Hurtigruten is the cruise of choice for travellers looking to catch a glimpse of the Aurora Borealis, the phenomena popularly known as the Northern Lights.

When you embark on Hurtigruten’s Astronomy Voyage In Search of the Northern Lights, you will experience nature’s own mesmerizing light show. You will see cascades of  brightly coloured lights dart across the dark sky. You will watch this hypnotic display of green, yellow, violet and red neon lights dance across the sky like a symphonic ballet, transforming the sky into a mighty display of nature’s power.

The best time to catch the Northern Lights is from September to March but if the Northern Lights do not appear on your Northern Lights seasoned cruise, you are eligible for another six or seven-day Classic Voyage FREE OF CHARGE under Hurtigruten’s Northern Lights Promise.

All Hurtigruten Norwegian Coastal Express cruises will see you cruise by majestic fjords, glaciers, snow-capped mountains, traditional fishing villages, and medieval towns.

While on board, make sure you bundle up in warm clothes when you are on the outdoor observation deck to enjoy the canopy of stars  above while breathing in the crisp brisk Nordic air.

Sail up Norway’s stunning coastline and learn about local culture, nature, science, and history in each charming port of call along the way. Listen to stimulating lectures on the cosmos imparted by the likes of internationally renowned author and lecturer on astronomy and space, Ian Ridpath, or Applied Physicist Dr John Mason. Each cruise has English-speaking tour leaders onboard, as well as exciting and educational port presentations, tips and tricks on taking photos, optional shore excursion presentations and depending on the season, free loan of trekking poles, snow shoes, head lamps and ice-spikes for optional hikes.

Astronomy Voyage: In Search of the Northern Lights — 12 Days — From $2,939 pp — Departures between September 2022 and March 2024

This round-trip tour from Bergen takes you on a celestial journey under the Arctic sky as you cruise along the mesmerising Norwegian Coast. Absorb unique insights in onboard lectures from renowned astronomers about the Aurora Borealis and galaxy as well as numerous local myths and legends. Along the way your ports of call will include the Art Nouveau town of Ålesund and the medieval city of Trondheim. In the early hours on your fourth day, the ship will cross the Arctic Circle and enter the Arctic and you will be invited to join the crew on deck to mark the moment with a traditional ceremony. It’s here that your chance of spotting the Northern Lights increases. Stop in at Tromsø, Honningsvåg at the top of the European mainland, and finally the town of Kirkenes at the top of Norway before you turn and return south. Ports visited at night will be seen during the day on the return journey for the full Norwegian coastal experience. Choose from exciting optional excursions on offer like a snowmobile tour in the polar night, a coach tour of Hammerfest, the northernmost town in the world, birdwatching safaris, and dog sledding.

More Hurtigruten Northern Lights Itineraries:

Arctic Wonders: Including Iconic Snowhotel — 8 Days — From $2,654 — Regular departures all year

Experience the Classic Voyage North along Norway’s rugged coastline. Your journey begins in Bergen, the gateway to the fjords. If you have time before your ship departs, be sure to visit the charming UNESCO-listed wharfs. Once aboard, meet your Coastal Experts who will be your guides as you sail the old Viking route along Hjeltefjord and will organise lectures, onboard activities and optional excursions. Discover the magic of the coastal cities like Torvik, Ålesund, Molde and Trondheim as you cruise north. There is an ample selection of shore excursions, from Trondheim’s city walk to the Romsdal Gondola – a breathtaking scenic tour of the beautiful fjord landscape up Nesaksla Mountain. Further north, your journey continues into the Norwegian Arctic and enters into the Lofoten archipelago. Spend a night in the Snowhotel just outside of Kirkenes. The large, extended igloo is made from several tonnes of snow and ice and is certain to make a lasting impression. Once you check in you’ll be free to explore the hotel and admire its many illuminated sculptures and wall carvings. Thermal sleeping bags in your Snow Suite will ensure a good night’s sleep. Your journey will end in Kirkenes where you will be transferred to the airport for your trip home.

Complete Norway: Arctic Winter and Northern Lights — 16 Days — Winter season departures 2021-2023

Discover the entire original coastal route with 34 ports of call, sailing past more than 100 fjords and 1,000 mountains. Your odyssey will begin in Oslo and travel along the famous Norway in a Nutshell route to Bergen via Flam, where you can take a ride on one of the world’s most scenic railway trips, and then on to Voss. Cross the Arctic Circle all the way up to Ålesund and keep an eye out for the spectacular Northern Lights, all while enjoying the comforts of your Hurtigruten cruise in the cabin of your choice. Optional lectures hosted by the Expedition Team will ensure there is never a dull moment onboard, in which you can learn about a variety of topics including botany, wildlife, the natural phenomena of the Northern Lights, fishing traditions and Viking history. Ashore, explore the hidden rooms of Nidaros Cathedral, journey deep into the marble and limestone mine in Bergstatt, or discover the coastline of Gimsøy on horseback.