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 28 April 2025 at 10:02am 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 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 auroral activity.

Density 1.15 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 391.7 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.

Rain

6°C Feels like 4°C

High
6°C
Low
3°C
  • Precipitation: 100%
  • Cloud cover: 85%
  • Wind: 7 km/h
  • Rain: 9mm

Moon

Waxing crescent

  • Sun rises at: 4:14am
  • Sun sets at: 9:51pm
  • Moon rises at: 3:24am
  • Moon sets at: 1:00am

Book an amazing adventure in Lofoten

  • Free cancellation

    From Leknes port: Special Summer Guided Tour of Lofoten

    4.6 (78)

    6 hours From £99.70

    We will take you to see the most beautiful highlights of Lofoten: 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. The group size can vary and in exceptional cases can be up to 45 people.. Please note that as the disembarkation schedule may vary,give us 10/15 minutes of flexibility to allow everyone to arrive at the meeting point.

  • Free cancellation

    Sightseeing Tour in Lofoten

    4.8 (6)

    6 hours From £118.16

    The Sightseeing tour in Lofoten starts and ends at the cruise port of Leknes. The duration of the tour is 6hrs. The tour includes hot drinks and some little snacks. We are going to visit the most beautiful beaches:Haukland, Flakstad and the beach of Ramberg. Of course we are not going to miss the world famous Nusfjord ( entrance fee is not included), Flakstad, Hamnoy and Reine, . This tour gives you the opportunity to visit the most famous locations in Lofoten in a very short time. If you don't have a lot of time but you would like to breath in the real Lofoten air and take some great pictures this tour is the best option for you! Join us and fall in love with Lofoten!

  • Free cancellation

    Midnight Sun Kayak - Northern Explorer

    4.9 (129)

    3 hours From £71.64

    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 Private tour

    Lofoten VIP PRIVATE Tour from Leknes city / port

    5.0 (14)

    6 hours From £426.12

    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

    Sea Kayak Guided Tours on Skrova Island

    5.0 (25)

    3 hours From £92.31

    Explore one of the Lofoten archipelago's most beautiful islands by kayak. This small-group paddling tour takes you on an adventure in the magnificent surroundings of Skrova where you will see the Skrova lighthouse, white-sand beaches, and the spectacle of the Lofoten mountains meeting the sea. While you paddle, you may also spot wildlife such as sea eagles, sea otters, and porpoises. To begin your adventure, first hop aboard the Svolvær-Skrova ferry, which is free to all passengers. Once you arrive at the harbour of Skrova, you will meet your guide by the Heimbrygga restaurant. Learn about Skrova island history while spying on the wild life around you. Remember to keep your eyes wide open while paddling through the crystal clear shallow waters to ensure you don't miss any fish swimming underneath your kayak. Put your sunglasses on, take a leisurely stroll, or simply relax on one of the white sand beaches before heading back to Skova harbour. FREE FERRY TO SKROVA

  • Free cancellation

    Reine, Hamnøy, Sakrisøy Photo Tour from Svolvær

    No reviews

    7 hours From £114.47

    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.

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, Norge