If gazing at the Aurora Borealis is on your bucket list, listen to me—Norway trips packages are the way to go. Before you get on that first plane you see, though, here’s how to actually plan a Northern Lights vacation to Norway that you’ll never be able to shut up about (and never forget).
Why Norway?
You could see the Northern Lights in places like Iceland or Finland, sure. But Norway? It’s something right out of Christmas movies. It’s culturally rich yet it blends the most beautiful marvels of nature right in front of you. Not only that, but it’s so accessible that there are tons of Norway tour packages by Catch A Trip that will save you the hassle of planning!
When to Go
This is significant. The best time to see Northern Lights in Norway is late September to early April, with the best times being from October to March. I went in February, and it was perfect—cold enough to generate clear skies but not cold enough that I frosted up.
Pro tip: Choose a new moon date and a place far from big cities so that light pollution is zero. Tromsø would be an excellent choice.
Choosing the Right Package
Finally, after hours of digging and reading reviews, I reserved one of the Norway adventure tours by Catch A Trip that included:
- Aurora guided chases in the evening
- Daytime excursions in the shape of dog sledding and snowmobiling
- Charming cabins and authentic Norwegian fare
This was not your standard holiday—it was a Norway adventure holiday that I shall never forget. Our guides were keen and knew exactly where to take us in order to have the best chance of viewing the lights. And the surprise is: we viewed them night after night.
There are indeed Norway trip packages that offer photography advice, thermal wear, and even airport transfer. There are even some that offer the possibility of sleeping in a glass-topped hut among the stars. Yes, as romantic-sounding as that.
Dos and Don’ts
DO:
- Wear layers (thermal bottom, wool middle layer, waterproof top layer)
- Bring a tripod and a camera that can be manual
- Minimum stay of 4-5 nights to maximize your chances
- Choose packages with experienced Aurora guides
- Try local food—you haven’t lived until you’ve had their famous stew
DON’T:
- Assume you’ll see the lights on your first night (nature isn’t on your schedule)
- Forget travel insurance (this is Arctic weather we’re talking about)
- Rely on phone cameras for Aurora photos—they won’t do justice
- Skip daytime activities—Norway is stunning even without the lights
What It’s Really Like
I don’t think there’s anything that can prepare you for the moment you witness the skies performing beautiful swirls of green and purple for you. The silence of the atmosphere, the endless vision of the nighttime sky, it’s something else! I had tears in my eyes, a wide smile on my face and the little child in me got immersed in the view.
The entire experience was like embarking for a different planet. That is why Norway vacation packages are in a category all their own—rather than merely sending you someplace, they transform you.
If you’re debating whether or not to treat yourself to a Northern Lights experience—trust me, it’s every single penny worth. I came home with a full heart, thousands of photographs, and memories I’ll tell for the rest of my life.
There’s something magical about there being some places that leave you small, in the very best possible sense. Norway does that. And with the Norway trip packages by Catch A Trip, you can simply arrive, stay warm, and look up. With their personalised itineraries, you can just be all candid with your choices and preferences, and the team will make sure you experience everything that you wanted. You just gotta wish it, and somehow, magically, Catch A Trip’s team will ensure they make it happen for you. It’s something that has left a really positive imprint on my mind. Afterall, your itinerary really matters for you to have the best experience!
So go. The lights won’t last forever—and trust me, you don’t want to hear about this type of adventure second-hand. Go experience your own Arctic marvel.