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.

See also

Aurora Forecast•​Planning Your Northern Lights Adventure•​Northern Lights Photography•​Science Of The Aurora•​Northern Lights Playlist•​Northern Lights Myths And Legends•​About Seek The Aurora

Tromsø

Home / Norway / Tromsø

Tromsø, often referred to as the "Gateway to the Arctic," is one of the best places in Norway—and indeed the world—to witness the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis). This vibrant city, rich in culture and surrounded by stunning landscapes, offers an incredible experience for travelers seeking the magical dance of the Aurora.

Tromsø lies above the Arctic Circle, providing excellent visibility for the Northern Lights, especially during the winter months. The city is not only a prime Aurora viewing spot but also a cultural hub with museums, festivals and local cuisine. The best time to see the Northern Lights in Tromsø is from September to April, with peak visibility from December to February when the nights are longest.

A visit to Tromsø for the Northern Lights is an unforgettable experience, blending breathtaking natural phenomena with rich cultural experiences. Whether you’re an adventure seeker or a culture enthusiast, Tromsø offers something for everyone looking to explore the Arctic magic.

How are my chances of seeing the aurora today?

Many factors contribute to your likelihood of viewing the aurora in Tromsø. 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

3%

There is a 3% chance of seeing the aurora overhead in the Tromsø 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

Weather Forecast for Tromsø

Clouds

14°C Feels like 13°C

High
14°C
Low
9°C

  • Chance of precipitation 0%

  • Cloud cover 32%

  • Southerly winds 4 km/h

Book an amazing adventure in Tromsø

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

  • Free cancellation

    Tromso Aurora Hunt with Bonfire, Meal, Winter Suit & Photos

    4.8 (2414)

    5 - 8 hours From £189.75

    Come with us for your Aurora hunt for an amazing and ethical experience underneath the Aurora Borealis. Leave the light pollution in Tromsø behind and travel into the Arctic wilderness. During this tour, our small team of Aurora guides check the forecasts & use local knowledge to decide on the best place to chase the Northern Lights. When we find the best spot, we will dress in warm thermal suits, make a cosy campfire, and enjoy a warm meal. You'll be shown how to use your camera, photograph the Aurora, and our guides will take photos of you, available for free in web-sized resolution after the tour. Enjoy our hot drinks before being returned to Tromsø island to your hotel. Though there is never a guarantee of seeing this phenomenon, our experienced team will do their best every night of the season.

  • Free cancellation

    Tromso Self-Drive Husky Dog Sledding

    4.9 (789)

    4 hours From £270.50

    You will be driving your own sled and team of dogs in pairs, an experienced guide will lead your tour on the trail (group size is 20 guests maximum) - Drive your own team of huskies, in pairs you will share control of a dog sled and team of 5-6 Alaskan Huskies - Training is provided on how to control your sled and an experienced guide will lead your tour on the trail - 70-80 minutes of dog sledding in the Arctic wilderness - Afterwards, enjoy cake and a warm drink in the Lavvu - All necessary equipment to keep you safe and warm is provided. Minimum age 7 years Join us for the experience of a lifetime, mushing your own team of dogs across the Arctic wilderness. Meet our kennel of 130 beautiful Alaskan Huskies. These are the running dogs of the Arctic, born and bred with a passion to pull. You will have plenty of opportunities to swap between driver and passenger throughout the trip, as well as a chance to cuddle the dogs once back at the kennel.

  • Free cancellation

    Northern Lights Minibus Chase from Tromsø with Chasing Lights

    4.9 (1374)

    5 - 9 hours From £209.94

    Personal and Adventurous Experience – A smaller group size allows for a more intimate and flexible chase, guided by Northern Lights experts. Adaptive Routes and Patience – Our route changes based on weather, cloud cover, and road conditions. We may travel long distances or into Finland to find clear skies. Set Realistic Expectations – The aurora is unpredictable; some nights offer subtle displays, while others feature vibrant colors. Multiple chases increase the chance of a spectacular sighting. Scenic Stops When Possible – If conditions allow, we stop for campfires and photo opportunities, but finding clear skies is our top priority. Expert Guidance and Support – Our guides assist with photography and share insights about the aurora, making this a rich and educational adventure.

  • Free cancellation

    Tromso Northern Lights Minibus Chase Small Group Tour with Photos

    4.8 (1290)

    7 - 9 hours From £184.10

    One of Tromso’s Top-Rated Northern Lights Tour – Stunning Portraits & Arctic Comfort Join Tromso’s most award-winning Northern Lights experience – with 9× TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards, Tripadvisor Hall of Fame status, and over 2,500 Excellent reviews. We don’t just chase the aurora – we capture professional portraits of you beneath it, creating magical keepsakes you’ll treasure for life. With a 93.44% success rate (season 2024/2025), real-time weather tracking and flexible routing give you one of the highest chances in the Arctic. Stay warm in our premium winter suits and boots – all included. Led by Aurora experts since 2012 and trusted by 97%+ satisfied guests, this small-group tour offers deep knowledge, personal service, and unforgettable memories. Operated by Arctic Explorers or premium partners offering identical quality. Book early – this bestseller fills up fast!

  • Free cancellation

    Tromso Reindeer Feeding and Saami Culture Experience

    4.7 (126)

    4 hours 30 minutes From £136.86

    We would like to invite you to visit our Sámi camp and join us for a family-friendly reindeer interaction tour surrounded by stunning scenery and the famous Lyngen Alp mountains. Lunch and busride is included in the price.

  • Free cancellation

    Silent Whale Watching by Hybrid-Electric Boat from Tromsø

    4.5 (1018)

    7 - 9 hours From £160.68

    Get a unique perspective on the majestic Humpbacks, Fin, Sperm whales and/or Orca's as they feed in the herring-rich fjords of the Arctic. With purpose made hybrid-electric boats for whale watching, we minimise disturbance to nature and whales. Leaving Tromsø in the morning, we head to where the whales are in time to enjoy the short hours of daylight. On the way you can take in the breathtaking views of frozen landscapes in comfortable, panoramic lounges and 2 decks. We use a hybrid engine to reach the whale’s feeding grounds, and as we near the whales, we switch to a silent electric engine that allows us to get closer without disturbing them. Please note that the duration of the trip depends on the whales’ location. It takes up to 3.5 hours to get to the whales and can therefore range from 8-9 hours. Please note that whale sightings are not guaranteed.

Places to check out around Tromsø

Explore more nearby Tromsø

  • Colourful wooden buildings by the water on Sommarøy island

    Credit: Stock Birken

    Sommarøy

    69°38'4"N, 18°0'46"E

    Aurora probability in Sommarøy: 3%

    Sommarøy, a picturesque island fishing village, offers stunning white-sand beaches and the magical experience of the midnight sun in summer and northern lights in winter, making it a true Arctic paradise.

  • Aurora Borealis in the sky over the sea and mountains on Kvaløya island

    Credit: Yoann Lechaux

    Kvaløya

    69°36'59"N, 18°32'59"E

    Aurora probability in Kvaløya: 3%

    Kvaløya is an island is a haven for nature lovers, with dramatic mountains, picturesque fishing villages and excellent opportunities for whale watching and hiking.

  • Northern lights over Husøy

    Credit: Alejandro G

    Husøy

    69°32'20"N, 17°39'33"E

    Aurora probability in Husøy: 3%

    A tiny, charming village on the island of Senja, Husøy is a traditional fishing community with colourful houses clinging to the edge of the sea, offering a glimpse into the authentic Arctic lifestyle.

Other places in Norway

Alta•​Bodø•​Lofoten

See also

Home•​Aurora Forecast•​Planning Your Northern Lights Adventure•​Northern Lights Photography•​Science Of The Aurora•​Northern Lights Playlist•​Northern Lights Myths And Legends•​About Seek The Aurora

Polarmuseet

Home / Norway / Tromsø / Polarmuseet

Polarmuseet is a History Museum at Tollbodgata 11, 9008 Tromsø, Norge

Website • Phone: +47 77 62 33 60

Where to find Polarmuseet?

69°39'8"N, 18°57'48"E

What do people think of Polarmuseet?

  • 4.5

  • Worth the visit. Learned a lot about Arctic exploration here.

    Mark A20 December 2015

  • Some of the items there are a bit dated, but it's still quite informational. The section upstairs about Nansen is the highlight.

    Adam N26 October 2015

  • Chiedi l'opuscolo all'ingresso. Il museo è molto ricco, ma le didascalie sono solo in Norvegese.

    Michael B12 August 2013

  • tells the history very well

    AliGalip S7 March 2019

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