Discover Tromsø – the best place to see the northern lights Norway. Uncover the best spots in and around Tromsø, tips, and secrets to witness the aurora in one of the world’s top destinations.
Many aurora enthusiasts agree, Tromsø is the best place to see the northern lights Norway. In fact, it is considered one of the best places in the world for aurora hunting.
The city’s location above the Arctic Circle makes it the perfect destination for chasing the elusive lights. Located deep within the Norwegian countryside, the city’s pristine surroundings provide an awe-inspiring backdrop to the natural phenomenon. Thanks to the long and clear winter nights, Tromsø is a prime destination for anyone who is hoping to experience the magic of the aurora borealis.
But, timing is everything to your visit if you want to maximize your chances of viewing the auroras. Naturally, the best months to visit Tromsø are from late September until early April. Each month provides its own unique benefits and drawbacks that can affect how you plan on experiencing the awe and wonder of the ghostly lights.
The Best Time to See the Northern Lights in Tromsø
It’s important to remember that the time of year that you visit Tromsø will determine your odds of seeing the auroras.
Late September to October: Early Aurora Season
The early aurora season starts in September and goes until October. During this time of year, Tromsø has milder weather, making the trip more enjoyable. You will have more daylight which will give you plenty of time to enjoy outdoor activities, while still having plenty of dark night to hunt for the elusive lights. As a result, if you plan on going sightseeing as well as hunting for the auroras, then this is the perfect time of year.
November to January: Polar Night Magic
From November to January, Tromsø experiences what is known as Polar Night. This is a period of time in which the sun does not rise for several weeks. The continuous darkness provides the perfect conditions for any aurora hunter. Since the skies are almost perfectly dark around the clock, they provide an extended window for viewing the northern lights. However, due to the longer nights the temperatures are also well below freezing throughout most of the night.
February to Early April: Late Winter Spectacle
However, if you want the best of both worlds, then you should visit Tromsø from February to April. This period of time still provides you with long nights, but also offers you some daylight for winter activities. The skies tend to be clearer during this period of time, which improves the chances of viewing the natural phenomenon. The temperatures also begin to rise, and although it is still cold, you will be able to enjoy the snow-covered landscapes. This can equate to a more picturesque backdrop for any outdoor activity.
Where to Go: The Best Place to See the Northern Lights Norway (Tromsø & Surrounds)
Due to its location well above the Arctic Circle, the Tromsø region is frequently said to be the best place to see the northern lights Norway. Here are some of the most popular aurora-chasing spots within and around Tromsø.
Fjellheisen Cable Car and Storsteinen Mountain
One of the best place to see the northern lights Norway, is the top of Storsteinen Mountain. You can reach this by taking the Fjellheisen Cable Car. Once there, you’ll have a panoramic view of the city and its surrounding fjords. The elevated location also provides you with an unobstructed view of the auroras, far away from any light pollution. However, be prepared for extreme cold conditions at the peak of the mountain.
Telegrafbukta Beach
If you’d like to stay away from the frigid cold temperatures of the mountain, then why not head out to Telegrafbukta Beach. The beach is located just outside of downtown Tromsø, and on clear nights the northern lights can be seen reflecting off the fjords surface. This creates a stunning and awe-inspiring view of the northern lights. And, thanks to its proximity to the city, it’s also a very convenient location for aurora hunting.
Tromsø Villmarkssenter
For those looking for a more immersive experience, Tromsø Villmarkssenter is the perfect choice. This camp offers guided tours that allow you to venture deeper into the Arctic wilderness, to hunt for the elusive lights. You’ll have access to remote locations where light pollution is minimal, and the snow-covered landscapes glisten as the ghostly lights dance overhead.
Sommarøy Island
Another one of the best place to see the northern lights Norway, is located about 45 minutes outside of Tromsø. Sommarøy Island is known for its white sandy beaches and its serene atmosphere. The island offers wide-open skies and unobstructed views of the aurora borealis. This makes it a perfect location for hunting the elusive lights. Thanks to its more remote location, the light displays will be more vivid.
Ersfjordbotn
There is also a small village that is only a 30-minute drive from Tromsø. Ersfjordbotn is a popular destination for viewing the elusive lights. The village is surrounded by mountains in all directions and is situated along the shores of a picturesque fjord. The stunning scenery and easy accessibility make it a popular destination for Aurora hunters. You can enjoy a truly immersive natural experience without venturing too far from the city.
Kvaløya Island
Also known as Whale Island, Kvaløya is one of the best place to see the northern lights Norway. The wide-open spaces and minimal light pollution ensure that the island provides you with some of the darkest skies in the region. There are countless guided tours available for those who wish to experience the natural wonder in all of its beauty.
Planning for the Best Place to See the Northern Lights Norway
In order to make the most of your trip to Tromsø, it’s important to plan your trip accordingly. This means making sure that you have the right gear for the cold, reliable transportation, and access to the best viewing locations.
Packing Essentials
It’s important to remember that when visiting Tromsø in the winter, you will need to dress appropriately for the frigid arctic conditions. Layering is the key to staying warm throughout the winter months. This is even more important if you plan on being outside for long periods of time. Start with a good thermal base, in order to retain any body heat. Next, you will need an insulated layer, including a winter down jacket. Lastly, you will need to also include a waterproof outer layer in order to keep the snow and ice from soaking in to your clothing.
Make sure that you invest in a good pair of waterproof boots, as the last thing you want to happen is for your feet to get wet and cold out in the Arctic snow. More importantly, don’t forget to pack other important accessories like scarves, gloves, and hats. These will help to protect your extremities from the frigid arctic winds.
Make your trip a memorable one by preparing your camera equipment as well. You will want to bring a tripod and a good DSLR camera that allows for long-exposure shots. After all, Aurora photography requires steady hands and patience, and a tripod will take care of that for you.
Transportation
Luckily, getting around Tromsø is relatively easy. There are public buses and taxis that will provide you with access to many of the popular destinations located in and around the city. However, if you want more flexibility, you may also rent a car. Just remember that driving in Arctic conditions can be quite challenging especially when the roads are covered in snow. If you are not comfortable driving through the Arctic snow, you can also take advantage of any one of the popular guided tours.
Avoiding Light Pollution
Although it’s possible to view the elusive lights from the heart of Tromsø, the existence of light pollution from artificial lighting can make the views less vivid. In order to find the best place to see the northern lights Norway, it’s important to head outside of the city center to get as far away from any artificial light sources. This is why many Aurora hunters choose to take the Fjellheisen cable car up to the peak of the mountain, or visit nearby locations like Ersfjordbotn or Sommarøy.
Planning Around the Moon Cycle
It’s important to remember that while we talk a lot about artificial light, you also need to plan your trip around the moon cycle. Even in the best place to see the northern lights Norway, the full moon can create so much light pollution that it can diminish the intensity of the northern lights. It will make it virtually impossible to see their vibrant colors. So when you are planning out your trip to Tromsø, make sure to take into account the cycles of the moon. You will want to visit the city during a new moon, to ensure the deepest, darkest nights imaginable.
Guided Tours vs. Solo Hunting
When it comes to viewing the elusive lights in and around Tromsø, you have 2 options. You can either venture out on your own, or join a guided tour.
Guided tours are perfect for those who are visiting Tromsø for the very first time. The experienced guides will know the best locations for viewing the elusive lights, and they often include transportation, photography tips, as well as the warm clothing you need to make the experience more enjoyable. While guided tours do cost more, they provide you with a hassle-free, memorable experience.
If you prefer setting out on your own and exploring the best natural beauty of Tromsø’s countryside, then solo aurora hunting may be right for you. However, you will be responsible for every aspect of your experience. This means that you will need to be ready for Arctic weather conditions, have some form of reliable transportation, and pay close attention to real-time weather and aurora forecast apps.
Conclusion
Tromsø truly is the best place to see the northern lights Norway. The city offers an unmatched combination of both accessibility and breathtaking scenery. It provides you with optimal viewing conditions for capturing a glimpse of the elusive lights. With the right amount of planning, you can experience one of nature’s most spectacular light displays.
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