It's dark, you're outside and everything is quiet. Suddenly, a flicker of light in the sky grabs your attention. Pale and modest at first, then intense and vibrant. It's your ringside seat to nature's own mesmerising light show, a mighty symphonic ballet of silent harmony.
The unearthly beauty of the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) mesmerises all who stay or travel in Polar Regions. It is caused by electrically charged particles, high in energy, entering the Earth’s atmosphere. But that’s nowhere near explaining the impact it has on your memories and emotions.
One of your best chances of experiencing the Northern Lights is on a voyage with Hurtigruten in the winter season. They are experts in safe and sustainable travel with an emphasis on natural beauty – something they have adhered to since their first voyage in 1893.
The Classic Round Voyage takes you through almost 1500 miles of some of the most spectacular scenery on Earth, showing you all the beauty of the Norwegian coast while stopping at 34 ports along the way. Hurtigruten also offer over 50 optional excursions to enhance your experience of Norway.
Their ships are still used as local transport for Norwegians living on the coast so you get a fantastic mix of guests on board. The locally-sourced, seasonal cuisine and huge choice of shore excursions only adds to an experience that is 100% Norwegian.
Explore the cities of Tromsø, Ålesund and Trondheim. A chance to enjoy a variety of excursions including dog sledding, the North Cape and visiting the Snow Hotel, plus spending some time in the world’s northernmost town, Hammerfest.
Along the way, locals will wave at the boat as it passes just yards from their waterfront houses. It’s only polite to wave back!
Named by many as ‘the world’s most beautiful voyage’, it includes full board and a free excursion to the North Cape. A number of optional excursions are possible (at extra charge):
Husky sledding in the Arctic
Sea Eagle spotting
Walks and tours of local villages
And many more. Hurtigruten also offer voyages in Spitsbergen, Greenland, Iceland, Canada, Amazon River and even Antarctica.
Prices per person start from £995 (without flights).