The Best Places to See the Northern Lights in Tromsø

Found in the far north of Norway, approximately 350km north of the Arctic Circle, is the city of Tromsø. Located on the island of Tromsøya, after which the city is named, it is home to approximately 42,000 people and is a popular winter destination for those seeking the Northern Lights. Because it is so far north, Tromsø experiences the Polar Night, where the sun does not rise from mid-November until late January. As such, it is one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights. Here are 7 of the best locations in Tromsø where you can see the Northern Lights this winter.

Where Can I See the Northern Lights in Tromsø?

1. Mount Storsteinen

Standing 421 metres above sea level, Mount Storstein is one of the best locations in Tromsø where you can see the Northern Lights.

Partly due to its remote location, but also because of its natural elevation, this is a prime spot for viewing.

As such, there are several ways to the top. The longest is by taking the ‘Sherpa Staircase’ – some 1,200 steps to the very top. It might not sound like much, but in icy and snowy conditions, this route can become treacherous, and on occasion, it is closed off for the safety of the public.

The alternative, easier way is via the Fjellheisen cable car. This journey takes you from Tromsdalen to the top of the mountain in just four minutes. Return tickets can be purchased online and scanned via QR code before boarding.

Winter is the best time of year to see the Northern Lights in Tromsø, but as long as you visit between mid-September and mid-April, you should have a good chance of seeing them on a clear night.

2. Telegrafbukta

Just a 10-minute drive (or a 40-minute walk) outside of the city, Telegrafbukta is another excellent location where you can see the Northern Lights in Tromsø without the fear of light pollution.

It is a popular spot for those searching for the Northern Lights as it is down by the coast, and the way that they shimmer off the black waters of the night sea is a spectacle in itself.

Because it is accessible from the city, and such a short distance away, it’s easily walkable, and public transport routes often call past here if you do not have a hire car.

Tromsø is also known for being one of the safest places in Norway, so being out late at night in a remote area presents almost no dangers to you, as the best time to see the Northern Lights is usually between 22:00 and 02:00.

If you want to witness the dancing magic of the Northern Lights over the waters of the sea with city views behind you, then this is the place to be.

3. Tromsø Harbour

Like Telegrafbukta, Tromsø Harbour is another fantastic destination for spotting the Northern Lights.

The harbour itself can be illuminated at night, so it might not be as good as Mount Storsteinen, but it is still a great – and easily accessible – place to see them from.

Another advantage of viewing the Northern Lights from the Harbour is that many tours offer boat trips out into the sea, where there is no light pollution. While you can just about make out the city in the far distance, you’ll be treated to a wonderful display of the Northern Lights above your boat with absolutely no light pollution.

Plus, if you’re lucky, you might even get the chance to see some inquisitive whales just outside of the harbour and into the fjords near your boat, including humpback whales and orca (killer whales).

4. Sandvika Beach

Slightly further out from Tromsø, around an hour from the city, is a pristine beach called Sandvika, near Brensholmen, perfect for seeing the Northern Lights.

Of course, there are lots of beaches closer to Tromsø than Sandvika, so what makes this particular one so special?

Firstly, it is a north-facing beach, so it is already facing in the right direction for darker skies and therefore a better chance of seeing the Northern Lights. The views from the beach are stunning, and because it is so wide, there are views in all directions – including mountain views, and watching the aurora borealis dance over the snow-capped mountains is a truly unforgettable experience.

However, the wind on the beach is no joke – and it’s for this main reason why it’s so empty and so few tourists go here.

The wind gusts can easily reach up to 50mph, and the temperatures can drop to well below -20℃ with the wind chill, so make sure that you wrap up warm!

There’s also the chance to see wild reindeer on the beach, so this is just another reason why Sandvika is such a good location.

5. Prestvannet

Prestvannet is a small lake just outside of Tromsø, found at the highest point on Tromsøya Island.

Because it is a man-made reservoir, near the city centre, it is easily accessible on foot and by car, there is minimal lighting by the lake, and most importantly, there is no artificial light to ruin your chances of seeing the Northern Lights.

The lake offers a serene setting from which to enjoy the aurora borealis, and many people opt to bring up some hot drinks in flasks and sit on the nearby benches as they marvel over one of nature’s most impressive wonders.

Because of the natural darkness and quiet atmosphere of the lake, this is one of the best spots to see the Northern Lights in Tromsø.

6. Grotfjord

This magnificent fjord just outside of Tromsø is one of the most spectacular places from which to observe the Northern Lights. 

Surrounded by snow-dusted mountains, this fjord is one of the most spectacular in Norway, whatever time of year you visit, but if you’re planning on a winter trip to Tromsø, then a cruise along the fjord to see the Northern Lights is essential.

The best way to see the Northern Lights at Grotfjord is by boat, and many companies offer cruises up the fjord where you can see the dancing colours above the mountains, illuminating the waters below – but if you’re not keen on being on a boat, then there are several walking paths along either side of Grotfjord.

It is worth bearing in mind that if you do opt to see the Northern Lights on a walking route along Grotfjord, then you must wear suitable walking shoes, as the paths – when covered in ice and snow – can become very dangerous.

7. Kattfjordvatnet

Under an hour from Tromsø is Kattfjordvatnet – reachable in around 40 minutes by car, so easily doable in the space of an evening there and back.

This is a beautiful, long and thin lake, and in the winter it completely freezes over, giving you one of the most spectacular viewpoints for the Northern Lights anywhere in the world.

With ample parking alongside the lake – completely free, of course – you can walk onto the frozen lake itself (always check before stepping onto the frozen lake if the ice is thick enough, although typically it is over 40cm thick during the middle of winter) and see the Northern Lights illuminating the night sky above the snowy mountains and hillsides which make up the rest of the valley surrounding the lake.

This offers the best of both worlds – a viewpoint of the Northern Lights from the water, but without having to board a boat.

While it is also one of the most popular places near Tromsø to see the Northern Lights, this is no reason to panic, as the 10km-long lake has more than enough room for everyone to see them with next to no noise or light pollution from other groups for the ultimate Northern Lights experience in Tromsø.