Northern Lights in Narvik

Northern Lights in Narvik – A Local Guide to the Aurora Borealis

When to see the Northern Lights, where to go, what to expect and how to experience the magic of the Arctic night with local photographer-guides.

Imagine standing beneath a sky filled with dancing green lights, surrounded by snow-covered mountains, silent fjords and the extraordinary beauty of Arctic Norway.

For many visitors, witnessing the Northern Lights is a lifelong dream. And Narvik, located 68 degrees north in Northern Norway, is a wonderful place to make that dream come true.

But seeing the Aurora Borealis isn't simply about being in the right part of the world. It's about understanding the weather, finding clear skies, escaping artificial light and sometimes being willing to travel a little further.

In this guide, we share our local knowledge and some practical advice to help you plan an unforgettable Northern Lights experience in Narvik.

Why is Narvik a great place to see the Northern Lights?

Narvik is located beneath the auroral oval, a region where Northern Lights activity frequently occurs.

But what makes Narvik particularly interesting is its geography.

Within a relatively short distance, you can experience deep Norwegian fjords, sheltered valleys, dramatic mountains and the wide-open landscapes of Swedish Lapland.

These landscapes often have very different weather conditions.

While clouds may cover the Norwegian coast, clearer skies can sometimes be found further inland, towards Bjørnfjell, Riksgränsen or Abisko. On other evenings, the best conditions may be closer to the fjords.

This variety gives us several directions to explore when searching for the Northern Lights.

Local tip: A cloudy sky in central Narvik doesn't necessarily mean the evening is lost. Sometimes, finding clear skies is simply a matter of travelling to the right location.

When is the best time to see the Northern Lights in Narvik?

The Northern Lights season in the Narvik region generally extends from September to April, when the nights are dark enough to see the aurora.

Each part of the season offers something different.

September and October – Autumn aurora

Early autumn can be a beautiful time for Northern Lights photography.

The landscapes may still be free of snow, mountain lakes can reflect the aurora, and temperatures are often milder than in midwinter.

November to January – The darkest months

As winter approaches, the Arctic nights become longer.

December and January offer many hours of darkness, with the possibility of seeing the Northern Lights above snow-covered mountains and frozen landscapes.

February and March – Winter landscapes and aurora

These are wonderful months for combining daytime Arctic adventures with Northern Lights experiences in the evening.

Snow-covered mountains, beautiful winter light and longer days make this an attractive time to explore the Narvik region.

Remember: There is no single month when the Northern Lights are guaranteed. Solar activity, cloud cover and local weather conditions are far more important than the calendar alone.

Where are the best places to see the Northern Lights around Narvik?

One of the most common questions we receive is: Where should we go to see the Northern Lights?

The answer changes almost every evening.

Here are some of the areas we consider when planning a Northern Lights hunt.

1. The fjords around Narvik

The fjord landscapes surrounding Narvik offer spectacular natural settings for aurora photography.

On clear evenings, the Northern Lights may appear above mountains reflected in the dark Arctic waters.

Locations around the fjords can be especially beautiful when the weather conditions are favourable.

2. Bjørnfjell and the mountain areas

Travelling east from Narvik, the landscape rises towards the Norwegian-Swedish border.

The mountain areas around Bjørnfjell offer a different environment, with open landscapes and opportunities to escape some of the coastal cloud cover.

Weather conditions can be demanding in winter, so local knowledge and safe travel planning are important.

3. Riksgränsen and Swedish Lapland

Just across the border, Swedish Lapland offers vast mountain landscapes and excellent opportunities for experiencing the Arctic night.

Depending on the weather, we may travel towards Riksgränsen, Katterjokk or further into Sweden.

4. Abisko and the Torneträsk region

Abisko is internationally known as a Northern Lights destination.

The area's inland location and surrounding geography can sometimes provide clearer skies when the weather is less favourable along the Norwegian coast.

However, Abisko isn't automatically the best location every evening.

Sometimes the clearest skies are in Norway. Other times, they are in Sweden.

Our philosophy is simple: We don't decide where to go before we've studied the conditions. We let the weather guide us.

Should you join a guided Northern Lights tour?

You can certainly see the Northern Lights independently, and on some clear evenings they may even be visible from central Narvik.

However, joining a guided Northern Lights hunt offers several advantages.

First, you don't have to worry about interpreting weather forecasts, finding suitable locations or driving unfamiliar Arctic roads at night.

Second, experienced local guides understand how quickly the weather can change between fjords, valleys and mountain areas.

And finally, a guided experience allows you to focus on enjoying the moment rather than constantly checking maps and forecasts.

At Arctic Moments Tours, we specialise in small-group Northern Lights experiences led by local photographer-guides.

Rather than following a fixed route, we search for the most promising conditions each evening.

A different way to begin your Northern Lights adventure

Your evening with Arctic Moments Tours begins at our beautiful new premises at Adventure Hub Narvik, Dronningensgate 51, in the heart of Narvik.

Before heading into the Arctic night, we welcome our guests for a relaxed introduction.

Over a cup of coffee, we look at maps, discuss the latest weather and Northern Lights forecasts, and explain where we plan to travel that evening.

It's an opportunity to meet your guides, ask questions and get a better understanding of the adventure ahead.

Then we leave the city lights behind and begin our search for the Aurora Borealis.

Northern Lights photography – Capture the moment

Seeing the Northern Lights is unforgettable. Capturing a beautiful photograph of the experience makes the memory even more special.

At Arctic Moments Tours, photography is an important part of what we do.

Our guides have extensive experience in professional photography, including more than 30 years of photographing the landscapes and changing light of Northern Norway.

We help guests capture the Northern Lights with their own cameras and smartphones whenever conditions allow.

And perhaps best of all, professional photographs from your Northern Lights experience are included in the tour.

This means you can spend less time worrying about camera settings and more time enjoying the incredible spectacle above you.

Can you photograph the Northern Lights with a smartphone?

Yes! Many modern smartphones can capture surprisingly good Northern Lights photographs.

Here are a few simple tips:

Use your phone's night mode if available.

Keep your phone as steady as possible.

Avoid using the flash.

Include mountains, trees or people to create a more interesting composition.

Remember to put your phone away occasionally and simply enjoy the moment.

What should you wear on a Northern Lights tour?

Arctic evenings can be cold, especially when standing outside waiting for the Northern Lights.

We recommend dressing warmly in layers.

Thermal underwear, warm mid-layers, a windproof winter jacket, insulated trousers, gloves, a hat and warm winter boots will make your experience much more comfortable.

During our tours, we provide warm drinks and snacks to help make the evening enjoyable.

The weather can change quickly, so it's always better to bring an extra layer than to feel cold while waiting for the aurora.

Can you guarantee the Northern Lights?

No. And no responsible Northern Lights operator should promise that you will definitely see them.

The Aurora Borealis is a natural phenomenon influenced by solar activity and conditions in the Earth's atmosphere.

Even when the aurora is active, clouds can prevent it from being visible.

What we can promise is that we will use our local knowledge, weather information and experience to search for the best possible viewing conditions.

Some nights, the Northern Lights appear as soft green ribbons across the horizon.

Other nights, they explode into spectacular curtains of colour moving rapidly across the sky.

And sometimes, despite our best efforts, nature has other plans.

That's part of what makes every Northern Lights experience unique.

Why choose Arctic Moments Tours?

We believe a Northern Lights experience should be more than a bus ride into the darkness.

Our tours are designed for travellers who appreciate personal service, local knowledge, photography and authentic Arctic experiences.

What makes our tours special?

Small groups and a relaxed atmosphere.

Experienced local guides and professional photographers.

Flexible routes based on weather and aurora conditions.

The possibility of travelling into Swedish Lapland when conditions are better.

Comfortable transportation.

Warm drinks and snacks.

Professional photographs included.

A welcoming introduction at Adventure Hub Narvik.

We also offer private Northern Lights experiences for families, couples and groups looking for a more exclusive evening.

Make the most of your stay in Narvik

If you're travelling all the way to Northern Norway, we recommend allowing more than one evening for the Northern Lights whenever possible.

During the day, you can explore the spectacular fjords around Narvik, discover Swedish Lapland, experience Arctic Floating or enjoy the region's incredible mountain landscapes.

At Arctic Moments Tours, we offer several guided experiences that can be combined into a memorable Arctic holiday.

For additional inspiration about attractions, accommodation and activities in the region, visit Visit Narvik, the official destination website.

Frequently asked questions about the Northern Lights in Narvik

Can I see the Northern Lights from Narvik city centre?

Yes, on clear evenings with sufficient aurora activity, the Northern Lights can be visible from the city. However, travelling away from artificial lights usually offers a better viewing experience.

What time do the Northern Lights appear?

There is no fixed time. The aurora can appear whenever the sky is sufficiently dark and conditions are favourable. Our Northern Lights tours normally take place in the evening.

Is Narvik or Abisko better for Northern Lights?

Both can be excellent locations. The best choice depends on cloud cover, weather conditions and aurora activity on the particular evening. One advantage of staying in Narvik is the possibility of exploring both Norwegian fjords and Swedish Lapland.

How long does a Northern Lights tour last?

Our Northern Lights Hunting experience normally lasts approximately three to five hours, depending on the conditions and the route.

Do I need photography experience?

Not at all. Our guides are happy to help, and professional photographs are included in the experience.

How far do you drive to find the Northern Lights?

The distance varies from evening to evening. Sometimes good conditions are found relatively close to Narvik, while other nights we may travel towards the Swedish border or further into Swedish Lapland.

Can children join a Northern Lights tour?

Families are welcome to enquire. Suitability depends on the children's ages, the weather and the length of the evening. Private tours can offer additional flexibility.

Ready to experience the Northern Lights in Narvik?

The Northern Lights are among nature's most extraordinary displays, and experiencing them surrounded by Arctic mountains and fjords is something truly special.

Whether you're visiting Narvik for a few days or planning a longer adventure in Northern Norway, we'd love to share the Arctic night with you.

Join our local photographer-guides, explore beautiful landscapes and discover the magic of the Aurora Borealis.

Northern Lights Hunting – Arctic Moments Tours

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Adventure Hub Narvik

Dronningensgate 51, Narvik, Norway