Routes · Europe

Bogotá to Arctic Norway: Tromsø and Lofoten

Bogotá → Tromsø → Lofoten

Arctic Norway aurora Best season (general guide): Late Sep–Mar

Northern Norway in winter is one of the best places on Earth to see the aurora, and this route pairs the Arctic city of Tromsø with the mountains and fishing villages of the Lofoten Islands. From Bogotá you'll connect in Europe and Oslo before flying north. Between the two stops, a short domestic flight is the simplest connection, though ferries and long scenic drives are also possible. The itinerary spends three nights in Tromsø and three nights in Lofoten.

Tromsø has everything a winter base needs: aurora chases by bus or minibus to wherever the skies are clear, dog-sledding and reindeer experiences in the valleys, and the cable car up Fjellheisen for views over the city. Lofoten is more remote and dramatic. Mountains rise straight out of the sea, and villages such as Reine, Hamnøy and Henningsvær have racks of drying cod. Staying in a traditional fisherman's cabin and watching the sky over the water is the main pleasure. Walks, photography trips and local seafood fill the short days.

Aurora season in Tromsø runs roughly from late September to early April. From late November to mid-January the sun doesn't rise at all, which is called the polar night, but there is a soft blue twilight in the middle of the day. Lofoten has a similar season, but its coastal weather can be very changeable.

Roads in Lofoten can be icy and narrow, and storms can close them or cancel ferries. Allow buffer days and dress in proper layers, as tours often involve standing still outside at night.

If you have extra time, the coastal ferry between Tromsø and the Lofoten region is a slow alternative to flying. In Lofoten, a hire car gives the most freedom, but plan short drives in the dark hours and keep a close eye on the forecast for wind and snow.

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