Northern Lights Tour from Svolvær
Leave the lights of Svolvær behind and join us in search of the Northern Lights under the darker skies of Lofoten.
This small-group Northern Lights tour from Svolvær is led by a local guide who follows the weather and cloud cover throughout the evening, choosing locations that give us the best available conditions. You’ll also get hands-on help with your own camera or phone whenever you need it.
The route is different from night to night. We may head towards a dark beach, an open coastline or another quiet place away from artificial light, depending on the weather, road conditions and what’s happening in the sky.
Between stops, travel warm and comfortable in our four-wheel-drive Mercedes V-Class. Its panoramic glass roof gives you a view of the sky while we’re on the road, and the vehicle stays warm when it’s time to come back inside from the Arctic night.
We’ll also serve hot drinks at one of our stops.
4 hours
Easy
12
1 Sep – 1 Apr
From NOK 1,680
Out in the Dark
Svolvær has plenty of artificial light. Once we leave town behind, the night changes.
Away from streetlights and buildings, your eyes have time to adjust to the darkness. Stars become clearer, and fainter aurora that can be difficult to distinguish around town lights may become easier to see.
The darker surroundings are also better for photography. Instead of streetlights and buildings, we can work with the landscape and the Arctic sky.
And when the aurora is strong on a completely dark night, it can be quite a sight.
The Places Are Part of the Evening
A Northern Lights tour with us is also a night drive through Lofoten.
We use different locations depending on the weather, cloud cover, wind and road conditions. One evening might take us towards an open beach with a wide view of the sky. Another might lead to a quiet coastline, mountains or a more sheltered place.
We don’t promise a list of stops before we leave. The guide chooses places that make sense for that particular night.
So even while we’re waiting for the aurora, you’re out experiencing Lofoten after dark.
Following the Conditions
There is no fixed route for the evening.
Lofoten’s weather can change quickly, and cloud cover can be very different from one place to another. Your guide studies the forecasts before the tour, then keeps reading the conditions once we’re on the road.
Cloud movement, wind and road conditions all influence where we go. Sometimes the right conditions are easy to find. Other nights require more driving and patience.
We adapt the evening as it develops, while keeping the journey comfortable and safe.
Photography Help
You don’t need to know how to photograph the Northern Lights before you come.
Bring the camera or phone you already have. Your guide can help with settings, focus and composition, and we’ll adjust things as the light changes through the evening.
Photography is part of the experience, but it doesn’t have to take over your night. Once your camera is ready, look up.
When conditions allow, your guide can also take professional photos during the tour. These are included at no extra cost and are normally sent within 2–3 business days after the tour, excluding weekends and holidays.
What's Included
Between stops, travel warm and comfortable in our four-wheel-drive Mercedes V-Class. The panoramic glass roof gives you a view of the sky while we’re on the road, and there’s always a warm vehicle to return to after time outside.
- Local guide with firsthand knowledge of Lofoten's weather and roads
- Transport in a warm, four-wheel-drive Mercedes V-Class with a panoramic glass roof
- Hot drinks during the tour
- Hands-on photography help with your own camera or phone
- Professional guide photos when conditions allow, included at no extra cost
- Pickup and drop-off in Svolvær or Kabelvåg
Pickup & Departure Times
This tour is designed for guests staying in Svolvær and Kabelvåg, with pickup and drop-off available in both places.
Departure times:
September: 21:00
October–February: 20:00
March–April: 21:00
General inquiries and bookings: +47 76 07 60 11, 08:00–16:00 Norwegian time. Urgent or same-day logistics: Driver / WhatsApp, +47 47 75 26 70.
What our customers say:
Northern Lights Tour FAQ
How long is the tour?
The trip lasts approximately 4 hours. It may be extended slightly if we get really good aurora towards the end.
What should I wear?
Dress for spending time outside in Arctic winter conditions.
Warm layers, winter footwear, a hat and gloves are important. You may be standing still while watching or photographing the sky, which can feel considerably colder than walking around town.
How much does the Northern Lights Tour from Svolvær cost?
The shared Northern Lights Tour from Svolvær costs NOK 1,680 per person.
Can I book the Northern Lights Tour from Svolvær as a private tour ?
Yes. A private Northern Lights Chase for 1–7 people costs NOK 11,900 for the whole group and lasts approximately 4–4.5 hours.
Our Extended Northern Lights Chase gives you approximately 6 hours and costs NOK 13,900 for the whole group, also for 1–7 people.
For private day tours, photography experiences and longer tailor-made arrangements, see our Private Tours in Lofoten page.
Are the Northern Lights guaranteed?
No, and we won’t pretend otherwise. The aurora is nature, not a show.
We follow the weather and cloud conditions and use our local knowledge to search for the best available conditions that evening. Aurora activity can also change quickly, so no one can guarantee what the sky will do.
What happens if the weather is bad?
We follow the weather and road conditions closely and adjust the route when conditions change.
If conditions make it unsafe or unreasonable to operate the tour and RAW Lofoten cancels, you will receive a full refund according to our Booking Conditions.
Why do you leave Svolvær to look for the Northern Lights?
Svolvær has a lot of artificial light. Getting away from town gives us darker surroundings, which can make fainter aurora easier to see and gives us better conditions for night photography.
It also gives us the freedom to respond to cloud cover and weather rather than waiting in one place.
Can you help me photograph the Northern Lights?
Yes. Photography guidance is part of the experience.
Bring your camera or phone and your guide can help with settings, focus and composition. You don’t need previous night-photography experience.
When will I receive the guide's photos?
Professional guide photos are normally sent within 2–3 business days after the tour, excluding weekends and holidays.
Do I need an expensive camera?
No. Bring what you have.
A camera gives you more control, but modern phones can also photograph the Northern Lights in suitable conditions. We’ll help you get the best from the equipment you’re carrying.
Where will we go?
There is no fixed route or guaranteed set of stops.
Your guide chooses the direction according to the weather, cloud cover, road conditions and what’s happening that evening. That means the route can be different each night.
Want the Evening to Yourselves?
Prefer to explore with just your own group?
This experience can also be arranged privately, giving you more room to shape the evening around your interests, photography and the conditions that night.
Still have questions?
We’re here to help.
+47 76 07 60 11
(Office hours)
+47 47 75 26 70
(Day of tour / urgent, WhatsApp)
rawlofoten@auroraborealis.no
We aim to reply quickly