Table Of Content
Some may also include the highlights of the Baltic Sea region, including the Baltic countries and ports in the north of Germany and Poland. By breakfast, we will have reached the top of Norway and the town of Kirkenes, situated just a few kilometres from the border. The ports we visited at night are now seen during the day for a full Norwegian coastal experience. Your astronomy adventure begins in Bergen, the cultural gateway to the fjords and the second-largest city in Norway.
ATV/Quad-safari to the Norwegian border (Kirkenes)
From there, it’s onward to Rørvik, an ancient fishing town, and then Lødingen, a village known for its place amongst the fjords. There, guests can take an excursion to visit a Sámi village and learn about the Indigenous and semi-nomadic reindeer herders. Then it’s back down to Tromsø, where guests can visit the Polar Museum, go snowshoeing, or try one of the world’s northernmost breweries, Mack Bryggeri.
Northern Lights cruise & Snow hotel
In that case, the company will give you a free six-day southbound or seven-day northbound Original Coastal Express Class Voyage. Beyond the North Cape Express, the other auroral sailings (with the Northern Lights Promise) include the 12-day Original Coastal Express (the full scenic route that stops at all 34 ports twice, on the northbound and southbound route). From there, you’ll visit the Westfjords region of Iceland (the northwestern peninsula), with its colorful small towns, turbulent waterfalls, and fjords rich in bird-viewing opportunities. The final days before disembarkation in Bergen, Norway, will be spent in the Faroe Islands. There you’ll find traditional red-painted timber homes with grass roofs, lots of sheep and Faroese ponies, Viking history, and imposing sea cliffs. On many cruises, when passengers or crew spot northern lights, they make ship-wide announcements.
Day 4 - Crossing the Arctic Circle
Scotland is rarely the first place people think of when identifying locations from which to view the Northern Lights, but glimpses of the solar ballet can be caught at a few locations throughout this beautiful country. Known as the ‘Mirrie Dancers’ in this part of the world, the aurora borealis can be spotted from the Hebrides on the islands of Lewis, Harris and Skye. Applecross, Lochinver and north of Ullapool on the west coast catch the lights, as do Rannoch Moor, Perthshire and the Cairngorms, and Edinburgh if the aurora borealis is strong. Aberdeenshire, Moray Coast, Angus, Fife and East Lothian also see the lights at times.
Riverboat to the Norwegian Border
Reach the peak via a rewarding hike that takes you up 1,200 stone steps, or take it easy on the Fjellheisen aerial tramway and enjoy the scenery on the four-minute ride up. Once at the summit, take a load off at Fjellstua, which offers everything from coffee and cakes to reindeer burgers and wine, and then head outside onto the restaurant’s viewing deck to wait for the greatest light show on the planet. Northern Norway enters a period of darkness from late September through to March, with night descending across the region from early afternoon until late morning – perfect conditions for viewing the aurora borealis. The best cities and locations from which to see the Northern Lights in Norway are Bodø, Lofoten, Narvik, Tromsø, Svalbard, The Lyngenfjord Region, Nordkapp, Vesterålen, Kirkenes, Varanger and Senja. We’ve all seen the spectacular images of undulating blue-green lights dancing across a clear night sky on social media, but few will ever have the chance to stand beneath the celestial performance in person. Formally known as the aurora borealis, the Northern Lights are a dazzling experience that can be seen at various locations across the world with seasonal intensity.
Northern Lights cruise: An ultimate guide for 2023 - Good Housekeeping uk
Northern Lights cruise: An ultimate guide for 2023.
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Day 10
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. Make yourself at home onboard the ship and enjoy the relaxed ambience, taking the opportunity to meet your fellow guests and astronomers. If you're interested in where to see the northern lights outside Alaska, the Arctic city of Alta, Norway, calls itself "The City of Northern Lights." Witnessing the elusive northern lights flickering across the sky may cause you to gasp because it's actually that cool.
Hotels
It’s spread across a series of islands, best seen from the city’s famous Fjellstua viewpoint. Passing through the legendary Lofoten and Vesterålen archipelagos, the ship negotiates an intricate network of inlets and isles through one of the most beautiful stretches of the Norwegian coast. Once the northernmost town in the world, (before Longyearbyern, Svalbard) Hammerfest is a key destination for Astronomy lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Be sure to trek up Mount Salen, for views over the town and picturesque landscapes. You can also take a moment to see the UNESCO-listed Meridian Column which commemorates the first-ever measurement of the globe. From here, we continue across the Vestfjord and towards the Lofoten archipelago which greets you with the stunning sight of the 3,280 foot-high Lofoten Wall.
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This Cruise Line Just Appointed Its First-ever 'Chief Aurora Chaser' — and Has a Northern Lights Guarantee.
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In Search of the Northern Lights
There’s more than one way to sail with us and discover the many wonders of the Norwegian coast. Not far from Nidaros Cathedral is Gamle Bybro, a charming wooden bridge that sits over River Nid and marks the entrance to the old Hanseatic district of Bakklandet. This neighbourhood features colourful wooden wharves that stand on stilts and host some of the city’s most trendy eateries, making Bakklandet a key destination for all foodies. And if the aurora doesn’t appear during your voyage, then don't be too disappointed.
A general rule is that the further north you go, the better your chances of seeing the Northern Lights. Norway is perhaps the most popular country for a Northern Lights cruise, though Iceland is also a good choice. Cunard offers cruises within the Arctic Circle visiting the Norwegian city of Tromsø, which is a known place to view the aurora borealis.
Legendary Adventure, a travel company run by Tromsø native Espen Minde, offers two multiday northern lights tours for more intrepid seekers. The arctic viewing season for northern lights cruises is from late September to late March/early April, though the best months are December through March, when there are the longest hours of darkness and many clear night skies. Generally, skies are clearest near the spring and fall equinoxes in later September and March. Some late September/early October Alaska cruises can include northern lights sightings as well.
For those visiting Iceland for the sole purpose of viewing the aurora borealis, it’s recommended to time a stay between September and April. Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon in South Iceland, some parts of Reykjavik, Oskjuhlid Hill and Seltjarnarnes Peninsula are also popular. Then it’s on to Tromsø, Norway’s northernmost city, for two days of Arctic adventures, before sailing to Atla, a town known for its bluebird days (ideal for Northern Lights viewing later) and ancient rock carvings for two days.
Travel through Croatia’s countryside to Krka National Park, known for its seven waterfalls and crystalline rivers, stretching across 100 square kilometres. The spectacular Skradinski Buk falls comprise 17 cataracts and spans 100 metres at its widest point. Wander along a nature trail to discover the park’s restored pre-industrial water mill and a monastery. The Viking 15-day Ancient Adriatic Treasures voyage makes calls in Croatia, Turkey, Greece, Montenegro and Italy including overnight stays in Istanbul, Athens and Venice.
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