In Norway on the night train to observe the northern lights

Nocturismo, or night tourism, is one of the hottest travel trends at the moment. And the world's first panoramic night train designed exclusively for observing the Northern Lights is set to debut in Norway. An initiative that revolutionises Arctic tourism and represents a significant evolution in the provision of immersive polar tourism experiences, combining technological innovation, environmental sustainability and educational wisdom. Norway stands as a global leader in Northern Lights tourism. Tromsø, located 350 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle, is already known as the informal capital of auroral observation, with statistical probability of sightings reported at around 50 per cent on its own winter nights. In recent decades, the country has developed internationally important railway routes, from the famous Bergen-Oslo line to the scenic excursions of the Flåm Railway. The convoy, equipped with wagons with all-glass roofs and walls, allows passengers to contemplate the Arctic sky without any physical obstacles, totally immersing themselves in the dancing light show. Inside, upward-facing reclining seats allow travellers to keep their gaze on the celestial dynamics throughout the entire journey. The lighting system has been designed with strategic minimalism, preserving the visual quality of observation through a significant reduction of artificial light inside the carriages. This technical solution eliminates the problem of glass glare, a common issue in traditional astronomical observation vehicles. The journey from Narvik to chase the Aurora Borealis on board the Northern Lights Train, Norway's northernmost railway, takes place during the period of maximum geomagnetic activity, turning each journey into a unique natural spectacle. The eleven-year solar cycle is reaching peak activity, with particularly high auroral intensity predicted between 2024 and 2026 (www.visitnorway).