Locations / Norway / Nordland
Lofoten
Jagged peaks and red fishing huts under a green sky.
Next nine nights
Aurora in Lofoten
The Lofoten archipelago, here represented by Svolvær, sits a little south of Tromsø but still well inside the aurora zone. Its draw is the foreground: sharp mountains rising straight out of the sea, beaches, and rorbu fishing cabins.
Weather is the trade-off. Lofoten is exposed to the Atlantic, so conditions change fast and cloud is common. On the other hand, the islands are narrow, and a short drive to the other side of a ridge can put you in a clear gap.
Because the geomagnetic latitude is slightly lower, aurora here benefits more from a moderate Kp than it does in Alta or Tromsø, though good displays still happen on ordinary nights.
Season
Late September to early April. The most photogenic location, with the most changeable weather.
At a glance
- Latitude
- 68.23° N
- Geomagnetic latitude
- ≈ 65° N
- Known for
- Mountains, fishing villages, photography
- Time zone
- CET / CEST
Getting there
Fly to Svolvær or Leknes, or to Evenes or Bodø and continue by road or ferry.
Tips for Lofoten
- Pick a spot with a clear northern view over water; many beaches on the north coast face the right way.
- Winter roads can be icy. Allow extra driving time and check road conditions.
- Plan several nights. Lofoten rewards patience more than a single-night visit.
Clear sky first, Kp second.
Our verdict weighs cloud at 65% and geomagnetic activity at 35%. What is Kp? · Where the cloud forecast comes from
Other places
Tromsø
—The aurora capital of the world, on an island you can reach by direct flight.
Alta
—Drier skies, deep winter, and the birthplace of aurora science.
Abisko
—A rain shadow beside a frozen lake, reputed to be one of the clearest places in Europe.
Rovaniemi
—On the Arctic Circle, with snow, huskies and glass igloos.
Reykjavík
—Aurora from a capital city, with lava fields and geothermal pools a short drive away.
Fairbanks
—Inland Alaska: cold, dry, and under the oval more nights than almost anywhere in North America.
Yellowknife
—Under the oval, with a reputation for clear, still nights.