There’s nothing quite as romantic as spending time together, just the two of you. However, seeing the Northern Lights in Norway is up there with the best of them.
Seeing the Northern Lights - also known as Aurora Borealis - is on most people’s bucket lists. In fact, it’s such a sight that it’s on the to-do lists of those who don’t keep bucket lists.
They’re also full of mysticism and romanticism, making for a great romantic choice for couples who love to travel. And for those who don’t. It’s like stargazing, but even more special.
On glimpsing them even in photographs, it’s easy to see why the Vikings believed they were manifestations of their Gods.
There are also many places in the world where you can witness the lights, but one of the most popular, rightfully, is Norway. It’s almost as if Western Scandinavia was crafted just to see them.
Many also believe that the best time of year to see the Northern Lights is in winter. Although that’s true, early-to-mid February is an ideal time, as well.
By February, the brutal weather conditions have died down. As much as you’d like to cozy up to your other half, you still can around Valentine’s Day.
Close your eyes and picture holding hands as the heavenly lights dance on around you. Then, ask yourself if there’s anywhere else on earth you’d rather be for a day dedicated to love.
A Romantic, Nordic Valentine’s Day
The Northern Lights are unpredictable. More than that, they’re not always visible everywhere in Norway. For example, you can book a trip to Oslo, but you won’t necessarily see what you’re there to see.
If the Northern Lights are the center of your romantic weekend, you should think about staying in a place far more north than Oslo. The city of Tromsø will provide you with a much higher chance. But even then, you’re not guaranteed to see them.
Because of that, it’s wise to plan around it. There are many things to do in Norway and Tromsø provides a host of romantic entertainment, from husky rides to ice hotels.
This isn’t to say you won’t see the lights, but it will provide you with a wonderfully loving Valentine’s holiday. Think about carving out a few days to a week just for the two of you.
Chasing the Aurora Together
Whether you’ve been advised against a Northern Lights tour or not, they’re worth looking into. The closer you are to the arctic circle, you might be able to see them from the city center.
But you only live once and there are tours in Tromsø - as well as all the way across northern Norway - that focus on chasing the aurora down.
What this means is that you have more chance to see the lights together on a tour than you would on your own. A good tour guide will also help you to photograph the notoriously difficult lights.
Setting up camp in a spot with just a few other people with coffee and warm blankets could be exactly what this Valentine’s Day needs. It might be everything you need and didn’t know.
But remember to dress warm: the Arctic winter waits for no romance, and you need to be sure you’re dressed warm enough to brave the icy winds. Wool garments and layers never go amiss.
And what’s cuter than matching bobble hats?
Other Things to do for You and Your Beau
None of us can count on the weather doing as we wish and Norway is particularly choosy when it comes to its climate. The night doesn’t have to be entirely clear to see the lights, but it doesn’t hurt.
Along with the relatively high chance that you’ll see the lights, there’s plenty of other things to do to keep occupied. I mean, dates don’t have to just be drinks and dinner.
In Norway, while you’re waiting to see the lights, there is so much choice in activities. Here’s just a small selection of things you and your other half can do on the most romantic vacation yet.
Go Dog Sledding
When you first meet the Huskies, you’ll be floored by just how much they love to run. Dog sledding is big on a lot of people’s bucket lists, as well. Why not throw it into your Valentine plans?
One of you can drive the sled while the other rides it and vice versa. It might sound hard to be at the reins, but it’s much easier than it sounds.
Try Cross-Country Skiing
The word “ski” comes from the Norwegian “skid”. Therefore, it should be no surprise that skiing is a huge part of the Norwegian culture, but not in the way you think.
Although slaloms and slopes exist, cross-country skiing is something that you can do together for fun. It doesn’t have to be a sport, after all, and there are many easy slopes to get started on.
Ride the Cable Car
Fjellheisen in Tromso, Fagernesfjellet in Narvik; cable cars are a staple of Norwegian cities. Riding it will take you both over the sights and sounds of surrounding towns and cities.
At the top, you can share a bottle of champagne and delicious, traditional seafood dinner. Or, you can look at the views together from 421 meters above sea level.
See the Reindeer
You can learn all about the Sami culture while cuddling and feeding their adorable reindeer. Additionally, you can also both take a ride together in a sled.
The snow-covered surroundings make for a life-changing experience, and you can take either a daytime or an evening tour. If lucky, an evening tour might also deliver the Northern Lights.
Some tours even supply a warm meal and company afterward. The Norwegians do a lot of things right, but they are masters of koselig. Holding on to each other tightly in the roaring fire?
That’s romance.
Book a Night in a Snow Hotel
Some ice hotels are built every season, meaning the room you stay in might be yours and yours alone. Forever.
Everything inside of these masterful buildings is made of snow and ice, from the furniture to the bars. If you’ve never pictured yourself popping open a bottle of bubbly on an ice bed - now is the time to try.
Whatever you choose to do to supplement your romantic Northern Lights trip, there’s no doubt you’ll have the most romantic Valentine’s Day together. More romantic than in your wildest dreams.
