Find the best places in the world to view the Northern Lights

From the Arctic archipelago of Svalbard to the vast wilderness of Alaska, we help you discover the top destinations for witnessing the aurora borealis. Browse detailed guides for locations across Norway, Iceland, Finland, Sweden and Canada — complete with real-time aurora forecasts, cloud-cover predictions and optimal viewing seasons so you can plan your trip with confidence.

Canada

Dark skies and breathtaking wilderness, one of the best places to experience the northern lights in all their glory.

Banff •Churchill •Edmonton •Jasper •Whitehorse •Yellowknife

Faroe Islands

Dramatic landscapes with pristine dark skies, an exceptional place to witness the northern lights with a truly unique setting.

Tórshavn

Finland

Enjoy stunning aurora displays from cozy glass igloos or snowy forests in the magical northern wilderness.

Inari •Levi •Luosto •Rovaniemi

Greenland

The remote wilderness and minimal light pollution offer a breathtaking, serene setting to witness the northern lights in their purest form.

Ilulissat •Kangerlussuaq •Nuuk •Qaqortoq

Iceland

Breathtaking landscapes and long winter nights provide a spectacular backdrop for witnessing the aurora in a truly unforgettable setting.

Akureyri •Reykjavík •Vík

Norway

Stunning fjords and snowy peaks provide a breathtaking backdrop to the northern lights in one of the best locations to witness this natural spectacle.

Alta •Bodø •Lofoten •Tromsø

Shetland

A remote location and dark skies offer opportunities to witness the northern lights over rugged coastlines and peaceful seascapes.

Lerwick

Svalbard

Polar nights in the high arctic offer exceptional chances to witness the northern lights dancing across pristine, icy landscapes.

Longyearbyen

Sweden

Clear winter nights and pristine wilderness create an ideal place to experience the aurora in a magical Arctic setting.

Abisko •Björkliden •Kiruna

USA

Alaska’s vast wilderness and clear, dark skies create perfect conditions for experiencing the northern lights in a breathtaking natural setting.

Anchorage •Fairbanks •Healy

And find out how to make the most of your Aurora adventure

Whether you’re a first-time aurora chaser or an experienced astrophotographer, our practical tips cover everything from camera settings and exposure times to what to wear in sub-zero temperatures. Learn how to read Kp-index forecasts, find dark-sky spots away from light pollution and capture stunning long-exposure shots that do justice to the night sky’s most spectacular natural light show.

Lofoten

Home / Norway / 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.

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.

Aurora Probability and Atmospheric Conditions

There is a 2% chance of seeing the aurora overhead in the Lofoten area (forecast for 12 June 2026 at 8:54am UTC)

Kp 3.67

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.

HPI 13 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 -6 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 8 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.

Light Levels

Moon

Waning crescent 22%

Sunrise N/A

Sunset N/A

Moonrise 12:23am

Moonset 1:00am

Weather Forecast for Lofoten

Clouds

14°C Feels like 13°C

High: 14°C
Low: 9°C

Chance of precipitation 0%
Cloud cover 66%
Northerly winds 9 km/h gusts of 13 km/h

Book an amazing adventure in Lofoten

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

Free cancellation

Midnight Sun Kayak in Reinefjord (3 hours)

5.0 (4)

3 hours From £109.01

We have a unique location to acces the wildside of Reinefjord and the open sea. We have our own harbour with kayaks right by the water. Handpicked guides by their personality, kayak skills, local knowledge,story telling and adventurous/inspiring lifestyle. We foccus on safety, details, story telling and we try always to have a surprise in our tours.
Free cancellation

Midnight Sun Kayak - Northern Explorer

4.9 (156)

3 hours From £88.82

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 Ultimate Aurora Hunt

4.1 (11)

3 - 5 hours From £133.23

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

Lofoten Bucket list - Reine and Western Lofoten 4h sightseeing

No reviews

4 hours From £104.56

Embark on a scenic journey from Leknes harbor to the iconic fishing village of Reine – often called Norway’s most photographed destination. Travel along one of the country’s most stunning coastal roads, passing through the historic landscapes of Flakstad and Moskenes, where dramatic mountains meet the sea and traditional fishing communities still thrive. Along the way, we stop at handpicked viewpoints and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. Your guide will share stories about Lofoten’s nature, fishing heritage, and everyday life – from the importance of stockfish to the rhythms of coastal living. In Reine, you’ll have time to stroll among colorful boathouses and rorbuer, watch fishing boats coming and going , and perhaps chat with locals. In spring, you’ll see fish drying on traditional racks – a true Arctic sight. This experience is led by a knowledgeable and passionate guide and is available to both cruise guests and independent travelers
Free cancellation

Kayaking in Reinefjorden

4.8 (140)

3 hours From £109.01

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

Midnight Magic - Late Night Tour of Lofoten

No reviews

4 hours From £117.08

Experience the magic of Norway’s Arctic summer on our Midnight Sun Magic tour, a 4-hour evening adventure that takes you to Lofoten’s most breathtaking northern viewpoints—Eggum, and Gimsøya. As the midnight sun lingers above the horizon, casting an ethereal golden glow across the landscape, you’ll witness one of nature’s most surreal spectacles. From the pristine shores of Haukland to the rugged beauty of Eggum and the wild, windswept scenery of Gimsøya, each stop offers a unique perspective on this rare phenomenon. With expert local guides leading the way, this intimate tour is perfect for photographers, nature lovers, and anyone seeking an unforgettable encounter with the endless daylight of the Arctic summer.

Places to check out around Lofoten

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: 2%

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: 2%

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: 2%

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.