I’m not sure where my obsession with the Norway began, but I’m pretty sure it was from photos I’d seen on Instagram. There’s something very magical about the scenic beauty up north, especially because it’s in such stark contrast to many of the places I’ve been.
When MM and I found out we’d be moving to Spain, I put Norway at the top of my “must” list. It wasn’t until I got into my planning that I realized Norway is actually pretty far from Spain. Oh well, I was too deep into my obsession to let long flights get in my way!
Also on my bucket list–see the Northern Lights. When telling this dream to others, they quickly would respond that you have no idea if you’ll see them and you could travel all the way there and see nothing. But hey, you have to at least try! Positivity people!
Combining two bucket list items, visit Norway and see the Northern Lights, I researched the best places to see the Northern Lights in Norway. All my research paid off and we had the trip of a lifetime. If you’re interested in Norway and/or seeing the Northern Lights, here’s all about our trip so you can start planning yours!
Cities To Visit
Oslo: Our main destination was Tromso (more on that below), but I purposely booked flights with a 24 hour layover in Oslo. A connecting flight was necessary; we opted for the longest layover so we could explore Oslo, the capital of Norway.
Tromso: Continuing the journey north, if you want to see the Northern Lights, go to Tromso. It’s rated as a top viewing destination, in Norway and in the world.
Future Travels–Bergan: We didn’t make it to Bergen, but I’d love to get there eventually. The city is surrounded by mountains and fjords–if I had more time, I would have loved to do the scenic train ride between Bergen to Oslo (how insanely beautiful does this look??).
And now more on Oslo & Trosmo
Oslo:
Where to Stay: Oslo is a pricey city, especially the food. Look for a hotel that includes free breakfast. I recommend Scandic hotels, there are locations all over Norway and the breakfast buffets are ridiculously amazing. We stayed at the Scandic St. Olavs Plass. Aside from the breakfast buffet, it’s not extravagant but was reasonably priced, clean and centrally located.
Activities to Do: If you’re planning to travel around the city and tour lots of museums, get the Oslo Pass which includes free entry into 30 museums and attractions and free public transportation. We aren’t museum people. Instead we went for long walks through the city (despite snow and freezing temps). Walk by the scenic Opera house, stroll through the shops of the Aker Brygge wharf and grab lunch at the Hathallen Food Hall.
Staying Active in Oslo: Even though it may be cold, it’s a great walking city. Explore by foot and rack up your steps for the day. If you’re looking for something more intense, there’s a Barry’s Bootcamp in Oslo (this was shocking to me!). I didn’t realize this until after my trip, otherwise I for sure would have gone to a class.
Tromso
Where to Stay: I selected a cheap, bare-bones hotel for our one night in the city of Tromso because we’d be staying there after our second Northern Lights chase, which the tour said could go until 6am (it actually only went until 1am). If you’re looking for a cheap hotel, Tromso Comfort Hotel Xpress works. It was clean and totally fine, plus on Sundays you can check out at as late as 6pm. If you want something a little nicer (with a great breakfast), stay at the Scandic Ishavshotel.
Activities to Do: Here’s my number one recommendation of this entire post, sign up for the Lyngsfjord Adventure overnight stay. I researched a bunch of Northern Lights experiences and chose this one after seeing the glowing reviews. Now I add my own review–it’s incredible!
With Lyngsfjord we did the Northern Lights Chase, dog sledding and slept in the Aurora Chalet. I recommend everything! You should pack your warmest clothes, but the camp will also equip you with a snowsuit, hats, gloves and boots.
During our Northern Lights Chase we were super lucky and had very bright lights that lasted over an hour. Our guide said it was some of the best lights he had ever seen. Our group stayed outside watching the lights dance, change, brighten and fade. It was truly an unforgettable experience. We laid in the snow staring up, cheering as the lights brightened. I feel very fortunate to have seen such an amazing show.
Dog Sledding the next day was also so fun! We got to meet the pups that stay at the camp and went for a scenic ride. The dogs are so sweet and the views are excellent.
If you do the Lyngsfjord overnight, you may want to sign up for a different chase in the next night. We were lucky and saw the lights on our first night out, but in advance we had booked another tour for the next night. Unfortunately that night was cloudy and there were no lights. I didn’t enjoy the tour we chose, so I won’t recommend it here. Message me if you’re booking and want more info on this.
If you’re spending time in Tromso, it’s a pretty small town. There’s a main shopping street to walk through, walk by the water and get a view of the Arctic Cathedral and definitely stop for a coffee and cinnamon roll at Riso Coffee Shop.
Tips for Chasing the Northern Lights
Not that I’m a Northern Lights expert after one trip to Norway, but here’s what I learned from our guides:
-Ideally on a trip you should give yourself 3 days to chase the lights. It gets expensive, but this is what guides recommend if you want to increase your chances.
-The best months to view are between November and March.
-The lights go through cycles. Next year is expected to be a good year for viewing, but after that, they will likely be on the decline for 10+ years. If it’s on your bucket list, go next winter!
After our time in Norway, I continued my adventure and flew to Stockholm. I’ll share the details of that trip next week. Our time in Norway will go down as one of my favorite and most exciting trips. If you’re considering making the trek, go for it. You will not regret it!
