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One moment you might find yourself kayaking on a glistening fjord or gazing up at a thundering waterfall, and the next you could be watching a spectacular stage show or sinking into a soothing spa treatment. Known as the aurora season, the best time for taking a cruise holiday to see the Northern Lights is between September and April. However, the equinox months of September and March are the peak months for catching the aurora borealis as the magnetic fields of the Earth and the Sun’s solar wind are in sync then.
Tromsø, the Arctic Capital
The vessels are equipped with observation decks, ensuring optimal Northern Lights viewing. To unwind, onboard amenities include wellness facilities, dining featuring local cuisine and presentations from naturalists. These diverse activities create a holistic and enriching journey for travellers seeking the magic of the Northern Lights. Popular regions for Northern Lights cruises and expeditions with Aurora Expeditions include Arctic destinations like Norway, Iceland and the Canadian Arctic. These Arctic regions, located near the magnetic poles, offer optimal conditions for observing the Northern Lights.
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It applies to North Cape Express voyages departing between September 26, 2023 and March 31, 2024 and The Original Coastal Express voyages departing between October 1, 2023 and March 31, 2024. By day, you’ll visit some of Norway’s most enchanting coastal towns, discovering the region’s rich culture and scenery. While at night the prospect of the Northern Lights is enough to tempt you from your stateroom into the crisp, still, darkness beyond. Over the next few days we explore parts of Norway’s remarkable 1,000-kilometre (600-mile) coastline.
Why To Go Stargazing On A Cruise Ship—And See The Northern Lights - Forbes
Why To Go Stargazing On A Cruise Ship—And See The Northern Lights.
Posted: Sun, 17 Sep 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Breakfast at the North Cape
Passengers will enjoy the magical display from the comfort of the ship, creating a truly extraordinary and unforgettable experience. 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.
Cunard offers cruises within the Arctic Circle visiting the Norwegian city of Tromsø, which is a known place to view the aurora borealis. Crossing the Denmark Strait to Iceland, search for whale blows and photograph the many seabirds that trail our ship in the ever-present arctic winds. Explore Scoresbysund, the world’s largest fjord system and a favourite hunting ground of the local Inuit. Massive glaciers flow into this fjord, the birthplace of hundreds of majestic Greenland icebergs. North of Scoresbysund lie Kong Oskar and Kaiser Franz Josef fjords, two of the most significant fjord systems in Greenland, each one encompassing several smaller fjords and sounds.
Norway’s Coastal Kitchen
She also runs talks and school workshops on aurora research to promote ‘The Aurora Zoo’, a citizen science platform where the public analyze short videos of aurora displays. In the afternoon, we dock at Kristiansund, a quaint harbor town spread over three islands. Meander along the cobbled streets of the old town and be sure to sample the local delicacy of klippfisk, salted cod that’s dried on the surrounding cliffs. Leave behind the magic of the Arctic Circle and head towards the ports of Bodø and Ørnes.
Norwegian Coastal Express
We are also in the prime zone to view the northern lights, so glance up to the skies and you might just see more than shimmering stars. Embark on an illuminating once-in-a-lifetime voyage in search of the elusive aurora borealis, or northern lights. Immerse yourself in the beauty of Arctic landscapes and rich traditions of the indigenous Sami people, who have a deep connection with the land. By night you will seek out the Northern Lights, but by day we will try to get you off the ship 2-3 times per day (depending on the weather and conditions) so you can get the most out of your time in the Arctic. Walking and bird-watching are popular activities as they offer a chance to witness the unique wildlife in the destinations you visit.
Above the Arctic Circle, your chances of spotting the majestic Northern Lights increase. You should be fit enough to paddle for up to three hours and climb between moving Zodiacs on the water. Regular exercise is recommended, because the fitter you are the more you will enjoy the experience.
An occurrence can last anything from a few minutes to a matter of hours, and the ships decision as to whether the Northern Lights occurred is final. Our ships act as floating, mobile observatories that move between areas where there is a lot of cloud cover to places where it’s clear skies and perfect conditions to see the aurora when it appears. As we arrive in Bergen, it’s time to say goodbye to the Captain, crew and astronomers who have accompanied you on this unique voyage along Norway’s spectacular coastline. However, if you aren’t ready to leave Norway just yet, there are plenty of extension options that will make your trip that extra bit more special.
Sea kayaking holidays in the humbling wilderness of Antarctica, the Arctic, and some of the world’s most biodiverse regions, are guaranteed to stir your soul. Paddle between brash ice and icebergs of all shapes and sizes, absorbing the majestic scenery as it unfolds before you. During the early morning, we cruise into Reykjavik and disembark at approximately 8.00 am. Farewell your expedition team and fellow passengers as you continue your onward journey. Deep fjords and narrow channels, flanked by sharp ice-clad peaks soaring up to 2,000 metres (6,562 feet), and glaciers birthing gigantic icebergs that drift throughout the fjord system, combine to create breathtaking scenes. While seeing the Northern Lights isn’t guaranteed, cruises to Alaska and Iceland make for unforgettable vacations.
The optimal time to witness the Northern Lights during Aurora Expeditions’ cruises and expeditions is typically during the winter months when the polar night prevails. This period, from late September to early April, offers extended darkness and clearer skies, enhancing the visibility of the Aurora Borealis. The absence of sunlight allows passengers to fully immerse themselves in the captivating light displays against the Arctic or sub-Arctic landscapes.
And this is especially true in the Nordic region when the nights are at their longest. Hurtigruten has been sailing in Norway for almost 130 years and offer several itineraries dedicated to chasing the Aurora Borealis. As spectacular as the Northern Lights are, they’re far from the only reason people travel to Norway. The exceptional fjords - narrow inlets of water formed when ancient glaciers retreated - are another of the country’s main attractions.
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