Himmel & Havn : Lofoten : Seek The Aurora

Lofoten

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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.

Credit: stein egil liland
Credit: Tobias Bjørkli
Credit: Tobias Bjørkli
Credit: Tobias Bjørkli
Credit: stein egil liland
Credit: Valdemaras D.
Credit: monicore
Credit: Tobias Bjørkli

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.

7%

There is a 7% chance of seeing the aurora overhead in the Lofoten area (forecast for 13 December 2025 at 3:54pm UTC)

Kp 2.67

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.

Bz 4 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.

Density 1.75 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 centimeter (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 629.3 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.

Moon

Waning crescent 40%

Sunrise N/A

Sunset N/A

Moonrise 1:26am

Moonset 12:07pm

Snow

1°C Feels like -3°C

High: 2°C
Low: -2°C

Chance of precipitation 100%
Cloud cover 100%
South-Easterly winds 8 km/h gusts of 10 km/h
Snow 7 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 Special offer

Reine, Hamnøy, Sakrisøy Photo Tour from Svolvær

4.9 (14)

7 hours From £105.84

Take a road trip with us to the pearl in the west of Lofoten. Visit the most beautiful and iconic locations, and Instagram hotspots on this tour from Svolvær.
Free cancellation Special offer

Lofoten Ultimate Aurora Hunt

4.4 (5)

3 - 5 hours From £112.67

Join a breathtaking Northern Lights adventure in Lofoten, led by a professional photographer and Aurora expert. Escape the city lights and head into the Arctic wilderness in search of the Aurora Borealis, where emerald, violet, and crimson lights dance across the sky. Learn the science and mythology behind the lights and receive expert tips on night photography—perfect for all skill levels. Your guide will help you capture incredible photos and take souvenir shots of you under the lights. Stay warm with hot drinks and access to a heated minivan between stops. With local knowledge and a passion for the skies, your guide will take you to the best viewpoints for an unforgettable night under the stars.
Free cancellation

Afternoon Kayaking Adventure in Lofoten

5.0 (4)

3 hours From £102.43

Kayak immersing yourself in Gimsøystraumen at the northern side of Lofoten, where the horizon stretches endlessly into the Norwegian Sea. As you paddle from Austvågøya into Gimsøystraumen, revel in the serenity of the water while seabirds dance overhead and marine life occasionally surfaces to say hello. This guided trip welcomes all skill levels, allowing you to explore the vast beauty of the coastline at a tranquil hour when the world is still. Even though the midnight sun season is technically over since late July - you can still see spectacular sunsets that paint the sky in vibrant hues, creating an unforgettable kayaking experience.
Free cancellation

Midnight Sun Kayak - Northern Explorer

4.9 (151)

3 hours From £73.60

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

3 Hours Winter Kayak in Reine Fjord

5.0 (2)

3 hours From £102.43

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

Authentic Sea Fishing Adventure in Lofoten

No reviews

3 - 4 hours From £121.02

Join a local fisherman on an unforgettable boat fishing adventure in the stunning Arctic waters of Lofoten. This tour is perfect for both beginners and experienced anglers, offering hands-on assistance and techniques to ensure you get the best catch. With a maximum of 5 participants, enjoy a personal experience while exploring prime fishing spots selected based on current conditions. Look out for majestic sea eagles soaring overhead as you fish in these beautiful surroundings. Plus, with a fish guarantee, you can relax knowing that if no one catches a fish, everyone receives a full refund. - Authentic fishing experience guided by a local expert - Small group size (maximum 5 participants) for an intimate setting - Fish guarantee: catch one fish or your money back - Duration: 3-4 hours, available year-round with all fishing gear included

Places to check out around Lofoten

Discover Restaurants, Mountains, Bakeries and more…

Bakeri Unseld

Bakery
Bø Bygdemuseum

History Museum
Borga på Eggum

Historic and Protected Site
Børsen Spiseri

Seafood Restaurant
Festvågtind

Mountain
Fiskekrogen

Seafood Restaurant
Fløya

Mountain
Hansines Bakeri

Bakery
Hauklandsstranda

Beach
Klatrekaféen

Gastropub
Laven på Hov

Modern European Restaurant
Lofotmat

Seafood Restaurant
Lofotr Vikingmuseum

History Museum
Lysstøperiet

Bakery
Mannen

Mountain
Nusfjord

Harbor or Marina
Offersøykammen

Mountain
Paleo Arctic

Scandinavian Restaurant
Restaurant Kjøkkenet

Scandinavian Restaurant
Rørvikstranda

Beach
Ryten

Mountain
Tjeldbergtinden

Scenic Lookout
Torvdalshalsen

Scenic Lookout
Unstad

Surf Spot

Explore more nearby Lofoten

Credit: Vidar Nordli-Mathisen

Reine

67°56'1"N, 13°5'13"E

Aurora probability in Reine: 7%

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.
Credit: Tetiana GRY

Henningsvær

68°9'15"N, 14°12'26"E

Aurora probability in Henningsvær: 7%

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.
Credit: Artem Makhortov

Svolvær

68°14'3"N, 14°34'6"E

Aurora probability in Svolvær: 7%

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.