Witness the Northern Lights: a Century Travel journey through Norway’s arctic circle

An unforgettable expedition through Lofoten’s wild beauty and dancing skies

By Christina Iatropoulou

The Northern Lights. Mysterious, mesmerising and on just about every traveller’s bucket list. But what exactly are they?

Also known as the Aurora Borealis, these stunning displays are caused by charged particles from the sun colliding with gases in the Earth’s atmosphere. The result? Ethereal curtains of light that swirl across the night sky, glowing in shades of green, pink and even deep scarlet. And if you’ve always dreamt of seeing them, the window from October 2025 to Spring 2026 promises some of the best viewing conditions in over a decade.

To chase the lights, head north – really north. Top locations include Norway, Finland, Iceland, Sweden, Greenland and Alaska, where clear, dark skies give the best chance of catching the show. For my own adventure, I set my sights on the Lofoten Islands in Norway, nestled above the Arctic Circle – and what a trip it was.

A road trip under the stars
Our journey began with a direct flight from Oslo to Harstad/Narvik airport in Evenes. From there, we rented a car – highly recommend choosing an SUV – and hit the road. Over four nights, we explored four different areas, staying in traditional rorbuer (fishermen’s cabins) along the way, each with its own unique charm.

Our first stop was the picturesque village of Henningsvær. Linked to the other islands by bridges, this tiny community is home to what’s often called the world’s most beautiful football stadium. We stayed at a quirky hotel-café-restaurant called Trevarefabrikken – a converted factory right by the water.
Though the rain meant our chances of seeing the lights were slim that night, we soaked in the atmosphere and admired our cosy cabin overlooking a quiet little harbour.

Beaches, saunas and hopeful skies
On the road to Leknes, we stopped at Uttakleiv Beach – one of Europe’s most romantic and most photographed stretches of coastline. Here, soft white sand meets dramatic boulders, and if you’re lucky, pastel skies stretch across the horizon.

Our second cabin just outside Leknes came with a sauna – a real treat after a chilly day exploring. In Norway, saunas aren’t just about warmth; they’re about wellbeing, community and tradition, dating back to Viking times. After a sunset session with ocean views, we set off to Nusfjord for dinner – a charming resort village tucked into the cliffs.

That night, things changed. The weather app showed a 66 per cent chance of Northern Lights, and the sky began to clear. Around 11pm, the first swirls appeared – pale and ghostly at first. Here’s a tip: the lights often look white to the naked eye, turning green through your camera lens. That knowledge made all the difference, helping me spot the shimmering glow as it began to dance above the water. It was magical – one of those moments you never forget.

From postcard views to the edge of the world
The next day took us to Reine, arguably the most photographed spot in all of Lofoten. We stayed in a quiet cabin in Hamnøy, just behind a famous arched bridge, surrounded by towering mountains and mirror-still waters.

In this remote region, dining options are limited – stock up at a supermarket during the day and keep in mind that wine and spirits are only sold at specific stores called Vinmonopolet (the closest to Reine is back in Leknes).

Our final day brought us to the village of Å – often referred to as “the end of the world.” With its red cabins and salty sea air, it felt like a step back in time. From there, we made our way back to Svolvær – Lofoten’s largest town, known for exporting stockfish since the Mediaeval era. The drive was snowy and slow, but every twist in the road offered breathtaking views.

Northern lights: worth the chase
My Northern Lights journey was about more than just ticking something off a list. It was about silence, space and reconnecting with nature at its most raw and beautiful. It was crisp air, steaming saunas and the thrill of spotting green ribbons dancing overhead.

Lofoten will steal your heart – and if the lights decide to come out and play, it’s a trip you’ll never forget.

Plan your own Northern Lights escape

If the idea of chasing the Aurora has captured your imagination, there are some incredible travel experiences currently available:

Northern Lights & Whale Watching from Tromsø Combine two Arctic wonders in one unforgettable trip. Explore Tromsø, often called the “Gateway to the Arctic”, and enjoy guided excursions to witness both the Northern Lights and majestic whales in their natural habitat.

Northern Lights Cruise on Fred. Olsen’s Borealis Sail directly beneath the Auroral Zone aboard a smaller ship built for scenic cruising. With various itineraries to choose from, this is a more relaxed way to experience the magic of the Arctic night sky.

Whether you travel by land or sea, witnessing the Northern Lights is truely one of life’s great travel experiences – and now’s the perfect time to start planning.

Whether you’re dreaming of a cosy cabin beneath the stars or a cruise through the heart of the Arctic night, Century Travel can help you plan the ultimate Northern Lights adventure. Speak with a travel advisor at 70 000 970 or explore more unforgettable Arctic experiences at www.centurycyprus.com.