Northern Lights
The Narvik region, situated at 68 degrees north within the Aurora Oval, is an exceptional vantage point for witnessing the Aurora Borealis. Its diverse microclimates in valleys, fjords, mountains, and plateaus provide a unique advantage. Even on cloudy nights, a short drive can lead to clear skies and the mesmerizing northern lights.
Scientists forecast that the Solar Maximum in 2024-25 will bring the most frequent and spectacular Northern Lights displays in over a decade. This makes now the perfect time to witness the Aurora Borealis!
A celestial dance
The Northern Lights are known for their beautiful, vibrant colors and the way they seem to move and dance across the sky. They are caused by the interaction of solar particles with the earth's magnetic field, which results in the emission of light. The colors of the Northern Lights vary, but they are typically shades of green, yellow, red, and blue.
Maximize your chances
To boost your odds of witnessing the Northern Lights, consider joining a professional guide who knows the prime locations for viewing. Their expertise in tracking the aurora can help you experience a truly unforgettable display of the Northern Lights.
To photograph the Northern Lights, use the widest aperture on your lens and adjust the ISO to a range from 3200 to 6400. Set the shutter speed to between 1-15 seconds and adjust the white balance to 3500k to accurately capture the colors of the Northern Lights. Focus manually on a distant light and use a shutter delay of 2 seconds to avoid camera shake. Check the histogram to ensure correct exposure and use a bipod to stabilize the camera. With these tips, you can capture stunning photos of the Northern Lights.
From late September until mid-April you can experience the Northern Lights in the region. Install the NorwayLights app and get access to a 3 day northern light forecast that helps you find the best time and place to see the northern lights.
In the Narvik region, there are several great spots to catch the Northern Lights.
Narvikfjellet
The mountain offers a spectacular panoramic view of the surrounding region and the sky. It's accessible by a gondola, providing an elevated and unobstructed view, perfect for observing the Northern Lights.
Tøttadalen
A valley in walking distance of Narvik centrum, Tøttadalen is known for its many accessible viewpoints, making it an excellent spot for Northern Lights viewing. Its relative isolation from city lights increases Northern Lights visibility, boosting your chances of catching the auroras.
Skjomen
Located a short drive south of Narvik, Skjomen Valley is surrounded by mountains, shielding it from light pollution and offering a secluded area for optimal Northern Lights visibility.
Beisfjord
Another nearby area, Beisfjord, offers secluded spots away from city lights, providing a clearer view of the Aurora Borealis. The fjords offer breathtaking views of the Northern Lights swirling above the sea and towering peaks. Considerations such as weather conditions, light pollution, and guidance from local experts can significantly enhance the Northern Lights viewing experience in the Narvik region.
The Solar Maximum, which occurs about halfway through the Solar Cycle, significantly increases auroral activity, lighting up the night sky with "dramatically more" Northern Lights. Starting in 2024 and potentially lasting until 2026, we can expect some of the most frequent and intense auroral displays in years. The Solar Cycle, which lasts around 11 years, sees the Sun’s magnetic field between its northern and southern hemispheres gradually tighten until it becomes so intense that the poles flip—north becomes south and vice versa. This reversal marks the Solar Maximum, a period of heightened solar activity characterized by a surge in sunspots. In contrast, the Solar Minimum, at the start and end of each cycle, sees fewer sunspots and lower solar activity. The upcoming Solar Maximum is set to significantly increase your chances of seeing the Northern Lights in the Narvik region.
Northern Light Activities
Food & Drink
Experience the traditional Arctic Cusine - fresh, traditional & modern. The Narvik region has in recent years established itself as a food destination with varied restaurants and some of the region's best wilderness chefs.
Accomodation
No matter what draws you to the area, you'll discover year-round accommodations perfectly tailored to your visit's needs.
Travel to Narvik
Narvik is primarily accessed through air travel, owing to its central position in Northern Norway and convenient connectivity to four airports. Moreover, its connection to the Swedish railway contributes to an enhanced travel experience. For those exploring alternatives, bus and car travel are also viable option