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Northern lights norway

Top 5 Must-See Northern Light Spots in Norway + FAQ and Answers

Have you ever gazed in awe at the celestial beauty of the aurora borealis, or Northern Lights? Have you ever dreamed of taking photos of its majestic green and purple hues? If so, then Norway is one of the best places to take in this dazzling display of nature’s artistry.

Norway is renowned for its diverse landscapes: from glaciers and fjords to mountains and beaches. But what really captivates travelers’ hearts is the Northern Lights. This phenomenon which can only be seen in the northern parts of the world has been spellbinding visitors for generations.

To help you make the most out of your Northern Lights experience, we’ll be going over the top 5 places in Norway that are must-see spots for Aurora Borealis-viewing as well as providing answers to some frequently asked questions about this majestic phenomenon.

How to Increase Your Chances of Seeing the Northern Lights?

Did you know that over 80% of tourists miss the Northern Lights due to the lack of Aurora knowledge? Don't let that be you! The right time and the right place are the key. Northern Lights Online Course and Aurora mobile app designed for beginners will significantly increase your chances.

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Online Course

Designed For Beginners

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Mobile App

Designed For Beginners

Update: Hey there, we've added 10 free videos from our Ultimate Northern Lights Online Course to this post. In the videos, we explain the mysteries of the Aurora Borealis in simple terms for beginners. You'll learn things like what the Northern Lights really look like and how long the show lasts. Also covered are common shapes, Aurora forecasting, tips for finding the best viewing spot, and more. We made the videos short and right to the point. Enjoy learning new things about one of nature's most incredible light shows.

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Ultimate Northern Lights Course

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  • 99 Lessons
  • Includes 1 additional product

Learn all you need to know to see the Northern Lights. The full package online course. This course includes Basic, Intermediate and Advanced knowledge about the Northern Lights. Great for Beginners. Includes Certificate.
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Includes 1 Additional Product

Aurora in Reality

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Introduction to the Northern Lights in Norway

When it comes to viewing the spectacular Northern Lights, Norway is the prime destination. Located in the Aurora Zone, this northern country is an ideal spot for witnessing the famous Aurora Borealis and capturing them in pictures and videos. But, with so much to choose from, where should you start?

To make your planning easier, we've compiled a list of the top five spots for observing and photographing the Northern Lights in Norway. From Lofoten Islands to Svalbard, each of these locations offers their own unique advantages when it comes to seeing the awe-inspiring lights.

Plus, we'll also cover some of the most commonly asked questions about seeing and photographing the Northern Lights in Norway. Here's a quick overview of the areas we'll be discussing:

  • Introduction to Seeing and Photographing the Northern Lights in Norway
  • Top 5 Must-See Northern Light Spots in Norway
  • FAQs About Seeing and Photographing the Northern Lights

What Aurora Shapes Can You See?

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The Top 5 Places to See and Photograph the Northern Lights in Norway

If you're looking for the best places to witness and capture the magnificent beauty of the Northern Lights, then Norway is your destination. Norway's wide-open spaces and dark night skies make it one of the best places to appreciate this natural phenomena.

Here are the top 5 spots to see and photograph the Northern Lights in Norway:
  • Tromsø: Located north of the Arctic Circle, Tromsø is known as one of the best places in Europe to observe this phenomenon.
  • Senja: Located on Norway’s second largest island, Senja has some of the darkest night skies in Scandinavia and is perfect for star gazing.
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  • Alta: Experience the true beauty of a winter wonderland when you visit Alta for a chance to see and capture this amazing light show.
  • Trondheim: Located at Norway’s third largest city, Trondheim offers endless opportunities to witness this awe-inspiring spectacle.
  • Andøya: Located on a remote island off Norway’s coast, Andøya offers crystal clear dark skies where visitors can take spectacular photographs of this natural phenomena.

Experience first hand why these spots are considered some of the best for viewing and photography when it comes to the Northern Lights in Norway!

How Northern Lights Forecast Works?

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What to Know Before Visiting a Northern Lights Viewing Spots in Norway

When planning a Northern lights viewing in Norway, you'll want to be prepared. Here are the top five things to know about visiting a Northern Lights spot in Norway:

Location and Timing
The best time to see the Northern Lights is from late September to early April. Your best bet is to plan a visit anywhere in this 6-month range. But it's important that you know the exact location of your chosen viewing spot, as well as its latitude and longitude. You can find this information using resources like Google Maps.
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All-in-one tool for Aurora hunting. Try the new experience.

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Weather
Since the Northern Lights are fairly unpredictable and dependent on weather conditions (the auroras shine brightest during clear nights), it’s always wise to check the forecast ahead of time so you can plan your trip accordingly. You can find this information using websites like Yr or AccuWeather. It’s also helpful to be aware of which direction you should be looking for the lights, and an app like Aurorasaurus can help with that!

Accommodation
Some of the best spots for viewing the Northern Lights in Norway require staying overnight, so it’s important to plan ahead for your accommodation needs. Consider camping or booking a hotel room for convenience. Alternatively, some tour companies offer package deals if you book with them!

Clothing & Gear
Because it gets pretty cold when trying to spot Northern Lights in Norway, make sure you bring all necessary clothing and gear. Warm boots, hats, mittens or gloves, a coat or insulated jacket, and layers of clothing could make all the difference in making your experience more enjoyable (and warm!). Additionally, some sort of binoculars or spotting scope might come.

How to Find the Best Place for Aurora Viewing?

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FAQs About Seeing the Northern Lights in Norway

You may have some questions about seeing the Northern Lights in Norway. To help you out, here are some of the most common questions and answers about this unique experience:

Q1: What is the best time of year to see the Northern Lights?
From late September to mid-April is usually the best time for Northern Lights watching. You can see them at any time of the night, but between 9 pm and 2 am is usually when they are at their most active.

Q2: Where Should I Stay in Norway to See The Northern Lights?
Anywhere with an open view towards north, clear skies and low light pollution will do. However, if you want to maximize your chances, it might be worth staying in one of Norway’s northern towns like Tromsø or Alta.
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Q3: How Cold Does it Get While Watching The Northern Lights?
November and February tend to be the coldest months, with temperatures ranging from 0 to -10 degrees Celsius (32-50 Fahrenheit). But those temperatures can vary depending on the region. So remember to pack warm clothes no matter when you go!

Q4: Is It Possible To Take Pictures of The Northern Lights?
Yes! All you need is a digital SLR camera or even a newer smartphone, a tripod and a cable release or self timer function on your camera. A wide angle lens works best – and be sure to wrap up warm as you wait for that perfect picture!

Q5: Can I See The Northern Lights Every Night?
Unfortunately not. Cloud cover during winter months can affect visibility significantly – so although it’s possible to see the Northern Lights almost every night, clouds can reduce that chance significantly. Even more, the sky can be cloudy more than 5 days in row which means you will not be able to see the Northern Lights (the Northern Lights appear higher than clouds which is the reason why when it's cloudy you don't get to see those lights).

Can You See Aurora in the City?

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Tips for Photographing the Northern Lights in Norway

Norway's northern lights are truly a dazzling sight, and even more so when taking pictures. If you're visiting Norway and hope to capture the beauty of the northern lights in photos, here are some must-know tips:

Go off the Grid
The light from nearby cities and towns can have an effect on your images if you’re shooting too close to them. Try to find locations further away from urban areas for the clearest and darkest shots - the further away from civilization, the better!

Have a Tripod Handy
Having a tripod on hand is essential for shooting with longer exposures. You'll also be able to avoid as much camera shake as possible, allowing you to get sharper shots.

How long Are Northern Lights Visible?

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Get Yourself an Intervalometer
Using an intervalometer can help take your photos up a notch by allowing you to take timelapse videos of the Aurora Borealis in action. An intervalometer also comes with a range of settings that let you adjust exposure duration and intervals between shots.

React Quickly
The northern lights tend to move pretty quickly across the sky - they're unpredictable! That's why it's so important to be ready at all times, so keep your camera set up and ready in case they show up suddenly. This way, you won't miss out on any great moments!

By keeping these tips in mind, you'll be sure to get some amazing shots of Norway's spectacular northern lights!

Eye vs Camera view Compared

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Wrapping Up – Aurora Borealis Watching in Norway

As you've seen, Norway is a great place to see the Northern Lights. From Lofoten Islands to Tromsø and even further away, there are plenty of incredible spots for taking in this magnificent phenomenon.

Before you go, make sure that you are properly prepared for the experience with the right clothing and equipment. And always remember that the success of your trip doesn't depend solely on yourself: sometimes you need to be lucky and catch the perfect weather with clear nights. The chance of seeing the Northern Lights increases during winter when days are shorter and the sky is dark more often.

Aurora Photography with a Smartphone: How to be ready & Is Tripod Essential?

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FAQs About Seeing the Northern Lights in Norway

Where's the best place to see them?
The most popular spots to see the Northern Lights in Norway are Lofoten Islands, Svalbard Archipelago, Tromsø, Senja Island and Nordland County.

When is it best time to go?
The best time to visit Norway for aurora borealis watching is from late September until late March when nights are longer and darker. However, chances of spotting them also depend on other factors like weather conditions so it’s important to follow Aurora Borealis forecast as well as local news while in Norway.

What equipment should I bring?
It’s recommended to bring warm clothing that covers your entire body, a tripod for camera stabilization and a DSLR camera or mirrorless camera with wide angle lenses (for better chances of capturing the perfect shot).

We hope that this guide helped you decide where's the best place for seeing northern lights in Norway - now all that’s left is getting there!

How Far Away Can Be Aurora Visible?

How to Understand Real-time Aurora Activity?

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Conclusion

Seeing the Northern Lights should be on everyone’s bucket list and Norway is one of the best places in the world to experience this immersive phenomenon. With the help of this post, you have all the information you need to make the most of your Northern Light spotting experience in Norway and make it truly unforgetable.

Whether you’re planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip or just a weekend away, Norway is the perfect destination for taking in the Aurora Borealis, with some of the most spectacular and iconic viewing points in the world. Now you know the all the reasons why Norway is the best place for the Northern Lights, where to go and what to pack, so what are you waiting for? Get ready to watch the magical lights of the night sky light up your travels with a show like no other.

Bonus: Northern Lights Song

Learn more about The Northern Lights

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Ultimate Northern Lights Course

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  • 99 Lessons
  • Includes 1 additional product

Learn all you need to know to see the Northern Lights. The full package online course. This course includes Basic, Intermediate and Advanced knowledge about the Northern Lights. Great for Beginners. Includes Certificate.
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Includes 1 Additional Product

  • €9.99

Aurora Myths & Legends (Ultimate Collection)

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Learn about the Top 19 Aurora Myths and Legends. But that's not all. Have you ever thought about how did it happen that people started to believe in these Myths and Legends? What had happened that night? 19 of Aurora Myths and Legends were turned into tales and are right here for you in this collection.
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