Find the best places in the world to view the Northern Lights

Plan your northern lights trip with expert travel advice, real-time aurora forecasts and destination guides. Whether you’re chasing the aurora borealis across Scandinavia, Iceland or the Canadian wilderness, we’ll help you find the best time and place to witness one of nature’s most spectacular displays.

Canada

Dark skies and breathtaking wilderness, one of the best places to experience the northern lights in all their glory.

Banff •Churchill •Edmonton •Jasper •Whitehorse •Yellowknife

Faroe Islands

Dramatic landscapes with pristine dark skies, an exceptional place to witness the northern lights with a truly unique setting.

Tórshavn

Finland

Enjoy stunning aurora displays from cozy glass igloos or snowy forests in the magical northern wilderness.

Inari •Levi •Luosto •Rovaniemi

Greenland

The remote wilderness and minimal light pollution offer a breathtaking, serene setting to witness the northern lights in their purest form.

Ilulissat •Kangerlussuaq •Nuuk •Qaqortoq

Iceland

Breathtaking landscapes and long winter nights provide a spectacular backdrop for witnessing the aurora in a truly unforgettable setting.

Akureyri •Reykjavík •Vík

Norway

Stunning fjords and snowy peaks provide a breathtaking backdrop to the northern lights in one of the best locations to witness this natural spectacle.

Alta •Bodø •Lofoten •Tromsø

Shetland

A remote location and dark skies offer opportunities to witness the northern lights over rugged coastlines and peaceful seascapes.

Lerwick

Svalbard

Polar nights in the high arctic offer exceptional chances to witness the northern lights dancing across pristine, icy landscapes.

Longyearbyen

Sweden

Clear winter nights and pristine wilderness create an ideal place to experience the aurora in a magical Arctic setting.

Abisko •Björkliden •Kiruna

USA

Alaska’s vast wilderness and clear, dark skies create perfect conditions for experiencing the northern lights in a breathtaking natural setting.

Anchorage •Fairbanks •Healy

Bodø

Home / Norway / Bodø

Bodø, perched on Norway’s rugged northern coast, is an emerging destination for travelers eager to witness the northern lights. This vibrant town, surrounded by dramatic fjords and snow-capped peaks, offers a unique blend of urban culture and wild Arctic beauty. Bodø’s location just north of the Arctic Circle means that, from September to April, the night sky often comes alive with shimmering ribbons of green and purple. The city’s relatively mild coastal climate and easy access to dark-sky areas make it an excellent base for aurora hunting, whether you’re strolling along the waterfront or venturing into the nearby countryside.

Bodø invites visitors to explore its rich local heritage and outdoor adventures. Discover the fascinating history at the Norwegian Aviation Museum, sample fresh seafood in cozy restaurants, or take a boat trip to the stunning Saltstraumen maelstrom. The surrounding wilderness offers opportunities for hiking, eagle watching and winter sports. As you watch the northern lights dance above Bodø’s dramatic landscape, you’ll find yourself immersed in the magic of Norway’s Arctic, where nature and culture combine for an unforgettable experience.

Credit: Metin Celep
Credit: Guillaume Briard
Credit: op23
Credit: Anne M
Credit: stein egil liland
Credit: Alexander Jensen
Credit: op23

How are my chances of seeing the aurora today?

Many factors contribute to your likelihood of viewing the aurora in Bodø. Geomagnetic activity, cloud cover and the amount of ambient light all play a big part. Check the forecasts for how good the viewing conditions are today.

Aurora Probability and Atmospheric Conditions

There is a 0% chance of seeing the aurora overhead in the Bodø area (forecast for 28 April 2026 at 7:34am UTC)

Kp 0.67

The Kp-index is a scale used to measure geomagnetic activity. It ranges from 0 to 9, with higher values indicating greater geomagnetic activity.

0-2 (Very low) Far north, quite dim, and not very active.
3-5 (Moderate) Can be seen further south, with increased brightness and activity. Chance of good viewing conditions nearer the pole.
6-7 (High) Visible in many northern regions, with vibrant displays.
8-9 (Extreme) Widespread visibility, often seen in areas much further south than usual, with intense and colorful displays.

HPI 11 GW

The Hemispheric Power Index (HPI) is a vital measure used to assess the strength of auroral activity at the poles. It estimates the total auroral energy input, with values above 20 GW indicating an aurora-active state. When the HPI reaches levels of 100 GW or more, it signifies a very significant geomagnetic storm, which can lead to spectacular auroral displays.

Bz 3 nT

Bz refers to the north-south orientation of the magnetic field embedded in the solar wind. It is measured in nanoteslas (nT).

When Bz is negative (southward), it allows solar wind particles to penetrate the Earth’s magnetic field more easily. A strong negative Bz is often associated with increased chances of seeing the Northern Lights.

Conversely, when Bz is positive (northward), the Earth’s magnetic field tends to block the solar wind, resulting in reduced aurora activity.

Bt 3 nT

Bt measures the overall power of the Interplanetary Magnetic Field (IMF) from the Sun; higher numbers (e.g., above 20 nT) mean more energy available for aurora.

Density 3.66 p/cm³

Solar wind density refers to the number of charged particles in a given volume of the solar wind, typically measured in particles per cubic centimetre (p/cm³).

A typical solar wind density is around 2.76 p/cm³.

The density of the solar wind affects how many particles reach the Earth’s magnetosphere. A higher density means more particles are available to interact with the Earth’s magnetic field. When these charged particles collide with the gases in the Earth’s atmosphere, energy is released in the form of light that we see as the aurora.

Speed 384.3 km/s

Solar wind speed refers to the velocity at which charged particles are ejected from the Sun’s outer atmosphere, known as the corona.

A typical solar wind speed is about 375 km/s. When both speed and density are high, the energy transferred to the Earth’s magnetosphere increases, enhancing the chances of seeing vibrant auroras.

Light Levels

Moon

Waxing gibbous 80%

Sunrise 4:20am

Sunset 9:38pm

Moonrise 5:18pm

Moonset 4:20am

Weather Forecast for Bodø

Rain

2°C Feels like -1°C

High: 4°C
Low: 2°C

Chance of precipitation 86%
Cloud cover 89%
North-Westerly winds 3 km/h gusts of 4 km/h
Rain 1 mm

Book an amazing adventure in Bodø

Explore this selection of tours and activities to make the most of your visit to Bodø.

Free cancellation Special offer

RIB Experience Saltstraumen and Eagle Safari

5.0 (2)

2 hours From £97.19

Witness the power of nature on a thrilling RIB ride through the Saltstraumen, known as the world’s strongest maelstrom. Feel the rush as you navigate this incredible natural phenomenon, where the tides create a mesmerizing spectacle. Keep your eyes peeled for the majestic white-tailed eagle soaring above, as this unique adventure combines the thrill of speed with the beauty of wildlife. With a bit of luck, you might even catch a closer glimpse of these magnificent birds in their natural habitat.
Free cancellation

Moose Safari Bodo, Norway, Meet the Largest Land Animal in Europe

4.8 (63)

4 - 5 hours From £127.91

The Moose is quite shy and is easily scared back into the woods, but normally they are quite co-operative and allow us to get quite near. We know the habits and life of the moose and where we have the best chances to see them. Elg - the moose is called Elg in Norway, but the moose is not comparable with the american elk. The elk (cervus canadensis) , however, is an entirely different deer (much smaller). Largest in Europe - the moose is Europes largest land animal, also the largest member in the deer family. A fully grown bull are over 2 meters high at the shoulders and weighs up to 750 kg (1650 lb). Cows seldom weighs more than 470 kg (1035 lb). Saltstraumen: The moose safari trip will also include a stop by Saltstraumen, the strongest maelstrom in the world. You can walk the bridge and look down in to the powerful whirlpools.
Free cancellation

Rampen Via Ferrata - Silver Treasure in Bodø

No reviews

2 hours 30 minutes From £97.03

Steep climbing above the sea with great views. Our experienced guides will make sure you have an unique experience where mountains and ocean meet. Climbing above the sea adds to the thrill of the climb and is suitable for both seasoned climbers and guests with little or no experience from climbing.
Free cancellation

Explore Northern Lights with a Small Guided Arctic Tour

3.7 (3)

3 - 5 hours From £134.54

Join a real Northern Lights chase with a small group and a local guide in the heart of Vesterålen. This is not a fixed-location tour—we follow the weather and aurora forecasts to find the clearest skies each night. Some evenings we stay near Sortland, other times we drive over the mountains in search of open sky. You’ll travel in a warm vehicle, enjoy hot drinks and snacks, and receive free aurora photos taken by your guide. Along the way, you’ll learn about the Northern Lights, Arctic nature, and local culture. With fewer guests, there's more flexibility and a personal atmosphere—perfect for those who want an authentic, quiet experience under the Arctic sky.
Free cancellation

Hike to Hovdsundet Beach - Bodo, Northern Norway

5.0 (10)

6 hours From £110.84

Hovdsundet: It’s hard to believe that Hovdsundet Beach and Auvika Beach are north of the Arctic Circle. The highlight of this challenging coastal hike is the secluded beach Hovdsundet, one of the most beautiful and remote beaches in Bodø. It comes as no surprise that this beach has become a quite popular Instagram spot in Bodø. Challenging: The hike to Hovdsundet Beach is perfect for those who are comfortable and experienced with backcountry hiking. This route may prove challenging for novices. Be prepared to use your entire body as the trail ascends and descends over cliffs and rocky outcrops.
Free cancellation

Mjelle Beach - Easy Day Hike to Bodos no 1 Beach, Northern Norway

4.9 (11)

5 hours From £114.68

Walk on gemstones? Mjelle Beach is listed on TripAdvisor as one of the most popular things to do while visiting Bodø. A day trip to Mjelle is popular among locals and a great place for a quick getaway from Bodø. The sand of this secluded beach is both white and red. The red sand takes its colour from gemstone particles (garnet minerals). Ideal for children: Getting to the Mjelle Beach is an easy stroll even for young ones, as it’s only a 30-minute walk from the car park. For young children, the beach is a giant sandpit with free rocks and shells.