Planning your trip to Norway around this panoramic night train to see the Northern Lights might leave you disappointed.
Image: Facebook
Erling Haaland has become an incredible unofficial tourism ambassador for Norway. With his 2026 World Cup performance, he has drawn even more attention to his country.
Sadly, England beat Norway 2- 1 in the quarter-finals to advance to the semifinals.
Chinese fans affectionately dubbed him "Ha Bao" and "Baby Ha"- nicknames he loved and for which he graciously thanked them on his own platforms.
Even Google joined the excitement by introducing Viking animations whenever anyone searched for his name. The hype is completely real and well-placed, making a major tourism boom in Norway highly anticipated moving forward.
While the Northern Lights have drawn tourists for years, this bucket-list experience has been trending more since the alleged debut of the first panoramic night train.
I’ve come across so many posts about it on social media and was disappointed to learn that this particular experience is fake news.
Several online reports claim that a panoramic night train was launched in December 2025, operating out of Narvik along the historic Ofoten Line.
According to these viral posts, the train operates seasonally from October to March to coincide with the peak auroral season and heightened solar activity. Travellers are supposedly accompanied by expert guides who share deeper insights into this natural wonder.
It's easy to picture yourself viewing the Northern Lights like this, but it's only an AI reality for now.
Image: Supplied
Images circulating on social media showcase glass-enclosed carriages and reclining seats designed for viewing the Arctic sky. To keep passengers cosy, the heated and climate-controlled cabins are reportedly kept dimly lit.
Standard ticket prices for this spectacular journey are rumoured to start around €130 (approximately R2400).
Again, always do your research so you don't get duped by fake news, which could mean a costly travel mistake at the end of the day.
A breathtaking view of the Northern Lights over Sandnes, Norway's rugged mountains.
Image: Pexels/ Stein Egil Liland
This spectacular natural light show illuminates the night sky. It is created when electrically charged solar particles enter Earth's atmosphere and collide with atmospheric gases, producing a vibrant, dancing display of green, red and purple hues.
This highly coveted experience is defined by its rarity, unpredictability, and an inherent sense of mystery.
This spectacular display can be observed from isolated polar regions, including Northern Norway, Iceland and Canadian territories.
Remember the best time to visit is from September to March. The top spot to stay at is Tromsø, Norway, which is the premier basecamp for “chasing” lights.
Alternative destinations offering spectacular views:
The Norsk Folkemuseum is worth visiting if you are in Oslo, Norway.
Image: Facebook
To truly maximise your experience, consider booking a luxurious stay in a glass igloo. If you are looking for adventure, exciting activities like dogsledding and snowmobiling are perfect for you.
Additionally, you can discover incredible glaciers, hot springs, and black sand beaches, exploring them whenever the mood strikes.
Be sure to do your research beforehand to guarantee you can flawlessly capture the spectacular scenery you encounter.
Unfortunately, there’s no guarantee that a visit to Norway will mean bumping into the footballer. However, if you do want to increase your chances, he stays in Oslo, so that’s where you need to stay.
If you do visit, your sightseeing adventures should include: