Chasing Northern Lights at Leknes Norway

My sisters have visited Norway and Iceland multiple times but have never witnessed the Northern Lights. Determined to change that, they booked a four-day cabin stay in Reine last December.

Little did they know that many shops and activities would be closed during the Christmas period. For instance, all supermarkets were closed from 24^th to 27^th December, and several traditional restaurants had already shut down from December 15th. Many activities and museums were also unavailable in December.

While it wasn’t the best time for a lively holiday, it was perfect for those seeking a peaceful Christmas. During this time of year, the sun never rises, but it’s not entirely dark. The blue hour, when the sky turns a deep, magical blue, provides a unique and serene atmosphere. However, it’s often windy, snowy, and wet.

To reach our cabin, Andøy Vest Rorbuer Reine, we had to take two flights from Oslo to get to Leknes. Leknes is a charming town located in the heart of the Lofoten Islands, Norway. Known for its breathtaking natural beauty, it serves as a hub for exploring the surrounding landscapes of rugged mountains, pristine beaches, and crystal-clear fjords.

From Leknes Airport, we rented a car and drove for over an hour along the E10 highway to Reine. The E10 is a scenic but challenging route, surrounded by lakes and prone to strong winds. Some sections are narrow, allowing only one direction of traffic at a time. Fortunately, there are plenty of spots to park and take in the Northern Lights if conditions permit.

There is a COOP supermarket near the cabin (about 3-minute drive), making it very convenient. Before our arrival, I contacted the staff via email to arrange food shopping, as they were closing for the Christmas period. They were incredibly helpful and prepared everything we needed in advance.

The cabin itself is situated right on the water, offering breathtaking views of the majestic Reinebringen. Designed in traditional Norwegian architecture, it features modern amenities, including free Wi-Fi, a washing machine, underfloor heating, and a dishwasher. Communication with the hosts was seamless—they contacted us via email, but I found WhatsApp (Pearl of the North) even more convenient for quick responses.

To chase the Northern Lights (Midnight Sun 10pm to 4am), we relied on the My Aurora Forecast app and consulted the weather site yr.no. There are plenty of secluded parking spots ideal for aurora viewing. We drove to several locations, including Flakstad, Mølnarodden, Reine Photo Point, and Sakrisøy Viewpoint.

Unfortunately, we didn’t have much luck due to rain and cloudy skies. The best photo opportunity we had was at a beach, where the setting provided a stunning backdrop despite the weather.

During the daytime which, in December, is essentially twilight, we visited the Norwegian Fishing Village Museum in Å, located at the end of the E10 highway. However, nothing was open, so we snapped a few photos and left.

The Lofoten Islands are incredibly beautiful and worth visiting for their breathtaking views. However, timing is crucial. During the Christmas period, there is little to see or do. My sister, who had visited earlier in the season and travelled to northern Norway, was able to enjoy activities like a king crab safari, cruises, and reindeer sightings. Next time, better planning will be essential. I would love to try a husky sledge ride!