Norway: Cruises to See Northern Lights – Full Round Voyage

Norway’s second largest city, exquisite Bergen, enjoys a fantastic setting on a peninsular that is surrounded by towering mountains. You can get an amazing view of the surrounding icy landscapes by taking the funicular railway to the top of Mount Fløyen if time allows before cruises to see the Northern Lights commence. Board the ship and set sail on a journey of a lifetime.

Spread across the islands of Aspøya and Nørvøy, the captivating city of Ålesund lies adjacent to what is arguably Norway’s most famous fjord, the UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord. When you arrive here on cruises to see the Northern Lights, wander around the town and take in the unusual but fabulous Art Nouveau architecture, the style in which the city was rebuilt following a terrible fire in 1904.

This city, once the capital of Norway during the Viking era, enjoys a beautiful setting on the south shore of Trondheimsfjord. Go ashore and take in the amazing history of this intriguing city, and do not miss seeing the Gothic-style Nidaros Cathedral, once the coronation church of the Norwegian kings during medieval times. Cruises to see the Northern Lights depart from Trondheim in the evening, meaning that conditions for seeing the Aurora Borealis are more favourable.

As the ship makes her way ever northwards, you will cross into the icy world of the Arctic, your chances of seeing the Northern Lights increasing significantly. Arriving in Bødo, take some time to wander around one of Norway’s smaller fishing communities. Later, cruises to see the Northern Lights carry on to Svolvær, the principal town of the Lofoten Islands, where you have the opportunity to visit the incredible Ice Gallery.

Today we call at Tromsø, the Arctic capital. Explore some of the city’s landmarks such as the uniquely designed Arctic Cathedral. There are also several museums where you can learn about life in the Arctic – Polaria in particular is a good one to visit. The Aurora Borealis are frequently spotted here so keep your eyes on the skies before cruises to see the Northern Lights depart in the evening.

Arriving at the large fishing community of Honningsvåg, take the opportunity to embark on an optional excursion to the North Cape, the most northerly point in all of Norway. Stand atop the 300 metre high cliff and gaze out at the icy seas, where the only things separating you from the North Pole are ice and water. To feel as though you are at the end of the Earth is an incredible experience on cruises to see the Northern Lights.

This is the last major settlement along the coastline before crossing into Russian waters. There are several optional activities to take part in when cruises to the see Northern Lights arrive in Kirkenes, or you can simply wander around the town, browse the shops and sample some of the local food and drinks in the warmth of a cosy café.

Claiming to be Norway’s most northerly city, Hammerfest is one of the most historic settlements in the country and as such, it has become a centre for Sámi culture. Learn about the lifestyles of Norway’s indigenous people and how they cope with the extreme cold of the Arctic. Later, the ship arrives in Tromsø again where you have the opportunity to see a midnight concert at the Arctic Cathedral.

There is a brilliant opportunity today to see the Lofoten Islands in all their beauty as the ship weaves its way between islets and skerries. Wrap up warm and head out on deck for superb views of the snow-dusted islands, or relax in the cosy lounge and watch the scenery from the enormous panoramic windows as cruises to see the Northern Lights continue southwards.

After re-crossing the Arctic Circle, look out for the incredible sight of the Seven Sisters, a chain of seven enormous snow-covered peaks that rises from the icy seas. Learn about the mystery and folklore that surround these unusual mountains, especially how Torghatten Mountain became ‘pierced’.

Cruises to see the Northern Lights make a second call at Trondheim where you have time to take another look around this Viking city. The penultimate port of call is Molde, affectionately known as the ‘City of Roses’ due to its abundance of parks and botanical gardens. Browse the shops for souvenirs in this modern city before returning to the ship to spend your last night on board.

Cruises to see the Northern Lights conclude in Bergen, giving you another chance to go sightseeing before catching your return flight to the UK.