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

From the Arctic archipelago of Svalbard to the vast wilderness of Alaska, we help you find the best destinations for seeing the aurora borealis. Browse our guides for locations across Norway, Iceland, Finland, Sweden and Canada — with real-time aurora forecasts, cloud-cover predictions and optimal viewing seasons for each.

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

Plan your aurora adventure

Check tonight’s forecast, pick the best month to travel, learn what to pack and how to photograph the aurora. We’ve also got guides on chasing the lights from home and spotting them from lower latitudes when conditions are right.

Aurora Forecast

Stay updated with the latest aurora forecast including Kp-index, Bz, solar wind density and speed, plus a 3-day outlook, aurora map and top viewing locations.

Planning Your Northern Lights Adventure

When to go? What to wear? Things to consider when planning a trip to see the Northern Lights.

Northern Lights Photography

A complete guide to photographing the Northern Lights. Learn the best camera settings, equipment and composition tips for capturing stunning aurora photos.

Best Time Of Year To See The Northern Lights

When is the best time to see the Northern Lights? A month-by-month guide covering aurora season, solar cycles, equinox effects and what to expect throughout the year.

See The Aurora Without Leaving Your Home

Can’t travel to see the Northern Lights? Watch aurora live from home using webcams, livestreams, alert apps and space weather dashboards. A complete guide to remote aurora viewing.

Can You See The Northern Lights From Where You Live?

How far south can the Northern Lights be seen? A guide to aurora visibility by latitude, covering the UK, northern Europe, the US and beyond, including what Kp level you need and historic low-latitude sightings.

Discover the science, stories and sounds of the aurora

Learn how the solar wind creates the aurora, read about the myths and folklore behind the lights, browse a glossary of space weather terms, or put on a playlist while you wait for the sky to turn green.

Science Of The Aurora

Understanding the science behind the Northern Lights. Learn about the solar wind, Earth’s magnetic field and how charged particles create the stunning auroral displays.

Northern Lights Playlist

Pop on your headphones and relax. A curated playlist to accompany your Northern Lights experience.

Northern Lights Myths And Legends

Exploring the myths and legends surrounding the Northern Lights, from Norse Valkyries and Inuit spirits to Sámi beliefs, Finnish folklore and beyond.

Aurora Glossary

A comprehensive glossary of aurora and space weather terms. Understand Kp, Bz, solar wind, CME, substorms and more to improve your Northern Lights viewing.

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

9%

There is a 9% chance of seeing the aurora overhead in the Lofoten area (forecast for 18 July 2026 at 9:07pm UTC)

Kp 1.33

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 1 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.

Light Levels

Moon

Waxing crescent 30%

Sunrise N/A

Sunset N/A

Moonrise 10:06am

Moonset 10:55pm

Weather Forecast for Lofoten

Rain

9°C Feels like 5°C

High
10°C
Low
9°C

  • Chance of precipitation 100%

  • Cloud cover 81%

  • Westerly winds 8 km/h gusts of 10 km/h

  • Rain 1 mm

Book an amazing adventure in Lofoten

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

  • Free cancellation

    Kayaking in Reinefjorden

    4.8 (147)

    3 hours From £106.50

    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 - Northern Explorer

    4.9 (164)

    3 hours From £86.78

    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 Private tour

    Explore Reinefjord by kayak (3 hours)

    5.0 (11)

    3 hours From £100.59

    Our location grant us acces to the most beautiful and wild area of Reinefjord. Our guides are arctic nature guides hand picked for their life experience in the arctic, arctic lifestyle close to nature , knowledge about nature and story telling skills.

  • Free cancellation

    Lofoten Shore Excursion from Leknes: Reine, Hamnøy & Å

    5.0 (2)

    6 hours From £180.66

    Make the most of your time in Lofoten with this cruise-friendly shore excursion from Leknes, designed specifically for cruise passengers. Travel through dramatic Arctic landscapes and visit Lofoten's most iconic locations, including Ramberg Beach, Hamnøy, Reine and Å i Lofoten. Relax in comfortable transportation while your professional local guide shares authentic stories about Lofoten's fishing traditions, Arctic nature and everyday life. Enjoy scenic photo stops, short walks and spectacular viewpoints along the way. With pickup near the cruise port, carefully planned timing and a guaranteed return to your ship, you can simply relax and enjoy one of Norway's most breathtaking destinations. This shared excursion operates with a minimum of 6 participants. If the minimum number is not reached, guests will be contacted in advance and offered an alternative date, an alternative excursion or a full refund.

  • Free cancellation Special offer Likely to sell out

    Svolvær Lofoten Wildlife Moose Safari

    4.5 (4)

    5 hours From £97.23

    Explore the natural beauty of Lofoten on this wildlife safari, where moose are the star attraction. Drive through stunning landscapes while seeking out these majestic animals in their natural habitat, alongside opportunities to see white-tailed eagles, foxes, and seals. This easy-paced tour is perfect for families and nature lovers, combining wildlife observation with local insights for a memorable experience. With transport provided from Svolvær, knowledgeable guides will assist you in capturing incredible photographs of the breathtaking Arctic scenery and wildlife encounters. - Ideal for families and wildlife enthusiasts aged 10 and up - Includes transport and expert guiding for optimal wildlife viewing - Flexible routes adjust for potential whale sightings from shore - Easy difficulty level with short walks and plenty of observation stops

  • Free cancellation Likely to sell out

    Lofoten Bucket list - Reine and Western Lofoten 4h sightseeing

    No reviews

    4 hours From £102.16

    Embark on a scenic journey from Leknes harbor to the iconic fishing village of Reine – often called Norway’s most photographed destination. Travel along one of the country’s most stunning coastal roads, passing through the historic landscapes of Flakstad and Moskenes, where dramatic mountains meet the sea and traditional fishing communities still thrive. Along the way, we stop at handpicked viewpoints and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. Your guide will share stories about Lofoten’s nature, fishing heritage, and everyday life – from the importance of stockfish to the rhythms of coastal living. In Reine, you’ll have time to stroll among colorful boathouses and rorbuer, watch fishing boats coming and going , and perhaps chat with locals. In spring, you’ll see fish drying on traditional racks – a true Arctic sight. This experience is led by a knowledgeable and passionate guide and is available to both cruise guests and independent travelers

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: 9%

    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: 9%

    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: 9%

    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•​Best Time Of Year To See The Northern Lights•​See The Aurora Without Leaving Your Home•​Can You See The Northern Lights From Where You Live?•​Aurora Glossary