Hurtigruten Northern Lights
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Experience the magic of the Northern Lights on a comfortable journey along over 780 miles of Norway’s rugged coastline. As you drift through the sea, leaving the artificial lights of the towns behind, you’ll encounter the Northern Lights in an immersive way. Watch as they shine brightly above you, painting an unspoiled panorama of shimmering colours. When the cold sets in, retreat to your cabin and continue to marvel at the spectacle from the warmth of your ship. For an added adventure, opt for a snowmobile safari to hunt for the Northern Lights on land.
All cabins and suites onboard their ships feature a ‘Northern Lights alert’ system, notifying you whenever the aurora is spotted. This allows you to rush to your window or step outside to witness the spectacle. The crew will announce aurora sightings to your cabin or suite, day or night. You can easily switch these announcements on or off according to your preference.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can you see the Northern Lights?
The aurora borealis is most commonly seen within a 2,500 km radius around the magnetic poles, known as the Auroral Zone or Auroral Oval. The further north you travel, the higher the chances of witnessing this phenomenon, with the best locations being above the Arctic Circle (66°33’N). Northern Norway and the Svalbard archipelago are prime spots for aurora viewing. Hurtigruten cruises sail directly beneath the Auroral Zone in northern Norway, visiting 22 ports north of the Arctic Circle, offering ample opportunities to see the Northern Lights. Being at sea also reduces artificial light, making the auroras appear brighter and more vivid.
When can you see the Northern Lights?
The Northern Lights are present in Norway throughout the year, but are visible mainly from September to March when the Arctic Sky is dark enough. They typically appear between 17:00 and 02:00, often only for a few minutes, though a good display may last 15-30 minutes and occasionally longer. During summer, the Midnight Sun dominates from June to August above the Arctic Circle, preventing the Northern Lights from being seen due to the lack of darkness. So the best season to see the Northern Lights is winter.
How often do the Northern Lights Appear?
Each night varies due to cloud cover and other factors. Sailing directly beneath the Auroral Zone, you may have the chance to see the lights multiple times in one night and throughout the Coastal Express voyage. The aurora typically appears for a few minutes, with good displays lasting 15-30 minutes, sometimes extending to a couple of hours. Clear, dark skies are essential for viewing, but the temperature doesn’t affect the aurora—clear skies often coincide with colder temperatures.
How will you know if the Northern Lights will appear
While there’s no absolute guarantee, the chances of seeing the Northern Lights on a Hurtigruten voyage between October and March are excellent. Being in northern Norway during winter increases the likelihood, which is why Hurtigruten confidently offer their unique Northern Lights Promise.
Hurtigruten’s Northern Lights Promise
Witness the awe-inspiring Aurora Borealis, nature’s ultimate light show. Hurtigruten understands that no Arctic Circle trip is complete without this breathtaking experience. If the Northern Lights do not appear during the duration of your cruise to Norway, Hurtigruten offers a complimentary 6 or 7-day Classic Voyage.
For more information, visit our Hurtigruten Offers Page
Why Book your Hurtigruten Northern Lights Voyages with Travel Club Elite?
Here at Travel Club Elite, we offer the Hurtigruten Northern Lights voyages you know and love with our expertise and exclusive savings thrown in on top! Our 39 years of ABTA membership and superior service mean you can book with confidence and security, taking the stress out of organizing your voyage
Call free 0800 707 6229 for Extra Savings on Hurtigruten Northern Lights Voyages
