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northern lights, water below”/>
The Norwegian coastline offers an extraordinary view of the northern lights.
(Image credit: Hurtigruten, Stian Klo)
The next few years are predicted to be the best for seeing the northern lights due to high solar activity during the current solar cycle. So if you’re considering planning an aurora hunting trip, now is the perfect time.
Most of us have probably written something along the lines of “seeing the northern lights” on our bucket list, but to that end, there’s one important caveat you should be aware of. Very few are satisfied with seeing them just once.
Related: Aurora colors: What causes them and why do they vary?
As soon as these dancing ribbons of light fill the night sky, you’ll be left awestruck, elated and ultimately, wanting more. Lucky for those of us on Hurtigruten’s Astronomy Voyage, we got not one, not two, but seven nights of the northern lights, with some shows visible for hours at a time.
Full disclaimer: Space.com was invited on a press trip to experience Hurtigruten’s Astronomy Voyage.
Astronomy Voyage
Bergen — Kirkenes — Bergen
Price: From £2942pp, includes breakfast, lunch and dinner + exclusive excursion to the Tromsø planetarium.
Duration: 12 days
Northern Lights Promise: If there is no recorded sighting of the northern lights while sailing, Hurtigruten will give guests a free 6- or 7-day Classic Voyage to redeem the following season. Terms and Conditions apply.
If you’re interested in booking the Astronomy Voyage head over to Hurtigruten’s official site.
We began our journey in the beautiful port city of Bergen.
Famous for its fish markets, rainy weather and historic harbor district, Bryggen, the old Hanseatic Wharf is a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage site. With buses regularly shuffling in and out, Hurtigruten’s official port is easily accessible from Bergen. It’s also within walking distance to several hotels.
While we were waiting to board, the atmosphere was full of excitement, anticipation — and doubt. Will we actually see the northern lights? How cold will it get? What is it going to be like experiencing the polar night? These are just a handful of the questions spilling from the eager lips scattered across the room. Together, we’d soon embark on a voyage we’d never forget.
We met our trip’s astronomer Tom Kerss and tour guide Eva Stiegler at the port. They explained the trip itinerary and what to expect during our adventure with the Hurtigruten Coastal Express.
Then, after a short safety briefing, we were ready to board the charming ship MS Richard With — named after Captain Richard With who established the Hurtigruten Coastal Express in 1893. Our ship was renovated in 2018 and converted to a green hybrid ship in 2022.