Autumn Cruise in Norway

Autumn along Norway’s coast is known as the season of color. In September and October, brilliant reds, yellows and orange dominate the mountainsides, hilltops and woods. Astonishingly blue skies contrast against the highest peaks, white with the season's first snows. The days grow shorter, the nights longer, and with luck, you´ll see the magical Northern Lights.

September and October are a very special time to cruise the Norwegian coastline with Hurtigruten. Many guests rate autumn as their overall favorite season to sail, and here's a few reasons why:

Experience coastal Norway at its most naturally colorful
Enjoy a more tranquil journey without summer crowds
Encounter darker nights, with the chance to see the magnificent Northern Lights
Enter the majestic Trollfjord and beautiful Hjørundfjord

Discover some of the highlights of an autumn voyage in Norway

Beginning of the Northern Lights Season

As the nights grow longer, so do your chances for seeing the mesmerizing Aurora Borealis lightshow. During autumn, the night skies at sea are so dark and full of stars that it is almost unbelievable. During the day, you're treated to an absurdly colorful display of autumnal nature.

Top 5 places to see the Northern Lights in Norway

Laid back and Leisurely

Autumn is also a more tranquil time to travel with Hurtigruten. The summer crowds dissipate, allowing you more leisurely time to take in the sights, enjoy the slower pace of life and the spectacular scenery passing by.

Fantastic Fjords

During autumn, we make a detour into Hjørundfjord on the northbound route from Bergen to Kirkenes, and navigate the narrow passage into breathtaking Trollfjord on both the northbound and southbound journeys.

Photo: Erika Tiren, Trym Ivar Bergsmo and

Food Stories from Norway

Fresh local food enhances the travel experience. It generates positive ripple effects in the local communities and inspires great stories about the places we visit. During autumn, we serve cloudberries out on deck. A woman in Finnmark handpicks and personally delivers the berries to our ships. Food experiences don’t get more real than this. You can also buy some of the products we serve in our on-board shops and take them home. That way the experience lingers.

Fresh autumn produce from Norway's Coastal Kitchen

Autumn is peak harvest time, which means it's top foodie season at Hurtigruten. Our kitchens serve a great selection of fresh, locally sourced cuisine.

Seafood, meat, poultry, dairy products, condiments, foraged mushrooms and berries, and seasonal vegetables are all delivered directly to the ships, significantly reducing food miles and optimising the use of local port facilities.

Read more about the food on board.

Look and learn with the Expedition Team

Sit in on any number of lectures and presentations hosted by our Expedition Team, experts on all things Norway.

Or join one of our exciting shore excursions, including seven different coastal hikes and tours through the historic cities of Trondheim and Tromsø. Autumn is the perfect hiking season.

Autumn Apparel - what to wear on a cruise to Norway

The coastal climate in autumn is generally mild, but as you sail further north it can get quite cold. In October, temperatures can even creep below 32 degrees in the northernmost areas, so make sure to pack warm clothes. It's a good idea to bring along a woolly jumper, wind and waterproof jacket and trousers, a hat, gloves and light hiking boots.

The dress code on board the ship is casual and relaxed, so no need for a tie. But don't forget your camera - that should be with you at all times.

Mellow and Magical

Autumn is a wonderful time to visit Norway. If you have always wanted to see the Norwegian coastline, the fabled fjords and the legendary Northern Lights, Hurtigruten's autumn sailings present the perfect opportunity.

See all cruises in Norway