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 discover the top destinations for witnessing the aurora borealis. Browse detailed guides for locations across Norway, Iceland, Finland, Sweden and Canada — complete with real-time aurora forecasts, cloud-cover predictions and optimal viewing seasons so you can plan your trip with confidence.

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

And find out how to make the most of your Aurora adventure

Whether you’re a first-time aurora chaser or an experienced astrophotographer, our practical tips cover everything from camera settings and exposure times to what to wear in sub-zero temperatures. Learn how to read Kp-index forecasts, find dark-sky spots away from light pollution and capture stunning long-exposure shots that do justice to the night sky’s most spectacular natural light show.

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 3 June 2026 at 12:19pm UTC)

Kp 1.67

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 6 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 8 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 1.70 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 408.2 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

Waning gibbous 82%

Sunrise N/A

Sunset N/A

Weather Forecast for Lofoten

Clouds

17°C Feels like 17°C

High
17°C
Low
11°C

  • Chance of precipitation 0%

  • Cloud cover 96%

  • 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

    Midnight Sun Kayak - Northern Explorer

    4.9 (153)

    3 hours From £90.25

    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

    Midnight Sun Kayak in Reinefjord (3 hours)

    5.0 (4)

    3 hours From £110.76

    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

    Kayaking in Reinefjorden

    4.8 (140)

    3 hours From £110.76

    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

    Lofoten Islands: Hiking Into the Wilderness

    5.0 (14)

    3 - 4 hours From £114.86

    Tour starts 10:00, small groups only. Contact us for private tours. This version of our Guided Hiking Tours are for those who are willing to have a good work-out as the route is uphill to a scenic mountain top. We offer hiking trips that cater to both beginners and experienced hikers. Our guided tours take you through the majestic beauty of the Lofoten wilderness, and offer an up-close-and-personal experience of the rugged landscapes and stunning flora and fauna. Highlights: - Experience hiking in the majestic and calm wilderness - Learn about local wildlife and culture. - Feel safe with a professional local nature guide. Our policy for 1 person bookings: We accept the booking but if the minimum participants are not reached before the tour, then you have three options: 1.) Join you in with other guests another day 2.) Change your booking to a private tour (price 2400 kr) 3.) Cancel the tour

  • Free cancellation

    Full Day Combo Kayak and Rappel - Northern Explorer

    5.0 (25)

    6 hours From £117.80

    On this tour we have the chance to combine three amazing activities in one day that you will remember forever! Kayaking, trekking and rappelling. This is a fantastic day in Lofoten which suits people with a sense of adventure and who really enjoy having a ‘hands on’ experience. Departures: Every day 10:00 Duration: 8 hours Price: 1300 Nok

  • Free cancellation

    Lofoten Bucket list - Reine and Western Lofoten 4h sightseeing

    No reviews

    4 hours From £106.24

    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: 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