Many travelers wait for the height of winter to chase the Northern Lights in Norway—but one of the best-kept secrets is that the season actually begins in autumn. That means it’s already possible to witness the dazzling light show in the skies as early as September, with several advantages: the golden foliage still colors the trees, the days are less cold, the skies are often clearer, and the flow of tourists is much more relaxed.
This time of year makes the aurora experience even more special: multicolored leaves fill the trees, fjords mirror the sunset tones, and when night falls, the sky lights up with green, pink, and red ribbons created when solar particles collide with Earth’s atmosphere.
Northern destinations in Norway such as Tromsø, Lofoten, and Alta offer a wide variety of comfortable and authentic Northern Lights experiences, even in the low season. Local guides fluent in English, Spanish, German, French, or Chinese lead small groups through stunning landscapes in search of the clearest skies.
During the chase, travelers are guided by professionals who share local stories around a traditional Norwegian campfire. They also enjoy regional food, sip on hot chocolate, and have the entire experience captured in photos included in the tour.
Northern Norway Travel (NNT), a DMC in the heart of the Arctic, offers customized itineraries across Northern Norway for those seeking to see the Northern Lights—whether in winter or autumn.
Where to See the Northern Lights in Northern Norway
Tromsø is the main gateway for those looking to see the Northern Lights. With direct international flights and excellent tourism infrastructure, the city has become the epicenter of the aurora season. However, this also means it can get crowded in winter. In contrast, autumn in Tromsø brings fewer tourists but already offers the chance to witness the phenomenon.
For those seeking peace and a deeper connection with nature, nearby places like Alta, Lyngen, and Senja are worth exploring. They offer breathtaking landscapes and less light pollution. A bit further south, the Bodø region is also a great option—with easy access and an international airport right in the city center. Meanwhile, in the Lofoten and Vesterålen Islands, the aurora can be combined with other experiences such as whale watching.
What to Do in Norway in September
The advantage of seeing the Northern Lights in Norway’s autumn is that travelers get the best of both seasons: during the day, they enjoy outdoor activities amidst the country’s stunning natural scenery, and at night, they can witness the aurora without facing extreme cold or endless layers of winter clothing.
Visitors can hike through mountains lined with colorful trees, follow trails past waterfalls, or kayak through the fjords—then at night, watch the sky light up just as it does in the depths of winter. Another perk: the sun sets later than in winter, with daylight often lasting until 8 p.m., which means longer days to explore before heading out on the evening aurora hunt. These are holidays where every hour counts.
To learn more about Northern Norway Travel, visit the official website and check out training sessions on the Bureau Mundo platform.
Text: Natália Manczyk – @portadeembarque
