Northern Lights In Norway – Skip The Tours For An EPIC Cabin Experience

UPDATED MAR 2020. Imagine this. You rug yourself up in a warm jacket and step outside into a dark, winter night. The air is cold and still. You break the peaceful silence with a light, crunching sound that marks each step you take through the fresh powdery snow. As you stop to gaze up into space, you can see stars twinkle across the endless dark sky. Then, magic happens. The bright and colorful lights of the Auroras dance across the darkness, moving and swaying as if having a life of their own. Does this sound like a dream experience to add to your bucket list? If so, read on. Today I am sharing all the details on how you can experience this very dream of seeing the Northern Lights in Norway without breaking the budget.

Northern Lights In Norway – Skip The Tours For An EPIC Cabin Experience

If you want to see the Northern Lights in Norway, don't miss this EPIC cabin experience. Here's how to plan the trip of a lifetime.

FAQ for seeing the Northern Lights in Norway

Do you have a recommended location?

Kvalsund, Northern Norway.

What is the accommodation style?

Cabin – budget travel style.

How do you get there?

1-hour drive from Alta airport.

Who is this suited for?

Couples, friends, families. Most of all low maintenance types of people.

How do you book?

Through Airbnb (3-night minimum stay).

Other options for seeing the Northern Lights?

This is a cabin stay experience, but another option would be to stay in a city like Tromso and take tours away from the city to see the Northern Lights.

Northern Lights in Norway

Flying into Northern Norway

Why this is the best place to see the Northern Lights in Norway

This incredible cabin is the best place to see the Northern Lights in Norway because it’s a complete travel experience.

Instead of simply taking a night tour from a big city for a couple of hours, you get a private show of the Northern Lights every night – weather permitting.

It is a remote cabin without a lot of light pollution in the area, so you can watch them from the cabin windows, the jacuzzi, or even just standing outside the cabin.

It allows for lots of viewing opportunities during your stay and you don’t need to go far to see them.

Northern Lights in Norway

When is the best time to see the Northern Lights in Norway

You need darkness to see the Northern Lights, so the best time to be able to see them is between October/November to March/April.

This is when there is less sunlight – only 2 hours of light a day when I visited in December! The dark days allow for the Northern Lights to be seen easily.

You can visit the cabin any time of year though as it is a completely different experience in each season.

If you prefer hiking and outdoor adventures, it would be better to visit in Summer when there is endless sunshine and the area comes to life.

Northern Lights in Norway

The hot tub and sauna

The main cabin area radiates coziness. It’s so cozy in fact that I always sleep on the couch by the fire instead of in a bedroom.

If you prefer a bed, there are two bedrooms in the main cabin. One room has bunk beds and the other is a master room. There is also another bed in a separate building across from the main one.

If you are in the mood for relaxation, the cabin also boasts an unmissable sauna and outdoor jacuzzi.

I cannot tell you how serene it is to sit in the warm jacuzzi, with snowflakes falling on your face, a cold cider in your hand, and looking up to see the glow of the Northern Lights.

It is definitely one of the coolest experiences of my life.

Sauna

Jacuzzi under the stars

Where to buy food

There is a small grocery store about 10 minutes drive away in the town of Skaidi, and a bigger (and cheaper) store about 30 minutes drive away in Kvalsund.

In the main cabin building, there is a kitchenette equipped with all the utensils you need for making meals.

There is also an outdoor fire pit which I used for cooking as well. Putting sausages on a stick and cooking them in the fire was a fun way to make a simple meal.

Outdoor kitchen

The kitchen area in the cabin

Tips you need to know about this remote cabin in Northern Norway

There is no running water at the cabin.

There is an outdoor pump which you can use to fill jugs for drinking and showering. Side note – it is seriously the freshest, most refreshing water you will ever drink!

The pump is easy to use and close to the cabin.

Don’t fret if you like hot showers, you can still have them. After you fill your jugs, you simply connect them to a pump and heater in the shower room, and, voila you have hot shower water.

There are two toilets in the cabin. One is indoors with a bag system for disposing of waste. That is, the waste collects into a bag that you have to take to the nearby town to dispose of.

The other toilet is an outdoor drop toilet in a separate enclosed structure. Personally, even though it wasn’t in the warmth of the cabin, I found it easiest to use the outdoor toilet.

Your home away from home for watching the Northern Lights in Norway

This is not for high maintenance folks

I love the simple living at the cabin and, in a weird way, I kind of like the uncomfortable things like pumping water or walking out into the cold to pee in the outdoor toilet.

It reminds me to appreciate my apartment.

However, I think it’s safe to say that if you are high maintenance, Kardashian type of person, then you won’t enjoy this cabin.

Or, perhaps you should try staying in a place like this and you may even surprise yourself?

What to do in Kvalsund

This cabin is a perfect place to stay to relax in nature and see the Northern Lights in Norway.

If you want to get out and experience as much as possible there is a lot to do in the area though.

I took a day trip to the North Cape which is the northernmost point in Europe and I also took trips to Hammerfest and Kvalsund which were all really fun outings.

Northern Lights in Norway

Kvalsund Bridge

The roads are well managed, with snow being cleared often so the driving is smooth. Even better, the views while driving are gorgeous!

There are plenty of things to do around the cabin too. In addition to jacuzzi dipping, you can make snowmen, go sledding down the hills, and enjoy food by the outdoor fire.

The cabin had a TV with a small selection of DVDs and also board games too.

Lounge area in the cabin

Seeing the Northern Lights

The most wonderful part of the location is that it is the perfect place to see the Northern Lights in Norway!

I stayed at the cabin for a week and the Northern Lights were in the area every single night. I even saw them one afternoon at about 3pm while walking to the car which was really cool.

While I was there I used this app to track the forecasts. It showed me the probability of seeing the lights based on my location as well as sending alerts if there was about to be a good display of Northern Lights.

What to expect when you see the Northern Lights

It’s always different.

Sometimes they are a faint white color and look like a cloud. Sometimes they are bright greens and purples. It depends on the day.

Seeing them so much at the cabin allowed me to observe how different they were each night. Different movements, lines, and colors.

One thing is that a camera is much more powerful than your eye, so if you aren’t sure if it’s a cloud or Northern Lights, take a photo. Usually, if the cloud is swirling or moving a lot then it’s the lights. I posted more tips for taking photos of them in my guide linked below.

This complete Northern Lights experience felt like I made the most of this bucket list item, which is the best feeling for a holiday.

View from inside the cabin.

For more information and booking

Contact: Tor Even

 Click here for Airbnb listing – 3 night minimum.

Other guides for planning a visit to Northern Norway

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49 Comments

  • Nate January 10, 2017 at 11:31 am

    What a lovely article, Katie! I could feel the specialness of this vacation through your writing! It’s a motivating piece! I love it! Now I am actually thinking: Damn, why am I sitting in Bali and not in a jacuzzi while auroras are dancing over my head?! But there is a winter every year, right? So next year I should spend some time in the coldness 😉

    Reply
    • Katie Mac January 15, 2017 at 12:55 pm

      Thank you, well Bali certainly does sound nice though. I hope you get to experience some snow and Auroras next year!

      Reply
  • Megan Indoe January 10, 2017 at 8:48 pm

    We have been wanting to see the northern lights but haven’t realistically thought it was possible in this year or next! I love how you’ve found a more affordable way to enjoy the northern lights! That cabin looks perfect, especially in a wintery place like this! I am saving this for when we plan our adventures in this region!

    Reply
    • Katie Mac January 15, 2017 at 12:56 pm

      Definitely more affordable than others ways I had looked into it, at first I looked into the main cities and tours but this airbnb turned out much better – cheaper and allowing lots of freedom to see the lights each night. I hope it helps for your trip planning.

      Reply
  • Anne January 10, 2017 at 11:00 pm

    This place definitely sounds tempting. How much did it cost and was it easy enough to book?

    Reply
    • Katie Mac January 15, 2017 at 12:57 pm

      Very easy to book through the airbnb site – the link is in the post which has the cost per night depending on the time you plan to book and all the rest of the details.

      Reply
  • Candy January 11, 2017 at 12:43 am

    This would be such an awesome vacation. I lived in Norway for a few months and am sad to say I did not get to see the Northern Lights when I was there. I would definitely hang out in the outdoor jacuzzi and watch the Northern Lights all night long. Well, until my body said it is time to get out of the hot bubbly water:)

    Reply
    • Katie Mac January 15, 2017 at 12:58 pm

      Haha yes I had such wrinkly hands from spending so much time in the jacuzzi!

      Reply
  • Paige Wunder January 11, 2017 at 2:07 am

    A cabin in the woods wounds like a perfect way to spot the Northern Lights! I love that the cabin has a fire pit and a hot tub! Sounds like you got to check out the gorgeous Northern Lights in style! I’m hoping to catch a look at them in February when I visit Iceland! Cheers!

    Reply
    • Katie Mac January 15, 2017 at 12:58 pm

      Good luck to you, I would love to visit Iceland one day for sure!

      Reply
  • Aubrie January 11, 2017 at 2:11 am

    Wow seeing the northern lights is very high on my bucket list and this cabin looked so cute and quaint! I would love to hang out in the hot tub too!

    Reply
    • Katie Mac January 15, 2017 at 12:59 pm

      I hope you get to see them – this cabin is perfect and the hot tub is such a treat!

      Reply
  • Claire January 11, 2017 at 2:15 am

    It would be great to know an approximate budget for this – what did you spend? I have the impression a trip here is super expensive so I hope I am proven wrong which means I might be able to afford it!! Seeing the northern lights is definitely on my bucket list, I will get there one day!!

    Reply
    • Katie Mac January 15, 2017 at 1:02 pm

      There are links to the airbnb listing in to post where you can see the cost per night depending on when you plan to book your trip. I went to the supermarket and bought a bunch of basic meat, potatoes, hot chocolate type foods to eat which saved money too. Overall not an expensive trip and I hope you get to see the lights!

      Reply
  • Christine January 11, 2017 at 3:08 am

    I’ve been wanting to see the northern lights! I tried to see them in Iceland but I didn’t get to see it. I would love to try again in Norway next! This is going on my bucket list!

    Reply
    • Katie Mac January 15, 2017 at 1:02 pm

      Yayy so glad to help, I hope you love Norway as much as I did!

      Reply
  • Cori January 11, 2017 at 3:41 am

    What an amazing experience! I saw the northern lights in Iceland, but they weren’t nearly as bright as your views in Norway, probably since I was spending my nights in the ‘city’.

    Reply
    • Katie Mac January 15, 2017 at 1:03 pm

      Oh yeah the best way to see them is away from the city for sure. I’d love to see them in Iceland as well!

      Reply
  • Megan Jerrard January 11, 2017 at 6:35 am

    Congrats on seeing the Northern Lights! I traveled to Finland in 2007 to see them, but alas the one night I had planned was the 5% of the year they didn’t come out! Setting myself up in a cabin in Norway for a week sounds epic, so glad you had a great time.

    We’re heading to Norway for the first time this summer, looking forward to experiencing the midnight sun, though a little sad that we’ll obviously therefore miss the Northern Lights. Just means we’ll have to head back in winter right!!

    Reply
    • Katie Mac January 15, 2017 at 4:11 pm

      I am so excited for you to see the midnight sun, please tell me all about it and share lots of pics! I would love to go back and see that too. I hope you get to see the northern lights too!

      Reply
  • Shane January 11, 2017 at 8:29 pm

    Oh wow major bucket list experience right here! Glad to hear it’s practical and affordable!

    Reply
    • Katie Mac January 15, 2017 at 4:12 pm

      Perfect for everyones bucket list!

      Reply
  • Robyn January 14, 2017 at 2:56 pm

    This is literally my dream! Thanks for the super informative post! 🙂

    Reply
    • Katie Mac January 15, 2017 at 4:12 pm

      You’re very welcome 🙂

      Reply
  • Flo @ Yoga, Wine & Travel January 14, 2017 at 3:20 pm

    What an incredible experience! I’d love to be able to see the northern lights from my backyard for a whole week. Thanks for sharing the app info – I didn’t even know there was a forecast app, how handy! The toilet and shower situation sounds…different. I’ve never experienced anything like that so not sure how I would handle it – not high maintenance by any means but it would take some getting used to!

    Reply
    • Katie Mac January 15, 2017 at 4:14 pm

      Glad to help! Haha, yes maybe some getting used to at first but then I have a feeling you wouldn’t notice it.

      Reply
  • Bidisha January 14, 2017 at 4:14 pm

    This looks like dream to me. Amazing experience. I would love to visit someday and that jacuzzi was killer!
    Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
    • Katie Mac January 15, 2017 at 4:14 pm

      Oh yeah the jacuzzi was so wonderful! I hope you get to visit too.

      Reply
  • Sonja January 14, 2017 at 7:03 pm

    This is so awesome! I definitely want to go here!!! Now to convince the boy, which shouldn’t be hard if I just send him this :D.

    Reply
    • Katie Mac January 15, 2017 at 4:15 pm

      Hehe I hope your plan works, it’s the perfect place for a romantic getaway!

      Reply
  • Ioanna January 14, 2017 at 9:38 pm

    Thank you, Katie for that post! I saved it for a later reference 🙂 I’ve never seen the northern lights but hope to change that one day!
    Have a great one!
    Ioanna

    Reply
    • Katie Mac January 15, 2017 at 4:16 pm

      I hope you get to see them too, definitely a wonderful bucket list item for sure! Thanks for stopping by 🙂

      Reply
  • Jen Ambrose January 15, 2017 at 3:14 am

    This looks like an amazing trip! And I love the snowman pic 😉

    Reply
    • Katie Mac January 15, 2017 at 4:16 pm

      Glad you liked it- definitely lucky to have the lights in the right place at the right time!

      Reply
  • Alaine January 15, 2017 at 8:45 am

    Your cabin experience reminded me about the time I went and stayed in a Finnish summer cottage in January. Beautiful but cold. Using bottled water to wash dishes and drink. Outhouse to pee. Shower in the sauna by melting snow ❄️
    So happy you got blessed with clear skies every night and saw the Northern lights. I have only seen it twice and very briefly as well a bit murky. I hope someday I’ll be able to see a clear view.

    Reply
    • Katie Mac January 15, 2017 at 4:18 pm

      Wow your experience in Finland sounds perfect, what a dream! Now you just have to go back to get a good show of the lights, I hope you enjoy them.

      Reply
  • Penny January 15, 2017 at 8:56 am

    Lovely article. I’m going to be chasing the Northern lights in a few weeks. Hope I’m lucky enough to catch them.

    Reply
    • Katie Mac January 15, 2017 at 4:18 pm

      Yay, I’m sending lots of positive vibes your way for that! Good luck!

      Reply
  • Maria January 15, 2017 at 9:49 am

    Wow, northern lights are indeed really cool to see! We are going to Norway in September this year, really hope to see them too 🙂

    Reply
    • Katie Mac January 15, 2017 at 4:19 pm

      How exciting, I hope you love Norway as much as I did!

      Reply
  • Kristine January 15, 2017 at 10:22 am

    What a magical experience! The northern lights have been in my bucket list forever and I wonder when I’ll ever get to see them. You’ve put a good idea into my head! Were you solo? I’m also concerned about how it feels like being solo in the wide open space!

    Reply
    • Katie Mac January 15, 2017 at 4:21 pm

      I hope you get to see them one day! No I wasn’t solo for this trip, but I’m introverted so being solo in the wide open space sounds very inviting. It was just such a beautiful, peaceful place.

      Reply
  • Amanda January 15, 2017 at 5:47 pm

    Oh wow! This place looks amazing. I can definitely imagine sitting under the stars in the Jacuzzi of an evening, with a glass of something delicious to enjoy.

    Reply
  • Anna January 15, 2017 at 8:46 pm

    What a wonderful, cozy place!!

    x, Anna

    Reply
  • Adebola Showemimo January 16, 2017 at 11:31 am

    What a wonderful post!

    I went to Iceland last year and unfortunately was unable to see the Northen Lights but was able to see a lot of other amazing things!

    I think this will be an opportunity I can not miss!

    Reply
  • Erin C October 23, 2017 at 1:57 pm

    Great article! Maybe I missed it, but what month did you go in? I am wanting to go in December, although I have read that March is the best month to see the Northern Lights. Any feedback would be great! Thank you!

    Reply
    • Katie Mac October 23, 2017 at 4:24 pm

      Thanks so much! I went in December over christmas. Any time in winter would be good to see the lights!

      Reply
  • northierthanthou December 17, 2017 at 5:28 am

    Looks like a nice cozy cabin. The northern lights are always cool, but it’s hard to predict when they will be out, at least here in Alaska. Is it pretty safe to assume you’ll get to see them in that part of Norway?

    Reply
    • Katie Mac December 19, 2017 at 9:49 am

      It was so cozy! Yes, hard to predict with nature but as far as I know, it’s pretty common to see them up there.

      Reply

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