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10 Best Northern Lights Cruises

What's more epic than seeing the aurora borealis in person? Viewing it from a cruise ship.

Courtesy of Hurtigruten

If seeing the northern lights is on your to-do list, you've likely already looked into the best places to catch a glimpse of them: northern destinations like Alaska, Canada, Greenland, Iceland, and Scandinavia, among others. But have you ever considered seeing them by sea rather than by land?

Cruise lines offer specially themed sailings to many of those same destinations. Plus, cruising is a particularly appealing option for northern lights seekers since the ships can access remote areas far from light pollution, allowing guests to view the aurora borealis in its full brilliance.

Here are 10 of the best cruises you can take to help you meet your goal of seeing the northern lights.

Embark on your northern lights cruise during the auroral season, generally between late September and late March, when the skies above the Arctic Circle experience longer periods of darkness.

Viking: In Search of the Northern Lights

RelaxFoto.de / Getty Images

On Viking's In Search of the Northern Lights cruise, a luxurious Viking ocean ship transports guests for 13 days from London to Amsterdam, then up the coast of Norway, and north of the Arctic Circle to Tromsø and Alta before heading south to Bergen. The Norwegian fjords are a sight to behold, and if they're paired with the northern lights, that's all the better. The sailings run from January to March when daylight is limited in the Arctic Circle, which makes for prime aurora-viewing opportunities. Rates start from about $5,300 per person in 2025 and 2026. Some routes travel in reverse if you'd prefer to end in London. It's also worth noting that Viking is an adults-only cruise line.

Aurora Expeditions: Northern Lights Explorer

Courtesy of Aurora Expeditions

Considering the cruise line is named after the atmospheric phenomenon, it should come as no surprise that it offers a Northern Lights Explorer itinerary. The 18-day trip starts with one night in the northern Norwegian city of Tromsø before you sail along the coast to Ånderdalen National Park, the Lofoten Islands, and across to the remote island of Jan Mayen, home of the world's northernmost active volcano. Next, you'll sail to the scenic fjords of East Greenland, and around the northern half of Iceland. Aurora Expeditions offers just one of these sailings per year in September. Rates start from about $18,800 per person in 2026.

Hurtigruten: The Coastal Express

Hurtigruten is something of an outlier in this group because it doesn't offer specific northern lights itineraries. Instead, the routes of this Norwegian ferry company just happen to traverse the perfect latitudes to see the aurora borealis. Hurtigruten is so confident you'll see the northern lights during the auroral season (between September 20, 2024, and March 25, 2025) that if they don't show up on a sailing of 11 days or more, the company's Northern Lights Promise means you'll get a free six-day southbound or seven-day northbound cruise to try again. For the best odds of seeing the northern lights, we suggest the 12-day round-trip Coastal Express itinerary from Bergen to Kirkenes (and back to Bergen). Rates start from about $2,080 per person in 2025.

Quark Expeditions: Under the Northern Lights

Courtesy of Quark Expeditions

Specializing in polar voyages, Quark Expeditions knows a thing or two about the northern lights, which is why the company offers an aurora sailing each fall. This 12-day itinerary cruises from Reykjavik, Iceland, to Greenland and back from late September into early October. Since the majority of the voyage takes place above the Arctic Circle, the odds of seeing the natural phenomenon are high, especially as solar activity tends to peak around the autumnal and vernal equinoxes in September and March, respectively. And if they don't show, well, you still get to explore Iceland's Westfjords and Greenland's eastern shores — and that's a worthwhile journey in itself. Rates start from about $8,400 per person in 2024.

Oceanwide Expeditions: Northern Iceland and Greenland

Courtesy of Oceanwide Expeditions

If you don't have two or three weeks to take off work to go northern lights watching, consider one of Oceanwide Expeditions' shorter Arctic cruises , such as a six-night sailing and hiking trip to northeast Iceland. A nine-night itinerary beginning and ending in Akureyri, Iceland, takes in Greenland's breathtaking Scoresby Sund, the largest fjord system in the world. Aurora borealis cruises operate from late summer to mid-fall, as darkness returns to the skies in the Arctic. Rates start from $3,250 per person for 2024 six-night sailings.

Cunard: Norway and Northern Lights

Each fall, the ships in Cunard's legendary fleet head north for Norway, where guests are treated to scenic cruising along the coast. The 12-night Norway and Northern Lights sailings depart from Southampton, England, before traveling to Alesund, Tromsø, Narvik, and Stavanger, sailing through majestic fjords along the way. Since the ships sail this itinerary from September to March, the skies will be dark enough to see the northern lights, should they decide to appear. In 2024, the Queen Mary 2 and the upcoming Queen Anne will take the reins, while the Queen Victoria will also set sail in 2025 and 2026. Rates start from about $1,805 per person in 2024.

P&O Cruises: Norway

Courtesy of P&O Cruises

British cruise line P&O operates 12-night sailings to Norway year-round. And during the auroral season, there's a strong chance you'll see the northern lights while onboard. Guests embark in Southampton, England, before sailing north to Norway, traveling as far as Tromsø and Alta, north of the Arctic Circle. We recommend splurging on a room with windows for the best northern lights viewing options. However, those in interior cabins can always run up on deck, which you should do anyway to witness the full grandeur of the atmospheric phenomenon. Rates start from about $1,440 per person in 2024.

Havila: Round Voyage

Courtesy of Havila Voyages

Like the Hurtigruten cruise mentioned above, Havila's Round Voyage follows the Coastal Express route between Bergen and Kirkenes, stopping in 34 ports during its 12-day adventure up and down the Norwegian coast. The company also has a Northern Lights Promise for guests visiting between October 1 and March 31, although in this case, the replacement six- or seven-day cruise must be taken within a month of your return on the original one. The 2024 rates on these newer, more environmentally friendly ships start at just $1,500 per person for an interior room or about $2,280 for an exterior room.

Saga: Norway and the Northern Lights

WanRu Chen / Getty Images

British company Saga offers 16-night cruises aboard the Spirit of Discovery from its U.K. base in Portsmouth. The route includes an overnight stay in Tromsø, as well as stops in Alesund, Trøndheim, Honningsvåg, Alta, Bergen, and a side-quest to Flåm, a beautiful inland area known for its epic views of the Norwegian fjords. Wildlife experts from the Orca European conservation team will be available to help you spot whales, dolphins, and other animals as you sail through their natural environment. Each cabin comes with a private balcony so you'll have incredible views throughout your trip. Prices for all-inclusive 2025 sailings start at about $7,430 per person.

Ponant: Nordic Discoveries and Traditions

Courtesy of Ponant

Ponant’s 11-day Norway cruises actually include round-trip flights between Paris and Tromsø, where the journey begins, so you could theoretically make this a two-in-one vacation with a short stint in Paris on either end. From Tromsø, ships make their way south to Narvik and Reine before heading north to Hammerfest, west to Bjornoya, east to Honningsvag, and back to Tromsø via Alta. Rates for sailings in 2025 begin at about $11,880 per person.

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In Search of the Northern Lights

• From $5,499
• 5 Guided Tours
• 3 Countries
• Dates & Pricing
• London (Tilbury) to Bergen Bergen to London (Tilbury)

In Search of the Northern Lights Map

Feel the spirit of the north

Experience a land where dawn and twilight merge on the edges of the long Arctic night. Sailing far north during Norway’s winter, witness snow-covered landscapes dotted with rugged mountains and steep fjords, and seek out the brilliant aurora borealis dancing in the night sky. 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.

Viking Inclusive Value

Pricing that covers everything guests need—and nothing they do not.

To learn more about each port of call and our included as well as optional excursions, click on the individual days below.

Itinerary and shore excursions are subject to change and may vary by departure.

More features, services and excursions included

One complimentary shore excursion in every port of call

Free Wi-Fi (connection speed may vary)

Beer, wine & soft drinks with onboard lunch & dinner

24-hour specialty coffees, teas  & bottled water

Port taxes & fees

Ground transfers with Viking Air purchase

Visits to UNESCO Sites

Enrichment lectures & Destination Performances

Complimentary access to The Nordic Spa & Fitness Center.

Self-service launderettes

Alternative restaurant dining at no extra charge

24-hour room service

Your Stateroom Includes:

King-size Viking Explorer Bed with luxury linen

42" flat-screen LCD TV with intuitive remote & complimentary Movies On Demand

Large private bathroom with spacious glass-enclosed shower, heated floor, anti-fog mirror & hair dryer

Premium Freyja® toiletries

Direct-dial satellite phone & cell service

Security safe

110/220 volt outlets

Ample USB ports

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More days means more to discover, with extension packages you can add before or after your Viking cruise or cruisetour. Enjoy additional days to explore your embarkation or disembarkation city, or see a new destination altogether with a choice of exciting cities. Pre & Post Cruise Extensions vary by itinerary and are subject to change.

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On this itinerary, your Viking Resident Historian is delivering the following iconic lectures:

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Viking Resident Historian

As part of our onboard cultural enrichment program and commitment to destination-focused learning, our Viking Resident Historian faculty provides guests with lectures and roundtable discussions on the arts, architecture, music and culture of upcoming ports and various aspects of world history.

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Norway & Iceland cruises

Norwegian fjord.

Experience lands of fire and ice

Immerse yourself in true beauty on a Norway and Iceland cruise with Princess®. Sail past mountains, fjords and forest-lined valleys. Discover artifacts and architecture of medieval times. Or learn about legends from locals, whose stories have been passed down from generations before them. Between the rugged terrains and the Viking history, these lands echo the promise of adventure.

A man's fascination with a majestic Viking ship on display, its grandeur a window to the past.

Featured Norway & Iceland cruise ports

Discover some of the world-renowned destinations that await you on an Norway & Iceland cruise with Princess.

• Grundarfjordur

Known to be the most pleasant town in Iceland, Akureyri is teeming with tranquility and beauty. On an Iceland cruise, take a dip in the Myvatn nature baths, known for their restorative powers. Or stroll through the Botanical Gardens, where you can admire over 2,000 species of flora from around the world. Experience the best of both fire and ice when you visit Akureyri with Princess.

Encounter beauty, history and culture when you visit Bergen on your Norway cruise. Marvel at the grandeur of Hardangerfjord, the third largest fjord in the world, on a scenic day tour. Or step into a medieval assembly room at the Schøtstuene Museum, and walk down Bryggen Wharf — a UNESCO World Heritage Site that preserves wooden buildings from the days of the Hanseatic League.

On a cruise to Iceland, unveil Grundarfjordur’s heroic past. Climb the "Holy Mountain," which once housed a temple dedicated to Thor. Tour the 4,000-year old lava fields of Berserkergata, and live through the stories of Iceland’s sagas — tales of migration, war, religion and mythology. Or spend the day birdwatching in the fishing village of Arnarstapi, where gulls, fulmars and kittiwakes reside.

Reykjavik is the gateway to natural wonders. On an Iceland cruise, warm up with a dip in the city’s Blue Lagoon, and cool down on a glacier walk across jagged ice formations. Ride across the countryside by horseback, soar over volcanic craters during a helicopter ride or snorkel through the waters of Thingvellir National Park. See the beauty of Iceland’s capital for yourself when you sail with Princess.

Stavanger is a true icon of Norway. As the nation’s capital of cuisine, learn how to smoke and can sardines, and then taste them yourself. Attend a musical performance in the chapel of Utstein Kloster, a 12th-century abbey that was once home to Augustine monks. Or visit Old Stavanger during your Norway cruise, and enjoy an architectural tour through Europe’s largest collection of wooden buildings.

As one of the best places to see the Northern Lights, Tromso is teeming with wonders from the skies above to the fjords below. On a Norway cruise, learn about the city’s history of Arctic hunting at the Polar Museum. Visit the Husky Wilderness Camp to meet championship dogs and hear about their racing careers. Or ride a cable car to the peak of Mt. Storsteinen for sweeping views of the city.

Why cruise Norway & Iceland

The majestic beauty and natural phenomena of Northern Europe offers an adventure like no other.

Natural splendors

Natural splendors abound in Norway and Iceland. In Grundarfjördur, marvel at the seascapes, fjords and tidal currents within Breidafjordur Bay. Rejuvenate in the mineral-rich waters of the Blue Lagoon in Reykjavik. Or fly over Godafoss Waterfall, the ‘Waterfall of the Gods,’ during a flightseeing tour in Akureyri. Come face-to-face with Mother Nature’s crown jewels — only on an Norway and Iceland cruise with Princess.

The search for phenomena

Travel to Alta, the "City of the Northern Lights," for a chance to see the sky painted lime green. Cruise to Iceland in June and bask in 24 hours of daylight during the summer solstice. Or visit Honningsvag for a glimpse of the Midnight Sun during your evening departure. While we can’t guarantee you’ll see these natural phenomena, we can promise that the journey is just as exciting as the wonders themselves.

Norway & Iceland excursions

Our award-winning Norway and Iceland cruise shore excursions bring you to natural wonders, wildlife and landmarks. Relax in Reykjavik’s Blue Lagoon while gazing at snowy landscapes. Get up close to Akureyri’s 35-foot waterfall that tumbles into the Skjálfandafljót River below. Or travel to the Bjarnarhöfn Shark Farm in Grundarfjordur to learn how to make hákarl, a 400-year old Icelandic delicacy.

More ashore

Enjoy even more marvels and mysteries with More Ashore late-night departures and overnight stays. On a Norway cruise to Alta, search for the Aurora Borealis at midnight with a cup of hot chocolate in hand. Attend a summer concert at Tromsø’s Arctic Cathedral to welcome the return of the Midnight Sun. Or enjoy a 9-hour journey through Reykjavik’s landscapes on itineraries that depart later in the evening.

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Oslo - Honningsvåg - Rovaniemi - Helsinki

Follow the Northern Lights – Norway to Finland

On The Coastal Express - North | Flåm Rail

Departure Dates

Voyage overview

From Norway’s capital Oslo, ride the world’s most famous train, the Flåm Railway, before joining The Coastal Express - North. Visit charming hamlets, sail through picturesque fjords and hopefully see the magnificent Northern Lights on this journey into the heart of Norway.

On arrival into the sleepy town of Kirkenes in Norway’s far north, head south into Finnish Lapland where you’ll see the night sky from inside your glass igloo. Then discover Finnish Lakeland, where you’ll stay in beautiful log accommodation. End the tour with a city tour of Finland’s capital, Helsinki.

Visit charming hamlets, sail through picturesque fjords and experience the magic of the Northern Lights on this journey up into Arctic Norway.

On this fully escorted small group tour from Norway’s capital Oslo, ride the world’s most famous train, the Flåm Railway, before joining The Coastal Express - North.

From Kirkenes in Norway’s far north, you’ll then head south into Finnish Lapland and enjoy gazing up at the night sky inside your glass igloo.

Guided city tour of Bergen

Get a chance to see the Northern Lights

Gain insight into the Sámi culture

The day-by-day program will give you some ideas about what you can see during your voyage, but bear in mind that this itinerary is just an indication. After all, this is a sailing where the elements rule and weather conditions might vary.

Arrive in Oslo

Welcome to Norway! First stop: Norway’s thriving capital, Oslo . The city has a sheltered position deep inside Oslofjord and is surrounded by glistening lakes.    

Arrive in Oslo from your international flight and make your own way from the airport or train station to your hotel. The day is spent at your leisure, exploring the many charms the cosmopolitan capital has to offer.

Why not make your way to the city center, taking snaps of the architecturally distinct Rådhuset town hall, Royal Palace, and Oslo Cathedral.   

Along the waterfront, there’s Aker Brygge, a popular area to eat out at, the imposing Akershus Fortress, and the gleaming new buildings around Bjørvika waterfront. The latter is where you’ll find modern attractions such as the landmark new Edvard Munch museum. 

In the evening, meet the rest of your tour group and your guide at a welcome dinner. Overnight in Oslo.

Discover Norway's capital

After breakfast, we’ll go on an Oslo grand city tour that may include some of the attractions you might have had time to see yourself on your first day but also a few sights located further away. 

The Oslo Opera House is perhaps the capital’s most iconic building, resembling a gleaming glacier floating in the water. Wander along its clean lines, admire the dramatic angles, and marvel at the white marble that covers its exterior. 

Vigeland Sculpture Park is located at the center of splendid Frogner Park. There, you’ll find more than 200 visually striking sculptures in bronze, granite, and cast iron by prolific Norwegian artist Gustav Vigeland. The highlight of the sculptures is the monolith that rises several feet high.

Further north from Vigeland, just outside of Oslo, is Holmenkollen Ski Jump. You won’t be doing any jumping yourself, but the impressive building enjoys panoramic views over the city, lakes, and fjord. Beneath the ski jump is also the world’s oldest ski museum featuring 2,500 pairs of skis and 4,000 years of skiing history.

After the tour, you’ll return to your hotel in Oslo to spend the night.

Norway In a Nutshell

After breakfast, we take the train from Oslo to Myrdal station over 2,000 feet high in the mountains. This is the boarding point for the Flåm Mountain Railway. 

The vintage train will weave its way down from the mountains and into the valley towards the village of Flåm. The scenic journey takes about an hour and includes a brief stop at Kjosfossen Waterfall for you to take photos. The small power station on the waterfall is actually what powers the Flåm Mountain Railway.  

We’ll then arrive in the village of Flåm where you’ll spend the night at a hotel. You can visit Flåm Railway Museum to learn more about the history and the engineering that brought about the railway. Enjoy your included dinner at the hotel tonight.

Trainride to Bergen

Following breakfast and checking out of your hotel, it’s time to enjoy a two-hour boat cruise of Aurlandsfjord and narrow UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord, ending at Gudvangen. A short bus ride through Nærøydalen valley, usually fringed by waterfalls, leads us to the village of Voss where you will catch the train to Bergen, a beautiful city on the west coast of Norway.

Check in to your hotel in Bergen before heading out to explore Norway’s third largest city at your leisure. One recommendation is to take the Fløibanen funicular to the top of nearby Mount Fløyen to enjoy views of Bergen and the surrounding mountains.

Gateway to the Fjords

After a relaxing morning we take a walking tour of Bergen, including St Mary’s Church, Håkon’s Hall and the UNESCO World Heritage listed Bryggen district. Bryggen is made up of a colorful age-old wooden wharves which now house boutique shops selling handicrafts, art, and souvenirs.

Across the cobblestone street from Bryggen is the Fish Market, a place of sights, sounds, and smells. Freshly caught seafood is cooked on the spot here and served to salivating visitors. 

We’ll then head to Troldhaugen, the home of Norway’s most famous composer, Edvard Grieg. The tour ends at Bergen pier, where we can relax in our exclusive guest lounge before boarding our Coastal Express ship for our voyage along Norway’s beautiful coast.

Iconic Architecture

Enjoy early morning in the breathtaking Nordfjord near Torvik . We then sail past West Cape for our approach to Ålesund. You’ll have most of the day to explore this picturesque town.

Ålesund  is renowned for its beautiful Art Nouveau architecture. Enjoy wandering around pastel-colored buildings, picking up details such as semi-circular windows and charming rounded fairy-tale-like towers. 

For a lovely panorama over the town, head up to Mount Askla. There’s also Atlanterhavsparken, one of Northern Europe’s largest saltwater aquariums. 

The last port of the day is  Molde which has an amazing view of 222 mountain peaks across the fjord, called ‘the Molde Panorama’.

City of Kings and Palaces

We arrive early in the morning at Trondheim, with plenty of time to explore Norway’s first capital either on your own or on an optional excursion. 

Founded by Viking king Olav Tryggvason in 997,  Trondheim  today is Norway’s third largest city and a mix of historic buildings and a vibrant student population.

A must-see site of the city is Nidaros Cathedral, nicknamed “Norway’s Notre Dame” for its Gothic style and considered the most sacred building in all of Norway. 

Nearby, the old city bridge Gamle Bybro sits over Nid River, marking the entrance to the old Hanseatic district of Bakklandet. The neighborhood’s colorful wooden wharves propped up on stilts by the river’s edge now house a variety of eateries. Up from Bakklandet is Kristiansten Fort which offers beautiful views.

In the afternoon, the ship sails northwest, passing the ochre-colored Kjeungskjær Lighthouse towards charming  Rørvik .

Into the Arctic

We cross the Arctic Circle early in the morning, beginning your Arctic tour of Norway. We mark the moment with a traditional ceremony that’s sure to wake you up!

Above the Arctic Circle in fall, winter, and spring, your chances of seeing the Northern Lights greatly improve.

At 10am, we call into  Ørnes , near to Norway’s second-largest glacier, Svartisen. We then sail to  Bodø , the second largest city in Northern Norway, overlooked by the Børvass peaks. 

That afternoon, the ship enters the Lofoten archipelago. The 3,000 foot-high Lofoten Wall is a stunning sight sight stretching for miles on the horizon.

Stamsund  is home to one of the largest fishing fleets in the islands, busy catching Arctic cod called  skrei which swim from the Barents Sea in the north down to nearby Vestfjord to spawn.

Come evening, when you see rows of traditional fisherman’s huts on stilts, known as  rorbuer , you’ve arrived in the pretty harbor of  Svolvær , the main town of the Lofoten Islands.

Capital of the Arctic

We dock into  Harstad  just after 7 a.m. You can go for a peaceful early morning stroll around town. 

The ship will then continue to  Finnsnes  which connects the beautiful island of Senja via the impressive Gisund Bridge.

We then sail to the historic Arctic exploration capital of  Tromsø  where you’ll have four hours to explore the city or join an optional excursion.

Along the waterfront you’ll find Polaria, a center exhibiting environmental research in the Arctic with a small aquarium. Take your pick from the many shops and restaurants in the city center, including Mack Brewery and favorite local watering hole Ølhallen pub. There are also cafés offering delicious cinnamon buns where baristas create innovative coffee art. Across the fjord from where the ship docks, you should be able to see the iconic Arctic Cathedral with its beautiful stained-glass mosaic.

Leaving Tromsø in the early evening, we head north for the trading post of  Skjervøy , founded in 1622. On our way, we’ll pass the Lyngen Alps which rise majestically from the sea.

Norway’s Northern Frontier

The ship makes early morning stops in the town of  Hammerfest  and at  Havøysund  before arriving at Honningsvåg mid-morning.

This is the portal to the North Cape where a globe monument marks the top of continental Europe. An optional excursion will take you to North Cape from Honningsvåg by bus, passing herds of reindeer on the way, depending on the season.

The ship continues north. Near the entrance of  Kjøllefjord  village, look out for the striking, building-like rock formation  Finnkirka , an ancient sacrificial site once used by the indigenous Sámi. 

We reach  Mehamn , in the evening. If visiting in the months of February and March, you might spot tons of cod drying on outdoor wooden racks called  hjell , mainly destined for export.

The ship then sets off for  Berlevåg . On the way, we pass the tall Slettnes Lighthouse, the northernmost mainland lighthouse on Earth.

The Sámi Capital

We’ll arrive at Vardø in the morning, and we’ll continue south towards our next port, Kirkenes . You’ll be treated to dramatic coastal vistas as we approach the shore. Here, we leave our ship behind as we continue our journey south toward Finland on land.

We’ll board a coach and enjoy a scenic drive through the town of Kirkenes, and after crossing the border into Finland, we’ll begin heading south through Lapland. We’ll stop at Inari, a village in Finland’s largest municipality. 

The area is famous for its large Sámi population and is seen as the centre of Finnish Sámi culture. At the newly renovated Siida Sámi museum, you can see exhibits and artefacts that document the rich culture of the Finnish Sámi. We will enjoy lunch in a local restaurant before continuing to Saariselkä, a small skiing village in the middle of the Finnish Lapland wilderness.

After a day of traveling, learning, and exploring, you’ll spend your first night in Finland.

Reindeer Safari

Waking up in Saariselkä, you have another day in Finland’s winter wonderland to look forward to. 

Today we have a day at leisure to explore the small village, or why not try the toboggan near the hotel or one of the many optional excursions available.

This evening enjoys a Reindeer Safari, with the chance of experiencing the Northern Lights. A short transfer to a local reindeer farm and here you have the opportunity to get to know a local Sami family. During your visit, we will feed the reindeers in the paddock and tell you about reindeer husbandry. Then it´s time to take the Lappish lasso and practice, with the guidance of the host, throwing the lasso. You will also have a peek into the dim Lappish hut. In the idyllic old cottage, you can enjoy some coffee and chat more about reindeers and Sami.  Weather permitting, enjoy an enchanting reindeer sleigh ride—available exclusively from December through March and lasting approximately 25-45 minutes.

Return to your hotel in the evening, where you’ll spend your second night in Saariselkä.

Santa Claus Village

Today, we journey towards the commercial center of Lapland, Rovaniemi. Along the way we will make a short stop to visit the Sodankylä Old Church.

Experience Santa Claus Village, where you can see herds of reindeer and even meet the jolly bearded man himself. This Christmas-themed park will surely bring out your inner child, and if you’re lucky, seeing the Northern Lights dancing above will make your visit even more special. 

In the evening, you’ll check into an Arctic snowhotel in Sinettä, where you can unwind and enjoy the hotel’s spa and sauna facilities. Tonight we will enjoy dinner at the hotel before you spend the night in a toasty glass igloo, looking out for the Aurora through the 360 degree glass roof.

Canine Companions

Today we will transfer to your hotel in Rovaniemi. This Arctic city has an intriguing history, having grown to prominence in the 19th century due to the Lapland gold rush. After extensive destruction during World War II, the city had to be rebuilt, and its footprint was redesigned in the shape of a reindeer’s head.

Besides reindeer, another iconic Lapland animal is the husky. In the afternoon, you’ll take a tour of a husky dog kennel and meet its friendly, furry residents. Enjoy lunch at the kennel. Learn about the long relationship these dogs have with the local people, and find out how they’re reared to become as fit and as hardy as they are.

After spending some time with the dogs, enjoy a thrilling husky-drawn cart or sled ride through the Lapland wilderness. Once it’s over, you can enjoy a snack and a hot drink around the roaring fire.

Capital of Lapland

After breakfast you have a day to yourself to explore more of Rovaniemi. Your tour guide can recommend a range of exciting additional excursions or things to see and do in the area.

Maybe make a visit to Jätkänkynttilä bridge to take photos of Finland’s first suspension bridge. It stands prominently over Kemijoki river with the lamps at the top of its two pillars resembling glowing braziers.

You’ll also not want to miss the Aalto Centre, a complex of public buildings designed by famous Finnish modernist architect Alvar Aalto. Each of the three buildings is inspired by Finnish culture and nature. Even the five arterial roads are arranged in the shape of a reindeer’s antlers.

There’s also the forest-themed Pilke Science Center and Korundi House of Culture to lose yourself in. Similarly, Ranua Zoo is home to various Arctic fauna, but all bow in respect to the resident polar bears and Finnish brown bears.

Finland’s Capital

Today, we leave the Rovaniemi and travel by train to Helsinki, Finland’s capital. Widely regarded as one of the world’s best cities to live in, Helsinki is vibrant and colorful, and offers a delicate balance of historic architecture and contemporary living. The city is also known for its incredible natural scenery, with countless nature trails nearby.

After a late afternoon arrival, spend the rest of the day exploring the city and discovering the many hidden gems dotted around the center. With a wide range of bars, restaurants and cafés, Helsinki has something to satisfy every taste.

The Adventure Ends

From the far south of Norway up to the northernmost point, then down through Finnish Lapland – you’ve been on quite the journey! You’ve traveled through the Polar Night over sea and land across countries, with the Northern Lights making a pleasant appearance at times. 

Today marks the end of your journey, but it doesn’t truly finish here. The memories you’ve collected throughout your time with us will remain with you for years to come. You’ll also likely be going home with plenty of photos from various activities and places that you can share with family and friends.

After breakfast at the hotel, say your goodbyes to the crew and your fellow travelers. We thank you for spending this time with us, and we hope to see you again soon for another adventure.

About your trip

What's included.

4-star accommodation

10 nights’ hotel accommodation (1 night in glass igloo) & 6 nights’ cruise accommodation

Daily breakfast, 7 lunches (5 on Hurtigruten)

10 dinners (6 on Hurtigruten) & 1 farewell dinner in Helsinki including a glass of beer, wine, soft drink.

Norway in a Nutshell: Flåm Railway journey and fjord cruise on UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord

First-class coach from Kirkenes to Rovaniemi

2nd-class rail from Rovaniemi to Helsinki

City tours of Oslo and Bergen

English-speaking tour manager from start to finish

Reindeer Safari ( sleigh ride offered only from December through March, weather permitting)

Husky safari (cart or sled ride, depending on weather)

Santa Claus Village visit

Siida Museum visit in Inari

Luggage service from hotel in Oslo to hotel in Bergen (1 bag per person)

Access to Cameralla photo sharing app

What's Not Included

International flights  

Optional shore excursions with our local partners 

Optional small-group adventures

Travel insurance

Luggage handling other than those specified

Beverages with meals

Prices are in USD per person based on two people traveling together sharing a twin cabin

Not all cabin categories are available for all departures

Single cabin pricing available on request

All prices are capacity controlled and subject to availability

Northern Lights Promise: If the Northern Lights are not recorded during the voyage portion of your Follow The Northern Lights tour we’ll offer a free northbound or southbound voyage. Does not apply to September 2024 dates. T&Cs apply.

Gratuities are not expected

We have several ships in the fleet that we travel with.

MS Nordnorge

MS Nordnorge is aptly named for northern Norway, most of which lies above the Arctic Circle.

MS Nordkapp

MS Nordkapp is named after the northernmost point on mainland Europe: North Cape (71ºN) - one of the geographical highpoints you can visit on a Hurtigruten voyage.

Both the name and the interior design of this modern ship are inspired by the spectacular Northern Lights.

Related cruises

Oslo - Honningsvåg - Rovaniemi - Helsinki (Northbound)

September 2025 - March 2026

Helsinki - Rovaniemi - Honningsvåg - Oslo (Southbound)

Follow the Northern Lights – Finland to Norway

On The Coastal Express - South | Flåm Rail

December 2025 - January 2026

Bergen – Kirkenes (Northbound)

The Coastal Express – North

Svartisen | Lyngen Alps | Slettnes

Year-round departures

Know before you go

• The Northern Lights
• Your coastal experience
• FAQ: The Coastal Express
• Meet the team on our Coastal Express ships
• What to pack for a cruise in Norway

Norwegian Fjords Cruises

See Baltic, Scandinavia and Norways breathtaking scenery and natural wonders

Tag: Nortern Lights Cruise

Cruise in the heart of the Northern Lights belt

From the Lofoten Islands to the North Cape , the coast of Northern Norway is covered by a belt of aurora borealis. This makes Northern Norway an ideal location to witness this occurrence. In fact, this is the best place on Earth to watch the Northern Lights. You can view the Northern Lights during the day in the middle of winter on Svalbard (Spitsbergen), which lies a little further from this belt. The coasts of the Norwegian counties of Tromso and Finnmark have the highest occurrence due to their proximity to the Arctic Circle and relatively warm winter climate, making northern Norway an appealing destination for anyone interested in seeing this meteorological phenomenon.

What are the Northern Lights?

The Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights, begin their lives on the sun. After severe solar storms, the sun’s surface is showered with electrically charged particles. There are several that head in Earth’s direction. When they do, they are guided to the North and South Poles by the planet’s magnetic fields. The particles hit the upper atmosphere in a ring pattern that revolves around the magnetic poles. Energy is released as light that we can see from Earth in a process that is comparable to what happens inside a fluorescent lamp. The average altitude at which the Northern Lights can be seen is about 100 kilometers.

Where can you see the Northern Lights?

The Northern Lights, as the name implies, are particularly associated with the arctic regions. The zone with the highest concentration of these events is a 2500 km-wide ring that centers on the magnetic north pole. The so-called auroral zone encompasses much of the northern hemisphere, beginning in the Arctic and extending southward across northern Scandinavia, the island of Iceland, the southern tip of Greenland, and on into northern Canada, Alaska, and the northern coast of Siberia.

Explore Northern Lights cruise

Look up at the Northern Lights, the most beautiful light show on Earth, while you admire Norway’s beautiful fjords and winding waterways.

Explore Norway and see the world famous Norwegian fjords

NordfjordeNorway from Vikings to Fjords to the Midnight Sun and Northern Lights In northern Europe, the thinly populated Kingdom of Norway, whose dominion includes the Arctic islands of Svalbard and Jan Mayen, is partitioned by mountains and has a fjord-gashed[…]