Northern lights

Winter here in the far north is a time filled with powerful nature and fascinating phenomena. From late August to late March, the night sky showcases a spectacle that leaves hardly anyone untouched: the northern lights. These dancing lights in green, pink, and violet illuminate the darkness and captivate us. It’s an experience you’ll never forget.

Those who venture north between late autumn and spring often have a clear goal in mind: the northern lights. This colorful play in the sky fascinates and enchants. Here, at 68 degrees north latitude, the chances of witnessing this natural wonder are particularly high. Doubt it? A look at the aurora oval, a representation of areas where the northern lights occur, shows that they don’t cover the entire northern hemisphere. Instead, they focus on a narrow ring around the Earth that lies directly above our region.

The northern lights are the result of solar winds hurling particles into our atmosphere. There, they collide with oxygen and nitrogen molecules, creating the magical glow. However, these lights don’t appear like tides with fixed rhythms. Their visibility depends on solar activity and the weather. Even during the sun's quiet phases, its energy is enough to illuminate our polar night. The search for the northern lights remains an exciting quest: finding a dark spot, keeping an eye on the weather, and even monitoring space weather. Apps and observation stations can help, but patience is also necessary. Those who step outside in the middle of the night will eventually be rewarded with a sky glowing in all colors.

Long before scientists like Kristian Birkeland began studying the phenomenon in the late 19th century, numerous myths surrounded the northern lights. From foxes with fiery tails lighting up the sky, to gods at war, to ancestors trying to make contact with us. The stories are as diverse as they are fascinating. When you visit us, we’ll gladly share them with you.