cute or scary figures of trolls, mythical creatures that live in the mountains and forests of Norway.
• Viking horns: These are replicas of horns that were used by Vikings as drinking vessels or musical instruments.
• Cheese slicer: This is a metal device that can cut thin slices of cheese with ease.
• Aquavit: This is a distilled spirit made from potatoes or grain flavored with herbs and spices such as caraway, aniseed, or dill.