Norway's Glass-Window Night Train: Your Ultimate Aurora Borealis Experience
Imagine a journey through Norway’s breathtaking winter landscapes, all while ensconced in a cosy, glass-walled train, where the sky above becomes your private, ever-changing cinema. This is not a distant dream; it is the reality offered by Norway’s unique glass-window night train, promising travellers an intimate and unforgettable encounter with the Northern Lights.
With Norway welcoming approximately 6.20 million international visitors in 2024, a 9.7% increase over the previous year, the demand for distinctive travel offerings is evident. This glass-window night train is designed for the discerning traveller seeking both adventure and luxury.
Redefining Noctourism: A New Travel Trend
The concept of noctourism – tourism focused on experiencing the night – is rapidly evolving, and Norway’s glass-window night train is at its vanguard. Unlike conventional trains, this innovative carriage is meticulously engineered to provide an uninterrupted, 360-degree view of the surrounding Arctic environment. Passengers are no longer confined to peering out of small windows; instead, they are immersed in the dramatic Norwegian scenery, from snow-capped mountains to the deep, star-studded sky. The intent is clear: to offer every user a front-row seat to the wonders of the Arctic night, making the viewing experience paramount. It is more than just a mode of transport; it’s an expertly crafted experience designed to build customer loyalty and create lasting memories!
For decades, the Northern Lights have been synonymous with icy winds, endless waiting, and standing still under pitch-black skies. Norway has now transformed that narrative by introducing an experience where the aurora comes to you—comfortably, quietly, and sustainably. The country has launched the world’s first panoramic night train designed exclusively for Northern Lights viewing, redefining how travellers encounter one of nature’s most magical phenomena.
Instead of braving sub-zero temperatures, travellers can now recline in specially engineered carriages with glass-lined walls and ceilings, allowing uninterrupted views of the sky. As the train glides through low-light Arctic landscapes, the darkness becomes an ally, and the Aurora Borealis slowly takes centre stage. The experience is immersive, gradual, and deeply atmospheric—perfect for travellers who prefer elegance over endurance.
A Route Made for the Aurora
The journey itself is as iconic as the destination. Running from Oslo to Bergen, the train travels roughly 460 kilometres along the legendary Bergensbanen. This historic railway is renowned for its remote stretches, minimal light pollution, and dramatic winter scenery—ideal conditions for Northern Lights sightings during vigorous geomagnetic activity.
The overnight experience is elevated further with Vy’s PlusNight service. These seats resemble airline business-class pods, designed for proper sleep while keeping passengers ready for sudden bursts of auroral colour. For those seeking privacy, enclosed rest compartments are available, allowing travellers to drift between rest and wonder as the sky performs overhead.
A Rare Bonus for Pet-Loving Travellers
One of the most attractive—and rare—features of this journey is its pet-friendly policy. Vy allows dogs in rest compartments, making it one of the very few Northern Lights experiences that welcome pet owners. Any dog taller than 40 centimetres is counted as a passenger, and up to three dogs are permitted per compartment. While space is limited and dog crates are not allowed, pets can remain comfortably on the floor, ensuring that even four-legged companions can be part of this once-in-a-lifetime Arctic adventure.
Must-Visit Attractions Near Norway's Northern Lights Regions
The Polar Museum
Located in the heart of Tromsø, the Polar Museum is a fascinating gateway into Norway’s Arctic past. Housed in a historic waterfront building, the museum vividly narrates the stories of legendary polar explorers, daring expeditions, and centuries-old seal-hunting traditions that once sustained life in the far north. Through authentic artefacts, immersive displays, and personal accounts, travellers gain insight into how humans survived and thrived under extreme Arctic conditions. Visiting the Polar Museum adds emotional and cultural depth to your aurora journey, reminding you that the skies lighting up at night have guided explorers and coastal communities for generations.
Tromsø Botanical Garden
The Tromsø Botanical Garden, the world’s northernmost of its kind, is a surprisingly serene and enriching experience. Home to thousands of Arctic, alpine, and subpolar plant species, the garden demonstrates nature’s remarkable ability to adapt to harsh climates. Even in colder months, the landscape tells a story of resilience and biodiversity unique to the Arctic Circle. A visit here during daylight hours offers a gentle, contemplative break between adventurous excursions, perfectly balancing the thrill of nighttime aurora chasing with quiet moments of discovery.
Whale Watching Tours near Tromsø
Whale watching in Northern Norway is nothing short of extraordinary. Between late autumn and winter, orcas and humpback whales migrate close to the fjords around Tromsø, drawn by abundant herring. Travellers can witness these majestic creatures breaching icy waters, often just metres from the boat, with snow-covered mountains rising dramatically in the background. Experiencing whale safaris by day and Northern Lights by night creates a rare combination of marine wildlife and celestial wonder—an Arctic experience few destinations in the world can offer.
Dog Sledding & Reindeer Sledding
Dog sledging and reindeer sledging are deeply rooted in Arctic tradition and Sámi culture. Gliding silently across snow-covered trails, guided by energetic huskies or gentle reindeer, offers a powerful connection to the land and its people. Many tours include storytelling sessions around campfires, sharing insights into indigenous lifestyles and ancient survival techniques. On clear evenings, these journeys sometimes end beneath glowing auroras, turning a cultural activity into a truly magical Northern Lights experience.
Grøtfjord & Kattfjordvatnet
Grøtfjord and Kattfjordvatnet are among the most peaceful and visually striking aurora-viewing locations near Tromsø. Far removed from urban light pollution, these natural settings offer uninterrupted views of the night sky. Mountains encircle frozen lakes and fjords, creating dramatic silhouettes beneath dancing auroras. When conditions are right, the Northern Lights reflect beautifully off snow and ice, producing mirror-like effects that photographers and nature lovers find irresistible.
Signaldalen Valley
Signaldalen Valley is renowned for its vast open landscapes and exceptionally low light interference. The wide horizons give auroras plenty of room to stretch and ripple across the sky, making displays here feel incredibly immersive. Surrounded by silence and untouched wilderness, travellers often describe aurora-viewing in Signaldalen as meditative and deeply personal—a moment when nature feels both immense and intimate at once.
Sommarøy & Kvaløya
Sommarøy and Kvaløya offer a rare coastal perspective on the Northern Lights. Known for white-sand Arctic beaches, charming fishing villages, and dramatic seascapes, these islands provide a stunning contrast between land and ocean. During winter nights, auroras often shimmer above dark waters, creating reflections that blend sky and sea into a single, unforgettable spectacle. These destinations are ideal for travellers who want their Northern Lights experience framed by both rugged mountains and the open Arctic Ocean.
Travel the Arctic with Confidence
Witnessing the Northern Lights is more than a trip—it is a memory that lasts a lifetime. When planning such extraordinary journeys, experience and trust matter. Unimoni Travel & Holidays, with over 24 years of expertise, 10 IATA-certified locations, and millions of happy customers, specialises in crafting seamless, memorable travel experiences across the globe. From iconic rail journeys in Norway to personalised Arctic adventures, Unimoni ensures every detail is handled with care—so you can focus on the magic unfolding above you.