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If you don't have two or three weeks to take off work to go northern lights watching, consider Oceanwide Expeditions' eight-day aurora borealis sailings from Iceland to Greenland and back. The adventure begins in Akureyri, the unofficial capital of north Iceland, before heading for Greenland's breathtaking Scoresby Sund, the largest fjord system in the world. If you do have a little more time, you can opt for the 13-day Spitsbergen - Northeast Greenland - Aurora Borealis itinerary, which embarks in the Svalbard archipelago before sailing to Greenland and down to Iceland. Both take place in the late summer into early fall, as darkness returns to the skies in the Arctic. Rates for the eight-day itinerary start from $4,600 per person for the 2023 sailings.
Latest Reviews What our clients are saying about their journeys providing the opportunity to view the Northern Lights
Always have a backup plan for onshore activities and shore excursions in Norway in case of inclement weather. Take advantage when the sun is out, and, if it's raining, don't be afraid to push back an activity to later in the day -- often a rainy morning will turn sunny later on (or vice versa). Also be sure to pack a rain jacket and umbrella, and dress in layers. When going on a winter or fall excursion above the Arctic circle, we always recommend dressing according to the season and in layers so you can adjust your clothing to the weather conditions. If you need an extra layer when out on one of our tours, we can offer you a winter overall suit. More days means more to discover, with extension packages you can add before or after your Viking cruise or cruisetour.
The Chief Aurora Chaser: Tom Kerss
The Food on a Hurtigruten Cruise Through Norway - Food & Wine
The Food on a Hurtigruten Cruise Through Norway.
Posted: Mon, 20 Nov 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Norway is often the first country that comes to mind when people think of the Northern Lights. The Northern Lights are a prominent feature of the night sky throughout the country and have even influenced folklore and indigenous culture. Because Norway is so long, the seasons change at different times, with summer lasting longer in the south and winter lasting longer in the north. As a rule of thumb, the further north you go, the longer your window is for seeing them. It is most frequently visible in high-latitude regions in the Arctic and Antarctica, but most accessible between 10° and 20° of the North Pole in a band called the ‘auroral zone’.
Explore the Norwegian Fjords and See the Northern Lights With Hurtigruten - TravelPulse
Explore the Norwegian Fjords and See the Northern Lights With Hurtigruten.
Posted: Fri, 12 Apr 2024 02:00:00 GMT [source]
Don’t just visit Norway. Live it.
Norway cruise itineraries depart from a variety of cities, though most begin in Bergen or Oslo. Other popular departure cities are found across northern Europe, including Copenhagen, Amsterdam, Hamburg and a variety of U.K. Norway is one of the best places to see the Northern Lights, so if you’re visiting during September to April (the prime time for sightings), don’t miss the opportunity to try to catch a glimpse.
The North Cape Express - Full Voyage from Bergen to Oslo (2024-
Many cruises hug the northern Norwegian coast above the Arctic Circle. Some venture to the Svalbard Archipelago, where the Gulf Stream flows prevent the seas from freezing in winter. The best northern lights cruises provide plenty of opportunities for passengers to learn about, celebrate and, of course, see the northern lights. But there will also be activities geared to exploring parts of the world filled with many other natural, cultural, and man-made wonders.
Tromsø
A Havila or Hurtigruten cruise calls at 34 ports of call on its route between Bergen and Kirkenes. So you’ll have plenty to keep you entertained during the daytime before prime northern lights viewing hours at night. With a cruise holiday along the fjord-studded Norwegian coast you can choose from numerous guided shore excursions, such as short husky safaris and fishing village tours.
All Norway Tours
Nordic Visitor did a great job with set up for accommodation and travel within the country. I liked the way it was set up to visit popular destinations/excursions but also allowed time to explore on your own. Our hotels were centrally located, clean and offered great breakfasts to start each day. Our transportation connections couldn't have gone any smoother and the scenery from the train into Flåm and boat through the fiords was spectacular! Nordic Visitor can tailor your Norway cruise itinerary to include a stay at the Snow Hotel in Kirkenes, Hurtigruten and Havila's northern hub. Chase the northern lights on a tour in other arctic destinations, including northern Scandinavia, Iceland and Greenland.
Day Norwegian Voyage: Northbound Bergen to Kirkenes
Average daytime temperatures in Norway reach into the 60s and 70s and rain is less frequent than in the wet winter months. (Don't think that means you won't get wet -- Norway is still a rather damp place, even in the summertime). At Norway's northern extremes, you can view the midnight sun if you cross into the Arctic Circle during the summer. Norway's weather in May and September can be a bit chillier and rainier.
Chasing the aurora as a solo traveler
Enjoy sweeping views as you sail along Norway’s coast, one of the world’s longest shorelines. Sail the North Sea, central to Europe’s history, from Viking voyages to oil drilling. 1893 Ambassador is open for all travel enthusiasts, regardless of if you have travelled with us or not. And of course, it's free to join.As a member, we bring you exclusive offers, benefits, discounts, and newsletters packed with inspirational articles. Norway’s wild and dramatic coastline is made for adventure all year round. Sailing here since 1893, we’re the experts, showing you both its highlights and its hidden gems.
Charming and postcard pretty, Stavanger is an idyllic coastal town, famous for its perfectly preserved wooden buildings (some dating back to the 18th century) and miles of pristine white sand. Multicultural Tromsø is one of the best places to see the Northern Lights. Home to over 100 nationalities, the city offers a wealth of eateries serving some of the best native cuisine in the Arctic. Under the Northern Light Promise, if the Northern Lights do not appear on a traveler's applicable Norway Expedition cruise, the expedition group will give travelers another Norway cruise free of charge. It was very easy to book via Nordic Visitor, the website is easy to use and communication with my appointed rep was excellent. They planned everything, the accommodation was beautiful, easy location for the other entertainment, all documents were sent to me in good time.
The fjords here are awe-inspiring, and opportunities for outdoor activities are plentiful (hiking, skiing and even surfing are all popular here). Animal lovers will also be excited to spot local sea eagles and puffins on a cruise through nearby Trollfjord. Experience a land where dawn and twilight merge on the edges of the long Arctic night. Sailing far north during Norway’s winter, witness snow-covered landscapes dotted with rugged mountains and steep fjords, and seek out the brilliant aurora borealis dancing in the night sky. Delve into Sami legends and World War II history, and pilot a dog sled or snowmobile to further immerse yourself in the Norwegian Arctic as you join us on this illuminating voyage. While Greenland is one of the best countries in the world for witnessing the Northern Lights, getting there can be challenging and often what holds people back.
Enjoy additional days to explore your embarkation or disembarkation city, or see a new destination altogether with a choice of exciting cities.Pre & Post Cruise Extensions vary by itinerary and are subject to change. Receive special offers, exciting new itineraries and fascinating articles delivered straight to your inbox. With mountains and fjords, as far as the eye can see, a trip on Narvik’s cable car offers stunning views, 650 metres above sea level.
Scanning night skies for northern lights requires patience and warm clothing. Besides a down coat, warm hat, and gloves, be sure to pack wind and waterproof pants (i.e., ski pants or rain pans), thermal long underwear, wool socks, and winter boots for walking on snow and ice. Ice crampons may come in handy, especially in ports where walkways may be icy or slick. On some active excursions, outfitters provide weather appropriate gear, but you can’t always count on that. And don’t forget your bathing suit for outdoor tub soaks and pool swims onboard.
