The Northern Lights in Tromso, Norway
New to cruising Norway and Iceland Northern Lights

Where can I see the Northern Lights?

For many people, seeing the Northern Lights is a bucket list experience and only after observing this display of vibrant ribbons of light dancing across the sky in person can you appreciate its beauty. Often best seen during winter months, this impressive celestial wonder occurs when charged particles from the sun collide with the Earth’s atmosphere, appearing as a green, red or blue glow in the sky.

6 min 29 Aug 2023

Editorial Team

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If you’re looking to witness this captivating and breathtaking display in person and tick it off your wish list, here are some of our top tips for seeing the Northern Lights.

1. Where to go to see the Northern Lights

Whilst we might only catch an occasional glimpse of the Northern Lights in the UK, there are some lucky countries that offer the right conditions to see this truly enchanting natural performance more frequently, upping the chance of experiencing it yourself.

 

Norway is one of the top destinations for viewing the Northern Lights and is where the colours really dance and glow. Its northernmost region, Tromsø, is known as the ‘Gateway to the Arctic’ and is a prime location for witnessing this natural phenomenon. Plus, what’s better than viewing them from the deck of one of our amazing ships? We offer a number of holidays that take you up to this northern area of Norway, stopping at Tromsø and Alta, giving you the best chance to witness Mother Nature's very own mystical light show. 

 

Top shore exprience recommendation:

 

Whilst in Norway, we offer a fantastic range of shore experiences so you can fully immerse yourself in this fantastic country. In Alta, Northern Lights expert Trygve Nygård will meet you on board the ship, where he’ll explain the Northern Lights phenomenon as well as advise you on how to get the best photograph of these vivid lights. And as Trygve will have already done the hard work for you, he can pick the very best location on the day where you can wait in anticipation for the vivid colours to appear right before your eyes.

 

Ishavskatedralen (Arctic Cathedral) and Tromso Bridge Tromsobrua
Ishavskatedralen (Arctic Cathedral) and Tromso Bridge Tromsobrua
Ishavskatedralen (Arctic Cathedral) and Tromso Bridge Tromsobrua
Ishavskatedralen (Arctic Cathedral) and Tromso Bridge Tromsobrua

Known as the artic playground, explore the vibrant city of Tromsø that’s surrounded by wilderness. By day, take the Tromsø Cable Car, called ‘Fjellheisen’ in Norwegian, for an amazing view of the city and beautiful surrounding area and fjords. In the town itself, visit the stunning Arctic Cathedral, or ‘Ishavskatedralen’ in Norwegian, which is built to look like an iceberg using stunning glass mosaics. There’s also the Polaria Arctic experience centre and aquarium where you can learn all about the Artic and its nature and wildlife. By night, make the most of the local knowledge and go on the hunt for the spellbinding Northern Lights. Your experienced guides will take you out into the wilderness to the spots where you’re most likely to find the dazzling aurora borealis. Along the way, your guides will explain why the lights occur and you’ll stop to enjoy hot chocolate and cookies as you gaze into the expansive sky.

 

Slightly further south in Narvik, experience a different way of chasing the magical Northern Lights. Travel by train on the Ofoten railway through the rugged mountainous terrain from Narvik to the Swedish border. Stopping in the small village of Abisko in Sweden, you’ll spend some time scouring the night sky, hoping to see the green magical display that is the Northern Lights. You’ll also make another stop in Bjørnfjell to spot the faint wisps of colour or dancing, shimmering curtains of light over the area. 

Narvik by day
Narvik by day
Narvik by day
Narvik by day

2. The best time to see the Northern Lights

We all dream of catching a glimpse of the Northern Lights in all their glory but did you know there are different types of Northern Lights? The most common type is the green aurora, which appears as a faint, greenish glow in the sky that most people capture that iconic picture of. After this, the red aurora is less common and, when it does appear, it’s a stunning deep red colour. Blue-greens are the least common colours, and can only be seen during the most intensive solar storms.

 

Now you know what colours you might see, you’re probably wondering what’s the best time to see the Northern Lights at all. Typically, the best time to see this incredible natural phenomenon is during the winter months as the nights are at their longest. From October to March, you’re most likely to witness the sky light up but do remember, the Northern Lights can be unpredictable and are affected by the weather. A lovely clear, dark night makes for ideal conditions so keep your fingers crossed, eyes open and your camera close by so you don’t miss this natural wonder. 

The Northern Lights over Alta
The Northern Lights over Alta
The Northern Lights over Alta
The Northern Lights over Alta

3. Which ships and cruises are the best for a Northern Lights cruise?

Did you know you can experience the Northern Lights yourself on a P&O Cruises holiday? We offer cruises throughout October, November, December and March to Norway in search of this incredible natural light show. These adult-only cruises on board either Aurora or Arcadia give you the best chance to view the beautiful Northern Lights as well as Norway’s mighty fjords.

 

Spend 12 or 16 nights relaxing in style as you cruise to a spellbinding region and hunt for the magical Northern Lights. Marvel at breathtaking vistas and lush valleys, and discover traditional local cultures. On board, experience incredible dining where you’ll find a menu and a venue to match your mood. Or let us entertain you with our captivating array of spectacular entertainment including theatre shows and guest speakers which are all included in the price of your holiday..

 

After a day of exploring our on-board facilities or taking a trip ashore, head out onto the decks and join our crew members as we search for the lights. If you’re not a night owl and are worried about not seeing this spectacular event, fear not. We offer wake-up calls to let you know when the Northern Lights appear so you can enjoy some shut-eye without the fear of missing out.

 

We recommend our Balcony cabins, which are ideal for spotting the Northern Lights from the comfort of your own cabin. Plus, your balcony is the perfect place to savour a continental breakfast or spend an evening under a blanket with a hot drink, trying to spot the colourful glow in the sky.

 

A Northern Lights cruise is a magical experience, full of wonderful memories and unique experiences. 

A view of Alta from Aurora
A view of Alta from Aurora
A view of Alta from Aurora
A view of Alta from Aurora

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