Northern lights in Lofoten: how, when and where to experience the magic.

Seeing the northern lights is the most magical thing I’ve ever experienced. I never thought I would feel this way, but the more I see them, the more hooked I am on going out to chase them.

Here in Lofoten, it has become almost an addiction. Every night is different, and you never really know when it’s going to happen. Sometimes the sky moves slowly, like it’s breathing, and other times it explodes with wild, electric colors. That unpredictability is part of the magic.

When the auroras appear, everything changes. Friends start texting, people shout from the streets, and suddenly everyone is outside, running with headlamps and cameras, laughing and pointing at the sky. You drop whatever you’re doing and just go.

And those nights, standing out in the cold with friends, watching the sky dance above the mountains and the sea, are what make life here so special.

What are the northern lights

The northern lights, or Aurora Borealis, are one of nature’s most spectacular shows, caused by solar particles colliding with the Earth’s atmosphere. But when I’m standing under them, I’m not thinking about science.

I’m thinking about how unreal it feels to see the sky move, how the colors shift and fade, and how small I feel under it all. The silence, the cold air, the snow crunching under my boots… everything around me just stops for a moment.

When to see the northern lights in Lofoten

The season starts in September and lasts until April, when the nights are long and dark enough to make the auroras visible. Unlike the inland Arctic, Lofoten’s winters are milder thanks to the Gulf Stream, so you can actually enjoy watching the lights without freezing completely.

My favorite time is from October to March, when the air is crisp, the nights are clear, and the auroras dance more often. All you need is a bit of patience, a good forecast, and the willingness to step outside, even if it’s midnight.

The best places to see the northern lights in Lofoten

The great thing about Lofoten is that sometimes the auroras appear right above you. I’ve seen them from my window in Henningsvær, dancing over the harbor and reflecting on the water.

But most nights, it’s not that simple. The weather changes fast, clouds move between islands, and the difference between seeing nothing and seeing a full show can be just a few kilometers away. That’s where local knowledge makes all the difference.

After countless nights out in the cold, I’ve learned to read the forecasts, the wind, and the light, to know which beaches, mountain ridges, or roads will clear first. From the open coastline of Unstad and Uttakleiv to the quiet island of Gimsøy, I’ve found those special places where patience finally pays off.

That’s what we share on our aurora nights: the local knowledge that turns waiting into finding.

My best tips for chasing the aurora

• Dress warm, really warm. Layers, down jacket, gloves, hat or even a duvet! Standing still under the stars is colder than you’d think.

• Use an aurora app. I like My Aurora Forecast or Space Weather Live. The best nights are often the unexpected ones, so check often.

• Be patient. The lights can appear and disappear in minutes. Bring something warm to drink, talk, laugh, or just enjoy the silence while you wait.

• Look up, not at your phone. Take a photo, sure, but don’t get stuck on the screen. The best part isn’t the picture, it’s being there.

Chasing the lights with TRAD

At TRAD, we don’t just watch the auroras, we hunt them the way locals do. We read the forecasts, study the clouds, and follow the light. Sometimes that means driving through snow to find a clear sky, other times hiking to a viewpoint above the fog. It’s never the same twice, and that’s what makes it special.

Joining us means skipping the guesswork. We take care of the weather calls, the logistics, and finding the perfect spot so you can just enjoy the moment when it finally happens.

Our Northern Lights Experiences are about slowing down, connecting with nature, and sharing something unforgettable. No stress, no crowds, just good people, good energy, and the Arctic night doing its thing.

A night to remember

Some moments can’t be planned. You just have to be there, standing under the stars when the sky decides to dance. Every time it happens, it reminds me why we chose to live here: for the light, the mountains, the sea, and the magic that connects them all.

If you’re coming to Lofoten this winter, don’t just hope to see the northern lights. Come chase them with us. We’ll take you where locals go, away from crowds and city lights, and make sure you have the best chance to see the sky come alive.

With TRAD, every aurora night is an adventure: unpredictable, wild, and unforgettable.

Written by Teresa

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