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

Banff •Churchill •Edmonton •Jasper •Whitehorse •Yellowknife

Faroe Islands

Tórshavn

Finland

Inari •Levi •Luosto •Rovaniemi

Greenland

Ilulissat •Kangerlussuaq •Nuuk •Qaqortoq

Iceland

Akureyri •Reykjavík •Vík

Norway

Alta •Bodø •Lofoten •Tromsø

Shetland

Lerwick

Svalbard

Longyearbyen

Sweden

Abisko •Björkliden •Kiruna

USA

Anchorage •Fairbanks •Healy

See also

Aurora Forecast•​Planning Your Northern Lights Adventure•​Northern Lights Photography•​Science Of The Aurora•​Northern Lights Playlist•​Northern Lights Myths And Legends•​About Seek The Aurora

Lofoten

Home / Norway / Lofoten

Lofoten is a breathtaking archipelago in northern Norway renowned for its dramatic peaks, picturesque fishing villages and stunning coastlines. As winter blankets the region in snow, Lofoten transforms into a magical wonderland, making it one of the best places to witness the awe-inspiring Northern Lights.

With its remote location and minimal light pollution, Lofoten offers an unparalleled backdrop for experiencing the aurora. See the vibrant green and purple hues shimmering across the night sky over a wild and beautiful landscape, your journey to see the auroras here is sure to be unforgettable.

The best time to see the Northern Lights in Lofoten is generally from mid-November to mid-April. During this period, the long dark nights will maximise your chance for seeing the aurora.

How are my chances of seeing the aurora today?

Many factors contribute to your likelihood of viewing the aurora in Lofoten. 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

0%

There is a 0% chance of seeing the aurora overhead in the Lofoten area (forecast for 17 April 2026 at 1:41pm UTC)

HPI 12 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.

Density 3.49 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 320.1 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

New moon 0%

Sunrise 5:05am

Sunset 9:04pm

Moonrise 4:36am

Moonset 10:23pm

Weather Forecast for Lofoten

Clouds

13°C Feels like 11°C

High
13°C
Low
4°C

  • Chance of precipitation 0%

  • Cloud cover 17%

  • Easterly winds 4 km/h gusts of 5 km/h

Book an amazing adventure in Lofoten

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

  • Free cancellation

    Special Summer Cruise Bus Tour of Lofoten

    4.6 (83)

    6 hours From £117.04

    Disembark in Lofoten Islands and enjoy our bus tour to discover the most beautiful highlights of the archipelago: from beaches, to mountains to traditional fishing villages all surrounded by stunning panoramic views. You will take part in the excursion together with a local English-speaking guide and a local bus. The group size can vary. This tour is only for people arriving to Leknes (Gravdal) pier or Svolvær pier with a cruise ship. If you are stopping in Gravdal, this is the itinerary: -Ramberg beach, Flakstad church, Hamnøy, Sakrisøy, Reine, Å If you are stopping in Svolvær, this is the itinerary: -Vågan church, Haukland beach, Gimsøy, Henningsvær, The order of the stops visited may vary, or the route may be adjusted due to weather or time. The pick up time will be adapted to the schedule of your ship. Please note that as the disembarkation schedule may vary,give us 15-30 minutes of flexibility to allow everyone to arrive at the meeting point.

  • Free cancellation

    3 Hours Winter Kayak in Reine Fjord

    5.0 (8)

    3 hours From £108.97

    Our location is unique, we are right next to Reine Fjord with the most scenic views since we start. Best infrastructure and facilities with toilet, free parking, warm changing room, kayaks by the sea on our private harbour ( no need to carry the kayaks since they are by the sea. Our kayak guides are also nature guides. We are specialist in kayak tours, that's what we are the best on and you will notice it in every small detail. We use high quality gear, from dry suits to paddles and kayaks.

  • Free cancellation

    Midnight Sun Kayak - Northern Explorer

    4.9 (152)

    3 hours From £88.79

    Paddling with the midnight sun is an unique experience that we can only do inside the polar circle. This gives us the chance to go kayaking in the evening when the sun goes down but never over the horizon. Departures: Every day 22:00 Duration: 3hours Price:850 Nok

  • Free cancellation

    Kayaking in Reinefjorden

    4.8 (137)

    3 hours From £108.97

    Elevate Your Lofoten Experience with Kayaking! Join us for a guided kayaking adventure and immerse yourself in the breathtaking seaside scenery of Lofoten. Accompanied by an expert guide, you’ll learn about edible seaweed while embarking on a beginner-friendly journey to the fjord's best photo spots. With spectacular views of traditional rorbuer, charming bridges, and abundant wildlife, this double kayaking experience is sure to be a highlight!

  • Free cancellation

    Midnight Sun Kayak in Reinefjord (3 hours)

    5.0 (4)

    3 hours From £108.97

    We have a unique location to acces the wildside of Reinefjord and the open sea. We have our own harbour with kayaks right by the water. Handpicked guides by their personality, kayak skills, local knowledge,story telling and adventurous/inspiring lifestyle. We foccus on safety, details, story telling and we try always to have a surprise in our tours.

  • Free cancellation

    Authentic Sea Fishing Adventure in Lofoten

    No reviews

    3 - 4 hours From £136.82

    Join a local fisherman on a small-group boat fishing trip in the Arctic waters of Lofoten. This 4-hour experience is suitable for both beginners and experienced anglers, with hands-on guidance throughout the trip. We fish at carefully selected spots based on weather and season to maximize the chance of a good catch. With a maximum of 5 guests on board, the experience is personal, relaxed, and far from crowded tourist tours. Keep an eye out for white-tailed sea eagles, often seen along the dramatic coastline. As an optional add-on, guests can choose to enjoy a 3-course dinner made from their own catch at our partner restaurant, Nyvågar Rorbu Hotel, a true sea-to-table experience. Highlights: - Local fishing guide - Small group (max 5 guests) - 4-hour boat trip - All fishing gear included - Optional 3-course dinner from your catch

Places to check out around Lofoten

Explore more nearby Lofoten

  • Reine, Lofoten Islands, Norway

    Credit: Vidar Nordli-Mathisen

    Reine

    67°56'1"N, 13°5'13"E

    Aurora probability in Reine: 0%

    Reine, a picturesque fishing village in the Lofoten Islands, is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, with dramatic mountains, crystal-clear waters and traditional red fishermen’s cabins (rorbuer) that create a postcard-perfect Arctic setting.

  • View from 400m up over Henningsvær, Lofoten Islands

    Credit: Tetiana GRY

    Henningsvær

    68°9'15"N, 14°12'26"E

    Aurora probability in Henningsvær: 0%

    Henningsvær is a charming fishing village known for its picturesque setting split across several small islands connected by bridges, it’s vibrant art scene and traditional red fishermen’s cabins against a backdrop of dramatic mountains and fjords.

  • Aurora Borealis sweeping over snow capped mountains near Svolvær

    Credit: Artem Makhortov

    Svolvær

    68°14'3"N, 14°34'6"E

    Aurora probability in Svolvær: 0%

    Svolvær, the vibrant capital of the Lofoten Islands, is known for its stunning harbour surrounded by dramatic mountain peaks, rich cultural scene with art galleries and museums and as a gateway to outdoor adventures like fishing, hiking and Northern Lights viewing.

Other places in Norway

Alta•​Bodø•​Tromsø

See also

Home•​Aurora Forecast•​Planning Your Northern Lights Adventure•​Northern Lights Photography•​Science Of The Aurora•​Northern Lights Playlist•​Northern Lights Myths And Legends•​About Seek The Aurora