Northern Lights Arctic Circle Cruise - Norway

Introduction

Northern Lights is the name of a light phenomena, they occur as a result of Solar particles colliding with gases in the earth’s atmosphere, their scientific name is Aurora Borealis, which is Latin for ‘the red dawn of the north’.

This dramatic cruise alongside Norway's most northerly coastline is at the same latitude as Siberia and Alaska, but, due to the Gulf Stream, has the longest ice-free polar coast. The entire tour is spent above the Arctic Circle, increasing the chances of seeing the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis).

The cruise begins in Norway's Arctic capital, Tromsø, before leisurely cruising north towards Honningsvåg. From here it is possible to join an excursion to mainland Europe's most northerly point, North Cape. This is a wild and windswept headland where the cliffs rise dramatically 300 metres from the sea.

Bearing east the ship eventually enters the sheltered harbour of Kirkenes, a mere 10 kms from the Russian border. Kirkenes is the turning point for the Hurtigruten voyage, and this fascinating little town allows a tantalising glimpse into life in this remote region of Norway.

As the return journey from Kirkenes hugs the coastline the ship revisits remote settlements which rely on the Hurtigruten ships to maintain contact with the rest of Norway. The cruise ends and you spend your last night in Tromso