Northern Lights Tours

Chase the Aurora Borealis in Vesterålen

Vesterålen is located directly under the Northern Lights oval, making the region one of the premier destinations in the world for viewing the Aurora Borealis. Guided by local experts with years of experience tracking the lights, you gain a significantly higher chance of finding clear skies.

Our guides monitor local microclimates and weather forecasts several days in advance, moving to key locations inland or along the coast to find breaks in the cloud cover. Because weather forecasts often reflect a worst-case scenario, clear skies can frequently be found locally even on overcast days. If conditions present no realistic opportunity to find the lights, we offer guests the choice to cancel.

The Northern Lights season in Vesterålen runs from September 1st to April 1st (with sightings possible from mid-August to mid-April whenever darkness permits). Moonlight during a full moon enhances landscape photography and helps illuminate your surroundings without washing out moderate-to-strong aurora displays.

Photography & Guided Experience

Throughout the tour, your guide will take photographs and videos of you under the Northern Lights, which will be sent to you after the trip. Because all our guides are experienced photographers, they are also on hand to help you set up your own camera equipment for low-light shooting.

Tours typically start in Sortland from your hotel, Airbnb, or an agreed meeting point. Pickups across other parts of Vesterålen—including Bø, Andenes, Myre (Øksnes), and Stokmarknes/Melbu (Hadsel)—can be arranged upon request.

Recommended Gear

• Clothing: Warm, layered clothing and sturdy winter shoes built for wind, rain, or snow. A headlamp is recommended.
• Camera Equipment: Bring your camera, tripod, remote control, extra batteries, and memory cards.

Pricing & Tour Options

• Open Northern Lights Tour: 1,650 NOK per person (Duration: 3–5 hours)
• Private Northern Lights Tour: From 7,500 NOK per group for 1–7 persons (Duration: 3–5 hours; pricing may adjust for larger groups)
• Pickups: Pickups outside Sortland are available on request and may incur an additional fee for private tours.