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?

0%

There is a 0% chance of seeing the aurora overhead in the Lofoten area (forecast for 19 September 2025 at 9:43am UTC)

Kp 0.67

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 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 auroral activity.

Density 0.56 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 424.5 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.

Clouds

11°C Feels like 10°C

High
11°C
Low
5°C
  • Precipitation: 0%
  • Cloud cover: 47%
  • Wind: 4 km/h

Moon

Waning crescent

  • Sun rises at: 6:36am
  • Sun sets at: 7:22pm
  • Moon rises at: 2:01am
  • Moon sets at: 7:35pm

Book an amazing adventure in Lofoten

  • Free cancellation Special offer

    Lofoten Ultimate Aurora Hunt

    3.5 (2)

    3 - 5 hours From £113.76

    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 Special offer

    Reine, Hamnøy, Sakrisøy Photo Tour from Svolvær

    4.9 (9)

    7 hours From £106.86

    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

    Kayaking in Reinefjorden

    4.8 (130)

    3 hours From £103.42

    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 Private tour

    Shore Excursion Full day Private Tour in Lofoten

    4.7 (3)

    6 - 7 hours From £287.27

    Enjoy one of the most beautiful place in the world with a professional guide; take your time; enrich your knowledge about the islands trough a professional guide's storytelling; take as many photos as you desire; stop wherever you wish; admire the landscape; discover hidden corners; enjoy the beauty with your own guide and friends.; customize your experience. From Leknes to Å, it will be once in a lifetime experience

  • Free cancellation

    Half Day Kayak - Northern Explores AS

    4.9 (73)

    3 hours From £68.94

    Join us on an exploration of the scenic fjords and islands. Kayaking definitely offers you the ability to be closer to nature than a lot of other activities do. The half day Kayak Adventure is about 3-3,5 hours long and departs daily at 10:00 or at 14:00. Group size can vary from 2-10 people. Includes: snacks and hot drinks

  • Free cancellation Private tour

    Explore Reinefjord by kayak (3 hours)

    5.0 (11)

    3 hours From £97.67

    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.

Places to check out around Lofoten

Discover Restaurants, Mountains, Scenic Lookouts and more…

Other places in Norway

AltaTromsø

See also

Aurora ForecastPlanning Your Northern Lights AdventureNorthern Lights PhotographyScience Of The AuroraNorthern Lights Playlist

Fløya

Fløya is a Mountain at Svolvær, 8300 Svolvær, Norge