When thinking of Norway you may be thinking of skiing, vikings, trolls or maybe the Nobel Peace Prize Institute. Norway however is known to be arguably one of the most beautiful countries in the world. Norwegians have topped the charts for happiest people in the world many times, but their stunning and striking natural beauty also puts them on top of my list for most beautiful country in the world.

If only visiting Olso, you may disagree with me. Olso is a metropolitan, highly developed city and while beautiful in its own way, it does not compare to the nature found outside of the big city centers. A short 1 1/2 hour flight to Bodo followed by another 30 min flight you find yourself in the small fishing village of Svolvær. Located about 116 miles (186 km) north of the Arctic Circle, Svolvær is the gateway to the Arctic Fjords and the land of unmatched beauty known as the Lofoten Islands.

 

Norway is also one of the few countries where you can see the natural phenomenon Aurora Borealis (also known is the Northern Lights). Witnessing the Northern Lights is an ethereal dance of light in the Arctic night sky that transcends the realm of ordinary experiences. Venture into the remote landscapes of countries like Norway, Sweden, or Iceland, where the celestial display unfolds in a breathtaking symphony of vibrant colors. As darkness envelops the polar regions, ribbons of green, pink, and violet hues start to weave and shimmer, painting the heavens with an otherworldly glow. The crisp air is charged with anticipation as you stand under the celestial spectacle, the dancing lights creating an awe-inspiring spectacle that seems to defy the laws of nature. It’s a moment of pure enchantment, where the mystical Northern Lights cast their spell, leaving an indelible imprint on those fortunate enough to witness this celestial ballet.

Let’s start by mentioning that seeing the Northern Lights is not a guarantee. They dance in the nighttime sky all year around, however are only visible between the middle of September and middle to end of April. Only then is the night sky dark enough for us to witness them. We have seen the Northern Lights numerous times in different parts of the world, but so far Norway has mesmerized us with our favorite display of this natural phenomenon.

Reaching Svolvær was a mini adventure in itself. We flew from Oslo to Bodo and then on to Svolvær. We spent three nights in Svolvær during the month of November. We stayed at the picturesque Anker Brygge hotel. The cozy red rorbu (a Norwegian traditional seasonal house used by fishermen and located in a fishing village, also usually painted red) was located right by the water and had a wonderful view of the sea and surrounding mountains. Conveniently located near the town square makes it easy to walk to nearby shops and restaurants.

One aspect of traveling during the winter season to Norway, especially so far up north of the Arctic Circle is the short or non-existent day light. In November the sun came up around 10:30am and the sunset was at about 3:00pm. Despite the short days, we were able to see and experience the arctic beauty of Norway without skipping a beat.

Svolvær it is a picturesque town in the Lofoten archipelago of Norway. Svolvær is embraced by dramatic mountains and sits along the edge of a serene harbor. The town encapsulates the essence of Norwegian coastal beauty, with its red and yellow fishing cabins, known as “rorbuer,” dotting the waterfront. Surrounded by the mighty peaks of the Lofoten Wall, Svolvær offers a gateway to outdoor adventures like hiking, fishing, and kayaking. The nearby areas showcase stunning landscapes, from pristine beaches to fjords that cut through the rugged terrain, creating a paradise for nature enthusiasts. The combination of scenic charm and outdoor activities makes Svolvær and its surroundings a captivating destination in the heart of Norway’s Arctic wilderness.

And this is where the Northern Lights danced for us all night long defying the most vivid imagination. We booked at private tour with The Aurora Jäger. We were supposed to meet with our guide Odd Peter at 8pm, however as we got closer to 6:30pm we got a call that the Aurora Borealis is out and dancing and we better get going. Right away we jumped in his car and off we went on an unforgettable adventure. They were everywhere!

Witnessing the Aurora Borealis is an indescribable encounter with nature’s grandeur. As the night sky transforms into a canvas of celestial hues, a profound sense of wonder envelops you. The first glimpse, often a subtle shimmer on the horizon, ignites a mix of anticipation and awe. As the Northern Lights intensify, ethereal ribbons of green, pink, and violet begin to dance and weave across the heavens, casting an enchanting glow. The air is filled with an almost palpable magic, a connection to the cosmos that transcends the ordinary. In this celestial ballet, time seems to stand still, and you find yourself immersed in a moment of pure wonder and reverence for the mysteries of the universe. It’s a feeling that lingers, leaving an enduring memory of the beauty and majesty that unfolds in the Arctic night sky.

During the short days we were able to hire a local tour guide to drive us outside of town to see some of the picturesque landscapes of the Lofoten Islands. Whichever direction you choose to drive in you will be met by majestic mountains, crystal clear lakes, snow-capped peaks, tiny fishing villages, remote small churches and wildlife in its natural habitat. For wildlife lovers we recommend taking a wildlife tour where you get to see orcas and whales, puffins, sea eagles, seals, arctic foxes, reindeer etc. up-close and in person.

On your way home, you can choose to take the ferry from Svolvær to Bodo. The ferry ride is 3-4 hours depending on weather conditions. During the summer it would make for a scenic journey, however in the winter when the weather is more unpredictable, schedules and routes can change suddenly. We had to catch a plane from Bodo back to Oslo and we did not want to take a chance of missing our plane, so we opted to fly. To avoid any unnecessary headaches, we booked a 1-night stay in Bodo. We did not want to be stranded in case a flight was cancelled or delayed. We stayed at the Scandic Havet a hotel situated in the center of town. We enjoyed a wonderful evening with excellent food followed by a stroll through town. The following day early in the morning we made our way back home.

Embarking on an unforgettable trip is like stepping into a vivid story where every moment is a chapter of exploration and wonder. It’s the thrill of discovering hidden gems in unfamiliar landscapes, the taste of local cuisines that linger on the palate like cherished memories. The journey unfolds with a symphony of sights, sounds, and scents, from ancient landmarks whispering tales of the past to bustling markets alive with the rhythm of daily life. Unforgettable trips are adorned with encounters—be it with locals sharing their culture or chance meetings that turn strangers into lifelong friends. Each sunrise and sunset paints the sky with a unique palette, framing landscapes that etch themselves into the heart. It’s the fusion of adventure and serendipity, creating a travel narrative that resonates long after the journey’s end—a tapestry woven with the threads of exploration, connection, and the ineffable magic of discovery. The Arctic region of Norway was all of that and I sincerely hope that you have the opportunity to experience it for yourself.