WINTER ACTIVITIES

The Northern Lights, also known as aurora borealis, are a natural light phenomenon created when charged particles from the Sun interact with Earth’s atmosphere high above the polar regions. These interactions take place between approximately 80 and 500 kilometers above the Earth and release energy in the form of shimmering light across the sky.

The aurora appears in a range of colors — most commonly green, but also red and blue — depending on the type of atmospheric gases involved and the energy levels of the solar particles. The strength and frequency of the Northern Lights are influenced by solar activity, while Earth’s magnetic field determines where they can be seen.

Alta is internationally recognized as The City of the Northern Lights and is home to the world’s first permanent Northern Lights Observatory, established in the late 19th century. This long history of scientific observation makes Alta one of the most significant places in the world for aurora research and viewing.
From September to mid-April, the Northern Lights can be seen on clear nights in Alta.

At Bjørnfjell Mountain Lodge, with minimal light pollution and a mountain-top location offering wide, open views of the sky, conditions are ideal for Northern Lights experiences. Join one of our evening tours, where we combine Arctic activities with the search for this extraordinary natural phenomenon.