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.

27%

There is a 27% chance of seeing the aurora overhead in the Lofoten area (forecast for 6 November 2025 at 7:21pm UTC)

Kp 3.00

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.
Bz 0 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 3.28 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 595.0 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 gibbous

Sunrise 8:39am

Sunset 2:59pm

Rain

7°C Feels like 3°C

High
8°C
Low
7°C
  • Chance of precipitation 100%

  • Cloud cover 83%

  • Westerly winds 9 km/h gusts of 11 km/h

  • Rain 3 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

    4.8 (12)

    7 hours From £107.39

    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.

  • Private tour

    Lofoten VIP PRIVATE Tour from Leknes city / port

    5.0 (23)

    6 hours From £444.18

    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 £111.62

    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 Special offer

    Lofoten Ultimate Aurora Hunt

    4.4 (5)

    3 - 5 hours From £114.32

    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

    3 Hours Winter Kayak in Reine Fjord

    5.0 (2)

    3 hours From £103.92

    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 Likely to sell out

    Sami Reindeer Experience

    5.0 (3)

    6 hours From £153.19

    Step into the world of the Arctic’s Indigenous people on this unforgettable Sami Reindeer Experience. Travel from Svolvær to a remote reindeer paddock where you’ll meet the reindeer herd and spend time with genuine Sami reindeer herders. Learn about the rich history, customs, and traditions of the Sami people, and gain insight into their deep connection with nature and the reindeer. You’ll have the opportunity to get close to the reindeer, feed them by hand, and hear personal stories from Sami hosts. This experience offers a rare cultural encounter that’s both authentic and immersive. A lunch is included, either served around the fire in a traditional lavvu (Sami tent) or provided as a quality packed meal depending on the day's schedule. This is a must-do experience for those looking to go beyond the typical tourist trail and connect with the living culture of the north.

Places to check out around Lofoten

Discover Restaurants, Mountains, Bakeries and more…

Other places in Norway

AltaTromsø

See also

Aurora ForecastPlanning Your Northern Lights AdventureNorthern Lights PhotographyScience Of The AuroraNorthern Lights PlaylistNorthern Lights Myths And Legends

Restaurant Kjøkkenet

Restaurant Kjøkkenet is a Scandinavian Restaurant and Seafood Restaurant at Lamholmen 1, 8300 Svolvær, Norge

WebsitePhone: +47 76 06 64 80

Where to find Restaurant Kjøkkenet?

68°13'59"N, 14°34'12"E

What do people think of Restaurant Kjøkkenet?

  • 4.4
  • If you want to taste the Lofoten classics come here. Cod tongue at its best, the clipfish starter was creamy and delicious. Big, huge portions!

    Francesco Paolo F8 March 2018

  • Cosy surroundings, just like at your Norwegian grandma's. The waiter is nice. The price is very high, and could have expected more for the food. 1200NOK. 2 glass wine, 2 main, 2dessert, 1 coffee.

    Daniel B26 September 2016

  • Köstliche norwegische Spezialitäten auf höchstem Niveau und freundlichen individuellem Service

    Jörg M4 June 2019

  • Sehr gute Fischgerichte - es ist den Preis wert

    Jörg M3 June 2019

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