Ultimate Aurora Hunt
-
Hunting.
Embark on a captivating adventure in Lofoten to experience the ethereal wonders of the Arctic sky with our exclusive Northern Lights Tour, guided by a professional photographer and Northern Lights expert.
Picture yourself standing beneath the vast expanse of the Arctic heavens, where nature's most spectacular light show, the Aurora Borealis, paints the sky with emerald, violet, and crimson hues. Our expert guide, a maestro of celestial photography, will lead you on an unforgettable expedition into the heart of this cosmic dance.
-
Science.
As you venture into the pristine wilderness of Lofoten, your senses will come alive with the crisp Arctic air, the faint whisper of the wind, and the anticipation of witnessing one of the world's most breathtaking phenomena. With years of experience chasing the Northern Lights, our guide will unveil the secrets of capturing these elusive wonders through your camera's lens.
Your guide will explain the science that drives the Aurora and link it to ancient stories from mythology to explain what is happening in the skies above you.
-
Photography.
Under the guidance of our professional photographer, you can learn the art of night photography, mastering techniques to immortalise the dance of the Aurora in stunning detail. Whether you're a seasoned shutterbug or a novice enthusiast, our expert will tailor the experience to suit your skill level, ensuring that every moment spent beneath the Arctic sky is nothing short of magical. You’ll also have souvenir photos taken by the guide to remember your experience and maybe even secure yourself a new Facebook profile picture!
From secluded fjords to hidden beaches, our Northern Lights Tour will take you to the most enchanting vantage points, far from the glare of city lights, where the brilliance of the Aurora shines in all its glory. And as the night sky comes to life with swirling ribbons of light, you'll witness a spectacle that transcends imagination, leaving an indelible mark on your soul.
-
Warmth.
Clear skies are cold skies. We will keep you warm with hot drinks and stay close to the minivan so you can hide from the elements when the sky is calm.
Join us for an exhilarating adventure into the realm of the Northern Lights, where nature's most dazzling performance awaits. Let our expert guide illuminate your path to awe and wonder as you chase the Aurora Borealis across the Arctic heavens in the enchanting landscapes of Lofoten.
What You Need To Know
Where do we meet?
We will collect you from your hotel in Svolvær - let us know where you are staying when you book. If you are travelling to Svolvær for the tour we will meet you at the reception of Svinøya Rorbuer.
What time do we start?
We will collect you at approximately 20:00. The reason we say ‘approximately’ is because we may have to collect people from several hotels. Our return time depends on Aurora activity and the feelings of the group. If the Aurora activity is high earlier in the evening we may contact you by phone to begin the tour earlier.
When/Where does this tour operate?
Ultimate Aurora Hunt is available to book every night from 25th August until 5th April. The tour doesn’t operate like others in Lofoten - we don’t go to one place every night, we go where we need to based on the weather. Your guide will find the best sky.
What’s included in the price?
Transport and Guiding is included. If you bring your camera, your guide will help you get great photos. If we have the opportunity to take your photo under the Aurora, this will be provided to you digitally within 48 hours. Warm drinks are included.
What is the level of difficulty?
This tour is easy. There is some gentle walking involved. This tour is suitable for those aged 12 and up.
What else do I need to know?
It’s important to dress appropriately and wear good shoes. The Arctic weather can change fast in Lofoten so be prepared, be comfortable, and be warm. The weather is important in determining our chances of finding Aurora and your guide will make a decision on whether the tour goes ahead on the day because weather changes fast. It is therefore important to monitor your phone / e-mail used to make the booking.
Cameras are more sensitive to light than our eyes, so photos and videos often capture the Northern Lights more vividly than you will see in person. This doesn’t make the experience any less magical—there is nothing like standing under the dancing sky with your own eyes.
We will always chase the best possible weather and viewing conditions, which sometimes means our tours run late into the night. Keep in mind you may feel a little tired the next morning, but trust us, it’s worth it.
The Aurora is a gift from nature, and she doesn’t always show up on schedule. We will make every effort to find the clearest sky available to maximise our chances of success, but because the lights are unpredictable we cannot offer free repeat tours or refunds if they do not appear.
Daily Weather
We kindly ask that you refrain from contacting us regarding weather updates or long-term aurora forecasts. The aurora is unpredictable and can't be forecast more than a few hours in advance. Arctic weather is also quite dynamic, with clouds often coming and going quickly.
Please don’t worry about asking whether your tour is going ahead. During the day, we are busy leading other tours and closely monitoring weather conditions ourselves. Using real-time observations along with data on wind speed and direction, humidity, pressure, and our knowledge of Lofoten's micro-climates, we create our own forecasts.
Rest assured, if you don’t hear from us, your tour is proceeding as planned. If we need to cancel due to weather, we will contact you by late afternoon, around 18:00. In the event of a cancellation, you’ll be offered either a transfer or a refund according to our Northern Lights warranty. It is therefore important that you provide us with a working phone number when you book.
Thank you for understanding, and we look forward to your adventure with us!
Is Lofoten a good place to see the northern lights?
Yes. Lofoten sits under the auroral oval, making it one of the best places in the world to see the northern lights. The huge advantage here is the combination of aurora potential, dramatic landscapes, beaches, mountains, and fishing villages.
What is the Ultimate Aurora Hunt?
The Ultimate Aurora Hunt is a northern lights chase from Svolvær with Lofoten Insight. Instead of standing in one fixed location and hoping for the best, we use weather data, local knowledge, cloud movement, and aurora activity to search for the best possible viewing conditions.
Is this a northern lights tour or a northern lights chase?
It is a chase. That matters. We do not simply drive to one viewpoint and wait. We monitor the conditions throughout the evening and move when needed to find clearer skies and better chances.
Can you guarantee that we will see the northern lights?
No one can honestly guarantee the northern lights. They are a natural phenomenon, and both aurora activity and weather conditions must work together. What we can do is give you the best possible chance by using expert knowledge, real-time data, and local experience.
What happens if the weather is bad?
If there is still a reasonable chance of finding clear sky, the tour will usually go ahead. If conditions are unsafe or there is no realistic chance of a good experience, we may cancel and offer options according to the booking conditions.
Why should I not rely only on the KP forecast?
The KP forecast is often misunderstood. It is a broad planetary index and not a reliable real-time predictor for whether you will see the aurora in Lofoten on a specific night. Local weather, cloud cover, real-time solar wind data, and local knowledge are far more useful during an actual aurora chase.
When is the best time to see the northern lights in Lofoten?
The northern lights season in Lofoten usually runs from late August to early April, when the nights are dark enough. The darkest months from October to March are especially popular, but good aurora can happen whenever the sky is dark and conditions align.
What should I wear on the aurora tour?
Dress warmly in winter layers, including thermal base layers, a warm jacket, hat, gloves, wool socks, and sturdy shoes. Standing outside at night in Arctic conditions can feel much colder than the daytime forecast suggests. The aurora is magical, but numb toes are not.
Is the tour good for northern lights photography?
Yes. The tour is excellent for photography, and guidance can be provided to help you capture the aurora with a camera or phone. Lofoten’s landscapes also create some of the most beautiful aurora photo opportunities in Norway. We will take your photo under the aurora, and photos of the sky alone to send to you after the tour.
Can I take aurora photos with my phone?
Yes, many modern phones can capture the northern lights using night mode or long exposure settings. A tripod or small support helps enormously, especially on windy nights. We have some phone tripods you can use.
Where does the tour start?
The tour starts in Svolvær, with pickup details confirmed during booking. Pickup may be available from selected hotels, rorbuer, and local accommodation by arrangement.
How long is the Ultimate Aurora Hunt?
The tour length can vary depending on conditions, routing, and the chase. Aurora hunting is flexible by nature because the best location is not always the closest one.
Is this tour suitable for children?
The tour may be suitable for older children who can handle cold temperatures, late nights, and waiting outdoors. Families should consider the child’s comfort with winter conditions before booking. The minimum age is 12 years old. If you would like to take younger children, we recommend choosing a private tour.
Should I book the aurora tour for my first night in Lofoten?
Yes, absolutely. Booking early in your stay gives you more flexibility if weather affects the tour. Leaving the northern lights until your final night is a bold strategy, and not always a winning one.
Why choose Lofoten Insight for an aurora tour?
Lofoten Insight’s aurora tours are designed with expert knowledge of aurora forecasting, local weather, photography, and Lofoten’s landscape. The tour is led by guides who understand that successful aurora hunting means reading the sky, reading the data, and being ready to move.