Chasing the Northern Lights in Norway: A Comprehensive Guide.

As I stepped off the plane into the crisp Norwegian air, I knew this adventure was going to be unlike any other. The quest to behold the elusive aurora borealis had begun.

When to Go: Timing Your Trip.

Trying to make a plan to see the Northern Lights in Norway is a bit like the game of Russian roulette. The characteristically volatile weather of Norway can either bless you with a spectacular light show or leave you sulking in a blizzard. It's like scuba diving in the Maldives. - you never truly know what you are going to get, but when it's good, it's absolutely magnificent.

I remember when I planned my trip to Norway. It was the middle of October. My local Norwegian connection, Bjorn, a jovial chap with a beard that would put Rasputin to shame, had warned me about the uncertain weather. He said, "My fellow travelers, the lights are fickle. They dance to the tunes of the solar winds. But if you play your hand well between late September to late March, you might just see the elusive Aurora Borealis."

And he was right. I got lucky. The sky cleared up and I saw a surreal performance of lights right above me. The cost of the trip? Well, the flights from my previous adventure, a safari experience in Kenya., set me back about $700. Accommodation in a decent Norwegian cabin can range from $50 to $100 a night. But let me tell you, it's worth every penny.

However, fellow travelers, a word of caution. Norway is notorious for its sub-zero temperatures and snowstorms. Do not forget to pack your warmest clothes and be prepared for some frosty nights.

Where to Go: Prime Locations for Northern Lights.

One would think that seeing the Northern Lights is as simple as stepping outside in the dark. Alas, it's not that easy, my friends. Just like trying to find the perfect canal-side spot for cycling in Amsterdam., finding the perfect location to view the Northern Lights requires a bit of scouting and a dash of luck.

My adventure took me to Tromsø, a city located in the Arctic Circle. It's one of the best places to witness this celestial extravaganza. Even though the prices can be as steep as the Norwegian fjords, ranging from $100 to $200 for a night in a decent hotel, the chance to witness this natural phenomenon is priceless.

Another gem is the Svalbard Islands, the only inhabited place in the world where you can see the Northern Lights during the day. But, fellow travelers, remember, just like the vintage buildings, these places can be eerily quiet and unsettling. So, be prepared for a bit of solitude.

Lastly, if you're up for a drive, head to the Lofoten Islands' remote areas. Here, limited light pollution increases your chances to see the lights. But a word of caution, the roads can be slippery and treacherous, just like the political landscape after the fall of the Eastern Europe. Take it slow, be prepared, and the lights might just dance for you.

Capturing the Lights: Photography Tips.

There's a science to capturing the mystic Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, as they're scientifically known. Here's where my Eastern European Lomo LC-A camera came into play. But don’t worry my fellow travelers, you don’t need a vintage Eastern European camera to capture the magic of the Northern Lights. Any modern DSLR would do.

Tip 1: Get your settings right.The first trick to capture the beauty of the Northern Lights is to set your camera to a high ISO - somewhere between 1600 and 3200. Don’t fear the noise, remember how the old Eastern European TV sets had their own charm?

Tip 2: Long Exposure. You also want a long exposure of around 15 to 30 seconds. It's like waiting for the kettle to boil in those freezing Siberian winters. The longer you wait, the better your tea...or photo, in this case.

Tip 3: Focus. Manually focusing your camera to infinity is essential. It’s like looking through the glass of cheap Eastern European vodka, everything becomes so much clearer.

Remember, safety first. The temperatures in Norway can drop well below freezing. Dress warm, like you're preparing to cross the Ural mountains in the dead of winter. Make sure you have a sturdy tripod to hold your camera steady in the chilly winds. You wouldn't want your precious camera to meet the same fate as the doomed Eastern European spacecraft, Luna 15, now would you?

Scuba Diving in Maldives: An Unexpected Detour.

As a change from the frozen landscapes of Norway, let's dive into the tropical waters of the Maldives. Trust me, fellow travelers, scuba diving in Maldives is as mesmerising as watching Yuri Gagarin take his first spacewalk.

I booked my diving experience with Dive Club Maldives, located at Hulhumale' Beach. A three-dive package cost me about 150 dollars. It's more than a Eastern European miner would earn in six months, but worth every penny!

The dive masters were professional and safety-conscious. They reminded me of Eastern European submarine commanders I had read about; stern, but with a sense of humor. After a quick safety briefing, off we went, plunging into the azure waters teeming with marine life.

You'd see more variety of fish here than in a Black Sea market! The underwater world was a swirling kaleidoscope of colors, with coral reefs that made the vintage apartment blocks look drab in comparison. We even spotted a school of friendly sharks. You heard me right, fellow travelers, friendly sharks! They seemed more interested in the plankton than us hulking divers.

One word of advice, remember to pack a waterproof case for your camera. You wouldn't want your precious camera to end up like the ill-fated K-129 Eastern European submarine. Safety is paramount, whether you're braving the Arctic winds of Norway or exploring the underwater wonders of the Maldives.

The Safari Experience in Kenya: A Wild Comparison.

Now, I find myself in the heart of Africa, having swapped my scuba gear from the idyllic Maldivian seas for a rugged 4WD on a Kenyan safari. Anyone who tells you that this is just like any other holiday, is probably selling you the Brooklyn Bridge.

After a week of cycling through the busy canals of Amsterdam, the vast open savannah dotted with roaming wildlife feels like a different planet. As the taxi driver taking me to the Amboseli National Park said, "If you’re not excited about this, bro, you might as well crawl back into your coffin." He wasn't wrong.

My first game drive itself was an adrenaline-pumping experience. it's best not to wear bright clothes, as they tend to attract attention from curious animals. was reasonably pricedething else. It’s like being dropped into a David Attenborough documentary, but without the comforting British narration. Around every corner, there's a new spectacle - a herd of elephants marching, a pride of lions lounging under an acacia tree, or a giraffe nibbling on some high-level foliage.

But remember, it’s not all sunshine.

Frequently Asked Questions.

This section provides detailed information about the topic.

What is the best time of the year to see the Northern Lights in Norway?

The Northern Lights can be seen most clearly in Norway from late September to late March.

How can I best photograph the Northern Lights?

Use a high-quality DSLR, a tripod, and experiment with long exposure settings.

Is it safe to travel to Norway during the winter?

Yes, but be prepared for cold weather and shorter daylight hours.

How do the Northern Lights compare with other natural phenomena?

Every natural spectacle has its own charm, but the auroras are a truly unique experience.

Final Thoughts.

Standing beneath the dancing lights of the aurora borealis, I felt an overwhelming sense of awe. This unforgettable journey to Norway has forever imprinted its beauty on my traveller's heart.

Want more offbeat adventures? Check out our other GlobalOdyssey guides: The Ultimate Guide to Scuba Diving in Maldives, Unforgettable Safari Experience in Kenya, The Charms of Cycling in Amsterdam.