Northern Lights
The Narvik region, situated 68 degrees north within the Aurora Oval, is an exceptional vantage point for witnessing the Aurora Borealis. The diverse microclimates in our valleys, fjords and mountains provide a unique advantage. Even on cloudy nights, a short drive can lead to clear skies and the mesmerizing northern lights.
Scientists forecast that the Solar Maximum in 2024-25 will bring the most frequent and spectacular Northern Lights displays in over a decade. This makes now the perfect time for you to witness the Aurora Borealis!
To photograph the Northern Lights, use the widest aperture on your lens and adjust the ISO to a range from 3200 to 6400. Set the shutter speed to between 1-15 seconds and adjust the white balance to 3500k to accurately capture the colors of the Northern Lights. Focus manually on a distant light and use a shutter delay of 2 seconds to avoid camera shake. Check the histogram to ensure correct exposure and use a bipod to stabilize the camera. With these tips, you can capture stunning photos of the Northern Lights.
From late September until mid-April you can experience the Northern Lights in the region. Install the NorwayLights app and get access to a 3 day northern light forecast that helps you find the best time and place to see the northern lights.
The Solar Maximum, which occurs about halfway through the Solar Cycle, significantly increases auroral activity, lighting up the night sky with "dramatically more" Northern Lights. Starting in 2024 and potentially lasting until 2026, we can expect some of the most frequent and intense auroral displays in years. The Solar Cycle, which lasts around 11 years, sees the Sun’s magnetic field between its northern and southern hemispheres gradually tighten until it becomes so intense that the poles flip—north becomes south and vice versa. This reversal marks the Solar Maximum, a period of heightened solar activity characterized by a surge in sunspots. In contrast, the Solar Minimum, at the start and end of each cycle, sees fewer sunspots and lower solar activity. The upcoming Solar Maximum is set to significantly increase your chances of seeing the Northern Lights in the Narvik region.
Northern Light Activities
The Northern Lights swirl across Narvik's winter sky, illuminating the slopes of the ski resort below.
Michael Ulriksen
What are the Northern Lights?
The Northern Lights captivate with their vivid colors, appearing to sway and dance across the sky. This mesmerizing display results from solar particles interacting with Earth’s magnetic field, producing light. Here’s how it unfolds:
- Solar winds carry electrically charged particles ejected from the sun.
- Approximately 40 hours later, these particles reach Earth, where the magnetic field guides them toward the poles.
- The particles collide with oxygen and nitrogen atoms between 75 and 250 kilometers above Earth, creating the stunning aurora.
Aurora Colors
The colors of the Northern Lights vary, but they are typically shades of green, yellow, red, and blue. Depending on which atom is struck and the altitude of the meeting
- Above 250km Oxygen atoms glow red when hit directly by electrons. It can appear violet due to mixing of some nitrogen.
- 100-250km Electrons ionize nitrogen releasing a blue color, a lower energy electron is released which then hits oxygen causing yellow green. Blue + yellow green gives us lime green.
- Below 100km High energy electrons ionize nitrogen giving off a blue color. An electron is released with enough momentum to excite stable nitrogen creating red. Red + blue = Pink.
Expert Northern Lights guides know exactly where to go to make your evening unforgettable.
Michael Ulriksen
Maximize your chances
The Narvik region offers incredible opportunities for you to witness the Northern Lights, and joining a guided tour can maximize your chances of experiencing this unforgettable phenomenon. Expert guides know the best viewing locations and track aurora activity, ensuring you get the most out of each night’s adventure.
Guided tours often begin with a briefing, where the guides present the plan for the evening, including the chosen viewing locations and the weather outlook. The goal is always to stay under clear skies, so if conditions are better on the other side of the mountains, the chase might take you to Sweden or even toward Lofoten. Guides carefully track weather forecasts and solar activity reports, making real-time decisions to give you the best chance to witness the lights.
Once the ideal viewing spot is found, you’ll settle in to enjoy the night. A cozy fire is set up, where you can warm up, and enjoy traditional drinks and food. Your guide will help you take photos and even capture portraits of you with the auroras. You’ll also learn techniques for photographing the Northern Lights, giving you the skills to capture this magical phenomenon on your own. Guided northern lights hunts combine adventure, learning, and the chance to create memories and photographs that last a lifetime.
Pursuing the Northern Lights while enjoying the comforts of the Arctic Train is a remarkable and memorable experience.
Michael Ulriksen
The Northern Lights Train
When up north, why not pair a ride on the breathtaking Ofoten line with an unforgettable Northern Lights hunt? Only in Narvik can you step aboard the Northern Lights Train to chase the Aurora Borealis, traveling deep into the mountains, far from city lights, for a chance to witness the magical “Green Lady” dancing across the sky.
Friendly guides welcome you as you embark along Norway’s northernmost rail line. As the train glides past stunning fjords and landscapes illuminated by the stars, the guides share local stories, adding depth to this comfortable, scenic adventure.
The train brings you to Bjørnfjell Station, near the Swedish border. After a brief stop, the journey continues to Katterat Station, where you'll step off at 374 meters above sea level to explore the area. Gather around a cozy campfire, savor warm drinks and local pastries, and listen to Northern Lights stories, a perfect way to experience the world’s greatest light show high up in the Arctic mountains.
The Sámi drum is a ceremonial instrument that holds significant cultural and spiritual importance for the Sámi people.
Edelweiss_Ervin Bedeli
Shamanic Northern Lights Ceremony
Experience the mystique of Sami culture and their profound connection to nature at Husky Isogaisa in Gratangen. Savor traditional Sami dishes like biidus, listen to captivating tales from Sápmi, and take part in ancient ceremonies.
According to Sami folklore, the souls of our ancestors dance within the Northern Lights on cold winter nights. Join a shamanic ceremony to prepare to greet your forefathers and invite them to reveal themselves for you. A sacred drink made from chaga, a non-psychedelic Arctic fungus with roots in herbal medicine, is shared during the ritual. Close your eyes as the shaman guides you through joik, drumming, and fire, creating a truly unforgettable experience to connect with the spirits of your ancestors.
Minimal light pollution and fjord side retreats create the ideal base for hunting the Northern Lights.
Kjell Skogli
Aurora friendly accommodation
For a perfect Northern Lights experience in the Narvik region, there are several unique accommodation options designed to maximize the chances of seeing the auroras in comfort and style. Located in areas with minimal light pollution, these accommodations offer an ideal setting to watch the sky light up in vivid green, purple, and pink hues.
- Aurora Huts Cozy, secluded cabins located near fjords with large windows that provide uninterrupted views of the Arctic night sky.
- Glass Cabins, luxurious cabins with floor-to-ceiling glass walls, allowing guests to watch the auroras from the comfort of a warm bed, surrounded by the stunning, unspoiled landscape.
- Remote Fjord Guesthouses, Rustic, family-run guesthouses in isolated fjord areas, providing an authentic escape with direct access to hiking, waterfront views, and spectacular night skies.
Each option offers a unique way to witness the Northern Lights, combining comfort with an immersive Arctic experience.
