Norwegian Coastal Express
For 130 years, we’ve sailed beneath nature’s mesmerizing lightshow along the Norwegian coast. Discover everything you need to know about the aurora borealis from the experts.
It’s dark. You're outside and everything is quiet. Suddenly, a flicker of light in the sky catches your eye. Pale and modest at first, it soon becomes intense and vibrant, transforming the darkness into a mighty display of nature’s power.
Cascades of green, yellow, purple, and red dance above you in silent harmony. It’s hypnotic and impossible to ignore. These are the Northern Lights: a mighty, symphonic ballet in the sky.
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: Sail the Norwegian coast with us during the auroral season between 1 October and 31 March on a voyage of 11 days or more. If the Northern Lights do not occur within sight of your ship during your voyage, we will give you a 6-day southbound or 7-day northbound Original Coastal Express Classic Voyage FREE OF CHARGE*. *Please see terms and conditions below
The Northern Lights are also known as the aurora borealis, a name given to them by famed scientist and astronomer, Galileo. Aurora was the Roman goddess of the dawn, and ‘borealis’ is derived from Boreas, the Greek name for the north wind.
But when it comes to what causes them, we look to science rather than mythology.
Modern-day science has revealed much about the aurora, but imagine gazing up at the phenomena of green, red, and purple lights flickering across the sky and not knowing what they are.
It’s no wonder the aurora borealis have influenced folklore and legends through the ages which painted them as everything from Viking armor and bridges to the afterlife to dangerous monsters and souls of the dead.
Photographing the Northern Lights isn’t an exact science; there are a lot of variables to consider, and some trial and error is needed.
But don’t let that put you off. We’ve seen the lights every year for 130 years. To capture their elusive beauty, here are our tried and tested photography tips.
Where can I see the Northern Lights? When is the best time to see them? Find the answers to these questions and more in our FAQ.
Sign up to be the first to receive the latest information, news and offers related to the Northern Lights and our specialist coastal voyages.
