Northern Lights for solo travelers: my experience chasing the Aurora in Norway
- Vero
- Jul 5
- 9 min read
Updated: Jul 5
Seeing the Northern Lights had been one of my lifelong travel dreams. There’s something otherworldly about those colorful lights dancing across the Arctic sky, something that calls to your soul. A couple of years ago, in October, I finally turned that dream into reality by heading north, farther north than I’d ever been, to Tromsø, Norway. As one of my first experiences as a solo female traveler, I had some nerves at first, but this turned out to be one of the most magical, empowering, and unforgettable trips of my life.
Let me walk you through the full experience, from my first stop in Oslo to my trip to Tromsø to catch the breathtaking Northern Lights tour as a solo traveler above the Arctic Circle.
Disclaimer: this post may contain affiliate links. If you make a booking through them, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Getting to Norway: from Malaga to Oslo
I kicked off my journey in Malaga, where I booked a direct flight with Norwegian Airlines to Oslo. The flight was smooth, affordable, and surprisingly comfortable. One thing I really appreciate about flying with Norwegian is that, even on budget routes, they maintain excellent service. There was something thrilling about flying north in search of snow and the Northern Lights, especially considering I had spent that very morning lying on the beach in 28°C sunshine. Swapping flip-flops for thermal layers was already setting the tone for an unforgettable adventure.
Arriving in Oslo was both exciting and a bit of a shock. I went from 28 to 7 degrees in just a few hours, and the clear blue skies of southern Spain were suddenly replaced by a moody grey. It was a quiet Sunday afternoon, and the streets were almost empty. The atmosphere felt strange, calm, slightly melancholic, and mysterious all at once. But in that contrast, I felt the first spark of the Nordic magic I had come looking for.
A few days in Oslo: work + play
Before heading to the Arctic, I decided to spend a few days in Oslo and I’m so glad I did. As a digital nomad, I had the freedom to work remotely while exploring this beautiful, modern capital. From day one, Oslo struck me as incredibly peaceful and well-organized. With its excellent infrastructure, reliable Wi-Fi, and countless cozy cafés, it was a great place to be productive while also enjoying the Scandinavian charm.
For my stay, I chose Hotell Bondeheimen, a centrally located hotel just a short walk from many of Oslo’s main attractions. What I loved most about it was the generous breakfast buffet, perfect for fueling up before long walks around the city and the hotel bar, which had a strong Wi-Fi connection and a welcoming vibe that made it ideal for remote work. I ended up working there on several occasions!
After wrapping up my workdays, I spent my afternoons and evenings exploring. Oslo may not be the first place that comes to mind for solo female travelers, but I found it safe, walkable, and full of culture and charm.
Here are some of the spots I loved most:
Aker Brygge – A lively harbor area with trendy restaurants and scenic views across the water.
The Oslo Opera House – You can walk on the roof for stunning panoramic views. A must-do!
Mathallen Food Hall – A cozy indoor market where you can try local dishes and craft beers.
Tøyen – A creative, multicultural neighborhood known for incredible urban art and murals.
One of the most famous murales in Tøyen by the artist Steffen Kverneland Grünerløkka – Oslo’s trendiest district, full of vintage shops, street art, quirky cafés, and alternative bars.
Rodeløkka – A quiet area with well-preserved wooden houses, local art galleries, and studios, perfect for a peaceful afternoon stroll.
One of the nice wooden houses of Rodeløkka and some Autumn colors Slottsparken – The park surrounding the Royal Palace. If you’re visiting in autumn, don’t miss the incredible foliage!
Munch Museum – Dedicated to the life and works of Edvard Munch. Unfortunately, it was closed for renovations during my visit, but it’s definitely worth adding to your list.
Although Oslo has a reputation for being expensive, I managed to keep costs reasonable by shopping at supermarkets, avoiding restaurants most days, and making the most of free attractions and public spaces.
Next stop: Tromsø: the arctic city of lights
After Oslo, I caught a domestic flight (again Norwegian, of course) to Tromsø, located well above the Arctic Circle, the flight is around 2 hours and as the plane descended, I could already see snow-dusted peaks and icy fjords, it felt like landing on another planet.
Tromsø is a verysmall, walkable city surrounded by stunning natural landscapes. Despite being remote, it's felt quite lively, thanks to the university and the many travelers that come for Northern Lights season.
My stay in Tromsø: Ami Hotel
As a solo traveler, I always prioritize accommodations that are safe, social, and budget-friendly and in Tromsø, I found a real gem: Ami Hotel.
The hotel was clean, cozy, and had a warm, welcoming atmosphere filled with fellow travelers from all over the world. Its location couldn’t have been better, within easy walking distance to Tromsø’s main attractions, restaurants, and tour meeting points.
One of my favorite things about Ami Hotel was the sense of community. There was a shared kitchen where you could cook your own meals (a great way to save money in Norway!), a comfy common room with board games, a TV, hot tea always available, and fast Wi-Fi for those of us who needed to get some work done. The staff were incredibly friendly and helpful, always ready to offer local tips, activity recommendations, or just have a chat.
If you're a solo female traveler visiting Tromsø, I highly recommend staying in a hostel or guesthouse like this. It’s the perfect way to meet people while still enjoying the privacy of your own room, without blowing your budget.
The Northern Lights: a once-in-a-lifetime show
Now let’s talk about the main reason I made this journey: seeing the Northern Lights, a dream I had for years. I booked a small-group Northern Lights tour through a local company called Greenlander, and it turned out to be the best decision of the whole trip.
Do you really need a tour to see the Northern Lights?
If you think you can simply land in Tromsø and look up to see the auroras dancing above the city, think again. While it can happen, it’s rare. The Northern Lights are usually not visible in areas with light pollution, and their appearance depends on a range of unpredictable atmospheric conditions, like solar activity, cloud coverage, and geomagnetic forecasts.
That’s why I highly recommend booking a guided Northern Lights tour, especially if you’re short on time and want to maximize your chances. Local guides are experts at reading the sky and weather conditions, they’ll literally drive for hours to find a clear sky if needed.
I chose Greenlander because they had excellent reviews and offered a small-group experience, which felt more personal and authentic. I was joined by a group of international solo travelers, some of whom told me this wasn’t their first Northern Lights tour. In fact, several hadn’t been lucky enough to see them on previous attempts. That initially made me a bit nervous. I had assumed that going at the right time of year and booking a tour would guarantee success. Spoiler alert: it doesn’t. You also need a good dose of luck. Thankfully, I had that on my side.
What was included in the tour?
The tour was beautifully organized and included everything you’d need for a comfortable and unforgettable evening:
A warm, comfortable van with hotel pickup
Thermal suits and boots (essential for the freezing Arctic night, remember you’ll spend several hours outside and it will be very cold even in October!)
A knowledgeable local guide who explained the science behind the auroras and led us to the best viewing location
A cozy campfire with hot chocolate and some food to warm up under the stars
Professional photos taken by the guide, so you don’t have to stress about capturing the moment yourself
The magic moment
After about an hour of driving and scanning the sky, our guide found the perfect spot, a remote seaside location with the clearest sky I’ve ever seen. I was blown away by how many stars were visible. Then, all of a sudden, it happened: the sky exploded in waves of green.
Swirling, dancing lights painted the sky in complete silence. I was absolutely speechless. I started crying, overwhelmed by the sheer beauty and emotion of the moment. It’s hard to put into words. If you’re a nature lover, this is one of those experiences you must live at least once in your life. Even now, years later, I can close my eyes and feel the magic of that night.
Bonus tip for booking a tour
Back then, I wasn’t using GetYourGuide much, but I recently looked into it and found some great alternatives, like this highly rated 8-Hour Northern Lights Minibus Tour with Campfire that even offers a 50% refund if you don’t get to see the auroras.
No matter who you choose, please don’t come to Tromsø hoping to see the Northern Lights without booking a guided tour, especially if it’s your first time. You’ll dramatically increase your chances of witnessing this natural wonder by trusting the locals who live and breathe these experiences all winter long.
Arctic activities beyond the lights
While the Northern Lights were the absolute highlight of my trip to Tromsø, there’s so much more to do in this Arctic gem, especially during the daylight hours. From fjord cruises to reindeer encounters, here are a few unforgettable experiences I’d recommend for fellow travelers.
Arctic fjord cruise
Gliding through icy fjords surrounded by dramatic mountains is a once-in-a-lifetime kind of experience. Yes, these tours can be pricey, but if it's within your budget, I would 100% recommend taking one. You’ll witness breathtaking Arctic landscapes, and if you're lucky, you might even spot whales, sea eagles, or seals.
If you're short on time or looking for a more affordable option, this 3.5-Hour Arctic Fjord Cruise is a great choice. It offers a unique perspective of Tromsø’s wild beauty without taking up your whole day.
Reindeer feeding & Sami cultural experience
This is one of the most popular activities in Tromsø and an experience I personally found deeply enriching. It’s more than just feeding adorable reindeer, it's also a chance to learn about the Sami people, the Indigenous community of Northern Scandinavia.
I joined a half-day tour that included reindeer feeding, storytelling, and a warm lunch in a traditional lavvu tent. It was expensive, yes, but absolutely worth it for the cultural insight.
If you're ready to splurge, I recommend the Reindeer ranch and Sami cultural tour with lunch
If you’re on a tighter budget, consider this evening tour instead. It’s a bit more affordable and includes dinner plus the chance to spot the Northern Lights.
Cable car to Mount Storsteinen
One of my favorite spots in Tromsø is the top of Mount Storsteinen accessible via the Fjellheisen cable car. The ride takes just 4 minutes, going from 50 to 421 meters above sea level, and the panoramic views at the top are absolutely stunning.
Whether you just want to sip a warm drink at the cozy café or go for a scenic hike, this spot is ideal for soaking in the Arctic landscape. When I visited, it started snowing as soon as I arrived, and the entire scene turned into a winter wonderland, I completely lost track of time in the best way.
Solo travel in Norway: is it safe?
Absolutely. I felt completely safe during my entire trip, even walking alone at night in Tromsø or Oslo. Norwegians are generally respectful, helpful, and speak excellent English. The transportation system runs on time, and everything is super well organized.
Some quick safety tips for solo female travelers:
Let someone know your Northern Lights tour details
Dress in layers, temperatures drop very fast!
Bring snacks and water if you're doing outdoor tours
Don’t rely on your phone if you want to take some good pictures of the Northen Lights, bring a real camera or book a tour that include professional pictures.
Budgeting for a Northern Lights trip
Let’s be honest: Norway isn’t cheap. But there are ways to make this trip affordable:
Category | Estimated Cost (in EUR) |
Round-trip flights (Malaga–Oslo–Tromsø) | €200 |
Accommodation (7 nights) | €400–600 |
Northern Lights tour | €120–240 |
Food & groceries | €150-250 |
Activities (cable car, museum, fjord tour) | €200-300 |
Local transport & extras | €50–80 |
Total (approx.): €1050–1700
I balanced out the cost by buying food at the supermarket most of the time, staying in budget-friendly accommodation, and choosing just 2-3 key paid activities (plus, nature is free!).
Final thoughts: why you should go
This trip reminded me just how powerful solo travel can be. There’s something so empowering about going on a journey like this on your own, especially when it involves chasing something as magical as the Northern Lights. If you're dreaming of a solo adventure that's full of wonder, reflection, and natural beauty, Norway in October is perfect. You don’t need to wait for a group or a partner to go, just follow your curiosity and go for it.
Quick tips recap
✅ Best time to visit if you want to see the Aurora: October to March
✅ Best base for the auroras: Tromsø
✅ Stay warm: pack layers, thermal socks, and gloves
✅ Book in advance: Northern Lights tours and accommodation fill up quickly, I recommend to check that before booking your flights
✅ Keep flexible: weather changes fast, stay open to shifting plans
✅ Trust the magic: the auroras will find you when the time is right
If you’re planning your own Northern Lights adventure and have questions, feel free to reach out via Instagram I’d love to help another solo traveler make this dream come true.
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