Favourable conditions
The current period of solar activity peaked towards the end of 2011 and early 2012, with a second peak at the end of 2013. Now the favourable conditions are predicted to continue: the forthcoming season is expected to offer one of the best opportunities to see the northern lights in a decade. This is due to a natural phenomenon where the sun’s polarity flips, which happens approximately every 11 years.
Surge of interest
In the last five years there has been a 130% rise in commercial overnight stays in the three most northerly counties in Norway, creating a growth value of around NOK 143 million. For many people, it is a soul-stirring experience to watch the sky come alive with the eerie glow of blue-green flickering lights.
“Seeing the northern lights in Norway is on many travellers’ bucket list. We hope to fulfil and exceed people’s dreams about seeing the northern lights this coming season” says Per-Arne Tuftin, Director of Tourism in Norway.
The northern lights belt
The so-called northern lights belt (also called the aurora zone) encompasses the northern part of Scandinavia (Norway, Sweden and Finland), Siberia in northern Russia, Alaska, the northernmost parts of Canada, southern Greenland and Iceland. The belt hits Northern Norway in the Lofoten Islands and follows the coast all the way to the North Cape, the northernmost point that is accessible for tourists in Europe.
Within the northern lights belt, Norway is one of the best places to spot the natural phenomenon for several reasons. First of all, several flight connections from all over the world make Northern Norway easily accessible compared to other parts of the zone. Secondly, the winters in Northern Norway are surprisingly mild. Thanks to the Gulf Stream, the coastal areas of Norway have more pleasant temperatures than other locations at the same latitudes.
Arctic adventures
Northern Norway offers numerous Arctic adventures for people who hope to observe the aurora borealis on their visit. The activities present a chance of catching the elusive lights while trying out an exotic pastime.
Examples of activities include dog sledding, snowmobiling, ice fishing, whale watching, cross-country skiing, photography courses and visiting an ice hotel. Another option is to go hunting for the lights on board Hurtigruten, the Norwegian coastal steamer that calls at 34 ports along the coast.
