Welcome to the second post in our travel blog series on chasing the Northern Lights! This series covers the best countries to witness this spectacular phenomenon. In our previous post, we explored the magic of Finland. Now, let’s dive into Northern Lights in Norway, one of the top destinations for experiencing the auroras.
Seeing the Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, is a dream for many travelers, and Norway offers some of the best views. With 2024 promising peak solar activity, it’s the perfect year to plan your trip. In this blog, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know to plan your Northern Lights adventure in Norway. From visa processes to packing tips, and the best times to visit, we’ve got you covered.
Why Choose Norway?
Norway is one of the top destinations for viewing the Northern Lights due to its high latitude and extensive dark skies. Here’s why Norway should be at the top of your list:
- Optimal Viewing Conditions: Northern Norway, especially above the Arctic Circle, offers long nights and clear skies, perfect for aurora viewing.
- Accessibility: Cities like Tromsø, Alta, and Svalbard are well-connected and offer plenty of tour options.
- Diverse Experiences: Beyond the Northern Lights, Norway offers stunning fjords, rich cultural experiences, and unique wildlife.
- Safety and Comfort: Norway is known for its high safety standards and excellent infrastructure, making it a comfortable choice for travelers.
Visa Process for Indian Passport Holders
Indian passport holders need a Schengen visa to travel to Norway. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1.Gather Documents:
- Passport: Valid for at least three months after your planned departure from Finland.
- Visa Application Form: Filled out and signed.
- Photos: Two recent passport-sized photos.
- Travel Insurance: Coverage of at least €30,000.
- Flight Itinerary: Booking confirmation for flights.
- Accommodation Proof: Hotel bookings or invitation letter.
- Proof of Funds: Bank statements showing sufficient funds.
- Cover Letter: Explaining the purpose of your visit and itinerary.
- Employment Letter: If applicable, proof of employment.
2. Book an Appointment:
- Schedule an appointment with the Norwegian embassy, consulate, or a visa application center like VFS Global.
3. Attend the Appointment:
- Submit your documents and biometric data (fingerprints and photograph).
4. Pay Visa Fee:
- The visa fee is approximately €80 for adults. Additional service fees may apply if applying through a visa application center.
5. Wait for Processing:
- The processing time is typically around 15 calendar days. Plan your application accordingly.
What to Pack
Packing for a Northern Lights trip to Norway requires careful consideration due to the cold Arctic conditions. Here’s a list of essentials:
- Warm Clothing: Layers are essential. Pack thermal underwear, sweaters, and a heavy-duty winter jacket.
- Accessories: Thermal socks, gloves, hats, and scarves.
- Footwear: Insulated and waterproof boots.
- Camera Gear: A camera with manual settings, a sturdy tripod, and extra batteries.
- Travel Essentials: Passport, visa, travel insurance documents, and personal medications.
- Miscellaneous: Hand warmers, power bank, flashlight, and toiletries.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to see the Northern Lights in Norway is from September to April. Here’s why:
- September, October, and March: These months offer a balance of long nights and relatively mild temperatures, increasing the chances of clear skies.
- November to February: While these months are colder and darker, they also provide extended nighttime hours, ideal for aurora viewing.
Duration
To maximize your chances of seeing the Northern Lights, plan to spend at least 10-12 days in Northern Norway. This duration allows flexibility to adapt to weather conditions and increases your chances of witnessing the auroras.
Travel Itinerary for Norway
Day 1: Arrival in Oslo
- Start your journey by flying into Oslo, the capital of Norway.
- Spend your first day exploring the city. Visit the Viking Ship Museum, the Opera House, and take a stroll through Vigeland Park.
- Oslo offers a vibrant cultural scene and plenty of restaurants to start your trip on a high note.
- Do not miss to try traditional Norwegian dishes like rakfisk (fermented fish), lutefisk (dried whitefish), or klippfisk (dried and salted cod).
On Day 2: Oslo to Tromsø
- On the second day, take a flight from Oslo to Tromsø, the gateway to the Arctic. It may cost you between ₹7,000 – ₹8,000 per person, one way.
- Tromsø is known for its Northern Lights tours and is one of the best places in the world to see the auroras.
- Check into your accommodation and take an evening tour to hunt for the Northern Lights.
Day 3-4: Experiencing Tromsø
- Spend the next two days exploring Tromsø.
- During the day, visit the Arctic Cathedral, Polaria Aquarium, and take a cable car ride to Fjellheisen for stunning views.
- In the evenings, join Northern Lights tours, which often include activities like dog sledding or reindeer sledding.
- Experience Arctic delicacies such as reindeer meat (often served as steaks or stew), Arctic char (local fish), and cloudberries (for desserts or jams).
On Day 5: Tromsø to Svalbard
- On day five, take a flight to Longyearbyen for Svalbard (cost will be around 11K to 13K Indian rupees), one of the northernmost inhabited places on Earth.
- Please note that Svalbard is not part of the Schengen area, and everyone traveling there undergoes identity checks. However, Indian passport holders does not require VISA to travel to Svalbard, but since you are traveling to other parts of Norway, it is good to have a Schengen Visa.
- Check into your hotel in Longyearbyen, the main town. Spend the evening relaxing and adjusting to the extreme Arctic environment.
Day 6: Activities in Svalbard
- Svalbard offers unique Arctic experiences. Take a guided snowmobile tour or a dog sledding trip during the day.
- Visit the Svalbard Museum to learn about the history and wildlife of the region. In the evening, venture out on a Northern Lights safari.
- From here you can go back to Oslo, to catch your return flight or explore the beautiful Lofoten Islands. Although reaching the Lofoten Islands can be a bit expensive, it is definitely worth every penny. Flight tickets may cost around ₹50,000 for 1 person, one way.
- Sample dishes like seal (if you’re adventurous), whale meat (typically served smoked or as steak), and Arctic berries (used in desserts or drinks).
Day 7: Svalbard to Lofoten Islands
- Fly from Svalbard to the Lofoten Islands on day seven.
- The Lofoten Islands are known for their dramatic scenery, picturesque fishing villages, and excellent aurora viewing spots.
- Check into your accommodation and take an evening to explore your surroundings.
On Day 8-9: Experiencing Lofoten Islands
- Spend two days exploring the Lofoten Islands.
- Visit the charming villages of Reine and Henningsvær.
- Hike to iconic spots like Kvalvika Beach and Ryten.
- In the evenings, join guided Northern Lights tours to catch the auroras dancing over the rugged landscape.
- Enjoy fresh seafood such as stockfish (dried cod), fish soup, or cod tongues (a local delicacy).
Day 10: Return to Oslo
- On the tenth day, fly back to Oslo.
- Use this day to unwind and maybe revisit any favorite spots in the city. Enjoy a nice dinner and prepare for your journey back home.
On Day 11: Departure
- On the final day, catch your flight back home with unforgettable memories and hopefully, stunning photos of the Northern Lights.
Costing and Budgeting Tips
Traveling to Norway can be expensive, but with careful planning, you can manage your budget. Here’s a breakdown of potential costs:
- Flights: International flights range from ₹50,000 – ₹80,000 round trip. Domestic flights within Norway cost around ₹10,000 – ₹20,000.
- Accommodation: Expect to pay ₹8,000 – ₹15,000 per night depending on the location and type of lodging.
- Activities: Northern Lights tours cost around ₹7,000 – ₹12,000. Dog sledding or snowmobiling tours cost ₹5,000 – ₹10,000.
- Meals: Plan for ₹2,000 – ₹4,000 per day.
- Miscellaneous: Schengen visa fee is around ₹7,000 – ₹8,000, and travel insurance costs ₹1,000 – ₹2,000.
Total estimated cost per person is approximately ₹2,00,000 – ₹3,00,000.
Conclusion
Norway is an excellent destination for experiencing the Northern Lights in 2024. With its optimal viewing conditions, accessible locations, and a variety of activities, Norway offers a memorable adventure. By following this guide, you can plan a successful trip and increase your chances of seeing the magnificent auroras.
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