← All winter tips · After dark
Keep an eye on the northern sky.
One night the sky is perfectly still; the next, green light may dance above the mountains. Here's how to improve your chances.
The aurora can appear around Vemdalen, although Klövsjö lies south of Sweden's most reliable northern-lights regions. Think of it as a possible bonus to a mountain holiday, never a guaranteed attraction.
Darkness, clear skies and solar activity
September to March brings the long dark evenings you need; early April can work if the night is dark enough. Clear skies matter as much as solar activity. Check NOAA's 30-minute aurora forecast alongside SMHI's local cloud forecast. Predictions cover broad areas, so look out more than once during the evening.
Find a dark place with a view north
Choose a safe spot away from streetlights with an open view to the north. Strong displays can also spread high overhead. Do not venture onto the ice of Svartåstjärn for a better view; stay off ski pistes, snowmobile routes and steep edges in the dark.
Photographing the aurora
Rest your camera on a tripod and use a timer. With manual controls, a fast wide-angle lens, RAW files and focus on a distant star are a good starting point. Try a few exposures and adjust rather than relying on one setting. A phone's night mode works best when the phone is completely steady. Turn off the flash and bring a charged power bank and warm gloves. Let cold camera gear warm gradually in its bag indoors.
NOAA aurora forecast ↗ SMHI weather and clouds ↗ Visit Sweden photography guide ↗