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Because the aurora borealis are magnetically drawn towards the north pole, the areas north of the Arctic Circle are best for northern lights viewing. Hop on a cruise in Norway for incredible winter fjord scenery, fun shore excursions and great chances to see the aurora borealis twinkling overhead. Nordic Visitor specialises in tailor-made holidays in Norway that include overnights on a Havila or Hurtigruten cruise line. Our Norway tour packages are nearly all-inclusive, meaning that we handle all of your cruise reservations, accommodations both at sea and on land as well as any travel via train. Led by experienced guides, you and your small group of like-minded adventurers will paddle between ice floes, brash ice and icebergs of all shapes and sizes.
Aurora Expeditions’ “Northern Lights Explorer” cruise
Not many Northern Lights tours go to Greenland but Aurora Expeditions Northern Lights cruises explore using a small expedition ship which makes it easy to visit the prime locations in Greenland to see the Northern Lights. The best northern lights cruises provide plenty of opportunities for passengers to learn about, celebrate and, of course, see the northern lights. But there will also be activities geared to exploring parts of the world filled with many other natural, cultural, and man-made wonders.
Norway in a Nutshell® & Best of Northern Norway Classic
We also have expert-led programs within the expedition, such as lectures or photography sessions, to enhance your understanding and capturing capabilities. Every year, millions of tourists flock to the Arctic for a chance to witness the phenomenon of the Northern Lights. By night you will seek out the Northern Lights, but by day we will try to get you off the ship 2-3 times per day (depending on the weather and conditions) so you can get the most out of your time in the Arctic. Walking and bird-watching are popular activities as they offer a chance to witness the unique wildlife in the destinations you visit. While aurora borealis activity happens year-round, the best time for a Northern Lights adventure is during the long winter months, when the windows for viewing them each night are longer and the skies darker. The season in the Northern Hemisphere is generally from September through April.
When to See the Northern Lights in Norway - Travel + Leisure
When to See the Northern Lights in Norway.
Posted: Thu, 22 Sep 2022 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Best of Northern Norway Classic - 71° North Cape ( Private Tour)
With mountains and fjords, as far as the eye can see, a trip on Narvik’s cable car offers stunning views, 650 metres above sea level. Aurora Expeditions’ 22-day Northern Lights Explorer itinerary starts in Kirkenes, a small town in far northeastern Norway, stays close to the coastlines of the Arctic Circle, and skirts around the Norwegian and Greenland seas, and ends in Bergen. "Cruising is a nice way to see a lot of places, but in particular the Northern Lights," says Stephanie Goldberg-Glazer, owner of Live Well, Travel Often, a boutique travel agency. "Cruise ships are able to be out at sea where it is dark for optimal viewing," she says, and when in port, they can create opportunities for guests to access optimal viewing sites outside of cities and their lights. The next day will be in Narvik, a fishing village that can trace its history to the Stone Age but that has held township status only since the early 20th century. There travelers can ride the Ofoten Railway for a day trip to Sweden, hike to Frostisen Glacier, or ski at the Narvikfjellet ski resort.
Depending on weather, walking excursions, Zodiac cruises and even kayaking may be possible. This 14-day northern lights odyssey offered by Quark Expeditions is a deep-dive into some of the world’s most hard-to-access and secluded regions. Glide alongside Iceland’s mountainous Vestfjords and Greenland’s untamed northeast coast, home to the largest fjord system on the planet. Revel in jaw-dropping scenery, spectacular seascapes and iconic Arctic wildlife. Witness Inuit culture firsthand at Ittoqqortoormiit, wander ancient Thule sites and gape at polar bears, muskoxen and whales at every turn.
Join John Maclean, astronomer and award-winning astrophotographer, on an exploration of the sought-after sights of the mysterious aurora borealis. Charming and postcard-pretty, Stavanger is an idyllic coastal town, famous for its perfectly preserved wooden buildings (some dating back to the 18th century) and miles of pristine white sand. The mesmerising and otherworldly spectacle of the aurora borealis, also known as the Northern Lights, has captivated humanity for centuries. The Aurora Borealis originates on the sun’s surface with a massive explosion of electromagnetic matter, which projects a stream of charged particles known as solar wind into space.
Day 2 - Train Oslo-Trondheim
Board a glass-domed rail car, called the Wilderness Express, to Fairbanks, and soak up picturesque views every step of the way. The 10-Night Alaska Gold Rush Adventure Cruisetour (2A Northbound) will take you deep into the interior of Alaska, where you can explore Gold Rush history. You might lose track of time, since the sun shines late into the night. In Iceland, you’ll stop in Akureyri and overnight in the capital city, Reykjavik. Discover the wonders of Iceland’s nature by hiking along snow-capped mountains, marveling at enormous waterfalls, and exploring gurgling fields of Icelandic lava.
DAY 6
The ship’s captain, expedition leader and kayak guide always maintain close contact to ensure a safe paddling experience. The emphasis is on experiencing the destination rather than travelling long distances. The northern waters are warmer than the polar regions but water temperatures of around 12 °C/ 53.6°F mean you may opt to wear your paddle jacket on a warm, sunny day or our dry suits on a cool day.
7 Of The Best Northern Lights Cruises - TRAVEL + LEISURE INDIA
7 Of The Best Northern Lights Cruises.
Posted: Mon, 06 Mar 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Sea Kayaking
So, if you’re yearning to combine a sea voyage with a luminous light show, here are some of the world’s best northern lights cruises. Experience an amazing array of natural wonders in winter on a Havila or Hurtigruten northern lights cruise in Norway arranged by the Norwegian travel experts at Nordic Visitor. With the short winter daylight hours and the wide open, starlit skies over the ocean, wintertime astronomy voyages in Norway offer a wonderful chance to see the northern lights as your ship sails gently into the night. The optimal time to witness the Northern Lights during Aurora Expeditions’ cruises and expeditions is typically during the winter months when the polar night prevails. This period, from late September to early April, offers extended darkness and clearer skies, enhancing the visibility of the Aurora Borealis. The absence of sunlight allows passengers to fully immerse themselves in the captivating light displays against the Arctic or sub-Arctic landscapes.
Delve into Sami legends and World War II history, and pilot a dog sled or snowmobile to further immerse yourself in the Norwegian Arctic as you join us on this illuminating voyage. Scanning night skies for northern lights requires patience and warm clothing. Besides a down coat, warm hat, and gloves, be sure to pack wind and waterproof pants (i.e., ski pants or rain pans), thermal long underwear, wool socks, and winter boots for walking on snow and ice. 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.
Scotland, Iceland, Norwegian coasts are warmer with water temperatures of around 12 °C/ 53.6°F. ‘Getting out amongst it’ is our philosophy, and that is exactly what we do. Weather permitting, the sea kayaking activity is normally available anytime the other expeditioners go out.
The itineraries are crafted to provide a comfortable and enriching experience, whether you are a seasoned traveller or exploring the polar regions for the first time. Expedition staff and guides offer support and guidance, ensuring a safe and enjoyable journey for everyone. Activities and excursions cater to various interests, allowing participants to customize their experience.
Before you sail, download an app to check the Northern Lights forecast. If you’re heading ashore - and there’s no chance of seeing the lights, you can use the time to soak up the local culture instead. 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. From 2021, Havila Voyages will sail the most environmentally friendly ships on the Norwegian coast between Bergen and Kirkenes.
As a rule of thumb, the further north you go, the longer your window is for seeing them. Board the authentic Hurtigruten ship before noon and enjoy the Northern Lights/Aurora cruise along the Arctic coast of Norway to the town of Kirkenes, close to the Russian border. In Iceland, your journey will start in a monster truck equipped to handle the ice and snow - and finish with you strapping on a pair of crampons to give you extra grip on the ice. The fresh blast of arctic air and mesmerising blues of the ice caves are worth braving the chilly temperatures for. As we explore your cruise itinerary together, you'll be able to sample various treats of the region in our on board restaurants - trying out local delicacies, with options for both lunch and dinner.
There are also plenty of places near Reykjavík you can head to if you’re short on time, including Thingvellir National Park. While Greenland is one of the best countries in the world for witnessing the Northern Lights, getting there can be challenging and often what holds people back. The good news is that, once you’re there, you can see the Northern Lights from almost anywhere in the country – even in the heart of its capital city, Nuuk! This is because Greenland’s population is tiny and scattered across small, remote communities, so it has minimal light pollution.
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. Great communication when excursions were cancelled because of weather conditions. Nordic Visitor was able to reschedule us on a different excursion quickly and easily. Local tours selected by Nordic Visitor were excellent, well run and definitely highlights of the trip.
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