Northern Lights Experience Piteå

Itinerary

1. 

   Northern Lights Tour

   Chase the Northern Lights. Our experienced guides lead your search for the magical Aurora Borealis. This evening adventure will be an unforgettable night out.

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   Northern Lights Tour

   

   

   

   

   

   The northern lights (Aurora Borealis) are one of natures most spectacular displays. It is caused by solar particles colliding with earth’s magnetic field, they give a lightning show in the dark night sky with vibrant collars like green, purple or pink.

   Because the area around Piteå in Swedish Lapland lies directly within the Aurora Oval, it is one of the absolute a good place to witness this breathtaking phenomenon. The northern lights season here runs from September to early April, offering a long winter window to catch the magic.

   Fun Facts About the Northern Lights

   • Earth isn’t the only place with a light show! Any planet with a magnetic field and an atmosphere can experience auroras. In fact, scientists have captured stunning satellite images of massive aurora activity on both Jupiter and Saturn.
   • The Aurora has a twin: While we are lucky enough to witness the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) in the far North, the Southern Hemisphere has its own mirror image: the Aurora Australis (Southern Lights).
   • You can spot them from the air! If you are flying at night during aurora season, keep an eye out the window. It is highly possible to see the green glow from your seat. Pilots will often make a friendly announcement over the speaker if they spot them from the cockpit!

   What to Expect on a Northern Lights Tour with Direct North

   Seeing the lights is more than just looking out of your window; it requires dark skies, patience, and a bit of active chasing. When you book a guided 3-hour Northern Lights Tour with Direct North, we take care of all the details so you can focus entirely on the sky.

   Here is what your evening adventure will look like:

   • Pickup & Return: We pick you up directly from your accommodation in or around Piteå. No need to navigate icy, dark roads on your own—just dress warmly and we will handle the rest!
   • Chasing the lights: Arctic weather can change quickly. To give you the absolute best chance of a sighting, we chase the lights by car. This mobility allows us to escape Piteå’s city lights, stay ahead of cloud cover, and find the darkest, clearest skies possible.
   • Local Expertise: Our guides track live weather patterns and aurora forecasts to select the best viewing spots. While we wait, they will share the science behind the lights, as well as local Arctic stories and folklore.
   • Swedish Fika: Standing out in the cold is part of the experience, but we make sure you stay comfortable. We’ll take a break to enjoy a traditional Swedish fika,complete with warm drinks and sweet treats under the stars.
   • Photography Tips: Capturing the aurora on camera or mobile phone can be tricky. Your guide will share simple tips and tricks to help you adjust your camera settings so you can capture the magic perfectly. Our guide always brings a extra tripod for you to use.

   Why should we go on a Northern light tour?

   Seeing the Northern Lights is more than just watching through your window or stepping outside for one minute. Even when there is a possibility of seeing the Aurora, it does not mean they are visible from every location or at every hour of the evening. Many factors play a role in whether you will see the lights from your current spot or the location you visit.

   Your guide has the tools and experience to find the best location to watch this light show. Factors like light pollution, cloud coverage, and more will influence the guide’s decision to go to a specific place.

   In addition to finding the right spot, your guide can change plans when necessary to increase your chances of seeing the lights. When sudden weather changes occur, your guide has the possibility to switch to a different location or decide to stay put. It is also possible that you will see more than just the Aurora, such as animal tracks or even a moose! Your guide will share information about all of these different subjects, ensuring it will most likely be a fun evening out with a great chance to see the Northern Lights.

   Related Activities

   • Northern Lights Tour

     

     Highlights

     • Winter

     Chase the Northern Lights. Our experienced guides lead your search for the magical Aurora Borealis. This evening adventure will be an unforgettable night out.

     Learn more

   When is a good time to see the Northern lights?

   The Northern light season is from September to early April. Piteå is located in the Aurora Oval, so you have a good chance of seeing the Northern Lights when there is any activity.

   Related Activities

   • Northern Lights Tour

     

     Highlights

     • Winter

     Chase the Northern Lights. Our experienced guides lead your search for the magical Aurora Borealis. This evening adventure will be an unforgettable night out.

     Learn more

   Is the Northern light tour suitable for kids?

   We believe our Northern Lights tours are suitable for children aged 8 years and older.

   This recommendation is because our Northern Lights tours take place late in the evening, which often results in younger children falling asleep in the car. Additionally, the temperatures usually drop significantly in the evening/night. Since we spend most of the time watching the sky, it can be very cold for the children.

   From the age of 8, a child’s interest is usually higher, and they can be involved in activities like making a fire, for example.

   If you are on holiday with younger children, please feel free to contact us. We would be happy to discuss the possibility of a private tour. With a private tour, we can easily adjust the timing and pace to your family’s needs, ensuring everyone stays happy throughout the tour.

   Related FAQ

   • Why should we go on a Northern light tour?
   • When is a good time to see the Northern lights?

   Related Activities

   • Northern Lights Tour

     

     Highlights

     • Winter

     Chase the Northern Lights. Our experienced guides lead your search for the magical Aurora Borealis. This evening adventure will be an unforgettable night out.

     Learn more

   Related Pages

   • Contact

   What camera do I need to capture the Northern lights?

   Any camera with manual settings (shutter speed) and a tripod will work perfectly. During the tour, we can help you with the settings if necessary.

   It is good to keep in mind that the cold drains batteries fast, so bring an extra battery and keep it in an inside pocket close to your body heat!

   If you only have a phone, these are often capable of capturing the Northern Lights as well (depending on the brand and model) when used with a tripod.

   During the Northern Lights tour, we have one tripod available for guest use.

   Related Activities

   • Northern Lights Tour

     

     Highlights

     • Winter

     Chase the Northern Lights. Our experienced guides lead your search for the magical Aurora Borealis. This evening adventure will be an unforgettable night out.

     Learn more

   What if you dont see the Northern lights?

   The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon, which means we cannot control them. However, we do our best to use our expertise to give you a high chance of seeing the Northern Lights.

   If you do not see the Northern Lights, you will still return to your accommodation with a lot of knowledge about the Aurora and the surrounding area. We have organized the tour in such a way that it is still an amazing night out even if the lights do not appear.

   If the chance of seeing the Northern Lights is zero, we will try to find a different place to visit within the three hours or reschedule the tour within your travel dates.

2. 

   Hike

   Spend time outside to discover what nature has to offer. Amazing landscapes, animal tracks, berries, mushrooms and more.

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   Hike

   

   

   

   

   

   For hiking in the Piteå area, you don’t need to travel deep into the high mountains to experience the quiet beauty of northern wilderness. The region along the Gulf of Bothnia offers a peaceful mix of coastal pine forests, rolling hills, scenic nature reserves, and archipelago views. It provides accessible, well-marked trails that are ideal for families, casual walkers, and outdoor enthusiasts looking to spend a few hours or a full day in nature.

   Local Highlights: Eliasleden & Jävre

   Located just a short drive from central Piteå, the local area features several well-maintained trail networks suitable for different fitness levels:

   • Eliasleden (Svensbyn): Situated about 15 minutes west of Piteå, this popular trail network offers loops ranging from short walks to a full 26 km. It leads you through lush forests, past historic caves, and up to scenic viewpoints over the surrounding landscape.
   • Jävre Hills & Coastal Trails: Located about 20 minutes south of central Piteå, the trails around Jävre take you through ancient pine forests and up rocky hills like Högberget. Here you can discover Bronze Age cairns and enjoy sweeping views of the archipelago.

   Family & Picnic Friendly

   Most trailheads feature excellent facilities, including resting huts (stugor), boardwalks over wetlands, and prepared grill sites stocked with firewood,perfect for an authentic Swedish outdoor break.

   Looking for Bigger Wilderness & Dramatic Scenery Nearby?

   If you are looking for larger waterfalls, vast old-growth forests, or more rugged terrain, you can easily make a day trip from Piteå to some of the region’s most iconic natural landmarks:

   • Storforsen Nature Reserve (Älvsbyn): About a 1-hour drive. Home to Europe’s largest untamed rapid, offering accessible boardwalks, roaring water views, and beautiful forest trails surrounding the river.
   • Vittjåkk-Akkanålke Nature Reserve (Arvidsjaur): About a 1.5-hour drive. A expansive wilderness area featuring old-growth mountain forests, quiet lakes, and higher elevation hikes with panoramic views.

   Hiking with Direct North

   At Direct North, we love helping you explore the summer and autumn nature of Swedish Lapland! Whether you join us on our active hike, mulitple day hike or husky hiking tours, we are here to make your adventure seamless. We can assist with comfortable transfers from Piteå, guide you to the best trailheads, or provide a delicious local lunch to enjoy over an open fire along the trail