Chase the northern lights by car in the Tromsø region

Renting a car is a fantastic way to explore the local area on your own. Road networks are good and can take you to some great locations for viewing the northern lights. However, it is important to remember that even though rental cars will have winter tyres, this is the Arctic, and rapid fluctuations in the weather and road conditions can make driving challenging. If you have no experience of driving in winter conditions, it is not recommended to rent a car, but to take one of the many great guided tour options.

Mother Nature chooses where you drive

The weather chooses where you drive. Weather often changes on a daily or even hourly basis in Tromsø, the gulf stream makes sure of that. Therefore, many times you will need to leave the city to find lady aurora. Here are four classic weather pattern set ups which can take place during the winter in Tromsø, and the subsequent areas you are most likely to find clear skies.

The area has been divided into four zones

So let’s get straight into it. The area has been divided into 4 distinct areas, all within driving distance from Tromsø. Each area has a distinct landscape, and for photographers looking for a particular shot it is a good idea to know the local geography before driving. Zones 1 and 2 can be accessed with relative ease, and are good for clear sky nights. Zones 3 and 4 are for the determined, and are often better for difficult weather conditions, or just for a change of landscape.

Zone 1 offers island hopping auroras

Area one covers the islands west of Tromsø; Kvaløya and Ringvassøya. There are mountainous islands with a plethora of locations to stop and view the lights over open ocean and on mountain tops.

1. Finnvikdalen – A short 15 minute drive from the centre up to a mountain plateau with views across the ocean and Vengsøya island.
2. Skulsfjord – Before you come to the village there are many locations to stop on the sides of the road and walk out into nature.
3. Ersfjord – The most photographed fjord in Northern Norway with views out towards the open ocean. Stop at the parking above the village and walk around the hillside for the best views.
4. Kattfjordvatnet – Large parking areas along this mountain pass route allow you to stop and explore the area, which is especially beautiful with some moonlight. Do not got onto the lake even if it seems stable!
5. Brensholmen area – There are many locations to stop in this area, with beaches and mountain landscapes to be seen. You can also take a small hike up the hillside Ørnfløya for views over Sommarøy and Hillesøy. Stopping just before the bridge to Sommarøy is also a great place to stop although quite busy in peak season.
6. Sommarøy – The Summer Island offers white sand beaches and views back towards mountainous Kvaløya. Just be sure not to disturb the locals by not parking outside homes and private property. There is no need to go onto the next big island of Hillesøy as there are few to no places to stop that are public.
7. Hella – This location boasts rock carvings and houses from old Tromsø. In autumn, the parking area allows you to go into the old village setting with views over the southern mountains. In winter it can be more difficult to find space.

8. Grøtfjord – A favourite for northern lights hunters, this area offers everything you could want. Mountains, sea views and a breath-taking fjord. There is no need to go down to the village / beach, light pollution is too high there.
9. Tromvik – Located near the end of the road, many small beaches are located with good views to the northern horizon. You can choose to drive up the hill towards Rekvik, and stop on the plateau. However, this road should only be taken in very good weather conditions.
10. Kvaløyvågen – This is a dead end road that end up at the village. You don’t need to drive all the way to the village, as there are great locations to stop at the side of the road here. Walk down towards the fjord to get some good reflection pictures.
11. Skarsfjord – Driving over the mountains of Ringvassøya you can make stops along the way, but the hidden gem is Skarsfjord. There are many areas to park and the views are just what you’d expect from Northern Norway. If it is icy, stay on the mountain plateau, don’t go down to the ocean area, as you may not be able to get back up the hill.
12. Route 863 – Longer than it looks, this stretch has many pit stop areas, great for keeping track on the sky as you make your way around the coast.
13. Dåfjord and Skogsfjordvatnet – Before taking the turning to Dåfjord on the main road there is a parking area on the left side. This offers great views of the surroundings. Skogsfjordvatnet is the largest island lake in Norway, you almost can’t tell if it is the ocean or not. Stopping areas are located along the side of the lake.
14. Route Fv 304 viewing area – Right on the northern tip of Ringvassøya is a parking area with views to the north. This area can be very windy, so be careful on stormy days.

Zone 2 takes you into the mountains of the inland

The area immediately south and east of Tromsø is highly mountainous, with deep valleys and fjord views. The Lyngen Alps are the highest range of mountains in the area and provide an incredible backdrop to northern lights photos. While directly south of Tromsø you have more open field landscapes with mountain backdrops.

1. Route Fv53 – After you pass Tønsvik, some parking areas give good views to the north.
2. Oldervik – Very popular among photographers, Oldervik gives views across to the mighty Lyngen Alps and has some incredible rock formations that give great photo opportunities.
3. EISCAT – Not long after turning into Breivikeidet you will see a sign for EISCAT. If you take this turning, there are some areas to stop and wander around with views through the valley. It can be very cold here, so wrap up warm. Do not drive past the radiation sign, this is private land past that point.
4. Nakkevatnet and Sjursnes – Taking the turning to Sjursnes from Breivikeidet, you will pass Nakkevatnet lake. The lake is frozen thick in winter and is possible to walk on to go ice fishing during the coldest parts of the year, however, if not 100% sure never walk onto a frozen lake. If you continue down to Sjurnes, there are beautiful views across to the Lyngen Alps.
5. Laksvatnet to Lakselvbukt – This stretch of road is perhaps one of the most beautiful in the whole area. The fjord is calm as it is protected from the coastal winds, and the Lyngen Alps tower high above the area. If the moon is shining, this is wonderland territory.
6. Route Fv293 – Continuing northward from Lakselvbukt, you are really in the shadow of the Lyngen Alps. Anywhere you can stop along this road will offer stunning scenery, but remember it leads to a dead end.

7. Old Road Fv293 – Driving south from Laksvatn, take the old road along the fjord edge. This will give you far more opportunities to stop if lady aurora shows up unexpectedly. However, if you are in a rush to get further inland, stay on the main E8 route.
8. Lyngen Route 91 – This road is nothing but stunning views of towering mountainsides. Although views are limited, if the aurora appears over the mountain tops here, you are in for a real treat.
9. Sørlenangsbotn – Not frequently visited, this area does provide great views to the north and will be quiet with very little traffic so is worth checking out if you are in the area.
10. Route 858 – There is a lot of farmland and lake areas on this stretch of road, giving far reaching views of the surroundings.
11. Malangen – Malangen is so popular it even has its own resort. Views here towards the ocean to south are stunning. Stopping places may be hard to find, but reduce the temptation to stop outside someone’s house, it is private property.
12. Malangsveien – This stretch of road has many stopping places, and gives views north to Kvaløya. This area can easily be reached by taking the underwater tunnel from Kvaløya to Vikran.

Zone 3 is the hiding area when bad weather strikes the coastline

Zone 3 is far inland, good for those that like an adventure. This area is far enough inland that during stormy weather on the coast you can normally find some clear patches here. Valleys in the shadows of towering peaks begin to flatten into 360° views as you head towards the Finnish border, which you may even choose to cross. Especially around Skibotn, making the area one of the driest in northern Norway due to a micro-climate set up.

1. Tamokdalen – Cold, mountainous and forested sums up Tamokdalen. The area is a natural wonder but can be extremely cold in winter (sub -30 Celsius). The road can also sometimes be closed due to avalanches. But the scenery and generally clear weather make Tamokdalen worthy of a visit.
2. Dividalen – Located far to the south, again, this area boasts similar scenery to Tamokdalen but has even clearer weather. If you have tried everywhere else and the weather is bad, give Dividalen a try.
3. Signaldalen – Another valley on the list, this area has perhaps the most photographed mountain in the region. Otertinden!
4. Skibotn – Perhaps the driest place on our list, Skibotn has its own micro-climate in the shadow of the Lyngen Alps. Often when cloud seems to cover the whole region, Skibotn will have a patch of clear sky over it that stays in place all evening.
5. E8 turnoffs – As you take the road towards Finland you enter the darkest areas in the region. There are many small turnoffs which allow you to stop and take in the scenery and northern lights.

6. Lulleelva Rest Area – This is one of the turnoffs on the E8 route and is a large parking area. The surrounding forest and flanking mountain peaks make this stop worthy of a mention.
7. Helligskogen – This is the area where the hillsides start to flatten out, and views become more far reaching. If you can find a place to stop in this area, you will have some of the darkest skies possible in the area here.
8. Kilpisjärvi, Finland – Sometimes the weather on the Norwegian side is just too challenging, therefore crossing the border is needed. Kilpisjärvi offers a large lake and a view towards its iconic Saana hilltop.
9. Lyngseidet to Olderdalen ferry – This ferry journey makes it into the list because of the calm nature of the waters and the scenery you get on the trip. It takes around 40 minutes, and if the northern lights are shining, a large open deck offers spectacular views of the fjord in all directions.
10. Djupvik / Spåknes – This is a favourite area for views towards the Lyngen Alps. Nowhere else will you get such spectacular views of the Alps chain. It is perfectly placed for the aurora to hang over the peaks all night long if solar activity is good.

Zone 4 takes you into inland lakes, deep forests and deep cold

Zone 4 covers the far southern areas that are drivable in one night. Senja has not been included in this article due to the distance it takes to drive to good locations on the island. It would require its own article. The landscape in zone 4 has large lakes, rivers and forests, and is also one of the coldest locations during the winter time. Just be careful not to drive into any military areas, this is one of the largest training areas in Norway. Don’t be surprised to see military vehicles, soldiers in the woods or hear artillery fire while out and about in this area.

1. Heia – On the periphery of the military training grounds there is a parking area with heavy lighting. Park here and walk further inland away from the road and lighting. Do not cross the road onto the western side, as this is military owned.
2. Takvatnet – Takvatnet is a beautiful, large and atmospheric lake. Take the turning to Øverbygd and follow the lake on its north side, finding places to stop where you can walk down to the lake and enjoy the views. The best places to stop are usually on the eastern edge of the lake.
3. Route 857 – Moving towards Øverbygd you enter one of the coldest parts of the area as cold air collects in the land basin. But there are small stops on the road where you can get out and look for the northern lights.

4. Øverbygd – Just after Øverbygd take the road south westwards towards Rundhaug and cross the river. This area has heavy woodland with towering spruce trees and isolated cabins in the woods. It is a fairy tale location with freshly fallen snow.
5. Målselv Fjellandsby – You can drive up onto a mountain at this location. Now much of the area is private, and it is a ski resort, however there are places towards the top of the road with views towards the west. This is a beautiful location, and you can rent a place to stay here for the full experience.
6. Målselva waterfall – On the road south of the river, there is a parking area to see the Målselva waterfall. You need to be careful here as it is can be very icy, but the views of the frozen river with northern lights above is really atmospheric.

A summary of the locations and a few extra tips

So there you have it. A comprehensive overview of locations around the Tromsø region for viewing the northern lights. Always respect the local people, remember that private land should be respected, just like you would have someone respect it in your homeland. Never take the risk of renting a car and going out without any prior experience on winter roads, we see far too many accidents during winter as it is. And finally, enjoy yourself, the lights may not always show up, but the landscapes you can reach by car will for sure make up for it.