With long nights, clear skies, and plenty of winter activities, Tromsø is one of the best places on earth to witness the aurora borealis. And there’s no better way to do so than on a Hurtigruten cruise.
There is always a good chance of seeing the Northern Lights in Tromsø in the winter months. When it comes to aurora viewing, one thing is certain: the darker the sky, the better your chances.
Located beneath the Auroral Oval in northern Norway, more than 200 miles above the Arctic Circle, Tromsø boasts some of the best conditions for Northern Lights activity, with long nights and clear skies.
Add to this a wealth of winter experiences – snowmobiling, reindeer sledding, and husky safaris, to name a few – and it’s no surprise that Tromsø has long attracted travellers from across the world eager to witness this natural phenomenon.
While many visitors choose to stay in Tromsø and join a Northern Lights tour, there is another – and we would argue, better – way to experience the aurora borealis. Instead of chasing the lights on land, set sail with Hurtigruten and witness the Northern Lights in their full glory on the Norwegian coast.
The aurora borealis is most visible in northern Norway from late September to early April. In Tromsø, peak visibility occurs between December and February, when Polar Night swathes the city in almost continuous darkness.
Most visitors to Tromsø choose to stay in the city and go in search of the aurora borealis on a guided tour. But on a Hurtigruten cruise, we don't expect the lights to come to us. We bring you to the lights.
Having sailed these waters for more than 130 years, we know the Norwegian coast like an old friend. Aboard our ships, you can enjoy uninterrupted views of the starry Arctic sky, far from the glow of artificial city lights.
Away from air and light pollution, the visibility and vibrancy of the lights improves – along with your odds of a sighting.
Unlike land-based tours that depend on a single evening of clear weather, a cruise provides multiple opportunities to experience the lights. Hunting the Northern Lights from our ships means that you are never stuck in one place.
We are constantly on the move, passing swiftly through overcast areas, giving aurora hunters a better chance of clear skies.
You don’t need to worry about monitoring aurora forecasts or waiting on a minibus for hours in freezing temperatures in the hope the lights will appear. Our crew are constantly on the lookout for the aurora – and when it appears, they’ll let you know immediately.
Imagine stepping out on to the deck, hot chocolate in hand, and watching the lights for as long as you like. Or even better – enjoying the dancing lights from the comfort of your bed!
We’re so confident you’ll see the aurora on a Hurtigruten cruise that we make a promise no one can match. If the lights don’t occur on your voyage of 11 days or more, we’ll give you another 6-day cruise for free.
With Hurtigruten, you’re not just booking a cruise – you’re embarking on a legacy of Arctic exploration.
The Norway we bring you to is the Norway we know and love. It is a Norway unfiltered and authentic, by the people who know it best.
Don’t just visit Norway. Live it.
It’s not all about aurora chasing. While we are docked in Tromsø, you can join one of our small group excursions. Go dog sledding with Alaskan huskies across the frozen tundra. Do as the locals do and try your hand at snowshoeing. Or explore the icy fjords while whale watching. All you need is some warm clothes and a sense of adventure!
excursions
excursions
excursions
Don’t settle for a single Northern Lights tour when in Tromsø. Choose Hurtigruten for the true Arctic experience, where the aurora is just one highlight among many.
With lectures by renowned astronomers and winter excursions included, our tailored cruises are designed to maximize your Northern Lights holiday.
Our Signature voyages offer the premium aurora-chasing experience, while our Original Voyages take you through 34 enchanting ports. Choose to experience the Northern Lights in style.
Bergen – Kirkenes – Bergen (Full-trip)
The original Norwegian coastal voyage – connecting fjords, towns & people since 1893
Pressed for time? Our 3-day cruises are perfect for a weekend getaway. Experience the Northern Lights without taking too much time off work.
Tromsø - Brønnøysund - Trondheim (Southbound)
From Arctic landscapes to Viking legacy on this short journey down Norway’s coast
For those who have your heart set on witnessing the swirling glow of the aurora borealis, we make you a promise no one can match.
We have a range of cruises in Norway for those who like to travel solo.
Professional photographer Stian Klo and other astro-photographers share their tips for taking photos of the Northern Lights as you sail along Norway’s coast with us.
The Solar Maximum is a period of solar activity when sunspots, solar flares, and coronal mass ejections (CMEs) occur frequently, resulting in more chances to see impressive displays. After the current Solar Max, the next one won’t be until 2036.
The Northern Lights are caused by the interaction between charged particles from the sun and the Earth's magnetic field and atmosphere.
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