On our planet, natural phenomena are not uncommon, which fascinate, make you admire them for hours, overcome great distances to see them with your own eyes. This fully applies to such a natural phenomenon as the northern lights. Thousands of tourists from all over the world come to Norway every year to enjoy this stunning sight. All travelers claim that this trip is remembered for a long time. When is the Northern Lights in Norway? Where is it better to observe this phenomenon? We will answer these questions in this article.
Amazing natural phenomenon
Scientists have long explained how and why, from the point of view of science, this glow occurs. It is formed at an altitude of 80 to 100 km during the interaction of molecules in the atmosphere with charged particles of energy that penetrate from space. In other words, the streams of sunlight, reaching the layers of the atmosphere, provoke a bright glow of oxygen and nitrogen atoms. This natural phenomenon can be observed at the magnetic poles, more precisely, in an area limited to 67 ° and 70 ° s. w.
In the southern hemisphere, at the magnetic pole, it is very difficult to see the aurora because there are no places suitable for human life in these latitudes. In the northern part of our planet, you can find about ten places where ideal conditions are created for observing an amazing natural phenomenon.
When can you see the northern lights in Norway?
The optimal time for a visit to Norway for those wishing to see a fantastic natural phenomenon is the period from December to February. It is best to watch him in the autumn-winter time. From September 21 to March 21 inclusive, the aurora appears almost daily after 18:00.
It is quite possible to enjoy the northern lights in Norway in August - from the end of the month to the end of September and from late March to the second half of April. These are the so-called transition periods. True, the nights in these periods are short, which means that there is very little time to see this amazing natural phenomenon.
Starting in August, you can see a fantastic sunset or a real performance of dancing lights, turning into the northern lights.
Route selection
It is best to go on a cruise on a ship that follows along the coast of Norway. It is advisable to choose a route from Tromso to Trondheim. Many "hunters" for the northern lights visit the polar center, which is located in Norway in the small village of Laukvik. Here you can enjoy the heavenly glow, visit exhibitions and presentations devoted to the natural phenomenon.
From Moscow, you can take the ship to the Svalbard archipelago, which is located very close to the North Pole - an hour and a half away. Norwegian travel agencies also organize such expeditions. Flights depart from Oslo to the capital of the archipelago - Longyearbyen. If you want to see the northern lights in Norway with your own eyes (we have posted a photo of a natural phenomenon in this article), do not leave the continental part of the country, stop in the cities of Alta or Tromso.
Tips from experienced travelers
The Northern Lights belt covers the territories from the North Cape to the Lofoten Islands. Often from Tromso and from the Lofoten Islands one can observe the same radiance, but from different angles. The farther you are from the coast, the drier the air will be, the sky will be clearer, which greatly increases your chances of enjoying the northern lights in Norway.
Go "hunting" should be after 22:00 to midnight, and try to leave away from the cities. You should not go on a trip to the full moon, so that the light of the night luminary does not compete with the aurora and does not interfere with enjoying an amazing sight.
Features of aurora in Norway
If you came to this northern country in December or January, you can enjoy the real northern lights (Aurora borealis), when the nights last forever and the days are very short. In March and February, the length of daylight increases, so you will have the opportunity to admire the endless snow panoramas in the afternoon, and in the evening - the northern lights.
Unfortunately, no one can guarantee you 100% that you will be able to appreciate the northern lights in Norway during your trip. Sometimes it illuminates the sky daily for several weeks, and sometimes due to heavy snowfall, nothing is visible.
Each northern lights is beautiful in its own way. Sometimes the glow resembles green stripes that encircle the night sky, or green fog. Sometimes the night shine in the sky is a magnificent shimmering canopy that shimmers with blue-green lights with a small splash of red and pink. These colored ribbons up to 160 km wide can reach 1,600 kilometers!
Dancing like flames in a dark sky, the northern lights fascinate and enchant. With a strong flash, it appears for only one or two minutes, and then “melts”, and you are left wondering whether you saw this miracle or it only seemed to you.
Legends
Probably, no one will be surprised that there are many legends about this amazing natural phenomenon. According to the Sami version, the polar fox, which ran through the hills of Lapland, threw snowy magic sparkles with its fluffy tail and lit the fantastic colors of the northern lights in the sky.
The Sami shaman tambourine has special symbols that indicate the northern lights. In the language of the indigenous people of Norway - the Sami - this phenomenon is called "guovssahas", which translates as "the light that is heard." The indigenous people are sure that the aurora is in some special way connected with the sound. And in the time of the Vikings, this phenomenon was considered a reflection of the Valkyrie swords.
Excursions
There are many companies in northern Norway that organize snowmobile rides for tourists. Racing on a snowmobile, you will feel a sense of freedom. And if at this time the sky above you flashes a flickering light, then you will not be able to forget this trip for a long time.
In Laukvik, on the Lofoten Islands, and more precisely on the island of Austvogeya, the Northern Lights Center awaits guests, where you will be offered interesting presentations and exhibitions. In Finnmark County, in the Pasvik Valley, near the border with Russia, travelers will be offered to go on a dog sled journey under the northern lights.
If you come to the Sami capital of the country - the city of Karashok - you can take part in an excursion under a colorful sky on a special bus, which is called “Northern Lights”. Those who at least once saw these unusual flashes in the night sky, it seems that the magic lights are lit only for them - on a specific day and hour, which nature itself appoints.