Finnmark (also known as Norwegian Lapland) is the prime spot for experiencing the northern lights. It is located in the middle of the aurora belt where you have the highest chance of seeing the northern lights. Alta is the largest city in Finnmark and has direct flights from Oslo. It is not without reason called The City of Northern Lights and has become a northern lights hot spot.

Northern Lights I

In this post we will cover the following topics:

Where is the best place to see the northern lights?

Alta got the name The City of Northern Lights as it is just below the Aurora Borealis Oval. Also the city has a rich history when it comes to northern lights research and has been a research center for northerns lights since 1900´s due to its prime location for the aurora borealis.. There are many advantages with choosing a smaller city for your northern light safari, the two most obvious ones being escaping the crowds and easier access to dark areas.

What time of year can you see the northern lights?

Between mid September to late March is what we call aurora season. This is when it will get dark in the afternoon and evening – and you need darkness to be able to observe the lights. Northern lights are almost always present, day and night, but cannot be seen during daylight. And it is hardner to observe it if you have a lot of city light pollution.

Northern Lights Reflection Fjord Alta Norway

Do the northern lights happen every night?

The lights are caused by charged particles from the sun hitting atoms in Earth’s atmosphere and releasing photons, it’s a process that happens constantly. So yes, northern lights happen every night. However the strength of the light will vary depending on the direction and strengt of solar winds from the sun. And remember, you also need a clear sky to see the northern lights.

Go on a guided tour or by ourself?

It is up to you, both is possible. Northern lights are free and can be observed anywhere, also in the city center. Have in mind however that less light pollution is better. The lower the light pollution the better you will see the northern lights. Even weak northern light will be visible and you will get much better photos as disturbing light elements are eliminated.

Chances of seeing the northern lights are greater using a tour operator. The have gained experience over many years on where to best see the northern lights and how to interpret the northern lights predictions for the area. The tour operators will also typical provide you with all the warm clothing you will need. Two serious tour operators in Alta that can be recommended is Glød Explorer and Æventyr.

Can you predict northern lights?

Yes! With todays technology scientist are able to provide short-term forecast on geomagnetic activity and where the lights will be visible. They can also provide a long-term prediction for when northern light activity is likely.

Thankfully there are several apps available nowadays that provides this information. The 3 easiest indicators to track that these apps will give you are:

Kp index: Scale to measure the geomagnetic activity both short term and long term

Ovation auroral: Model that displays the short term forecast for where the northern lights will show

Solar rotation: Long term forecast for when high geomagnetic activity is likely

I use the free app Aurora Forecast. Another option is My Aurora which is also free. Unless you work as a northern lights guide you don’t need any of the paid features. Here are a few screenshots of the aurora predictions from Aurora Forecast.

Aurora Forecast Prediction Alta
Aurora Prediction Alta

The second thing you need to check is cloud forecast, this is best done on yr.no.

Remember this is a prediction and things can change rapidly. But it gives you a good indication of your chances of seeing northern lights.

Northern Lights Finnmark Lapland

History of Northern Lights in Alta

Alta has been an important place for northern lights research. In 1839 an international expedition came to Alta to study the northern lights. When the First International Polar Year was executed 1882-1883 Alta was set up as the station from Norway contributing to the research.

Furter on, in 1899 the world’s first permanent northern lights observatory was completed in Alta. It was built on top of Mount Haldde. During summer you can hike up to Haldde and the observatory and it is also possible to stay overnight. Scientists and their families lived and did research in the observatory on Mount Haldde until 1926.

Nordlyskatedralen – The Northern Lights Cathedral

In 2013 the The Northern Lights Cathedral was opened in Alta. The church is inspired by the northern lights and is built like a spiral that swings its way up. During special occasion it is lit up and you can get some wonderful pictures. The church also hosts an interactive northern lights exhibition.

How do you photograph the northern lights?

I am by no means a professional, I still practice my skillset getting the perfect northern light photo. But I will share a few tips I have picked up. The first rule to get good northern light photos is to avoid light pollution, in other words you need to get out of the city center. Secondly you need a camera you can turn to manual mode to be able to control shutter speed, ISO and light sensitivity. You also need a tripod. Which setting to use depends on conditions – but a good starting point is f2.8 / ISO 1000/ 3 sec. Set your lens to infinity focus and you are ready.

Have you experienced the northern lights? Have you heard any myths about the northern lights? I would love to hear from you.