Are you planning a winter trip to Norway and looking for the best Northern Lights tours? You have come to the right place! Nothing more magical than watching those green lights dancing above you in the sky. It is undoubtedly an experience you will never forget.
What are the Northern Lights? They are a natural phenomenon that appears when highly charged solar wind particles floating from the sun collide with air molecules in the atmosphere of the earth, transferring their energy into light.
This event occurs around the Polar regions, and that is why Norway benefits from a prime location all winter long.
Of course, do not forget that this phenomenon is unpredictable. Therefore, you will need patience and willingness, especially on a cold night in the wild.
However, once the magic begins, you will be speechless. The first time I saw them, I was sailing along the Norwegian Fjords, and I was so emotional as it was so beautiful – I could not believe my eyes.
So gear up, pack your camera and be ready for a night you will never forget on one of these epic Northern Lights tours in Norway. Each offers something different whether you are a foodie lover, adventure seeker or a couple looking for a romantic evening under the stars.
Enjoy, and let me know which one is your favourite in the comments below 💚
My Norway experience: Duration 6 Days Dates visited November 12 - November 17 Season Winter
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Overview: best Norway Northern Lights tours
- From Tromsø: Aurora Borealis Tour – ultimate day trip
- From Tromsø: Reindeer Sled, Dinner and Northern Lights Day Trip – reindeer tour
- From Tromsø: Northern Lights Cruise with Hot Tub and Dinner – cruise expedition
- From Tromsø: Camp Tamok Evening Dog Sledding Tour – dog sled tour
- From Tromsø: 4×4 Small Group Northern Lights Photography Tour – small group
- From Svolvær: Searching for the Northern Lights – Lofoten islands
- From Tromsø: Reindeer Feeding with Chance of Northern Lights – great with kids
- From Tromsø: Northern Lights Chase with Free Photos – photo tour
- From Tromsø: Northern Lights Walking Tour – walking tour
- From Tromsø: Norwegian Cuisine and Northern Lights Chase – foodie tour
Top locations to see the Northern Lights
Click on the top left of the map to display the list of stops and locations.
10 best Norway Northern Lights holiday tours
Here are the top tours and experiences I recommend to catch the Northern Lights in Norway and create unforgettable memories:
1- Aurora Borealis Tour
The ultimate Arctic day trip
Experience the arctic winter and the incredible Northern Lights from the comfort of a panorama coach providing extra large windows, comfy seats, heat and space for your legs! The perfect way to get closer to nature whilst keeping yourself warm and dry.
Your guide will pick you up and take you to unique places where you will have the chance to experience the Northern Lights first-hand and be amazed by this natural phenomenon.
And because these lights can be unpredictable and require good solar activity and clear skies, your guide will do their best to read the weather forecast and decide where to stop and for how long, so each evening will be different.
In addition, I understand how important capturing these dancing lights is (and how challenging it is!), so your guide will help you with camera settings and tripod use for memorable photos. Have fun!
📍 Tromsø, Norway
⭐️ 4.8/5 (Get Your Guide reviews)
💵 From £107.47 per person
2- Reindeer Sled, Dinner and Northern Lights Day Trip
The perfect Sami experience
This unique tour is one of the best to learn more about Sami culture and experience it first-hand. You will have the opportunity to travel into the wilderness and walk among 300 wild reindeer, with the chance to feed them too!
You will then embark on your arctic adventure and enjoy a 20-minute sled ride under the stars with, hopefully, the Northern Lights dancing above you.
Afterwards, you will be invited inside a candlelit Gamme (traditional Sami hut) to warm up with hot drinks and savour a three-course meal, including Bidos (traditional Sami stew) cooked on the open fire.
Finally, join your hosts around the fire to listen to Sami’s history and stories. Learn what it is like to be a reindeer herder and watch the locals perform a Joik (traditional Sami song).
And, of course, do not forget to step outside to see if the spectacular Northern Lights appear above the camp.
📍 Tromsø, Norway
⭐️ 4.5/5 (Get Your Guide reviews)
💵 From £138.39 per person
3- Northern Lights Cruise with Hot Tub and Dinner
An epic sailing expedition
Embark aboard a stunning 100-foot sailing yacht for a night you will never forget! Depart from Tromsø on a 4-hour cruise to explore the Fjords in search of the Northern Lights in a comfortable and intimate atmosphere.
Stay warm on the exterior deck under cosy blankets and with a hot drink, and keep your eyes on the sky. Alternatively, hop in the hot tub for a one-of-the-kind experience whilst admiring the beautiful arctic scenery.
You will then have the chance to enjoy a traditional dinner with reindeer soup and local vegetables. Your guide will also share stories and tales and answer any questions you have about Norway.
As you guessed, this tour is ideal for couples looking for a romantic evening under the stars in a relaxed and private setting. It is also great for small groups who want to have a peaceful time.
📍 Tromsø, Norway
⭐️ 4.8/5 (Get Your Guide reviews)
💵 From £193.29 per person
4- Camp Tamok Evening Dog Sledding Tour
A memorable husky SLED ride
Experience a unique dog sledding adventure through snowy terrain surrounded by mountainous arctic landscapes. The Huskies at Camp Tamok will be eager to meet you and take you on a 90-minute journey into the wilderness whilst chasing the Northern Lights.
Plus, you will have the chance to drive the sled yourself – I did it, and it was so much fun. Upon arrival, your host will provide warm clothes and necessary equipment and show you how to steer your sled.
Each sled will have two people, one driver (musher) and one passenger (you will switch halfway). You do not need prior experience, only a positive attitude and the willingness to try! You will quickly notice how well-trained the dogs are and how much they love it, but do not forget that you sometimes need to help them push the sled – it is teamwork, after all.
After the tour, spend time cuddling the dogs and enjoy a well-deserved hot meal around the open fire in a traditional reindeer herder tent. It will be the perfect chance to relax, warm up and connect with the locals.
📍 Tromsø, Norway
⭐️ 4.8/5 (Get Your Guide reviews)
💵 From £155.48 per person
5- 4×4 Small Group Northern Lights Photography Tour
An intimate small-group tour
Venture on the road in search of the majestic Northern Lights on a guided photography tour in a custom-built 4×4 van, fully equipped with everything you may need for a night in the Arctic.
With a small group of no more than eight people, your experienced guide will take you to the wilderness and remote places, reaching quieter and more peaceful areas and giving you more time to find and catch the Aurora.
Upon reaching suitable a sky, you will set up camp for the evening. Your guide will make sure you are comfortable by providing thermal clothing and keeping you warm with a campfire. You will also enjoy homemade soup, cookies and hot drinks whilst getting to know the other travellers.
And because you will want to remember this unique night, your guide (who is also an avid photographer) will capture the moment for you. If you bring your own camera, they will help you set it up for the best photos. Otherwise, they will share the high-resolution images with you the next day at no additional charge.
📍 Tromsø, Norway
⭐️ 4.9/5 (Get Your Guide reviews)
💵 From £177.82 per person
6- Searching for the Northern Lights
A perfect night in the Lofoten Islands
Witness the most dramatic light show in a spectacular setting on this Northern Lights tour from Svolvær, the capital of the Lofoten Islands.
On this expedition, your guide will take you to parts of the archipelago with a high chance of seeing the lights dancing in the sky, depending on the solar activity. You will walk among picturesque landscapes, frozen lakes and old fishing towns in search of these extraordinary green lights.
Once the magic begins, a professional photographer will help you set up your camera and will also capture this unique moment in high resolution for you.
After that, you will stop at the village of Kabelvåg to warm up with hot drinks and cakes at a traditional Norwegian pub, where your guide will tell you myths and legends of the Northern Lights and their impact on the Scandinavian population.
📍 Svolvær, Norway
⭐️ 4.8/5 (Get Your Guide reviews)
💵 From £88.91 per person
7- Reindeer Feeding with Chance of Northern Lights
Great to do with kids
If you are a family travelling with children in Norway, this tour is for you. You will have the chance to feed a herd of 300 reindeer, listen to local folklore and keep a lookout for the magical Northern Lights.
Hop aboard a van that will transfer you to the Sami camp. Once there, step back in time as you discover how the reindeer and the Sami have lived and worked on this land for centuries.
Get closer to nature as you feed the herd of around 300 wild reindeer – some even eating out of your hand. And if you love taking photos, you will also have a great time capturing these majestic animals.
After that, step into a candlelit Lavuu (traditional Sami tent) to enjoy a traditional Sami dinner with reindeer herders whilst you learn more about their culture, beliefs and past.
Finally, look up when the sky is clear to spot a spectacular display of the Northern Lights directly above the reindeer camp.
📍 Tromsø, Norway
⭐️ 4.6/5 (Get Your Guide reviews)
💵 From £130.66 per person
8- Northern Lights Chase with Free Photos
A unique photo tour
The perfect tour to get closer to nature and capture unique memories! Join this small-group expedition to chase the Northern Lights in a relaxed experience away from the crowds.
Hop in the van and start your journey to find the ideal spot. As the maximum group size is 16 guests, you will be able to speak with your guide and ask all your questions – whilst connecting with other travellers.
You will also enjoy hot drinks and biscuits whilst waiting outside and keeping an eye up to see the majestic Aurora Borealis dancing in the sky.
And for any photo lovers out there, this is the excursion for you. Your guide will help with your camera settings and take high-resolution photos to share for free with the group after the tour, so you will never forget this magical night.
📍 Tromsø, Norway
⭐️ 4.7/5 (Get Your Guide reviews)
💵 From £107.85 per person
9- Northern Lights Walking Tour
A fantastic walking experience
Put on your walking boots and venture into the wilderness with your local guide as you chase the famous Northern Lights. Once on this fascinating journey, you will learn more about the local myths, stories and hotspots for seeing the Aurora Borealis.
Start your walking expedition in the town centre and follow your experienced guide as they lead you to the best locations for catching this natural phenomenon.
As you walk, take the time to admire the city from a new perspective whilst your guide shares local stories on the Northern Lights and their impact on the people of the Arctic, culturally and historically.
After a couple of hours, you will end up at a peaceful lake with no light pollution, which will be the ideal place to watch the most beautiful natural light show.
Once back, you will also have the chance to warm up and enjoy a well-deserved drink at one of the most popular pubs in the town.
📍 Tromsø, Norway
⭐️ 4.3/5 (Get Your Guide reviews)
💵 From £76.54 per person
10- Norwegian Cuisine and Northern Lights Chase
An unmissable foodie tour
Experience Norway at its best with this 2-in-1 Arctic experience combining a delicious traditional dinner and a Northern Lights chase with a small group for a relaxed and intimate adventure.
Your evening will start with your local Norwegian Chef Tove in her comfortable Lavvu (traditional Sami tent) heated by a campfire, located on the Malangen peninsula, a 45-minute scenic drive from Tromsø.
Your Chef will serve you an exclusive dinner consisting of a three-course menu (meat and vegetarian options available) made with fresh and local ingredients from her garden.
After dinner, your guide will take you to the mountains or Fjords to catch the Northern Lights. Checking the weather and Aurora forecast, they will try to find the best spots for you. And along this exciting journey, you will also enjoy some Lefse, a traditional Norwegian cake that the Chef has prepared for you.
📍 Tromsø, Norway
⭐️ 4.5/5 (Get Your Guide reviews)
💵 From £207.98 per person
Best time to see the Northern Lights in Norway
The best time to see the Northern Lights in Norway is when the sky is dark but clear. Winter is the short answer from September to March between 23:00 and 02:00, as you will find constant daylight during the summer months.
However, contrary to popular belief, spring (March-April) and autumn (September-October) have statistically the highest level of aurora activity and are, therefore, the best seasons to catch this beautiful natural phenomenon!
The main reason is that even though the sky is darker in the middle of winter, it is also cloudier, hiding the lights.
Also, note that light pollution from cities will make it more challenging the see the aurora. You will need to find total darkness in smaller towns and remote places for a better chance of catching the green lights.
In any case, be sure to check the weather forecast each day and be on the lookout throughout the night so you do not miss out, as you never know when they will appear.
Some hotels will also wake you up when the Northern Lights are dancing in the sky, which is very handy.
My personal experience – I had the chance to see the Northern Lights when I was on a cruise along the Norwegian Fjords in November. The sky was cloudy most of the nights except the last, where we were treated to an incredible show I will never forget! The lights were dancing above us in the middle of the sea, and it was magical.
Looking for an epic Norway experience? Check out this article:
Norwegian Fjords Cruise: Complete Winter Guide
Where to see the Northern Lights in Norway
The best place to see the Northern Lights in Norway is Tromsø – that is why most of the tours recommended in this article start from this town, as it is located directly in the centre of the aurora zone.
Also known as the capital of the Arctic, Tromsø is a popular tourist destination for catching the lights, even on a weekend getaway. And even if you can sometimes see them from the town, it is better to move away to more remote areas to avoid too much light pollution.
The Lofoten Islands are another popular and scenic place to watch the Northern Lights in the wilderness as the lights reflect off the sea. This peaceful archipelago features spectacular mountains and old fishing villages as a picturesque background, perfect if you love taking photos.
Finally, the North Cape (Nordkapp), a high cliff extending into the Arctic Ocean, is one of the best remote places to see the Aurora Borealis. You will find yourself in silence and total darkness to enjoy this magical natural phenomenon.
Of course, it is also possible to see the Northern Lights from anywhere in winter in Norway – as long as you stay away from the busy cities. Wherever you go on vacation, check out the weather forecast regularly and keep your eyes on the sky.
Planning an epic trip to Bergen? Check out this article:
3 Magical Days in Bergen: Complete Itinerary
What to pack for a winter Norwegian trip
The most important for a great winter vacation in Norway is to arrive prepared so you can enjoy your Northern Lights tour whilst staying warm and dry.
Here are some clothing items and gear you will need to pack for a comfortable trip to the Arctic:
- Boots: you will need waterproof boots with good grip to keep your feet warm and dry during outdoor activities and when exploring the wilderness in search of the magical green lights. I wore my Sorel boots, and they were perfect. They are very comfortable, and my feet were never wet or cold.
- Winter thermal socks: wearing quality socks is essential to keeping your feet warm. Mine were thick thermal socks that I used for my Norway trip (and skiing in Lapland). They were not highly technical, but they did the job and were comfy.
- Coat: one of the most necessary elements for a winter gateway! Choosing a coat that is right for you and can adapt to the types of activities you want to do is essential. I wore a Fjällräven Nuuk parka, and once again, it was great. Buying a quality cold-weather jacket is expensive, but you will not regret it (I have owned mine for years, and I even wear it at home in the UK). This coat has kept me warm for all my winter trips, including Lapland and Iceland.
- Base layers and second layers: these layers are crucial if you want to stay warm on an Arctic night, especially when staying still looking at the sky. The base layers are usually long-sleeved thermal t-shirts, and the second layers can be thin thermal sweaters or thick jumpers, depending on the temperature and how many layers you want to wear. They do not need to be fancy, but I recommend having several to switch over the week. I bought mine in Decathlon.
- Gloves and hats: enjoying the cold weather in search of the Northern Lights without gloves or a hat sounds impossible (especially if you like taking photos)! As you will spend some time outside (sometimes standing still), you should not forget to protect your head and hands. I also recommend wearing waterproof gloves for extra protection and a padded hat. Again, I bought mine in Decathlon.
- Scarf: the scarf will depend on your preferences, as many people do not enjoy feeling something around their neck. But because the wind can be strong, especially if you choose activities such as a cruise expedition and dog sledding, I suggest wearing a Buff. It was one of my favourite items! The one I chose was lightweight, thermal and incredibly useful. Buff products are much easier to wear than long scarves and adapt to your exercise level.
- Pants: the type of pants you wear will most likely depend on the activity you choose and your preferences. Most of the time, I wore my jeans with tights underneath. Matt did the same (without pantyhose, aha), but he was always warm enough. However, for some places or activities like dog sledding, having windproof/waterproof pants will be essential.
Also, note that most tour operators will provide thermal clothing and all the necessary equipment so you can enjoy your night out looking for the famous aurora.
Shop the editable travel packing list
Prepare for your perfect outdoor adventure and explore responsibly.
Tips for reducing your eco-impact in Norway
Sustainable travel means exploring the world whilst being aware of your surroundings and having a positive social, environmental and economic impact on the places you visit.
Being a responsible traveller whilst searching for the Northern Lights in Norway is possible! Here are some eco-friendly travel tips for reducing your carbon footprint:
- If you need to take the plane, book direct flights (which require less fuel than indirect flights) and offset your carbon footprint. But, do not use carbon offsetting as a complete solution. Combine it with other sustainable practices, like avoiding single-use plastic on the plane and mindfully packing your suitcase for your green city break.
- Use public transport to get around, and if you self-drive and rent a car, choose the smallest vehicle adapted to what you want to do and see. And to go even further, you can rent an electric one. Many charging points are accessible all over Norway.
- Select an eco-friendly accommodation. It is not always easy to determine whether a hotel has eco-conscious practices, but try to look on their website for green credentials and ask questions. You can also use Bookdifferent or Ecobnb to help you decide.
- Whilst participating in a tour, treat the landscapes and wildlife with respect. Respect what your guide asks you to do regarding the animals (touching or feeding them), and always pay attention to where you walk.
- Do not leave a trace. Do not litter and pick up any trash you encounter. Leftover waste can be extremely harmful to the local ecosystem. So, once again, be zero waste and take your rubbish with you.
- Eat at local restaurants that use produce from the area and emphasise organic and sustainability. It will contribute to the local economy and reduce your carbon footprint by supporting restaurants where food does not come from long distances.
- Always respect the local heritage. Treat people and their surroundings with respect. Sustainable travel is not only about the environment but also about the local communities. So, always be respectful, smile and talk to the locals.
More inspiration for your green vacation:
- Best Travel Apps for Exploring Sustainably
- 15 Travel Books to Inspire Your Next Eco-Adventure
- Best Ecotourism Activities Around the World
Eco-friendly gear you might love:
- 10 Best Sustainable Backpacks for Travel & Hiking
- 10 Best Reusable & Eco-Friendly Travel Mugs
- 8 Best Filtered Water Bottles for Travel & Hiking
Check out this page for more inspiration on eco-friendly products & gear.
Norway travel planning guide
🚑 Should I buy travel insurance to travel to Norway?
Yes, buying insurance is always valuable when travelling abroad. Enjoy your winter trip to Norway stress-free with one of my favourite providers, Nomad Insurance.
💧 Can you drink the water in Norway?
Yes, tap water is safe to drink all over Norway. However, I recommend travelling with the UltraPress Purifier Bottle, a lightweight filtered water bottle perfect for reducing plastic and staying hydrated.
🚗 Is it easy to rent a car in Norway?
Yes, renting a car in Norway is easy and is a great way to explore the country freely at any time of the year. I recommend booking yours with Rentalcars.com – they offer a variety of operators for all budgets.
🏨 How to book accommodation in Norway?
The best way to book your accommodation in Norway is with Booking.com – my favourite platform to compare and reserve places to stay each night, from affordable guesthouses to luxury hotels.
✈️ What is the best site to buy a flight to Norway?
I recommend booking your plane with Skyscanner. It has been my favourite platform for years, as it allows me to book the cheapest flights whilst lowering my carbon emissions.
Norway Northern Lights – FAQ
The best months to see the Northern Lights in Norway are March-April and September-October when the sky is dark enough and clear of clouds. However, it is also possible to catch the lights anytime in winter, from September to April.
The best place to see the Northern Lights in Norway is Tromsø, located directly in the centre of the aurora zone. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations for catching the aurora. Of course, it is also possible to see the lights from anywhere in Norway, as long as you stay away from the busy cities.
I suggest spending a few days in Norway if you want to catch the Northern Lights, as they are so unpredictable. It might take you time until you see your first one, as you will need to check the forecast each day, keep your eyes up and move around – a true chase!
Have you ever experienced the Northern Lights in Norway?
Let me know in the comments below!
With love ♡
Lucie
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