Northern Lights Faroe Islands 2025

Your Guide to the Best Aurora Season in Decades

FAROE ISLANDS PHOTOGRAPHY

8/24/20253 min read

There are moments you never forget – like standing beneath a glowing green sky, hearing only the wind and the click of your shutter, far from crowds and city lights. That’s what aurora watching in the Faroe Islands can feel like. And if the Northern Lights are on your bucket list, 2025 might be your year.

Thanks to the sun reaching the peak of its 11-year cycle – a solar maximum – scientists say this could be the most powerful aurora season in two decades. That means more frequent, vivid displays across the northern sky. Here in the Faroes, where wild landscapes meet wide horizons, the stage is already set.

Why 2025/2026 Is So Special for Aurora Watching

We’re currently entering a solar maximum – the most active part of the sun’s cycle – which increases the chances of geomagnetic storms reaching Earth. According to NASA and NOAA, this period will peak around 2025, producing more intense, colorful aurora displays (NASA/NOAA Announcement).

In practical terms, this means:

  • More frequent displays – multiple chances instead of hoping for one clear night

  • Stronger, more colorful auroras – vivid greens, with possible purples and reds

  • Wider visibility – sometimes even near Tórshavn

  • Unforgettable shows – full-sky movement and dancing light

Close-up view of vivid green and purple Northern Lights swirling across a star-filled night sky in the Faroe Islands
Close-up view of vivid green and purple Northern Lights swirling across a star-filled night sky in the Faroe Islands

When to Visit for the Best Chances

The best time to witness the aurora in the Faroe Islands is between late September and early March, when the nights are long and the skies are darkest.

Best Months

  • December and January offer the longest nights.

  • Late September and March (around the equinox) often bring stronger geomagnetic activity (Space Weather Live).

Moon Phase

  • Aim for nights around the new moon for the darkest skies.

Trip Length

  • Stay at least 4–5 nights to account for changing weather and improve your chances.

Planning your trip? Check out our Faroe Islands Travel Tips for what to pack, how to get here, and local advice.

Best Places to Watch the Northern Lights in the Faroe Islands

One of the best things about the Faroes is how close everything is. No need to drive hours to find a dark spot – some of the most iconic photo locations are just a short trip away:

  • Kallur Cliffs, Kalsoy – dramatic seascapes and wide northern skies

  • Saksun – turf-roof houses and valley backdrops

  • Gjógv – colorful village with natural harbor and sea stacks

  • Viðareiði – panoramic views from the northernmost village

  • Remote valleys on Streymoy – complete darkness, no light pollution

These aren’t just good for watching the aurora – they’re some of the most photogenic places in the Faroes, perfect for long-exposure magic.

Want help getting there? Explore my Faroe Islands Photography Tours and let a local guide lead the way.

A Night I’ll Never Forget

On New Year’s Eve last winter, the sky lit up right above my home. Green and purple waves danced overhead while fireworks popped in the distance. It was one of those rare moments where everything lined up – timing, emotion, color. That’s the kind of night that stays with you.

Red house under vivid green and red Northern Lights in snowy Faroe Islands landscape, winter aurora display.
Red house under vivid green and red Northern Lights in snowy Faroe Islands landscape, winter aurora display.

Aurora Photography & Planning Tips

  • Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned photographer, a little prep goes a long way:

    • Check forecasts: Use apps like Aurora Forecast or Space Weather Live

    • Scout during the day: Helps with safety and composition

    • Use a tripod: Even phones need to stay steady for good shots

    • Camera settings: ISO 1600–3200, 10–20 sec exposure, f/2.8–f/4

    • Dress warmly: Layers, gloves, boots, and a thermos of something hot

Not sure where to start? My 1–1 Private Tours include personal guidance with composition, settings, and gear.

What to Expect from Aurora Season 2025

With the solar maximum in full swing, expect:

  • More active nights than we’ve seen in years

  • Intense auroras, even from areas with light pollution

  • Multiple chances per week on a 5–7 day trip

  • A season people will talk about for decades

If seeing or photographing the Northern Lights has been on your list, this is the year to do it.

Ready to Join?

If you’ve always wanted to experience the Northern Lights in a setting that feels remote, quiet, and real – the Faroe Islands in 2025 are waiting.

I’d love to show you the places I know and help you get the most out of this rare opportunity.

👉 browse our Photography Services if you want something tailored to your trip.

Why the Faroe Islands instead of Norway or Iceland?

People often look to Norway or Iceland for aurora trips – and yes, they’re stunning. But also, often crowded.

Here in the Faroe Islands, you get:

  • Fewer tourists – even in peak season, it’s peaceful

  • Shorter travel distances – explore more with less time in the car

  • Unique scenery – dramatic cliffs, turf-roof houses, and raw beauty

  • A personal experience – no buses, just real connection to the landscape

Instead of rushing between stops, you can breathe. And often, when the aurora appears, it’s just you and the sky.