Sail on a northern lights cruise in Norway

Experience an amazing array of natural wonders in winter on a Hurtigruten northern lights cruise in Norway arranged by the Norwegian travel experts at Nordic Visitor. With the short winter daylight hours and the wide open, starlit skies over the ocean, wintertime astronomy voyages in Norway offer a wonderful chance to see the northern lights as your ship sails gently into the night.

Nordic Visitor specialises in tailor-made holidays in Norway that include overnights on the renowned Hurtigruten cruise line. Our Norway tour packages are nearly all-inclusive, meaning that we handle all of your cruise reservations, accommodations both at sea and on land as well as as any travel via train.

Ready to experience some jaw-dropping scenery and natural phenomena? Keep browsing below for our suggestions of tour packages that include northern lights cruises in Norway.

Things to do on a Hurtigruten cruise in Norway

A classic Hurtigruten cruise has 34 ports of call on its route between Bergen and Kirkenes, so you’ll have plenty to keep you entertained during the daytime before prime northern lights viewing hours at night. With a cruise holiday along the fjord-studded Norwegian coast you can choose from numerous guided shore excursions, such as short husky safaris and fishing village tours.

You can also explore charming coastal cities like Ålesund on your own during port calls or simply relax and enjoy the comfortable amenities on board your Hurtigruten cruise ship.

• First time on a Hurtigruten cruise? Have no fear! Get our beginner's tips here
• Discover the best cruise journeys in Norway to inspire you

Want to experience more fjords on your northern lights cruise in Norway? We recommend taking a Norway in a Nutshell train journey from Oslo to the colourful city of Bergen, Hurtigruten’s southernmost port. This journey includes a ride on a famous Flåm Railway, with breathtaking mountain and fjord views on the way to the west coast.

Want to stay in an ice hotel during your Norway cruise holiday? Nordic Visitor can tailor your Norway cruise itinerary to include a stay at the Snow Hotel in Kirkenes, Hurtigruten’s northern hub.

When to see the northern lights in Norway

The winter season in Norway is the best time to view the northern lights. Because nighttime darkness is required for seeing this dazzling natural light show, you should visit Norway between October and March for optimal chances of aurora borealis sightings. Coincidentally, travelling outside of the busy summer season may also result in better cruise deals!

Where to see the northern lights in Norway

The further north you go in the northern hemisphere, the better for seeing the northern lights. Because the aurora borealis are magnetically drawn towards the north pole, the areas north of the Arctic Circle are best for northern lights viewing.

Some of the Hurtigruten ports of call in Norway’s arctic region include the Lofoten Islands, Tromsø and North Cape (Nordkapp) -- all places that are located within the so-called “northern lights belt”, an area known to have more auroral frequency and intensity.

If you wish to experience snow activities, such as dog sledding, it’s best to plan your winter northern lights break in Norway between December to April. Nordic Visitor can assist in your trip planning and tailor a tour package to your interests.