How to prepare for your Northern Lights Tour in Lofoten

So, you’ve booked the Ultimate Aurora Tour in the breathtaking Lofoten Islands – congratulations! You’re about to embark on a magical journey to witness one of nature’s most spectacular phenomena. To make sure you’re fully prepared and get the most out of this once-in-a-lifetime experience, here’s a comprehensive guide on how to get ready for your Northern Lights adventure. To address the first point, when to book, here’s my best advice:

The northern lights in Lofoten are the best in the world, in my years of experience chasing aurora before starting Lofoten Insight. Lofoten lies in the middle of the Auroral Oval, so at this latitude every position of aurora (sometimes called the KP level) can be seen. For aurora we primarily need one thing - darkness. In the Arctic we have midnight sun that lasts from mid-April to mid-August, during which time we don’t see the night sky at all. As soon as it returns, it brings northern lights with it. I strongly recommend booking a northern lights tour at the beginning of your trip so that it can be moved to another night in the case of cancellation due to weather, especially if seeing the aurora borealis is a priority on your bucket list.

Dress Warmly and in Layers

Lofoten’s winter temperatures can be extremely cold, especially at night and under clear skies with no clouds to act as a blanket when you’ll be out chasing the Northern Lights. Dressing warmly is crucial, so here’s how to layer up effectively:

• Base Layer: The base layer should be moisture-wicking thermal underwear. Avoid cotton as it retains moisture, which can make you feel colder. Opt for materials like merino wool or synthetic fabrics designed for thermal insulation.

• Mid Layer: This layer is all about insulation. A fleece or down jacket works well to trap your body heat. You might consider a heavier mid-layer if temperatures are particularly frigid.

• Outer Layer: Your outer layer should protect you from the elements. Look for waterproof and windproof jackets and pants. Gore-Tex or similar materials are excellent choices to keep the wind and moisture out while still being breathable.

• Accessories:

  • Hat: A warm hat that covers your ears is essential. Consider one with a thermal lining.

  • Gloves: Insulated and waterproof gloves are a must. It’s a good idea to have a thinner pair of gloves underneath so you can handle your camera or phone without exposing your skin to the cold.

  • Scarf or Neck Gaiter: Protect your neck and face from the wind and cold.

  • Thermal Socks: Invest in high-quality thermal socks to keep your feet warm. Wool socks are a great option.

• Footwear: Insulated, waterproof boots with good traction are crucial. Make sure your boots have room for thick socks without being too tight, as tight footwear can restrict circulation and make your feet colder.

Note that it will be warm in the van with all the guests inside.

Bring the Right Gear

To capture the Northern Lights and enhance your viewing experience, bring the following:

• Camera: A DSLR or mirrorless camera with manual settings is ideal for photographing the Northern Lights. Your modern mobile phone camera is able to capture aurora photos and your guide will assist you with this if necessary. Try to use your camera in the dark or with your eyes closed before the tour to learn where the important controls are without having to look.

• Tripod: Essential for long-exposure photography to keep your camera steady.

• Extra Batteries: Cold weather drains batteries quickly. Bring more than you think you’ll need and keep them warm in your inner pockets. It’s better to have too many than not enough!

• Headlamp: A headlamp is helpful for navigating in the dark. Choose one with a red light setting to preserve your night vision and avoid disturbing others. Try to avoid using the light at all unless it’s necessary as it will disturb the group and the light shows extremely brightly in the photos the guide will be taking.

• Hot Beverages and Snacks: Your guide will provide tea, coffee and hot chocolate to keep you warm and energised during the waiting period.

Know Your Camera Settings

If you’re planning to photograph the Northern Lights, familiarise yourself with these basic settings:

• ISO: Start with an ISO of 800-1600 to capture enough light without too much noise.

• Aperture: Use the widest aperture (smallest f-number) your lens allows, ideally f/2.8 or lower.

• Shutter Speed: Experiment with shutter speeds between 5-30 seconds. Longer exposures capture more light but can also blur the movement of the Aurora.

• Focus: Set your lens to manual focus and focus on a distant light source. Many photographers use the “infinity” setting on their lenses.

Your guide will help you with camera settings - don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Be Patient and Stay Positive

Seeing the Northern Lights is never guaranteed, as they depend on both solar activity and weather conditions. It can require patience and perseverance. Stay positive, and remember that the experience is about more than just seeing the lights – it’s also about enjoying the beautiful, tranquil night sky of Lofoten.

Follow Your Guide’s Instructions

Your tour guide is an expert in finding the best spots and times to view the Northern Lights. Listen to their advice and follow their instructions to maximise your chances of a successful sighting. They’ll also provide you with interesting information about the Nordlys and the local area.

Know Local Safety Guidelines

Ensure you’re aware of and follow any local safety guidelines and the instructions of the guide. This includes staying on marked paths, avoiding thin ice, being mindful of wildlife and, very importantly, listening to instructions when on or near a road.

Enjoy the Experience

Lastly, remember to take some time to simply enjoy the moment. While capturing the perfect photo is great, the most memorable part will be witnessing the awe-inspiring beauty of the Northern Lights with your own eyes. No two nights are the same.Sometimes it’s fast, sometimes it’s slow. Sometimes it’s high, sometimes it’s low. Sometimes it’s one colour, sometimes it’s every colour. It’s all determined by the space weather and our geomagnetic field. What you get is essentially all down to luck, but luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity so let’s be prepared!

By following these tips, you’ll be well-prepared to make the most of your Northern Lights tour in Lofoten. With the right preparation, you can fully enjoy this magical experience and create memories that will last a lifetime. Happy Northern Lights hunting!