Northern Lights in Norway: The Greatest Light Show on Earth

Norway has the highest density of Northern Lights anywhere in the world and the best time to see them is between October and March.
Northern Lights in Norway: The Greatest Light Show on Earth
Northern lights (Ole C. Salomonsen)
10/24/2014
Updated:
10/24/2014

Norway has the highest density of Northern Lights anywhere in the world and the best time to see them is between October and March.

They were once the fodder of legends about spirits of old maids and superstitions that a mere sighting would lead to good fortune. Perhaps the former is easy to dispel, but anyone able to catch a glimpse of the wondrous Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) is indeed fortunate.

 

(Svalbard (c) Bjõrn Klauer nordnorge.com)
(Svalbard (c) Bjõrn Klauer nordnorge.com)

 

There are several places on our planet where you can see nature’s most spectacular light show but not everywhere has tall mountains, a grand Arctic landscape, contrasting seascapes, long brilliantly blue fjords and snow covered trees to complement the sky view.

Fly to Tromso any time between October and March for the best chance of a sighting. The Hurtigruten coastal cruise does a round-trip around the North Cape to Kirkenes and you get to spend the whole trip high above the Arctic Circle.

 

 

When not in search of the Light Fantastic, you could make the most of this unique land. During the day, you could go dog sledding and get up close to the Arctic coastal nature with fantastic views over Tromsø.

As you enjoy the ride by a team of huskies, the air around the snow-covered landscape will feel fresh on your face and you may notice some local wildlife—actually the most wild you get is a moose or reindeer—along the way.

Back at the husky ranch, in Bodo, a town located on the peninsular of the coastline, there are puppies to play with and a regional Sami lunch to be savoured.

 

(Arctic wolves (c) Bjõrn Klauer nordnorge.com)
(Arctic wolves (c) Bjõrn Klauer nordnorge.com)

 

While in Bodo, there are opportunities to meet with a Sami family. The Sami are the indigenous Finno-Ugric people of the Arctic region who have a rich culture that dates back to prehistoric times. Perhaps they will share their secrets in reindeer herding with you over lunch in a lavvo (a regional tent).

It’s a lot to take in but you can let it out on a trip to Narvik to go howling with wolves at the Polar Park Wildlife Centre. These majestic animals are friendly and are happy to approach and sniff and even give you a wolf kiss—a friendly lick. There’s also brown bears, wolverines, Arctic foxes, elks, and lynx.

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Copyright © 2014 by The Travel Magazine. This article was written by Sharron Livingston and originally published on thetravelmagazine.net

Image credits: Bjõrn Klauer (nordnorge.com), Terje Rakke, Nordic Life & Andrea Giubelli (visitnorway.com), Ole C. Salomonsen

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