Basics
Where and when to see the northern lights
Darkness, clear skies, a bit of solar activity – and the right place. How to plan your chances of seeing the aurora realistically instead of relying on luck.
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Articles
All articles on northern lights, Lapland, Norway and Iceland – basics, destinations, routes, photography and gear.
Basics
Basics
Understanding the aurora forecast – Kp index, Bz and clouds
Kp 2, Bz negative, 80 percent cloud – what does that mean for tonight? How to read aurora forecasts without getting lost in numbers.
Basics
Polar night and daylight – how dark is it up north really?
Polar night sounds like 24 hours of black. In fact there is a special blue light at midday – if you plan your day well.
Trip planning
Trip planning
Planning Lapland with kids – season, places, activities, clothing
Reindeer, huskies, snow to the horizon – and temperatures where planning matters. What really counts on a Lapland trip with children.
Trip planning
Best time for northern lights in Norway – month by month
Polar night in December or autumn colours in September? Each month has its strengths. An honest comparison for planning your aurora trip.
Trip planning
Christmas in Lapland with kids – planning, Santa and alternatives
Snow, candles, Santa on the Arctic Circle – Christmas in Lapland is a dream for many families. A planning article with everything you should know early.
Trip planning
What does a family trip to Lapland cost? The cost factors
Lapland is not a cheap destination. Instead of invented flat prices we show which items to budget for – and where to save.
Trip planning
Northern lights in September and October – an autumn trip north
Autumn colours, open roads and the first dark nights – why September and October are underrated for aurora trips.
Destinations
Destinations
Tromsø in winter – polar night, northern lights, trips and practical tips
Northern Norway's largest town is the gateway to the aurora for many. What makes Tromsø special in winter – and how to use the days between the nights.
Destinations
Iceland in winter by rental car – planning, roads, insurance, auroras
We are planning our Iceland trip for winter 2026/27. This is our planning basis – official sources instead of myths. After the trip we will add our own experience and photos.
Destinations
Rovaniemi, Levi or Saariselkä? Lapland destinations compared
Arctic Circle town, ski resort or northern wilderness? The place you choose shapes your Lapland trip more than any single activity.
Destinations
Destinations
Abisko – northern lights in Swedish Lapland, Aurora Sky Station and how to get there
A village on the shore of a frozen lake, a railway line, a chairlift up a dark mountain. Why Abisko draws so many aurora hunters – and what to know before you book.
Destinations
Henningsvær: the football pitch at the end of the world
An artificial pitch on a flat rock in the Norwegian Sea, water all around, fish-drying racks and mountains behind. How to visit Norway's most famous football pitch – and what locals would rather not see.
Destinations
Northern lights in Reykjavík: best spots in and near the city
You don't have to go into the highlands to see the aurora in Iceland. These spots are minutes from Reykjavík – and this is how to read the forecast so you're there at the right time.
Destinations
North Cape in winter – convoy driving, northern lights and what you need to know
Snow streaming across the road, a snowplough ahead and at the end only the cliff and the Barents Sea. How to reach the North Cape safely in winter – and why it's worth it.
Routes
Routes
Lofoten in winter by car – route Svolvær, Henningsvær, Leknes, Reine, Å
Mountains rising straight from the sea, fishing villages in twilight and auroras above the road. How to plan Lofoten in winter by car – realistically and safely.
Routes
Route Tromsø – Nord-Troms – Skjervøy in winter (with ferries)
Fjords, ferries, the Lyngen Alps and very little light – the drive from Tromsø into Nord-Troms is one of Norway's most impressive winter routes. Here's how to plan it.
Photography
Gear
Activities
Activities
Husky safari with kids – how it works, age, clothing and animal welfare
For many children the husky ride is the highlight of the trip. What to expect and what to look for when choosing an operator.
Activities
Northern lights tours compared – coach, small group or photo tour?
Join a tour or chase on your own? A comparison of tour types – and the questions to ask before booking.
