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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.

82%

There is a 82% chance of seeing the aurora overhead in the Lofoten area (forecast for 11 January 2026 at 8:29pm UTC)

Kp 5.00

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 76 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 5 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 2.54 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 550.7 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 46%

Sunrise 11:05am

Sunset 1:21pm

Moonrise 2:36am

Moonset 9:39am

Snow

2°C Feels like -1°C

High: 4°C
Low: -1°C

Chance of precipitation 100%
Cloud cover 92%
Southerly winds 11 km/h gusts of 12 km/h
Rain 3 mm
Snow 3 mm

Book an amazing adventure in Lofoten

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

Private tour

Lofoten VIP PRIVATE Tour from Leknes city / port

5.0 (23)

6 hours From £371.44

Treat yourself with a fully private arrangement. Lofoten are a unique place that deserves to be experiencedet at its fullest, with no rush and a knowledgeable guide at your exclusive disposal. You will enjoy a relaxing panoramic drive along some of the most beautiful views in the world. We will pass by white sandy beaches with emerald waters, deep fjords surrounded by towering peaks and charming fishing villages characterised by the typical fishermen's red cabins. You will learn the history of "skrei", the migrating arctic cod that has been used for centuries for the production of stockfish. You will have the chance to taste a delicious fish soup or tasty fish burgers. We will take as many photo stops as you want, with no rush and no pressure. You will return to Leknes with your cameras full of photos and your hearts full of memories that you will never forget.
Free cancellation

Special Summer Cruise Bus Tour of Lofoten

4.6 (83)

6 hours From £109.92

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

Midnight Sun Kayak - Northern Explorer

4.9 (151)

3 hours From £73.53

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

Lofoten Islands: Guided Snowshoeing Tour - Uphill version

5.0 (7)

4 hours From £98.55

We offer tailor-made snowshoeing trips that cater to both beginners and experienced hikers. Our guided tours take you through the majestic winter beauty of the Lofoten wilderness, and offers an up-close-and-personal experience of the rugged snowy landscapes.
Free cancellation

Western Lofoten: Winter Hike / Snowshoe Hiking Adventure

5.0 (5)

5 - 6 hours From £197.09

Ryten is one of the top winter hiking and snowshoeing destinations in Lofoten. Located in Lofotodden National Park near Fredvang, it offers iconic views of Kvalvika Beach and the dramatic peaks of Moskenes and Flakstad. The route we follow has gentle terrain and no avalanche risk, making it a safe and accessible winter adventure with the right gear and an experienced guide. The hike climbs to 543 meters with over 500 meters of elevation gain. It’s a challenge, but the views from the summit are unforgettable and often the highlight of our guests’ trip to Lofoten. No previous hiking or snowshoeing experience is needed, but you should be comfortable with physical effort and deep snow in some sections along the way.
Free cancellation

Afternoon Kayaking Adventure in Lofoten

5.0 (4)

3 hours From £102.34

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.

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: 81%

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: 82%

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: 82%

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.