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.

In the Narvik region, there are several great spots to catch the Northern Lights.

Narvikfjellet

The mountain offers a spectacular panoramic view of the surrounding region and the sky. It's accessible by a gondola, providing an elevated and unobstructed view, perfect for observing the Northern Lights.

Tøttadalen

A valley in walking distance of Narvik centrum, Tøttadalen is known for its many accessible viewpoints, making it an excellent spot for Northern Lights viewing. Its relative isolation from city lights increases Northern Lights visibility, boosting your chances of catching the auroras.

Skjomen

Located a short drive south of Narvik, Skjomen Valley is surrounded by mountains, shielding it from light pollution and offering a secluded area for optimal Northern Lights visibility.

Beisfjord

Another nearby area, Beisfjord, offers secluded spots away from city lights, providing a clearer view of the Aurora Borealis. The fjords offer breathtaking views of the Northern Lights swirling above the sea and towering peaks. Considerations such as weather conditions, light pollution, and guidance from local experts can significantly enhance the Northern Lights viewing experience in the Narvik region.

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.