It’s Time to Check off the Northern Lights

from Your Bucket List

Our fascination with the Northern Lights – nature’s grand illuminations never wavers. Winter is

almost upon us and at this time of the year, the lands above the Arctic Circle resemble one of

those snow globes that gather dust on our top shelf. Darkness and ice, and beautiful snowy

nights where the lights sparkle and dance around across the night sky, this is what a

Hurtigruten Voyage offers and then some.

The beauty of Norway and its spectacular, rugged coastline can be especially magic in the

winter time and of course, there’s always the chance of an appearance of the light show of the

Aurora Borealis, one of the world’s most beautiful astronomical phenomena.

The Hurtigruten or ‘fast route’ is a Norwegian voyage that has been operating since 1893. Ships

leave Bergen in southern Norway on a daily basis and travel north to Kirkenes on the Russian

border, visiting 34 ports along the way. At Kirkenes, they turn around and head back south

visiting the same 34 ports on their journey back to Bergen. The ‘Full Round Voyage’ from

Bergen back to Bergen takes 12 days.

The best time to see the Northern Lights is between October and March and the best place to

see them is from above the Arctic Circle. Here you are close to the magnetic North Pole where

the lights are created by the collisions between electrically charged particles from the sun that

enter the earth's atmosphere. Also, whilst you are above the Arctic Circle in the winter, there is

little daylight and many hours of darkness, to give you the best chance of seeing the lights.

A Hurtigruten voyage is a great way to see the Northern Lights as the ships do not suffer from

the light pollution that you get in the larger towns which can reduce your chances of seeing this

amazing light show.

Apart from the Northern Lights, Norway has much to offer such as the royal city of Trondheim,

which is a beautiful blend of the past and the present. The three most beautiful places that can

be seen in this city are the colourful riverfront warehouses built in the 18th century, the Nidaros

Cathedral, which is one of the largest medieval building and the Ringve Music Museum.

Some of the Hurtigruten Northern Lights trips offered by Coastal Cruises will fly you straight

into Tromsø city, the gateway to Arctic. A Hurtigruten voyage from Tromsø to Kirkenes and

back, together with a couple of nights in the city itself will give you a good chance to see the

most extraordinary phenomena called the Aurora Borealis. This ‘sub zero’ city is truly a sight to

behold because it has the most spectacular sights and offers fun filled excursions, you can take

part in.

First, there’s the Polaria, which is no ordinary Aquarium. It offers the most wonder education

experience of sea life. Then there’s the cable car ride that will take you on a journey where you

will see glorious mountains of Tromsø and let’s not forget the sledge ride - a team of huskies

giving you the ride of your life. Who would want to miss that! And finally, when you get

exhausted from all the fun, just visit Mac Brewery and have an Arctic Beer to warm your body

and soul.

Many travellers have finally discovered something that the Norwegians have known for quite a

few years: The rare and true beauty of Norway is at its peak in the winter and is most enjoyable

at night, in complete darkness and under the twinkling lights. Who said staying up all night and

watching a wonder of nature was not exciting! Because Norway and the Northern Lights

certainly proves this wrong.

Coastal Cruises now have their Hurtigruten Northern Lights packages on sale. For further information,

call at 0333 405 0194.