In Partnership with Up Norway
With NASA forecasting exceptional solar activity over the next few years, the opportunity to witness the Northern Lights in all their dazzling glory has never been better.
The Eternal Mystery Of The Aurora
The Northern Lights have captivated humanity for centuries. Viking folklore spoke of warriors marching to their eternal rest in the sky, while Roman mythology linked the cosmic glow to Aurora, goddess of the dawn.
Even with modern science explaining the phenomenon—charged particles from the sun colliding with Earth’s atmosphere—there’s still an undeniable magic to watching the sky come alive in shimmering waves of green, purple, and blue.
Their unpredictability only adds to the wonder: it could be the weather, or maybe it’s something about the moment and the people lucky enough to witness them.
Why Now? The Solar Cycle Is Peaking
In 2025, solar activity will reach its highest levels in decades, sending more charged particles into the atmosphere and increasing the frequency and intensity of aurora displays. This makes the next couple of years prime time for aurora chasers.
Enter noctourism—a growing travel trend that embraces nighttime experiences, from bioluminescent beaches to celestial spectacles like the Northern Lights. And when it comes to noctourism, since you need dark skies, Norway stands out as one of the world’s best destinations.
From its newly designated DarkSky Park to immersive indigenous-led experiences, Norway offers unforgettable ways to connect with nature, culture, and the cosmos. Oslo-based travel curator Up Norway specializes in crafting aurora-seeking itineraries, pairing breathtaking night skies with sustainable, culture-rich adventures.
If you’re dreaming of a Northern Lights getaway, here are five of the best places to see them in Norway.
1. Øvre Pasvik National Park
Tucked away in Norway’s northeastern corner, Øvre Pasvik National Park recently earned the prestigious DarkSky Park designation, joining a global effort to protect the world’s last remaining truly dark places.
This remote, light-pollution-free haven offers one of the best chances to witness the Northern Lights in their full, uninterrupted splendour. Beyond the celestial views in dark skies, visitors can join Sami storytellers for guided night walks, hearing indigenous interpretations of the stars for a journey as spiritual as it is awe-inspiring.
2. Lofoten Islands & Manshausen
If you want to pair the Northern Lights with jaw-dropping landscapes and a deep cultural experience, Lofoten is the place to be. Up Norway’s seven-day journey through Steigen and Lofoten offers professionally guided aurora hunts with expert photography tips. Between aurora sightings, dive into Arctic activities—surfing, kayaking, or trying your hand at traditional handicrafts.
For the ultimate dark skies stargazing experience, you’ll stay at Hattvika Lodge, where ceiling windows and telescopes let you marvel at the night sky right from your bed.
3. Northern Norway
Inspired by the magic of winter? Up Norway’s seven-day adventure through Northern Norway feels straight out of Frozen. This journey blends aurora viewing with enchanting Arctic experiences like dog sledding, reindeer encounters, and stays in cozy mountain hideaways and husky lodges. With sustainable, nature-focused accommodations and expert local guides, it’s a dreamy way to embrace the best of Norway’s winter wonderland and dark skies.
4. Alta
At 70 degrees north, Alta is one of the best spots on Earth to see the Northern Lights. A five-day itinerary here combines thrilling winter activities—think snowmobiling, ice fishing, and dogsledding—with luxurious igloo-style accommodations. Transparent roof panels let you watch the aurora dance across the sky, all from the warmth of your bed.
5. Mountain Lodge Region
Just a few hours from Oslo, Norway’s mountainous regions offer a quieter, more intimate way to experience the Northern Lights. Stay in a high-altitude lodge with minimal light pollution, where you can pair stargazing with Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, or a peaceful horse sleigh ride through the snow-covered landscapes. From September to February, these secluded retreats offer a front-row seat to the aurora’s brilliance.
Your Turn: Ready to Chase the Lights?
If you’ve been dreaming of witnessing the Northern Lights in all their glory, now is the time to plan your journey. Whether you seek adventure, cultural immersion, or simply a quiet moment under a glowing sky, Up Norway can help craft your perfect Northern Lights escape.
Visit upnorway.com to start planning your aurora adventure.