Guides
NORTHERN LIGHTS IN THE FAROE ISLANDS
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Catching the Northern Lights (faroese: ‘Norðlýsið’) in the Faroe Islands is like hunting for a rare gem—sometimes it feels like the universe is testing your patience, but when you finally catch a glimpse, it’s pure magic. The islands are positioned at 62° N on the south edge of the Arctic Circle, meaning the odds are in your favour. Here’s how to increase those odds:
One perk of Northern Light spotting in the Faroe Islands – it is not going to be crowded
Pandotrip
Image on the right: Shot in Klaksvik on the night between 6 - 7 March by Alessio Mesiano
1. Timing is Everything
Shot on 16. March by Bjartur Vest
Forget the summer months; there’s too much daylight. Aim for late autumn to early spring, from November to February (sometimes even March), when the nights are long and the skies are dark enough to let the auroras dance. City lights? Nope. You’ll want to head to the darker, more remote parts of the islands. Temperatures are also important fro a chance of crips green skies, anything close to 0°C or below (32°F) is ideal.
Shot on 3. November in Tórshavn by Árni Øregaard
The archipelago is graced with 18 distinct islands, most connected by subsea tunnels or regular bus and ferry routes, opportunities are scattered all around, making the aurora hunt even more fun and adventurous. The Northern Lights might play hard to get, but when they show up, the effort will be worth it. And if tonight’s not the night, there’s always tomorrow.
In Funningur on night 6-7 March by Alessio Mesiano
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21. December by Guillermo Domínguez
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2. Top spots for aurora hunting
- The Northern Islands: Remote, rugged, and perfect for aurora hunting. Plus, fewer visitors mean more sky for you. See our regional guide here.
- Viðareiði: Located on Viðoy, one of the northernmost islands, where the only lights you’ll see are from the stars and, if you're lucky, the Northern Lights.
- Suðuroy: The southernmost island is also a prime spot for the Northern Lights, thanks to its remote location, minimal light pollution, and wide-open skies.
- Sandoy: A mere 15-minute drive from the city lights of the capital, Sandoy, is also with its flat terrain and expansive skies, the ideal location promising great conditions for a clear, unobstructed view of the auroras.
- Velbastaður: Just a short drive from Tórshavn, this cliffside village offers dark skies with a surreal backdrop of the smaller islands of Hestur and Koltur.
- Tjørnuvík, Funningur & Gjógv: Secluded spots up north on Streymoy and Eysturoy Island, surrounded mainly by rugged hills and wild mountains, where the skies open up and the sea glows with midnight blues.
- Bøur & Gásadalur: Famous for its raw nature and the iconic ‘Múlafossur’ waterfall, the neighbouring villages offer incredible sky views with minimal interference.
- Oyggjarvegur & beyond: Closely outside of the capital is the long road “Oyggjarvegur”, leading to various spots ideal for aurora hunting. Make a stop by Norðadalur, famous for its swinging roads or Sornfelli to get a great view from above the cloud.
28. January by Jakob Karrasch
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4. November in Tórshavn by Árni Øregaard
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3. Check the Forecast
The auroras are divas—they only come out under clear skies. Download an aurora forecast app and keep an eye on the KP index (the higher, the better). If the weather isn’t cooperating, well, the Faroe Islands are great at keeping you on your toes.
4. Dress the Part
Standing around in the cold waiting for the lights can feel like an arctic expedition. Layer up like you’re preparing for a winter on the tundra. Bring a thermos of something hot—coffee, tea, or maybe a little Faroese akvavit to keep the spirits high. And remember, patience is key.
5. Capture the Magic (or not)
Not all things are meant to be caught; sometimes, it’s best to simply savour the moment. But if you’re keen on immortalizing the experience, set up your camera on a tripod, use a long exposure, and let the magic happen. You might find yourself returning to the same spot multiple times in search of the perfect shot, or you might get lucky on your first try. And even if the Northern Lights remain elusive, you’ll still walk away with stunning photos of the starry sky.
Find your dark spot, keep your eyes on the skies, and enjoy the adventure.
13. April by Bjartur Vest
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4. April in Hvannhagi, Suðuroy by @outdoor_faroeislands
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