The Most Popular Northern Lights Locations in Norway | 2025 data

Norway is one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis), thanks to its location directly under the auroral oval, where geomagnetic activity creates the strongest and most frequent aurora displays. The country’s northern regions, including Tromsø, Alta, Kirkenes, and the Lofoten Islands, are among the top destinations globally for Northern Lights tourism.

Right now is the prime Northern Lights season in Norway. Scientists have confirmed that the period between 2024 and 2026 aligns with the Solar Maximum, the peak of the Sun’s 11-year cycle. During this phase, solar storms intensify, dramatically increasing the frequency, brightness, and visibility of the aurora even at lower latitudes.

Below are the most spotted aurora sighting's location in Norway gathered via Hello Aurora app.

Most popular Northern Lights location in Norway

1. Tromsø

Tromsø is widely recognized as the best place to see the Northern Lights in Norway, attracting thousands of travelers every year. Positioned directly under the auroral oval, Tromsø consistently records some of the highest volumes of aurora sightings. With thousands of verified aurora reports logged in the city from real-time tracking. This Arctic city has solidified its reputation as the center of Northern Lights tourism in Norway.

As the main hub for aurora travel, Tromsø offers:

• Direct international flights, making it one of the most accessible Arctic destinations.
• A wide range of Northern Lights tours, from fjord cruises to dog-sled adventures.
• Exceptional viewing conditions in both urban and surrounding rural areas.

Key aurora viewing locations in Troms og Finnmark County

While Tromsø remains the heart of Northern Lights tourism in Norway, with the majority of aurora sightings reported here, other areas across Troms og Finnmark County are also proving to be highly active aurora hotspots. Recent sighting reports confirm that destinations such as Skibotn, Ersfjordbotn, and Sommarøy consistently deliver spectacular displays, offering travelers diverse landscapes and unique conditions for experiencing the Aurora Borealis.

2. Lofoten Archipelago

The Lofoten Islands have emerged as one of the most spectacular and reliable places to see the Northern Lights in Norway, combining world-class scenery with strong aurora activity. Between January and April 2025, the region logged nearly 500 verified aurora reports (Hello Aurora App), positioning Lofoten as both a scenic and scientifically valuable aurora destination.

The archipelago’s dramatic peaks, sheltered bays, and Arctic coastline create ideal conditions for aurora photography, making it a favorite for both travelers and professional researchers.

Primary aurora hotspots in Lofoten by Hello Aurora users were:

• Kabelvåg: A historic fishing village with excellent northern horizon exposure, perfect for wide-angle aurora shots.
• Ballstad: A coastal location offering unobstructed Arctic Ocean views, allowing photographers to capture auroras reflected on the water.

3. Southern Aurora Phenomena – Solar Cycle 25 Expands Visibility

The ongoing Solar Maximum (Solar Cycle 25) has produced extraordinary aurora activity, pushing the Northern Lights farther south in Norway. This rare phenomenon is scientifically significant, as it demonstrates the exceptional strength of current geomagnetic storms.

Vestland County (Western Norway)

• Aurora Reports: Over 100 sightings between January and April 2025, including multiple events near Bergen.
• Significance: Represents the southernmost regular aurora activity in Norway during this solar cycle, drawing widespread scientific and media attention.

Additional Southern Sightings

• Inland Regions: More than 100 verified reports from areas traditionally outside the auroral oval.
• Akershus (near Oslo): Unusual aurora activity documented near Norway’s capital region, offering rare opportunities for urban residents to witness the Northern Lights without long travel.

Norway’s prime location within the auroral oval, combined with the current Solar Maximum (2024–2026), is creating unprecedented opportunities for Northern Lights viewing. Data from Hello Aurora app users confirms that while traditional hotspots like Tromsø and the Lofoten Islands continue to deliver spectacular displays, the heightened solar activity has also expanded aurora visibility to southern regions of Norway that historically saw few sightings.

With the next Solar Maximum not expected until 2036, this period represents a once-in-a-decade opportunity to experience the Northern Lights at their most active and vibrant. Norway’s accessible infrastructure, well-developed tourism industry, and ideal geographic position make it the optimal destination for both novice travelers and seasoned aurora chasers seeking a truly extraordinary natural spectacle.

Moreover, the integration of scientific forecasting tools, real-time aurora tracking apps, and verified sighting locations provides travelers with unprecedented resources for planning highly successful Northern Lights expeditions. By combining technology, science, and Norway’s exceptional landscapes, visitors can maximize their chances of witnessing one of nature’s most breathtaking phenomena 💚