Vikings Top 15 European Cruising Experiences

Table Of Content

• Where to See the Northern Lights
• What Ports Do You Visit on a Northern Lights Cruise?
• Services included
• Northern Lights Adventure cruise
• Northern Lights cruise & Snow hotel

Travel through Croatia’s countryside to Krka National Park, known for its seven waterfalls and crystalline rivers, stretching across 100 square kilometres. The spectacular Skradinski Buk falls comprise 17 cataracts and spans 100 metres at its widest point. Wander along a nature trail to discover the park’s restored pre-industrial water mill and a monastery. The Viking 15-day Ancient Adriatic Treasures voyage makes calls in Croatia, Turkey, Greece, Montenegro and Italy including overnight stays in Istanbul, Athens and Venice.

Where to See the Northern Lights

For those visiting Iceland for the sole purpose of viewing the aurora borealis, it’s recommended to time a stay between September and April. Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon in South Iceland, some parts of Reykjavik, Oskjuhlid Hill and Seltjarnarnes Peninsula are also popular. Then it’s on to Tromsø, Norway’s northernmost city, for two days of Arctic adventures, before sailing to Atla, a town known for its bluebird days (ideal for Northern Lights viewing later) and ancient rock carvings for two days.

What Ports Do You Visit on a Northern Lights Cruise?

Norwegian cruise line hires 'northern lights chaser' - The Atlanta Journal Constitution

Norwegian cruise line hires 'northern lights chaser'.

Posted: Thu, 11 Apr 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Because of the late-setting and early-rising midnight sun, it's way too light during the summer to see the northern lights in the destinations mentioned, though solar activity takes place year-round. If you are on a cruise in the Inside Passage before April 21 or after Aug. 21 and are willing to be awake in the middle of the night (the lights tend to appear in Alaska after midnight), there's a chance you'll see the aurora borealis. Head to a husky farm on the outskirts of Longyearbyen to embark on a thrilling experience in the Arctic Tundra.

Services included

In that case, the company will give you a free six-day southbound or seven-day northbound Original Coastal Express Class Voyage. Beyond the North Cape Express, the other auroral sailings (with the Northern Lights Promise) include the 12-day Original Coastal Express (the full scenic route that stops at all 34 ports twice, on the northbound and southbound route). From there, you’ll visit the Westfjords region of Iceland (the northwestern peninsula), with its colorful small towns, turbulent waterfalls, and fjords rich in bird-viewing opportunities. The final days before disembarkation in Bergen, Norway, will be spent in the Faroe Islands. There you’ll find traditional red-painted timber homes with grass roofs, lots of sheep and Faroese ponies, Viking history, and imposing sea cliffs. On many cruises, when passengers or crew spot northern lights, they make ship-wide announcements.

The Northern Lights first peek over the horizon in September in the far north of Sweden, viewable in and around Kiruna. By January, the pink, green and purple illuminations can be seen throughout Swedish Lapland. Abisko and the Aurora Sky Station in Northern Sweden is a fantastic location from which to see the aurora borealis, followed by the village of Jukkasjärvi, and Porjus in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Laponia. Passing through the legendary Lofoten and Vesterålen archipelagos, the ship negotiates 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. As we 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.

Aurora Northern Lights Cruises

Kulusuk and Tasiilaq in the east, and the capital city of Nuuk are also great viewing platforms. The Norwegian-owned Havila Voyages operates four newer environmentally friendlier coastal cruise ships that carry both people and cargo between Bergen and Kirkenes, year-round. The hybrid ships run on liquified natural gas and, for up to four hours, on 86-ton battery packs, for emissions-free sailing (the packs can be charged in ports with clean electricity). Done up in decor inspired by Norwegian landscapes, the vessels carry up to 468 overnight cruise passengers.

At a centuries-old wine-growing estate, guests can cut grapes from the vine before stomping them by foot in a traditional stone trough. Portugal’s River of Gold cruise-tour offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy the local food and wine, including its famous Port. The 10-day itinerary from Lisbon to Porto also crosses the border to Spain to visit Salamanca.

From there, it’s onward to Rørvik, an ancient fishing town, and then Lødingen, a village known for its place amongst the fjords. There, guests can take an excursion to visit a Sámi village and learn about the Indigenous and semi-nomadic reindeer herders. Then it’s back down to Tromsø, where guests can visit the Polar Museum, go snowshoeing, or try one of the world’s northernmost breweries, Mack Bryggeri.

A general rule is that the further north you go, the better your chances of seeing the Northern Lights. Norway is perhaps the most popular country for a Northern Lights cruise, though Iceland is also a good choice. Cunard offers cruises within the Arctic Circle visiting the Norwegian city of Tromsø, which is a known place to view the aurora borealis.

As we arrive in Bergen, it’s time to say goodbye to the Captain, crew and astronomers who have accompanied you on this unique voyage along Norway’s spectacular coastline. However, 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. Make yourself at home onboard the ship and enjoy the relaxed ambience, taking the opportunity to meet your fellow guests and astronomers. If you're interested in where to see the northern lights outside Alaska, the Arctic city of Alta, Norway, calls itself "The City of Northern Lights." Witnessing the elusive northern lights flickering across the sky may cause you to gasp because it's actually that cool.

Havila Voyages Has Astronomy-themes Cruises in Norway This Year - Travel + Leisure

Havila Voyages Has Astronomy-themes Cruises in Norway This Year.

Posted: Wed, 03 Jan 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Ice crampons may come in handy, especially in ports where walkways may be icy or slick. On some active excursions, outfitters provide weather appropriate gear, but you can’t always count on that. And don’t forget your bathing suit for outdoor tub soaks and pool swims onboard.

During our 130 years of sailing Norway’s coast, we’ve spotted every type of aurora you can imagine. We’ve seen rare coronas form directly over fjords lined with frozen waterfalls. The sun does not appear above the horizon in Tromso & Kirkenes from late November to mid January, but it is not dark all day. You can experience the magic, blue Arctic twilight during the day time, while the spectacular Northern Lights may show at the dark sky in the evening. Even though Australia and New Zealand are outside the Antarctic circle, they still get occasional aurora sightings. Even so, there’s only a 1% or 2% chance to see the lights on any given night in Tasmania.

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 we continue north towards Kirkenes, we sail past Slettnes Lighthouse, the northernmost lighthouse in continental Europe. While you may see the lights from Denali National Park and Preserve during the viewing season, Fairbanks and points farther north are where you can increase your odds. Cruisetours in Alaska can improve your odds of seeing the aurora because they get you to Fairbanks and other inland destinations in Alaska that tend to have more cloud-free skies than in the Inside Passage, where cruise ships sail.

Because the northern lights often appear late at night or very early in the morning, some ships offer opt-in wake up calls for this purpose. And Norway and generally sail 10 to 15-night itineraries during the winter season. Some venture to the Svalbard Archipelago, where the Gulf Stream flows prevent the seas from freezing in winter. Alta's credentials include the world's first permanent observatory for viewing the aurora borealis; it was built there in 1899.

Aurora Borealis Cruise Locations for 2024 Cruises com Blog

Table Of Content

• Lofoten by Horse
• Farm Visit in Lofoten
• The Northernmost Town in the World
• Gamme Cabins at the Snowhotel

Guests can stop by the Arctic Cathedral (which resembles a geometric glacier), visit the Polaria Arctic Center, or perhaps take a cable car to the top of Mount Storsteinen. If the lights appear during the night, the crew will play an announcement over the in-cabin TVs (meaning guests need to leave their TVs on all night to hear it). During sightings, staff circulates trays of hot beverages, like cocoa and toddies, to help guests stay warm on deck. Viking runs the itinerary multiple times from January through March in 2025 and 2026. Here are a few examples of 2022 and 2023 itineraries that offer northern lights-themed cruises.

Lofoten by Horse

There’s more than one way to sail with us and discover the many wonders of the Norwegian coast. 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. And if the aurora doesn’t appear during your voyage, then don't be too disappointed.

Farm Visit in Lofoten

Explore your destination even further with our wide range of exciting excursions. The excursion programme presented is an indication of some of the excursions that may be available during your voyage. In the afternoon, we 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. The Auroral Oval marks the range of auroral activity around the magnetic North Pole.

The Northernmost Town in the World

Both the name and the interior design of this modern ship are inspired by the spectacular Northern Lights. As we sail, keep your eyes open for the Northern Lights, but you might also spot pods of Orcas and Humpback Whales migrating to these waters to feed on herring. Welcome to the historic Arctic exploration capital of Tromsø, a hive of culture, history and Northern Lights knowledge. This neighborhood features colorful wooden wharves that stand on stilts and host some of the city’s most trendy eateries, making Bakklandet a key destination for all foodies.

Watch the Sunset in Santorini

In cruising terms, that means prime viewing is in northern Alaska (which is easily accessible on cruisetours), Norway, Iceland, Arctic Canada and parts of Greenland. Get fabulously lost in its winding streets lined with whitewashed homes, shops and cafés. From a cliff 400 metres above the ocean, finish your day watching the Cyclades sun setting over the turquoise waters of the Aegean Sea. Other islands such as Rhodes and Crete offer opportunities to hike among the volcanic splendour, sample wine at hilltop wineries, and discover historic sites. The voyage also includes Kuşadasi, Turkey, for a chance to roam the ruins of Ephesus, dating back to the 10th century BC. At the Belvedere Palace, you can make your own framed mirror with gold stones at a private workshop, channelling Vienna’s renowned artist, Gustav Klimt, who used gold leaf in many of his works.

Polar History Walk

While Cunard’s 2,996-passenger Queen Anne will offer oodles of nightly performances once it launches in 2024, one of the most dazzling shows could be the one Mother Nature puts on. Dr Darren Baskill has over 25 years’ experience of organising and delivering public science events. He is a lecturer and outreach officer for the Department of Physics & Astronomy at the University of Sussex, and typically runs 100 outreach events each year for schools, colleges, and the public. Darren is also a director of Ensonglopedia, a musical theatre company based in Lewes.

Gamme Cabins at the Snowhotel

Scotland is rarely the first place people think of when identifying locations from which to view the Northern Lights, but glimpses of the solar ballet can be caught at a few locations throughout this beautiful country. Known as the ‘Mirrie Dancers’ in this part of the world, the aurora borealis can be spotted from the Hebrides on the islands of Lewis, Harris and Skye. Applecross, Lochinver and north of Ullapool on the west coast catch the lights, as do Rannoch Moor, Perthshire and the Cairngorms, and Edinburgh if the aurora borealis is strong. Aberdeenshire, Moray Coast, Angus, Fife and East Lothian also see the lights at times.

The 15-day Viking Homelands ocean voyage explores Scandinavia by sea, following ancient mariner routes. Gaze at foaming waterfalls that plunge into the fjord’s waters, visit the cosmopolitan cities of Berlin and Copenhagen, and linger longer on overnight calls in Stockholm, Oslo and Bergen. If staying on land is more your style, consider going to the top of Mount Storsteinen, which sits nearly 1,400 feet above sea level and boasts panoramic views of Tromsø and the surrounding fjords below.

Starry, starry night

Hurtigruten Extends its Northern Lights Promise for 2024-25 Season - Cruise Industry News

Hurtigruten Extends its Northern Lights Promise for 2024-25 Season.

Posted: Thu, 21 Mar 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Some may also include the highlights of the Baltic Sea region, including the Baltic countries and ports in the north of Germany and Poland. By breakfast, we will have reached the top of Norway and the town of Kirkenes, situated just a few kilometres from the border. The ports we visited at night are now seen during the day for a full Norwegian coastal experience. Your astronomy adventure begins in Bergen, the cultural gateway to the fjords and the second-largest city in Norway.

Reach the peak via a rewarding hike that takes you up 1,200 stone steps, or take it easy on the Fjellheisen aerial tramway and enjoy the scenery on the four-minute ride up. Once at the summit, take a load off at Fjellstua, which offers everything from coffee and cakes to reindeer burgers and wine, and then head outside onto the restaurant’s viewing deck to wait for the greatest light show on the planet. Northern Norway enters a period of darkness from late September through to March, with night descending across the region from early afternoon until late morning – perfect conditions for viewing the aurora borealis. The best cities and locations from which to see the Northern Lights in Norway are Bodø, Lofoten, Narvik, Tromsø, Svalbard, The Lyngenfjord Region, Nordkapp, Vesterålen, Kirkenes, Varanger and Senja. We’ve all seen the spectacular images of undulating blue-green lights dancing across a clear night sky on social media, but few will ever have the chance to stand beneath the celestial performance in person. Formally known as the aurora borealis, the Northern Lights are a dazzling experience that can be seen at various locations across the world with seasonal intensity.

Legendary Adventure, a travel company run by Tromsø native Espen Minde, offers two multiday northern lights tours for more intrepid seekers. The arctic viewing season for northern lights cruises is from late September to late March/early April, though the best months are December through March, when there are the longest hours of darkness and many clear night skies. Generally, skies are clearest near the spring and fall equinoxes in later September and March. Some late September/early October Alaska cruises can include northern lights sightings as well.

It’s spread across a series of islands, best seen from the city’s famous Fjellstua viewpoint. Passing through the legendary Lofoten and Vesterålen archipelagos,  the ship negotiates an intricate network of inlets and isles through one of the most beautiful stretches of the Norwegian coast. Once the northernmost town in the world, (before Longyearbyern, Svalbard) 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. From here, we continue across the Vestfjord and towards the Lofoten archipelago which greets you with the stunning sight of the 3,280 foot-high Lofoten Wall.

While it’s never a guarantee that the Northern Lights will be visible, one way to stack the deck in your favor is to be on a cruise ship that can move in search of the lights, typically in the Arctic. When the northern lights do appear, "more than likely the ship will turn off most of the exterior lights," Weber says. "But you can prepare as soon as you board the ship by scouting out the darkest spot outside, and up top on the ship." That may be away from the ship stairways and public rooms.

Communities with little to no light pollution are where visitors have the highest chance of catching a glimpse of the Northern Lights, which are visible in the Northwest Territories around 240 nights a year. Northern Manitoba is in the sub-Arctic Circle and here you’ll find Churchill, self-proclaimed as one of the top three places on the planet to see the lights. The Yukon, Nunavut, Newfoundland, Labrador, Ontario and Alberta also host the sight. It’s also the site of Scoresbysund, the most extensive fjord system in the world, and the glaciers here are the birthplace of many of the icebergs you see in the Arctic.

This delectable excursion is a short drive from Zürich, one of the overnight calls on the 12-day Paris To The Swiss Alps river voyage via France and Germany. The other overnight stay, in Paris, allows time to choose between trips to Monet’s Gardens, the Palace of Versailles, an evening cabaret or a city tour to see the city lit up at night. A more relaxed yet equally gratifying way to chase the aurorae is on a dinner cruise—Brim Explorer’s ships run on electric engines and therefore provide an especially peaceful experience. Float along the inky fjords while enjoying a meal of locally sourced, seasonal ingredients, and look out of the boat’s 360-degree windows or from the outdoor deck.