Wondering where to eat, sleep, drink and what to do to experience the Northern Lights in Norway? Read on for inspiration from TWISPER, the social app with only positive recommendations…
The Northern Lights are an incredible natural phenomenon and watching their vibrant colours dance across the night sky is truly unforgettable. Anyone who has seen photos will undoubtedly have this experience on their travel bucket list.
But where do you go to see the Northern Lights? The Aurora is only visible in high-latitude areas, so the Arctic (and the Antarctic, but you might find that a little harder to visit). While the lights have been spotted as far south as Scotland, your best chance of seeing them in Europe is in Scandinavia, Iceland and Russia.
Among the few places where it’s possible to see them, Norway definitely stands out. Not only for its Aurora-spotting opportunities, but for its beautiful landscapes, amazing wildlife and cultural offerings, too.
Wondering where to eat, sleep, drink and what to do to experience the Northern Lights in Norway? Read on for inspiration from by TWISPER, the social app with only positive recommendations…
Where to stay in Norway to see the Northern Lights (TWISPER)
One way to make sure your trip is one to remember is finding accommodation that’s a unique travel experience in its own right. Hotel room carved out of ice, here we come...
Embrace the Arctic and sleep in an igloo in northern Norway. Located in Alta, Sorrisniva is the world’s northernmost ice hotel. Its igloos are hand-crafted from snow and ice every year and make for a truly unique place to stay in Norway. Thanks to its isolated location, this is an ideal place to spot the Northern Lights.
Love the idea of staying in an igloo but not such a fan of the cold? Stay at Lyngen North Hotel instead. Their glass igloos look out over the snow-capped Lyngen Alps, the Lyngenfjord and – of course – the Aurora Borealis. What better way to end a day of exploring than cozying up with a view of the Northern Lights from your bed?
For those of you wanting an authentic Norwegian experience, book a stay in a traditional rorbua at Nyvågar Rorbuhotell in Loftofen. These historic fishermen’s huts, perched on stilts along the coast, are perfect for Northern Lights viewing from the comfort of a spacious cabin. Don't miss the restaurant which serves locally-sourced food.
From hearty stews to pickled herring and smoked salmon, Norwegian cuisine has plenty to offer foodie travellers. Whether you’re desperate to try local delicacies or your priority is eating with a view of the Northern Lights, these are our recommendations for restaurants in Norway...
Where to eat in Norway (Shutterstock)
If you’re looking for an unforgettable dining experience, head to Restaurant Smak in Tromso. This intimate restaurant aims to make each guest’s visit extraordinary. Their exquisite tasting menus showcase typical Norwegian dishes made with the freshest local ingredients.
Celebrating a special occasion on your Northern Lights trip to Norway? Emma’s Drømmekjøkken (Emma’s Dream Kitchen) is the place to go for a romantic meal in Tromso. Highly recommended for its delicious Norwegian cuisine, this restaurant will be one to remember.
Watching the Northern Lights while enjoying your meal is definitely a bucket list experience. Grab a seat by the window or on the large terrace at Ladekaia Restaurant and admire the views of Trondheim Fjord. Hopefully the Aurora Borealis will come out to dance while you eat!
Where to drink in Norway (TWISPER)
From panoramic views to ice bars, you’ll find plenty of unique bars to visit on your Northern Lights trip to Norway...
For that authentic Arctic experience, make sure you visit Tromso’s Magic Ice Bar. With a poncho and gloves to keep warm, you’ll enter this super cool (quite literally) bar and art gallery carved out of ice. Even the glasses are made of ice.
So much more than its name, Tromso Cable Car is a definite must in the Norwegian city. Not only does it offer panoramic views of Tromso, but there’s also a café at the top to toast to an amazing trip with a drink.
If, like us, you love a good rooftop bar, don’t miss a visit to the Skybar. Located on the roof of the Clarion Hotel The Edge, this is a great spot for an elegant night out in Tromso. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights.
Incredible experiences to have in Norway (Shutterstock)
It’s not all about the Northern Lights. There are plenty of other incredible travel experiences to be had in Norway. From reindeer sleigh rides to whale watching trips, Norway is a paradise for animal lovers. Your Northern Lights trip is an excellent opportunity to see some magnificent creatures...
Imagine a sleigh ride through the snow, the wind rushing through your hair and a pack of husky dogs pulling you along. Birk Husky, located in a remote village in the north of Norway, offers unforgettable husky rides around the pristine Arctic countryside.
If you’re happy to embrace the chill, why not go on a sea eagle spotting safari or try fishing in the icy fjords at the Brygga Hotell & Restaurant in Lofoten? And if you’re feeling particularly daring, you can even go swimming in the icy water.
If you’re always seeking warmth – even in the Arctic – you’ll be glad to know Norway has plenty of saunas. One of our favourites is at Trevarefabrikken. This former factory turned hotel in Lofoten has a sauna with a glass wall so you can enjoy a steam while spotting the Northern Lights.
Want to see the Northern Lights in Norway for yourself? Enter TWISPER’s competition for the chance to win return flights and a four-night hotel stay for two in Tromso.
All you need to do is download TWISPER, invite your friends to join you, and start recommending your favourite restaurants, hotels and bars around the world.
Plus, you’ll find all of Wanderlust’s recommendations for places to eat, sleep and drink on the app, too.
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