Northern Lights Festival 2027 (Nordlysfestivalen), Tromsø

The Northern Lights Festival 2027, Nordlysfestivalen, runs from 11 to 20 February 2027 in Tromsø, northern Norway. It is the city's longest-running festival and presents classical music, jazz, folk and contemporary concerts in the middle of the Arctic winter. This guide is for music lovers, couples and groups planning a northern lights trip, and for agencies selling Arctic Norway.

About the Northern Lights Festival

Nordlysfestivalen calls itself Tromsø's longest living festival. Its programme mixes orchestral and chamber concerts, jazz, choirs, folk music and new music, often in unusual venues. The 2027 programme lists concerts at the Culture House main stage, Tromsø Cathedral, a swimming pool and intimate back-room venues. The programme and tickets are on the official Northern Lights Festival website.

Tromsø lies well inside the Arctic Circle, and February offers both dark evenings for chasing the aurora borealis and returning daylight for snow activities. That makes the festival a natural partner for a northern lights holiday, although sightings of the aurora always depend on weather and solar activity.

Many concerts are small, so popular events can sell out.

the Northern Lights Festival 2027 dates and venue

The organiser lists Nordlysfestivalen from 11 to 20 February 2027. Concerts are spread across venues in central Tromsø, including the Culture House, Tromsø Cathedral and other halls, with dates and times for each concert in the official programme.

Check each concert's date, time and venue before booking, as events take place on different days through the festival.

How to get to Tromsø for the Northern Lights Festival

Tromsø Airport (TOS) is close to the city centre and has frequent flights from Oslo Airport (OSL) and other Norwegian cities, plus seasonal international routes in winter. Most travellers from the Gulf, Africa and Asia connect through Oslo or another European hub.

Airport buses, taxis and ride-hailing services run to the centre. Tromsø is compact, and most festival venues are within walking distance of central hotels, although icy streets call for good winter footwear.

Where to stay

Central Tromsø, on the island of Tromsøya, is the best base, with hotels close to the harbour, the main street and the festival venues. Some visitors stay across the bridge near the Arctic Cathedral, or in cabins outside the city for darker skies.

February is peak northern lights season, so book hotels in Tromsø early and combine concert tickets with flexible evening tours.

Planning a group trip to the Northern Lights Festival

A group tour to the Northern Lights Festival works well as a four- or five-night Arctic break. Plan two or three concerts, at least two evenings for northern lights excursions with licensed local operators, and one day for activities such as husky sledding, reindeer visits or a fjord trip.

Agencies should brief travellers on Arctic winter clothing: thermal layers, insulated boots, gloves, a hat and grips for icy pavements. Build some flexibility into the itinerary, as weather can affect flights and outdoor activities.

For travellers from warm climates, the long dark evenings and snowy landscapes are part of the experience.

Frequently asked questions

When is the Northern Lights Festival 2027?

The organiser lists Nordlysfestivalen 2027 from 11 to 20 February 2027 in Tromsø. Individual concerts take place on different days, so check the official programme for each event.

Where are the concerts held?

Concerts are held at venues around central Tromsø. The 2027 programme lists the Culture House main stage, Tromsø Cathedral and several smaller venues.

How do I buy Northern Lights Festival tickets?

Tickets for each concert are sold through links on the official festival website. Small venues can sell out, so buy early for the concerts you most want to see.

Will I see the northern lights during the festival?

February is a good time for the aurora in Tromsø, but sightings depend on clear skies and solar activity. Booking several evening excursions improves your chances, but nothing is guaranteed.

How do I get to Tromsø?

Fly to Tromsø Airport (TOS), usually with a connection in Oslo (OSL). Airport buses, taxis and ride-hailing services link the airport with the city centre.

Travel agencies can book flights for travellers going to the Northern Lights Festival in the QuickOTA B2B Panel and set their own markup.