Aurora Spirit Distillery: Lyngseidet, Troms
Updated: 2 days ago
Aurora Spirit Distillery is a distillery at Lyngseidet in the Lyngen Alps, Troms, northern Norway, at about 69 degrees north. Whisky Magazine and Norwegian visitor sites describe it as the world's northernmost distillery.
In this guide
Summarise this guide with AI
Aurora Spirit at a glance
Distillery fact | Verified detail |
|---|---|
Distillery / brand | Aurora Spirit |
Country and region | Troms, Norway |
Owner / operator | Aurora Spirit Distillery |
Historical background | Construction began in January 2016 and the distillery was finished by June, with a grand opening attended by more than a hundred people. First distillation began in September 2016,… |
Whisky identity | Arctic whisky matured partly in former NATO tunnels |
Visitor planning | Check the producer's official site for current tours and operating hours. |
Join the Aurora Spirit whisky community poll
Which whiskies have you tried? What should Whisky Clan review next? Open the highlighted poll below, answer four quick questions and share your preferences with the community.
TAKE THE AURORA SPIRIT COMMUNITY POLL · 4 QUICK QUESTIONS
Answer four quick questions to see real reader percentages. No account or email is required.
Where it is
The distillery lies near Lyngseidet on the Lyngenfjord, surrounded by the Lyngen Alps and roughly a two hour drive from Tromso. It runs guided tours and offers accommodation in the Aurora Fjord Cabins built behind the distillery.
History
Construction began in January 2016 and the distillery was finished by June, with a grand opening attended by more than a hundred people. First distillation began in September 2016, producing vodka, gin and clear aquavit as the first Bivrost products.
In 2017 the first casks of whisky and aquavit were filled into a former NATO bunker used for maturation. The first whisky, Bivrost Niflheim Arctic Single Malt, was released in May 2020. Bottle number one sold for 80,000 NOK at an auction in London, which the distillery says made it the most expensive alcohol ever produced in Norway.
A new Viking Warehouse was completed in 2021. In 2022 the team began charring and coopering casks in house. In 2023 the distillery won two awards at the World Whiskies Awards in London. In 2025 it expanded the distillery and its production capacity, and opened a warehouse and tasting experience in Tromso.
The whisky
Niflheim was made from Nordic barley, Pilsner malt and brewer's yeast, using water from a local spring fed by meltwater from the Lyngen mountains. It was matured for three years in sherry, virgin oak and bourbon casks in underground vaults that were once part of a Cold War NATO tunnel network.
Whisky Magazine reported in 2020 that the distillery planned two limited releases a year, themed on the nine worlds of Old Norse mythology, until a standard Bivrost whisky was ready. For its 2026 anniversary the distillery announced The Arctic Barley, a limited whisky made only from Arctic barley of the 2020 harvest.
The Bivrost name
Bivrost comes from Old Norse and was the name the Vikings gave to the northern lights, which they saw as a bridge between worlds. Besides whisky, the Bivrost range includes gin, aquavit, vodka and, from 2024, an Arctic brandy.
Visiting and links
The distillery is open to visitors for guided tours. Official website: auroraspirit.com.
Sources
Aurora Spirit official website, 10 years anniversary timeline (2016 to 2026). Whisky Magazine, 4 June 2020. Visit Lyngenfjord and Visit Norway listings. The distillery's 2020 meeting and events brochure.
What makes Aurora Spirit distinctive?
Arctic whisky matured partly in former NATO tunnels
Aurora Spirit whisky bottle and expression comparison
Bottle / expression | Age | ABV | Cask maturation / notes |
|---|---|---|---|
Bivrost Niflheim Single Malt | NAS / release dependent | Check bottle | Arctic whisky matured partly in former NATO tunnels |
The table records named or historical expressions. Exact availability, strength and provenance can change; consult the producer for current details.
Explore related distilleries
Frequently asked questions about Aurora Spirit
Where is Aurora Spirit located?
Troms, Norway.
Who owns or operates Aurora Spirit?
Aurora Spirit Distillery.
What makes Aurora Spirit distinctive?
Arctic whisky matured partly in former NATO tunnels.
Which whiskies are documented for Aurora Spirit?
Bivrost Niflheim Single Malt. Availability varies.
Can visitors tour Aurora Spirit?
Check the producer's current tour and booking information; not all sites are open to visitors.
Sources and editorial notes
The original research and reference links have been retained. Current ownership, prices, operating status and visitor arrangements should be reconfirmed.
Featured photograph: Aurora Spirit's House of Light whisky distillery building in Lyngseidet, Troms. Photo source and credits are listed at the bottom of this article.
Help us improve this distillery guide
Know something we should add or correct about Aurora Spirit Distillery? Share verified facts, bottle releases, awards or useful sources using the form below. Newsletter subscription is optional.
If the embedded form does not display, Open the contribution form in a new tab.
Cover photograph: Aurora Spirit's House of Light whisky distillery building in Lyngseidet, Troms. Source: Visit Northern Norway / Visit Lyngenfjord. Reuse rights have not been independently confirmed.
About the author
 | Filip Janczak Storyteller, drinker and explorer of all things whisky. Read more about the person behind Whisky Clan and explore additional reviews and distillery guides. |
Comments