The awe-inspiring Aurora Borealis has mesmerised humanity for generations. The spectacular Norwegian coastline, one of Europe's most captivating landscapes, makes the perfect base for witnessing this ethereal display.
Join us on a unique voyage in February from Bergen to Kirkenes, high in the Arctic Circle and you'll almost certainly see the greatest light show on Earth.
You'll be travelling with an expert team, including Tom Kerss, the world's first Chief Aurora Chaser. An accomplished astronomer, Tom will host onboard lectures about our galaxy's stars, planets, and the myths and legends of the constellations.
In addition to spotting the Aurora, you'll see more of Norway's incredible sights, from beautiful fjords to Nidaros Cathedral, often nicknamed Norway's Notre Dame, and visit the incredible Planetarium in Tromsø.
Your home is MS Midnatsol, a stylish ship with top-class amenities including a sauna, fitness centre, explorer lounge bar, and outdoor hot tubs.
Hurtigruten's promise: If there is no recorded sighting of Northern Lights during your cruise, you will be given a free 6 or 7 day Classic Voyage the year after. Ts&Cs apply.
* From price is per person, based on two people sharing a polar inside cabin, subject to availability. Price includes flights and transfers. Best price guarantee - if you find this cruise for a lower price elsewhere, we will match it. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single supplement applies. Deposit 30%. Local charges such as tourist tax may apply. £250pp onboard credit, subject to availability. Northern Lights promise terms and conditions - https://www.hurtigruten.com/en-gb/offers/northern-lights-promise. Offers are not valid in conjunction with any other offers or promotions. In the case of unforeseen circumstances, expert(s) may be substituted, and any expert-led events may be subject to change. Expert(s) will not join you for your full trip duration unless otherwise stated. Travel insurance is not included and should be taken out at time of booking. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of Hurtigruten (ABTA-bonded and all trips are ATOL-protected) and TS Travel Ltd (ATOL bonded).
Your astronomy adventure begins today in Bergen, the cultural gateway to the fjords and the second-largest city in Norway.
Before your ship departs, you might choose to visit the UNESCO-listed wharfs of the colourful Bryggen district with its artisan shops and cobblestone streets.
Just across the street is the famous Fish Market which serves delicious seafood. You can also venture to the Fløibanen funicular which whisks you up Mount Fløyen for breathtaking views across the city.
Later, you'll board MS Midnatsol, and make yourself at home, taking the opportunity to meet your fellow guests and the onboard astronomers.
This morning you'll arrive at the Art Nouveau town of Ålesund, renowned for its stunning and picturesque architecture.
Take some time to explore the city and its rich Norse history or visit Atlanterhavsparken, one of the largest saltwater aquariums in Northern Europe. You can also make your way up to small Mount Aksla for a panorama of the town and its picturesque position surrounded by islands.
In the afternoon, you'll reach the port of Molde, where you can enjoy an amazing view of 222 towering mountain peaks across the nearby fjord, known as the 'Molde Panorama'.
As you continue your journey north, you'll reach the mediaeval city of Trondheim, where you'll find a vibrant mix of historic civic architecture and a bustling student population.
You can visit Nidaros Cathedral, which is considered one of the most sacred buildings in all of Norway and rightly nicknamed 'Norway's Notre Dame'. Whilst here, take the time to visit the Archbishop's Palace to view Norway's crown jewels.
Not far from Nidaros Cathedral is Gamle Bybro, a charming wooden bridge that sits over River Nid and marks the entrance to the old Hanseatic district of Bakklandet. This neighbourhood features colourful wooden wharves that stand on stilts and host some of the city's most trendy eateries, making Bakklandet a key destination for all foodies.
In the early hours of the morning, MS Midnatsol will cross the Arctic Circle and enter Norway's Arctic. Head out on deck to mark the moment with a traditional ceremony that will be sure to wake you up! Above the Arctic Circle, your chances of spotting the majestic Northern Lights increase.
As you call into the northern city of Bodø, gaze up at the snow-capped Børvass peaks before experiencing the fabulous street art this city has to offer.
From here, you'll continue across the Vestfjord and towards the Lofoten archipelago which greets you with the stunning sight of the 1,000 metre-high Lofoten Wall.
Today you'll dock in the historic Arctic exploration capital of Tromsø, a hive of culture, history and one of the best places to spot the Northern Lights.
Today you will visit the Science Museum of Northern Norway, learning more about the Northern Lights through a range of exhibits and installations.
As part of this trip, you'll stop at Tromsø's incredible Planetarium and its full-dome ceiling offering 360-degree views and high-quality digital projectors showing daily films about 'Experiencing the Aurora' and the constellations.
Tom Kerss will be joining you on the trip so make sure to ask him lots of questions!
Today you'll reach Honningsvåg, at the top of the European mainland, where you might want to visit the globe monument at the North Cape. It's a popular attraction so make sure to book early!
From Honningsvåg, look out for the striking rock formation called Finnkirka near the entrance to Kjøllefjord village. The building-like pillars were once an ancient sacrificial site for the indigenous nomadic Sámi people who still inhabit and herd reindeer in the region today.
As you continue north towards Kirkenes, you'll sail past Slettnes Lighthouse, the northernmost lighthouse in continental Europe.
By breakfast this morning, you will have reached the top of Norway and the town of Kirkenes, situated just a few kilometres from the border.
It is at this point of your coastal voyage that you'll turn around and begin the journey back south.
The voyage south gives you a chance to see the ports you visited at night on your journey north during the day, giving you a full Norwegian coastal experience.
Once the northernmost town in the world, before Longyearbyen, Svalbard was founded, Hammerfest is a key destination for Astronomy lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Be sure to trek up Mount Salen for views over the town and picturesque landscapes. You can also take a moment to see the UNESCO-listed Meridian Column which commemorates the first-ever measurement of the globe.
As you sail, keep your eyes open for the Northern Lights. You might also spot pods of Orcas and Humpback Whales migrating to these waters to feed on herring.
Passing through the legendary Lofoten and Vesterålen archipelagos, the ship sails through an intricate network of inlets and isles through one of the most beautiful stretches of the Norwegian coast.
From here, the coastal landscape changes from rolling hills to soaring mountains.
Along this stretch of coastline is where The Hurtigruten Coastal Express story began, in the coastal town of Stokmarknes in 1893.
Don't miss the Hurtigrutemuseet in Stokmarknes, a museum dedicated to The Coastal Express housed in the full-sized and fully restored ship MS Finnmarken from 1952.
Today you'll leave behind the magic of the Arctic Circle and head towards the ports of Bodø and Ørnes.
Marvel at the Seven Sisters mountain range where local legend has it seven beautiful troll princesses, fleeing from an unwanted suitor, got caught out as the sun rose, turning them into the seven beautiful mountains you see today.
Don't miss views of the Torghatten Mountain, with its distinctive hole right through the centre. There is a local legend as to why and how this mountain came to have such a hole. Make sure you ask your onboard experts about it.
An early morning arrival in Trondheim will give you time to further explore the city and discover any sites you might have missed on the northbound section of the journey.
Perhaps treat yourself to a barista-brewed coffee and Nordic patisserie in one of the many cafés in the Bakklandet district before walking up to Kristiansten Fort for great views over the city.
In the afternoon, you'll dock at Kristiansund, a quaint harbour town spread over three islands. Meander along the cobbled streets of the old town and be sure to sample the local delicacy of klippfisk, salted cod that's dried on the surrounding cliffs.
You'll arrive back in Bergen today as your Astronomy Voyage draws to a close.
Before you have to say your goodbyes, the ship will sail across the mouth of Sognefjord, the longest and widest fjord in the whole of Norway.
If you aren't ready to leave Norway just yet, there are plenty of extension options that will make your trip that extra bit more special.
Founded in 1893, Hurtigruten are the world's leading experts in
cruises along the Norwegian fjords. Hurtigruten is ABTA-bonded and
all trips are ATOL-protected.
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rail journeys in the company of experts. Its exclusive trips
combine unique experiences as well as access to inspirational
people. All trips are ATOL-protected and financially bonded.
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* From price is per person, based on two people sharing a polar inside cabin, subject to availability. Price includes flights and transfers. Best price guarantee - if you find this cruise for a lower price elsewhere, we will match it. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single supplement applies. Deposit 30%. Local charges such as tourist tax may apply. £250pp onboard credit, subject to availability. Northern Lights promise terms and conditions - https://www.hurtigruten.com/en-gb/offers/northern-lights-promise. Offers are not valid in conjunction with any other offers or promotions. In the case of unforeseen circumstances, expert(s) may be substituted, and any expert-led events may be subject to change. Expert(s) will not join you for your full trip duration unless otherwise stated. Travel insurance is not included and should be taken out at time of booking. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of Hurtigruten (ABTA-bonded and all trips are ATOL-protected) and TS Travel Ltd (ATOL bonded).