Northern Lights boost tourism to Norway

Northern lights boosting tourism to Norway

Seeing the Northern Lights in Norway tops British people's buckets lists, and the best ‘solar weather’ for a decade is expected to attract a record number of visitors this winter.

There's nothing quite like the thrill of experiencing the Northern Lights - or 'Aurora Borealis' as they are also known.The interest in trips to Northern Norway to experience this spectacular natural lightshow has soared in recent years. And visitor numbers are expected to receive a further boost this winter, as the forthcoming season is set to offer one of the best opportunities to see the Northern Lights in a decade or more. This is due to a natural phenomenon where the sun’s polarity flips, which happens approximately every 11 years.　

The current period of solar maximum activity has already had one peak – towards the end of 2011 and early 2012. With the second peak at the end of 2013, strong sightings are set to continue this winter.

Surge in demand

The Aurora belt hits Northern Norway in the Lofoten Islands and follows the coast all the way to Nordkapp (North Cape), Europe’s northernmost point. There is no other place on earth that offers a better chance of spotting the lights, than in Northern Norway.

Norway is the best place in the world to spot the natural phenomenon for several reasons. Large areas of the aurora zone are inaccessible for travellers – and winter temperatures in the majority of inland areas within the zone are very low. However, thanks to the Gulf Stream, the coastal areas of Norway have a milder climate than other locations at the same latitudes. These　areas are also much easier　to access by several flight connections from all over the world.

Due to its position as a ‘Northern Lights Hub’, Northern Norway is seeing a surge in demand. In the last five years there has been a 130 % rise in commercial bednights in the three most northerly counties in Norway – creating a growth value of around £14,5 million.

Arctic Adventures beneath the Northern Lights

The chance to observe the Aurora is an important draw to visit Northern Norway for people from all over the world and there are numerous exciting Arctic adventures on offer. They all present a unique chance of catching the elusive lights while trying out exciting and inspiring activities simultaneously.

Choices range from dog sledding or snowmobiling through the frozen plains, sleep in an ice hotel, to whale watching, ice fishing, photography tuition, cross country skiing and coach tours. Or you can go hunting the lights on board the traditional Norwegian coastal steamer, Hurtigruten, calling at 34 ports of call along the beautiful frozen coastline of Norway.

Notes to editor

• The Aurora zone is a ring-shaped band where the chances of　seeing the　Northern Lights are highest. The Aurora zone stretches across the　northern part of Scandinavia (Norway, Sweden, and Finland), over to Siberia in　northern Russia, and then across　Alaska and the northernmost parts of Canada,　and further across southern Greenland and Iceland　(see map).　It is in these places that you have　the best chances of seeing Auroras.
• Norwegian Air flies directly between London Gatwick and Tromsø, the Gateway to the Arctic, three times a week. Prices from £72 one way.