In search of the NORTHERN LIGHTS with Carol Kirkwood
See a magical display of the aurora borealis on this 12-day cruise along the stunning Norwegian coast with one of our favourite BBC weather presenters
Watching the night sky light up with dancing flickers of green is a truly unforgettable experience. The Northern Lights are one of the world’s greatest natural wonders and, as such, have fascinated us for centuries.
BBC weather presenter Carol Kirkwood has always been intrigued by this ‘weather from outer space that lights up the night sky’ and will be joining Country Living readers on this exclusive 12-day voyage beyond the Arctic Circle to see them.
You will be sailing on MS Kong Harald with our recommended travel partner Hurtigruten, the leading expert in voyages along the Norwegian fjords, whose stylish,
modern ships combine Scandinavian décor with excellent on-board facilities. You’ll discover this magnificent coastline from the UNESCO World Heritage port of Bergen up through the beautiful Lofoten Islands, before reaching the Arctic capital Tromsø and the North Cape, Europe’s most northerly point, then finally sailing back via the ancient Viking trading post of Trondheim.
There will be plenty of opportunities to see the aurora borealis, with scientists on board to explain what causes this incredible natural phenomenon. In addition, Carol Kirkwood will give an exclusive talk and Q&A about her life and career as a meteorologist and weather presenter, and join you on a visit to the Kirkenes Snowhotel.
You can also choose to go on extra Arctic excursions, including snowmobiling, husky sledding and sea eagle spotting, or take part in a traditional Viking feast**.
Carol says, “As a meteorologist, I’m fascinated by the huge range of natural phenomena that weather systems can throw up, from the extraordinarily beautiful to the truly violent. The aurora borealis are among the most stunning displays that can ever be viewed in our skies, and I have gone in search of them in the north of Scotland for a TV programme before, but without success. This time, I’m determined to see them and will be delighted if you’re there to see them with me.’ Hurtigruten is so confident that you will see the Northern Lights that it will let you sail again for free if you don’t†.
THE HIGHLIGHTS EXCLUSIVE TALK BY CAROL KIRKWOOD
Carol Kirkwood will give a fascinating on-board talk about her career as a BBC weather presenter and her time on
Strictly Come Dancing. She’ll also take part in a special Q&A, join you in seeking the Northern Lights and accompany you on an excursion to the Kirkenes Snowhotel, where you’ll experience the local culture and Arctic wilderness first-hand, see the reindeer and huskies that live on-site and enjoy a cocktail in the elegant ice bar.
EXPERIENCE THE NORTHERN LIGHTS
You’ll be sailing in an area well known for sightings of the light spectacle, so you stand a very good chance of witnessing them. You will also discover the legends
and scientific explanations that surround them and benefit from Hurtigruten’s Northern Lights promise, which guarantees that if you don’t see them, you will be offered another sixor seven-day cruise free of charge.
SAILING ON THE MS KONG HARALD
Named after the current Norwegian king, Hurtigruten’s MS Kong Harald is a newly refurbished expedition ship that carries a maximum of 590 passengers and also delivers mail to the people of the Norwegian coast. It has a sundeck, two hot tubs and an observation lounge from which to enjoy the Norwegian landscape. There are also three excellent restaurants, a bakery, an ice-cream bar, a sauna and a fitness room.