Aurora borealis over Moskenesøya Island, Norway

Northern Lights in Lofoten: How to See the Aurora Borealis

 

 

The Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis, are a breathtaking natural phenomenon that enchants people worldwide. Lofoten is among the best places in Norway to witness and especially photograph this celestial dance. Have you ever wondered when is the best time to see the beautiful Northern Lights in Lofoten? Many people think they can only be seen in winter, but that’s not true!

 

This article will guide you on when and how to experience the magic of the Northern Lights in Lofoten.

 

 

Geographically, Lofoten extends from Røst Island in the southwest to Raftsundet strait in the northeast that, separates the islands of Hinnøya and Austvågøya. The islands north and east of Lofoten form the Vesterålen archipelago, while the area further east towards Narvik is known as Ofoten.

 

Geographically, Lofoten extends from Røst Island in the southwest to Raftsundet strait in the northeast that, separates the islands of Hinnøya and Austvågøya. The islands north and east of Lofoten form the Vesterålen archipelago, while the area further east towards Narvik is known as Ofoten.

 

The Lofoten Islands consist of four main islands: Austvågøya, Vestvågøya, Flakstadøya, and Moskenesøya. In addition, several smaller islands belong to Lofoten.

 

Lofoten consist of four main islands and several smaller one. Btw the word “øy” means island in Norwegian, “øya” means “the island.”

 

Why are all the northern lights tours Starting from Svolvær?

To answer this question, we need to delve more into the geography of the Lofoten Islands. Let’s explore the distinctions between Eastern Lofoten (Vestvågøy and Austvågøy Islands) and Western Lofoten (Moskenesøy and Flakstadøy Islands) in terms of geography and tourism.

 

Eastern Lofoten (the area around Svolvær)

Eastern Lofoten includes the islands of Vestvågøy and Austvågøy, where you’ll find larger towns like Svolvær, Kabelvåg and Henningsvær. These areas have a more gentle topography compared to the rugged landscapes of Western Lofoten. 

 

Due to its larger towns and more accessible road network, Eastern Lofoten is the hub for various services, including accommodations, transportation, and tours. It’s easier to reach, making it a more popular tourist base.

Due to its strategic location, Svolvær, in particular, is a central point for various activities, including northern lights tours.

Svolvær is the largest town in Lofoten.

 

Western Lofoten (the area around Reine)

This part of Lofoten features more dramatic and mountainous landscapes. The islands of Moskenesøy and Flakstadøy are renowned for their stunning fjords, majestic peaks, and cliffs. The terrain here is more rugged and offers a more remote and wild experience.

The natural beauty of this region draws outdoor enthusiasts, photographers, and those seeking a more untouched environment.

 

While Western Lofoten is breathtaking and offers a unique experience, it’s also more challenging to access than the Eastern part. The terrain and fewer developed facilities make it less suitable for large-scale tourist activities.

 

Reine and the surrounding islands are one of the most picturesque places in Lofoten.

 

Northern Lights Tourism in Svolvær vs. Reine

The concentration of Northern Lights tour providers in Svolvær, as opposed to Reine, can be attributed to various factors, including accessibility, infrastructure, and demand.

Svolvær is the largest town in Lofoten, making it a natural center for tourism-related services. It offers a broader range of accommodations, restaurants, and transportation options.

Moreover, its location on Austvågøy Island provides easier access to other parts of Lofoten and Vesterålen.

 

We thought that we could show you also some pictures that are not taken by professional photographer. This was captured by Radka in Skårungen in eastern Lofoten.

 

While stunningly beautiful, the fishing village of Reine is located on the more remote and rugged Moskenesøy island. The smaller scale of infrastructure and fewer accommodations in this area influence the availability of tour services.

Additionally, Reine’s geographical location poses challenges. It is situated on the southern side of Moskenesøya island, which is encompassed by the mountains of Lofotodden National Park in the northern part.

This limitation means that there is essentially only one direction in which tour providers could potentially drive in search of clearer skies to view the Northern Lights. The chances of successful viewings are, therefore, lower compared to Svolvær.

 

However, finding accommodations and arranging specialized tours in Reine is still possible. The village’s unique charm and proximity to natural wonders make it an attractive destination for travelers seeking a more remote and tranquil experience.

 

Example of a very strong northern lights

Example of a faint aurora

 

 

 

Some of the most popular places to see the Northern Lights:

Northern Norway: Norway’s northern regions, like Tromsø, are popular destinations for Northern Lights enthusiasts due to their optimal viewing conditions.

Northern Sweden: Abisko National Park in Sweden is renowned for its clear skies and favorable conditions for Northern Lights viewing. Its location within a rain shadow helps reduce cloud cover.

Northern Finland: Finnish Lapland, including areas like Rovaniemi, can have fewer cloudy nights than other locations, providing excellent opportunities for Northern Lights sightings.

Iceland: Iceland is located close to the Arctic Circle, which means it falls within the auroral oval—an area with a higher likelihood of Northern Lights sightings.

Canada: Parts of Canada, particularly the Yukon, Northwest Territories, and certain areas in Alberta, offer fantastic Northern Lights viewing.

Alaska, USA: Certain regions in Alaska, particularly Fairbanks, are known for their relatively clear skies and consistent Northern Lights displays.

 

A photo of the town of Reine from the top of Reinebringen.

 

 

Aurora borealis over Moskenesøya Island, Norway

Aurora borealis over Moskenesøya Island, Norway

 

'As above, so below,' goes an ancient adage, and this swirling stunner of a photo is a perfect representation. As the aurora borealis forms a verdant vortex above the western Lofoten Islands, the deep seas off this Norwegian archipelago spiral like a titanic bathtub drain. The system of whirlpools, currents, and eddies that looms just past Lofoten's tip—a maelstrom known to wary sailors as the Moskstraumen—is one of the most powerful in the world.

 

"Raftsund, Lofoten, Digermulen, Norway", c. 1890–1900.

 

Svolvær in Lofoten, Norway. View from the ferry harbour

 

Lofoten and Vesterålen

Hamnoy

 

Nusfjord_road

A mountain massif of Flakstadøya island backgrounding the road to Nusfjord village

 

Nusfjord

The E10 road follows the archipelago southwest to Å. Late August near Eggum, Vestvågøy Municipality

Vestvågøy Municipality - Wikipedia

Municipality in Nordland, Norway Municipality in Nordland, Norway Vestvågøy is a municipality in Nordland county, Norway. It is part of the traditional district of Lofoten. The administrative centre of the municipality is the town of Leknes. Some of the

en.wikipedia.org

 

Dampskipsanløp i Lofoten by Adelsteen Normann (1885)

 

Winter in Lofoten by Otto Sinding (1886)

 

Fra Lofoten by Theodor Kittelsen (1890)

 

Moskstraumen I, Reine, Lofoten, by Ingo Kühl (1999)