Chasing Autumn Auroras in the Narvik Region
The summer sun has finally dipped below the horizon, and as darkness returns to Northern Norway, the skies above Narvik ignite with one of nature’s greatest shows, the Northern Lights. Autumn might not be the first season that comes to mind for aurora hunting, but locals will tell you it’s one of the very best times of year to witness this celestial phenomenon. Think crisp evenings, fiery sunsets, golden forests, and dancing lights overhead, all without the deep chill of midwinter.
The Northern Lights captivate with their vivid colors, appearing to sway and dance across the sky. This mesmerizing display results from solar particles interacting with Earth’s magnetic field, producing light. Here’s how it unfolds:
- Solar winds carry electrically charged particles ejected from the sun.
- Approximately 40 hours later, these particles reach Earth, where the magnetic field guides them toward the poles.
- The particles collide with oxygen and nitrogen atoms between 75 and 250 kilometers above Earth, creating the stunning aurora.
Aurora Colors
The colors of the Northern Lights vary, but they are typically shades of green, yellow, red, and blue. Depending on which atom is struck and the altitude of the meeting
- Above 250km Oxygen atoms glow red when hit directly by electrons. It can appear violet due to mixing of some nitrogen.
- 100-250km Electrons ionize nitrogen releasing a blue color, a lower energy electron is released which then hits oxygen causing yellow green. Blue + yellow green gives us lime green.
- Below 100km High energy electrons ionize nitrogen giving off a blue color. An electron is released with enough momentum to excite stable nitrogen creating red. Red + blue = Pink.
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.
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.
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.
Why Autumn is Aurora Season’s Best-Kept Secret
From mid-September, Narvik’s long Arctic nights provide perfect conditions for the aurora, but without the biting cold. Some nights are even mild enough to step outside in a light jacket, or occasionally, just a T-shirt. Around the autumn equinox, a natural uptick in solar activity known as the Russell–McPherron effect makes this season particularly magical, often bringing vibrant auroras that ripple across the sky.
And if you’ve been waiting for the “right year” to come, this is it: with the Solar Maximum peaking between 2024 and 2026, the Northern Lights are predicted to be brighter and more frequent than they’ve been in over a decade.
Where Fjords Meet the Aurora
Narvik sits directly under the Aurora Oval, the sweet spot for aurora activity. Here, mountains rise dramatically straight from the fjords, creating jaw-dropping backdrops for the lights. On clear nights, you can often see them from your hotel window, but the real magic happens when you head out with local guides.
The region’s experienced aurora chasers know every weather pattern, road, and viewpoint. If clouds roll in, they’ll lead you inland or across the fjord to clearer skies, sometimes even crossing into Sweden for the perfect spot. It’s an adventure in itself, and every successful chase feels like winning a cosmic treasure hunt.
Comfortable Aurora Hunting
Unlike winter’s sub-zero nights, autumn offers a gentler experience. Temperatures often hover around 10 °C, so you can linger outside without layers of heavy clothing. The landscapes add their own magic, with autumn colors, shimmering lakes, and the season’s first dusting of snow on mountain peaks. It’s a setting that makes the aurora even more unforgettable.
And for a truly unique way to experience it all, board the Northern Lights Train. This evening journey along the historic Ofoten Line takes you far from city lights, gliding through fjords and mountains as the aurora dances above. From the comfort of your train seat, you’ll watch nature’s greatest performance unfold, an experience you’ll remember for a lifetime.
Witness nature’s most spectacular light show from the comfort of a sleek, glass-walled hideaway at Camp 291.
Aurora-Friendly Accommodation
To truly immerse yourself in the magic of the Northern Lights, the Narvik region offers accommodation options designed with aurora viewing in mind. Many are located in remote fjord landscapes or high-altitude settings with minimal light pollution, giving you front-row seats to the night sky’s performance.
Stay in Aurora Huts, cozy, secluded cabins perched by the water, where panoramic windows let you watch the lights dance above the fjord from the warmth of your bed. For a more luxurious touch, book a Glass Cabin; modern, floor-to-ceiling glass-walled retreats that let you enjoy the aurora and surrounding Arctic wilderness in complete comfort. Or opt for remote Fjord Guesthouses, rustic family-run escapes where authentic Norwegian hospitality meets uninterrupted views of the northern sky.
Wherever you choose to stay, these aurora-friendly accommodations turn every night into a potential once-in-a-lifetime experience, blending comfort, wilderness, and the thrill of the Arctic lights.
A Magical Shoulder Season
Autumn in the Narvik region blends the best of both worlds: the vibrant colors and mild weather of late summer with the thrill of winter’s most famous spectacle. Whether you’re chasing the aurora by car, cable car, or the Northern Lights Train, this is the perfect season to see the lights in comfort and without the crowds.
If you’ve always dreamed of seeing the Northern Lights, let Narvik’s wild landscapes and Arctic skies turn that dream into a reality this fall.