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Northern Lights Cruises
Experience the Northern Lights on a cruise to Norway in winter
Embark on a Northern Lights cruise to discover snow-coated scenery and skies filled with dancing lights. A Norway and Northern Lights cruise offers the ideal opportunity to uncover a magical side to this northern corner of Europe. Cruising to Norway in the winter months opens up a world of adventure among its captivating landscapes.
Why choose a Norwegian Northern Lights cruise?
See the Northern Lights
During the depths of winter, the skies come alive with the spectacle that is the aurora borealis. Seeing the northern lights is an incredible experience, but conditions must be right to see the spectacle. Many travellers keenly research the northern lights forecast for Norway in order to be in with the best chance to spot them.
Winter is the best time to see northern lights in Norway. The dark skies and calm weather conditions of the winter months provide the best opportunity to see the spectrum of colours illuminate the skies. In fact, when the conditions are right you don’t have to travel far to see the northern lights – the best place to see northern lights in Norway could even be from the deck of a cruise ship.
Snowy scenery
As the seasons change and winter sets in, Norway transforms into a veritable winter wonderland. Thick snow falls across the countryside, lakes freeze over, and the nights become long. Life for those living close to the Arctic Circle is dictated by these dramatic conditions.
Simply seeing Norway in the winter months is an experience to be remembered. Travellers to this region can learn more about just how locals live among the thick snow and dark nights. Snuggle up with a cup of coffee as snow falls outside the window, unwind in a sauna and warm up around a fire.
Unique experiences
With the cold temperatures and blanket of snow comes the opportunity to try out a collection of unique travel experiences. Norway cruise excursions in winter range from the chance to try out husky sledding to exploring the tree-studded backcountry on a sled pulled by reindeer. You can even visit a snow hotel and sip a cocktail at the ice bar – a truly unique experience that you won’t be forgetting in a hurry!
Our Northern Lights cruise experiences
Not only do Norway winter cruises offer up the chance to glide past glaciers and stop off in charming towns, there’s also a host of amazing cruise excursions to embark on. Here’s a collection of a few of our favourite excursions to help you get a better understanding of the kind of unique activities you do on a Northern Lights cruise.
Reindeer Sledding in Maze Sami Village
The Sami people are the indigenous inhabitants of Lapland. Their traditional culture has been cultivated over centuries of semi-nomadic lifestyles, which include reindeer herding and coastal fishing. Travelling to Norway on a cruise in winter offers the opportunity to learn more about the Sami people.
Be greeted by your Sami hosts in Maze and head off on a sled ride pulled by specially trained reindeer and travel through the pristine winter landscape on the back of the sled. After the journey you will be served coffee, tea and biscuits, whilst your guide recounts stories about the Sami people, their history and way of life.
Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel Visit
Discover the enchanting Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel, a truly remarkable structure made entirely of ice and snow. The Igloo Hotel has to be rebuilt ever year and is only open for guests between January and April, after which it begins to melt in the warmer weather.
Arriving at the hotel, be wowed by the icy structure where guests sleep on reindeer pelts to keep warm in the sub-zero temperatures. The public lounges and bar are elegantly decorated with ice sculptures carved by local artists. Enjoy a drink in the bar served, of course, in an ice glass and take a look around the hotel’s incredible rooms and shared spaces.
Arctic Dogsledding Experience
Husky sleds are an important part of life in the Arctic Circle, with many relying on them for supplying goods and to get around. This experience starts by being taken to a basecamp where you’ll don a thermal suit, complete with waterproof shoes. Then embark on a thrilling dogsled ride, gliding past snow-covered hills and through glades lined with Norwegian spruces and maple trees.
After the unforgettable adventure, warm up with a hot drink and a slice of homemade cake served around a roaring open fire.
Winter views from Mount Stranda
From the top of Mount Stranda, located approximately 3,400 feet above sea level, the fjordic views are spectacular. For this excursion you will certainly want your camera to be fully charged and close at hand! It begins with a sightseeing drive through Ålesund, passing a selection of art nouveau architecture, before embarking a ferry for the journey from Magerholmen, across the mountain-flanked fjord to Sykkylven.
Then, back on board the tour vehicle, a short drive takes you to the base of Mount Stranda. Many people choose to hike and climb across the rocky terrain; however, your mode of transport is a gondola carriage which will take ten minutes climbing over 3,000 feet! From the top, marvel at the 360-degree view across some of Norway’s most impressive scenery. Spend some free time capturing photographs and enjoying the view before taking the gondola back to the base for a warming cup of coffee and sweet treat.
Northern Lights Cruising Tips
Read our blogs
Take a look at our travel blogs, packed with travel inspiration for your cruise to Norway.
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