A Record-Breaking Northern Lights Season in Tromsø’s Ersfjordbotn
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Why This Northern Lights Season Has Been So Exceptional?
This winter has delivered one of the most spectacular Northern Lights seasons in recent memory over Ersfjordbotn, just outside Tromsø. Guests and locals alike have witnessed frequent, long-lasting aurora displays with strong colors, fast movement, and clear visibility deep into the night.
So why has this year been so good for seeing the Northern Lights?
1. Solar activity is near its peak
The Northern Lights are driven by activity on the sun, and we are currently approaching the solar maximum of the 11-year solar cycle. During this phase, the sun releases more solar flares and coronal mass ejections, increasing the likelihood of strong aurora activity reaching Northern Norway.
2. More frequent geomagnetic storms
This season has seen an unusually high number of geomagnetic storms, which push the aurora oval further south and intensify displays above Tromsø and the surrounding fjords. The result? Brighter colors, more movement, and aurora visible even earlier in the evening.
3. Ideal local conditions in Ersfjordbotn
Ersfjordbotn benefits from exceptionally low light pollution, open northern horizons, and reflective fjord landscapes that amplify the visual experience. Combined with stable winter weather and clear cold nights, conditions here have been close to perfect for aurora viewing.
4. Longer, darker nights at the right time
Peak solar activity has aligned perfectly with the darkest months of the Arctic winter. This overlap dramatically increases the chances of seeing the aurora multiple nights in a row — something many of our guests experienced during their stay.
A Season to Remember
From soft green arches to explosive curtains of purple and pink dancing above the fjord, this season has reminded us why Northern Norway is considered one of the world’s premier destinations for the Aurora Borealis.
With nature performing at its very best, Ersfjordbotn once again proved that you don’t need to travel far from your accommodation to experience truly unforgettable Northern Lights moments — sometimes, all you need to do is step outside and look up.
Photos by Meital Schwartz & Yaniv Hon (Orca Travel)