Discover Norway’s heritage under the Northern Lights

The Aurora Borealis are just one of many Arctic highlights on a Hurtigruten voyage around the northern edge of this exciting country

Founded in 1893 by Captain Richard With, a Norwegian polar explorer, Hurtigruten began life as Norway’s “Express Route” linking southern and northern Norway, transporting freight and connecting local passengers between ports along the coast. Nowadays, Hurtigruten’s ubiquitous fleet of 12 ships is famous for introducing tourists to the many delights of Norway’s nature, history and culture, while continuing to support the coastal communities it serves.

Every evening, year-round, a Hurtigruten ship departs from the city of Bergen on a six-day voyage northbound to Kirkenes, from which the Russian frontier is only a short distance away. It then makes the return journey southwards, stopping at 34 ports in total during its 12-day trip.

Proud of its Norwegian heritage, Hurtigruten incorporates many authentic local elements into its voyages to give guests a true appreciation of the country. They dine on daily-changing menus full of traditional, creative and delicious dishes sourced from fresh, local produce — a sustainable dining concept called “Norway’s Coastal Kitchen” — while on board the expedition team shares local knowledge.

The choice of excursions is thoughtfully curated to make the most of the seasons and the sailing schedule, tying the activities to Norway’s popular lifestyle philosophy of frilusftliv (“outdoors life”). It aims to offer guests a rich variety of immersive activities covering culture, history, nature and wildlife, such as city tours, hikes, boat trips, and more adrenaline-fuelled activities such as snowmobiling, snowshoeing and king crab fishing.

You’ll get an insight into the rhythm of daily life in small coastal communities, as you step ashore at each port, while cargo is loaded and unloaded. Unlike regular cruises, on a Hurtigruten ship, you’re guaranteed to meet the locals, who will join you on board as they hop on and off between ports.

Spectacular panoramas

Enjoy the picturesque view from aboard one of the ships in the Hurtigruten fleet

The Northern Lights are a huge draw for tourists to northern Norway during the winter months. The region offers among the best opportunities to view this natural phenomenon as it lies directly beneath the auroral zone, an area of continuous and consistent magnetic activity around the North Pole.

The Hurtigruten coastal route follows the sheltered coastline of northern Norway high up into the Arctic, providing guests with the tantalising prospect of multiple chances to see the Northern Lights in different locations on their trip. The ships have been designed to enhance the views of the spectacular scenery all around them and above them. You can take a front row seat out on deck breathing in the crisp Arctic night air, or stay warm and cosy inside the panorama lounge with floor-to-ceiling windows as the Northern Lights come to you. Alternatively, relax in your cabin and you won’t miss a thing — the captain will let you know if the Aurora Borealis appears.

And by signing up for a classic 12-day voyage between 1 October and 31 March, you qualify for Hurtigruten’s unique Northern Lights promise: if the lights don’t occur, you will receive another six- or seven-day voyage free of charge.

The endlessly shifting panorama of fjords, mountains, fields and glaciers along Norway’s coast is simply breathtaking and it’s why Hurtigruten’s coastal journey has been dubbed “the most beautiful voyage in the world”. Nowhere quite compares to northern Norway for magical Arctic adventure and a phenomenal experience tripping the light fantastic.

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