Norway: A Northern Lights Coastal Voyage

The trip

The Coastal Express has sailed between Bergen and Kirkenes since 1893, calling at dozens of ports along the way. In winter it is one of the best ways to see the Northern Lights: away from city lights, moving north every night, with a warm cabin a few steps away. The scenery in the blue Arctic twilight is just as memorable.

The route

Spend two nights in Bergen, then sail north for six nights through the Lofoten Islands, past Tromsø and round the North Cape to Kirkenes near the Russian border. Spend a night at Kirkenes, then fly to Tromsø for three nights before heading home. For Hurtigruten's Northern Lights Promise, choose the full 12-day round voyage instead.

Day by day

The ship calls at ports day and night; longer stops allow excursions such as husky rides, the North Cape and Arctic cathedral concerts.

1. Days 1-2

   Bergen

   Arrive and explore the Hanseatic wharf of Bryggen, the fish market and the funicular up Mount Fløyen.

   Stay Hotel in Bergen

   Travel Airport transfer, about 30 minutes

2. Days 3-8

   The Coastal Express

   North past the Art Nouveau town of Ålesund, Trondheim's cathedral, the Arctic Circle and the Lofoten Islands, to Tromsø and the North Cape. Aurora alerts on board at night.

   Stay Ship's cabin

   Travel Sailing north, six nights

3. Day 9

   Kirkenes

   Husky sledding, king crab safari on the fjord, and a night in the Snowhotel or a lodge.

   Stay Hotel in Kirkenes

   Travel Arrive by ship

4. Days 10-12

   Tromsø

   The Arctic Cathedral, the cable car, a reindeer camp with Sámi hosts and a minibus chase inland to find clear skies for the aurora.

   Stay Hotel in Tromsø

   Travel Flight via Oslo or direct, about 1 hour 30 minutes

5. Day 13

   Home

   Fly home from Tromsø.

   Stay Flight home

   Travel Flights via Oslo

When to go

The aurora season runs from late September to late March. December and January are darkest, with only a couple of hours of twilight; February and March bring more daylight, more snow and often clearer skies. The lights are never guaranteed, but a week in the Arctic gives you excellent odds.

Where to stay

Most nights are aboard; choose an outside cabin or suite with a window. On land, Norway's hotels are excellent but expensive. Price bands are a typical night for two sharing; expect more at peak dates.

Featured stay

Malangen Resort

Malangen, near Tromsø, Norway

££

Travellers who want the best chance of the northern lights with a fjord view and Arctic activities on the doorstep.

Malangen Resort sits on the shore of the Malangsfjord an hour south of Tromsø, far from city lights and right under the northern lights oval. Every room and cabin faces the fjord, there is a glass-fronted sauna and a quayside hot tub, and husky sledding, reindeer and a wilderness camp are a short walk away.

Rooms

10 hotel rooms, 20 apartments and sea-view cabins

Food

Marmælen Restaurant and pub

Best time to go

Late September to March for the aurora

Read our full review →

What it costs

Allow from about £3,500 per person for 13 days with an outside cabin, full board on the ship, hotels and flights within Norway, excluding international flights. With suites, lodges and private excursions, expect £8,000 or more.

Pace and fitness

Shipboard life is easy, and excursions range from gentle coach tours to husky sledding. Pavements are icy, so pack shoe grips. Temperatures on the coast are often milder than you expect, around −5°C, but inland can be much colder.

How to book

Our advisors plan this trip end to end: flights, hotels, guides and the small details that make the days easy. Tell us your dates and the style of stay you like, and we will build it around you. Speak to an advisor.