A different kind of glow up: Taking a Northern Lights Cruise Norway

Words by Karen Pasquali Jones

Nothing can rival nature’s greatest aerial display – the Northern Lights. As elusive as they are beautiful, they have to be seen to be believed. 

Lucky stargazers who venture to the Arctic Circle between September and March and gaze upwards may be rewarded with an ethereal ballet dancing across the inky skies.

From a glow of green and pink to a pulsating streak of red, violet or even blue, it’s no wonder Vikings believed the aurora borealis were reflections from the armour of supernatural Valkyrie female warriors…

More than a Millennium later, the seasonal spectacle that has been here since the dawn of our planet – Dinosaurs roamed beneath them – is still setting the heavens ablaze above Canada, Alaska, Russia, Iceland, Norway, Finnish Lapland, Sweden and Greenland amongst others.

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These remote, unspoilt Arctic destinations offer an almost unmissable opportunity to catch a glimpse of what Norse mythology called the spirits in the sky. But the celestial disco is a fickle performer. Plenty of patience, warm clothing and the right conditions are needed before they might make an appearance. 

To up your chances of spotting them, go aurora hunting between late September to early April, though October, November, February and March are the prime viewing months.

Avoid dates that include a full moon, and travel away from built-up areas to escape light pollution. Good weather is crucial, and while you can see the Northern Lights at any time, 9pm until 2am is usually when they appear. 

So just what are these incredible phenomena? The lights are created when electrically-charged particles from space enter the Earth’s upper atmosphere at speed. These particles come from the sun and are driven to the Poles by Earth’s magnetic field.

They become a rainbow of colours as a result of the different gases in the upper atmosphere, creating auroral ovals which include a variety of shapes – ripples, bands, and even coronas.

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There’s a lot of Arctic to choose from to go aurora hunting, but the clear skies over Northern Norway are often awash with the dancing ribbons of colour. Look back down to earth and you’ll discover the sparkling beauty of snow-covered mountains, fjords and waterfalls. 

Above the Arctic Circle during winter is where serious aurora hunters go. Learn about polar exploration history in Tromsø, the Arctic capital, or visit the Northern Lights Cathedral in Alta, renowned for being the best place to see the phenomenon. 

The fishing villages of Svolvær and Reine in the Lofoten Islands look picture-perfect surrounded by mountains dusted in snow. Head to the beautiful city of Bergen, once the country’s capital, to explore the famous fish market, and visit the Hanseatic quarter (Bryggen) and Mount Fløyen or go off-the-beaten-track to the remote but charming Kalvåg and Mosterøy.

Sail the King of the Fjords, Sognefjorden, the longest and deepest in Norway to arrive in the hamlet of Fjærland. Just 300 people live in this idyllic village, which is a designated Norwegian Book Town.

Scour the second-hand stores for a first edition about Nordic history or just gaze at the view – this is where Sognefjorden meets one of Europe’s largest glaciers, Jostedalsbreen.  At night, wrap up warm to await the arrival of the Northern Lights.

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From here you can cross the Arctic Circle to reach the archipelago of Lofoten Islands.

Svolvær is the largest town with 4,800 residents, many of who are fisherman. Along with the shops, and art galleries, you can admire the rows of rorbuer fishing huts. 

The former fish-freezing warehouse is now a Magic Ice Bar, with ice sculptures depicting Lofoten life and Viking culture. There’s a signature spirit to warm you up, served in an ice glass, of course.

Don’t have more than one if you want to follow a hiking trail or go snowshoeing before wrapping up in more layers for another chance to glimpse the most spectacular light show on earth. 

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Not all cruises are created equal – especially when it comes to choosing the right cruise line for chasing the aurora borealis. While many lines sail the Norwegian coast, only a handful offer itineraries, ship features and experiences that give you the full Northern Lights experience.

Hurtigruten and Havila Voyages are the big names to know. Both run year-round coastal routes between Bergen and Kirkenes, passing through the Arctic Circle – prime aurora territory. Hurtigruten has been sailing these waters for over a century, offering expedition-style cruising with a strong focus on local culture and sustainability. Their ‘Northern Lights Promise’ even guarantees a sighting or offers a second cruise for free!

Havila Voyages, by contrast, brings a fresh, modern approach. Its ships are among the greenest at sea – battery-powered, sleekly designed, and with all cabins facing outwards. That means aurora-spotting is possible from the comfort of your own bed (if you keep the curtains open, of course).

Luxury cruise lines like Viking also offer Norway Northern Lights cruises, typically in the shoulder seasons. While less frequent, these cruises often include more onboard amenities, longer port stays and curated shore excursions for if you want more of an all-round holiday, with a touch of glamour.

When choosing, think about what matters most: sustainability credentials? High-end comfort? A focus on cosy local charm? Night-time aurora alerts and open decks? Different lines offer different styles – but if you pick one that prioritises the journey as much as the destination, the Northern Lights will be the (literal) highlight.