SEE THE light
Pack your thermals and your camera for the most mesmerising winter cruise of a lifetime around Norway’s very own winter wonderland
VENTURE into the Arctic wilderness with Hurtigruten Expeditions’ magical Northern Lights and Fjords Expedition. With the cost of your trip covering everything from daily meals to several different included excursions, such as live concerts and a visit to Ålesund’s famous aquarium, all you need to do is wrap up warm and prepare for the ultimate winter adventure.
DAY 1-2
Head to Dover to board MS Maud, your ship that will help you hunt down the Northern Lights.
From here, you’ll have two days to get acquainted with the ship’s on-board facilities, such as its panoramic Explorer Lounge, as well as the Science Centre, where the Expedition Team will prep you for the experiences ahead, be it kayaking in the North Sea, whale spotting or hiking.
DAY 3-4
Your first port of call is Stavanger, famed for endless sandy beaches and Pulpit Rock, a flat-topped cliff that towers 1,982 feet into the clouds.
Stavanger also boasts a fascinating history as Europe’s oil and energy capital, as well as having a great selection of restaurants serving warming fare.
From here, it’s a short trip to charming Ålesund, home of art nouveau architecture. Walk its cobbled streets for a spot of shopping, or visit the aquarium to see octopuses, penguins and more.
DAY 5
After Ålesund, your voyage starts to get a little wilder. Just before the Arctic Circle you’ll stop at Brønnøysund, a remote peninsula town, home to just 5,000 people.
Here, you’ll find Norway’s famous mountain, Torghatten, which has a hole through the centre of it like a doorway – an excellent photo opportunity! Brønnøysund is also a stone’s throw away from Vega Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its eiderdown farming industry.
DAY 6-8
Once inside the Arctic Circle, the mountain ranges become more dramatic and the snow even heavier. But don’t fret – your chance of witnessing the Northern Lights grows with every mile you sail.
You’ll cruise through the Lofoten Islands and the Reine, a photographer’s paradise filled with gorgeous beaches. In Tromsø, stretch your legs with some winter sports, such as nature hiking or dog sledding*, then set foot in the most northerly point of Europe in the North Cape.
DAY 9-11
The further north you go, the more beautiful the surroundings get.
Senja, often referred to as Fairytale Island, is Norway’s second largest island, and your best chance to see the Northern Lights in all their glory. Alternatively, wait until you’re back on MS Maud and soak up the light show from the panoramic Explorer Lounge.
As you return south, you’ll stop off at Kristiansund, the site of ancient Viking battles and shipbuilding – you’ll find some great lunch spots here!
DAY 12-15
Before you leave winter wonderland behind, you’ll make a final call at Bergen. This 16th-century town has a rainbow of wooden properties as well as a funicular that takes you up to the giddy heights of Mount Fløyen.
From here, you’ll sail away from Norway to Harwich, England, where the Mayflower set sail on her famous voyage all those years ago.
Before you know it, you’ll be back in Dover – but this magical trip will be one that stays with you for ever.