About the Northern Lights

Myth of the Northern Lights

Sometimes the Northern Lights all come out together, dancing across the sky in orange, purple, green and sunset red. At other times, they are curtains of green or a twister of ethereal light. The Northern Lights were traditionally associated with sound by the Sami, Norway’s indigenous people.  Northern Light symbols are found on the Sami shamanistic drum.  During the Viking Age, the Northern Lights were the armour of the Valkyrie warrior virgins, shedding a strange flickering light. Some also believe they are the fiery breath of a dragon flashing across the sky.  In olden days, Scandinavian fishermen believed that the Northern Lights were the reflections of herring in the Northern Sea.  And according to Japanese legend, it is good luck to conceive a child under the Northern Lights.  Many young children make wishes and believe they can catch the Northern Lights by waving to the sky.

What are the Northern Lights?

In reality, if not as poetic, they are equally impressive. The sun is the true father of the Auroras. Caused by large explosions and flares, huge quantities of particles are thrown out of the sun and into deep space. These particle clouds travel through space at speeds varying from 300 to 1,000 kilometres per second. When the particles collide with the gases in the earth’s atmosphere, they glow, producing a fantastic array of colour. This is why the Northern Lights are never the same, no matter how many times you see them.

Where to search for the Northern Lights?

Theoretically, you can see the Northern Lights all over Norway. However, the best places are above the Arctic Circle in Northern Norway.  Popular destinations for the Northern Lights are Lofoten and Narvik in Nordland, Tromsø in Troms, Alta, Kirkenes, Kautokeino, Karasjok and North Cape in Finnmark, and the Svalbard Islands. Not only are you almost guaranteed a sight of this wondrous spectacle, you will also gain a unique travel experience through breathtaking scenery and an array of adventurous activities.  This is a journey of a lifetime.

How best to observe the Northern Lights

Your first glimpse of the Northern Lights is a jaw-dropping and mystical moment. The Northern Lights are at their most frequent in late autumn and winter/early spring. October, February and March are the best months for Aurora observations. The highest frequency for the Northern Lights is between 6 pm and 1 am.  In order to get full value, you should avoid the full moon and places with a lot of light as they make the experience considerably paler. Also remember to wrap up warmly.

How to capture the Northern Lights?

A digital camera with manual settings is vital to capture the Northern Lights. Also remember to charge the camera to the full or bring extra batteries as camera batteries tend to run down quickly in the cold. Use a tripod and remote timer so that the camera will stand still.  We recommend the use of a wide angle lens for manipulation. An F-Stop f/2.8 or better will give you the best picture. Do not use auto-focus. Use an ISO setting of 100-400. The higher ISO the better.