Northern Lights cruises
The aurora borealis is one of the world’s most celebrated natural phenomena – and there’s nowhere better to see it than from one of our ships.
The Northern Lights are one of the world’s most celebrated natural phenomena for a reason. But to us, they’re more than just a spectacle – they’re part of life along Norway’s coast. Familiar, yet always extraordinary.
We’ve sailed beneath the aurora borealis for more than 130 years. Not as tourists chasing the lights, but as caretakers of this coast – through snow and storms and beneath starry night skies. We sail deep into the Arctic Circle, through glittering fjords and along remote stretches of coast where the sky is darker, the air is cleaner and the chances of a sighting are better.
When you sail with Hurtigruten, you don’t just see the aurora. You wait for it, feel it coming, and share in the quiet thrill when it appears.
It is more than just a cruise. It’s a front-row seat to nature’s greatest light show, with the people who know these skies best.
Why choose a Northern Lights cruise with Hurtigruten?
There’s nowhere better to see the aurora borealis than sailing along pristine fjords with us, far from the ambient lights on shore. Away from air and light pollution, the visibility and vibrancy of the lights improves, along with your odds of a sighting. And as the ship is on the move, we’ll be passing overcast areas, giving aurora hunters a better likelihood of sailing under clear skies.
Unlike land-based tours where you might wait in the cold for hours, on ship you can stay warm and relaxed. If the aurora appears, our crew will let you know.
You might be sitting down for dinner or tucked up in bed, but when the lights come out, you’ll hear the announcement ripple through the ship. A moment of quiet, then a soft thrill in the air. Everyone gathers on deck or at the windows, eyes turned skyward.
Better still, with our Northern Lights Promise, if the aurora doesn’t appear on your cruise, we’ll give you another chance to see it on a future sailing. No hassle, no extra cost.
The Hurtigruten Difference
Northern Lights Promise
We make you a promise no one can match. If the Northern Lights do not occur within sight of your ship during your voyage of 11 days or more, we will give you a 6-day southbound or 7-day northbound Coastal Express voyage free of charge.
Aurora alerts
All cabins and suites on our ships have an ‘Northern Lights alert’ to tell you whenever we spot sightings of the aurora, so you can rush to your window or out on deck to catch them.
The suite spot
Norway is a land of space, serenity and subtle charms, and our onboard suites aim to reflect just that. Upgrade for the ultimate in roominess and comfort, fine dining options, cabin gifts and more. You’ll bask in the best we can offer for your trip of a lifetime.
Authentically Norwegian
Norway is our home. Nothing gives us greater joy than showing its beauty and culture to the world. The Norway we bring you to is the Norway we know and love - unfiltered and authentic, by the people who know it best.
Small-ship cruising
Relax as we take you closer to the beauty of the coast. Our cruise ships are small and nimble enough to stop at tiny ports and sail into the narrowest Norwegian fjords.
Experience Norway your way
We offer more sailings, more shore excursions and more flexibility for sailing the Norwegian coast than other cruise lines. Whether you want to see the aurora borealis over a weekend or a fortnight, our diverse range of itineraries have you covered.
When is the best time to go on a Northern Lights cruise?
The aurora flickers across the night sky throughout the year in Norway. But the best time for an aurora sighting is from late September to March. These are the months of long, dark nights – perfect conditions for witnessing the world's greatest light show.
The further north you sail, the better your chances. Northern Norway lies above the Arctic Circle, directly under the Auroral Zone, where the Northern Lights can appear multiple times in one night.
Of the 34 ports that we visit on The Coastal Express, 22 are above the Arctic Circle. On our 12-day Classic Voyage, you’ll spend six nights in the Auroral Zone, upping your chances of seeing the Northern Lights not just once, but multiple times.
And because our ships are always on the move, we sail under different skies each night. If one area’s cloudy, we’re heading towards another, increasing your chances of a clear sighting.
It's like real magic happening in front of your eyes. You also get the best of both worlds on ship. Go out on deck in the Arctic, then go inside and have a cup of coffee straight away.
Explore our voyages
Our cruises offer itineraries to suit every traveller:
Winter shore excursions
Snowmobiling across frozen Arctic landscapes. Dog sledding with Alaskan huskies. Sami stories by a fire. A night in a hotel made entirely of ice. This is Arctic Norway in winter – and you’re invited.
excursions
Snowmobile Trip in the Polar Night
excursions
Dog Sledding in Winter Wonderland
excursions
Kirkenes Snowhotel
excursions
Snowshoeing In Tromsø
Ready to see the Lights?
There’s nowhere quite like Norway in winter. And no better way to experience it than with Hurtigruten.
Order your free brochure today to start planning your journey to our homeland. Live the legend of Norway with the experts and tick this incredible natural phenomenon off your bucket list.
More about the Northern Lights
For 130 years, we’ve sailed beneath nature’s mesmerising light show in northern Norway.
Discover everything you need to know about the aurora borealis from the experts.
