Magic and science. Hypnotic and exhilarating. A photographer’s dream. The Northern Lights in Norway are all these and more. Explore the many wonders of nature’s greatest lightshow.
I'm excited to recommend booking a Hurtigruten cruise now to witness the Northern Lights in Norway. Scientists predict the Solar Maximum in 2024-25 will result in the most frequent and impressive Northern Lights displays in more than a decade. Here's an introduction from the cruise line that pioneered coastal voyages in Norway.
Discover the Northern Lights with an in-depth, expert-led journey that immerses you in Norway’s Arctic landscapes. This experience combines stunning natural views, rich culture, and sustainability-focused exploration. Witness the aurora borealis and connect with Norway's history, local traditions, and scenic beauty, creating moments you’ll remember long after.
The Northern Lights, or aurora borealis, are created by electrically charged particles released by the Sun, which travel 150 million kilometers (92 million miles) across space to Earth. These particles, carried by the solar wind—a stream of charged gas—collide with the Earth's magnetic field upon arrival. This magnetic field funnels the particles toward the poles, forming the Auroral Ovals. When the particles collide with oxygen and nitrogen in the Earth’s upper atmosphere, they produce the captivating light we see as the aurora.
Book by December 3
Norway is a prime destination for experiencing the Northern Lights, thanks to its location within the Arctic Circle. The country enjoys frequent displays of the aurora borealis, especially from late September to early April. Norway’s stunning landscapes—rugged coastlines, towering fjords, and vast open skies—provide a breathtaking backdrop for these natural light shows.
See the Northern Lights or go again for FREE!
The aurora shimmers across Arctic skies year-round, but Norway’s prime viewing season is from September to March when the nights are dark enough. During this period, the best viewing hours are between 5 p.m. and 2 a.m. Aurora displays can be brief, lasting a few minutes, or stretch out for 15 to 30 minutes, and on lucky nights, even a couple of hours.
There’s a higher chance of vibrant displays near the equinoxes in late September and March. This phenomenon, partly due to the Russell-McPherron effect, involves an alignment of Earth’s and the solar wind’s magnetic fields, creating favorable conditions for geomagnetic storms.
The aurora borealis has danced across northern skies since the dawn of our planet. Dinosaurs, woolly mammoths, and Vikings all walked beneath it, just as we do today. It is a constant of our world. But what creates this awe-inspiring phenomenon?
A Hurtigruten cruise along Norway’s coast is one of the best ways to see a life-defining display of the aurora borealis. Here are six reasons why.
Hurtigruten ships sail the Norwegian coast, above the Arctic Circle at 66°N, and directly beneath the Auroral Oval, an area of consistently active displays.
Traveling to different parts of the Norwegian coast on the ship increases the chances of seeing the aurora not just once but multiple times.
The advantage of being at sea is that we can quickly sail clear of cloud cover that might be blocking the view of a Northern Lights display.
Our ship’s bridge officers are always scanning the skies and horizon, and are usually the first to spot the aurora, making an announcement to our guests on board.
Being at sea avoids the air pollution and the ambient light on land, both of which can dull the colors and vibrancy of a Northern Lights spectacle.
If you sail with us during the Northern Lights season for more than 11 days from September 20 to March 31 and don’t see the aurora appear at least once, we promise you a free voyage to try again.
We use cookies to improve your experience. Learn More