Have you ever seen the starry, boundaryless arctic sky and magical lights dancing across? If not then no place is as good as Norway to witness these northern lights.
Everyone knows aurora borealis but hardly a handful knows the Science and mythology associated with this light show in the sky. You should keep your doubts related to Northern Lights Norway right here. When it is explained by advanced Physicists who specialize in magnetohydrodynamics, it is difficult to understand. But this can also be explained most thoroughly. So join us on this journey as we dig deeper into Northern Lights Norway.
The Science Behind Northern Lights: Let’s Know
The electrically charged particles from the sun smash into Earth’s magnetic field give birth to the Northern Lights(Aurora Borealis). These lights appear in the form of a horseshoe above the Arctic Circle, and that’s why Norway remains one of the prime destinations to experience these magical lights.
The Northern lights become more intense when the sun is at its peak, during the solar maximum. The biggest worry is clear skies, which isn’t a guarantee. If you want to see these lights, then it would be best to start your tour in full season from September to April, or peak months from November to January.
Places to See Northern Lights in Norway
Northern Lights near Tromsø:
Tromsø is one of the ideal winter destinations for Europeans. Tromsø, Norway, is the best place to see the northern lights if you’re hoping to get a peek. They are most likely visible from the town. For a better perspective avoid light pollution.
Northern Lights near Lofoten:
Another popular outpost for viewing northern lights is Lofoten. This town is too small that’s why light pollution is not an issue. Here you can see mountains that provide some cloud break.
Northern Lights near Svalbard:
Between Norway and the North Pole, this island is the realm of fjords, glaciers, mountains, and polar bears. You should stay in Longyearbyen, it is the world’s northernmost town. Enter the outdoors on guided dogsledding, snowmobile, or snowcat excursions. The most suitable time to see the northern lights is during Svalbard‘s long nights, which run from November to January. It’s preferable to take a trip because this area is light-polluted to visit the polar bear territory.
Best time to see Northern Lights in Norway
So the biggest question while planning your trip is what the Northern Lights Norway best time, so let’s go through some key pointers to know them:
- Northern lights or the aurora borealis is what can be seen in the sky of Norway in those parts where the sun does not shine during the night in this region. During winter, from November to February, it is the peak season for northern lights as nights are longer and darker at this time.
- Between September to March is also a peak time for viewing the Aurora Borealis.
- Sun has an 11-year solar cycle that actively waxes and wanes. The cycle began in 2019, and the solar activity is still building and is expected to be finished by 2025.
- This time the aurora borealis appears more often and is more spectacular than before because this increases magnetic energy and brings dazzling displays down on Earth.
- Keeping this in mind the best time is to visit Norway if northern lights are on your bucket list.
Tips Helpful for Your Norway Trip
Here we have some essential tips for your trip to make it convenient.
- While these lights occur throughout the year, the visibility is more from October to March in Winter in the Nordic region.
- Choose the perfect combo of cloudless skies and solar activity. Check out the forecast before visiting.
- Try to avoid city lights as you need nights to see Northern lights.
- The peak of seeing these lights is 11 pm to 2 am. Some hotels offer wake-up service for their customers.
- Wearing thermal wear and outer layers are essential.
FAQs
What is the best month to see the northern lights in Norway?
November to February is the peak time to view the northern lights of Norway. As the nights are longer and darker this time. You can also visit between September and March.
Do northern lights happen every night in Norway?
You might see these lights in Norway twice a year. As there is less light pollution os Oslo you will be extremely lucky to have a good view of the lights during your stay.
What causes Norway’s northern lights?
When the charged solar particles collide with atoms molecules in the earth’s atmosphere, they create a light we experience as northern lights.
Where are the best northern lights in Norway?
Northern towns like Tromsø and Svalbard, which are perfectly situated for aurora viewing.