Aurora borealis, also known as the Northern Lights, is a natural light display created when charged particles from the sun become trapped in the Earth’s magnetic field. Displays take many forms, from rippling curtains to steady glows.
The colourful light show can be seen in high latitude areas where air pollution is low and it is the altitude that affects the colours with blue and violet lights occurring below 100 km, bright greens between 100-240 km and rub reds above 240 km.
The natural phenomenon can be seen at all times of the year, but they are unpredictable, and are obviously best seen on a clear, dark night. Near equinoxes in March and September are known as ‘aurora season’ because that is when the Earth’s magnetic field lets more solar particles interact with the atmosphere.
Hurtigruten’s ‘Follow The Lights’ is an 18-day escorted small group journey through the high magnetic latitude regions of Norway, Finland and Estonia.
Beginning with the famous Flåm Railway from Oslo to Bergen, you will visit charming hamlets, sail through picturesque fjords and see the magnificent Northern Lights on the Hurtigruten northbound Original Coastal Voyage from Bergen to Kirkenes.
The journey continues to Finnish Lapland where you can watch the night sky from inside your glass igloo. Next discover Finnish Lakeland, where you’ll stay in beautiful log accommodation. The last leg proceeds to Helsinki, Finland’s capital, including a day trip to medieval Tallinn in Estonia.
Hurtigruten’s Northern Lights Promise
It’s our guarantee that if the lights don’t appear on your journey during the Northern Lights season, we’ll offer a free six- or seven-day classic voyage free of charge.
Hurtigruten’s Northern Lights Promise
Highlights and Inclusions
- English speaking guide from start to finish
- Norway in a Nutshell, Flåm Railway journey
- Northbound Original Coastal Voyage from Bergen to Kirkenes
- City tours of Oslo, Bergen, Helsinki & Tallinn
- Reindeer Farm visit
- Husky Farm visit
- Santa Claus Village visit
- Siida museum visit
- 4 star accommodation standard
- 11 nights’ hotel accommodation (1 night in glass igloo) & 6 nights’ cruise accommodation in a cabin category of guests’ choice
Book with Confidence – extended!
Booking a holiday during a time with travel restrictions and general uncertainty comes at a risk. Start planning the expedition of your dreams without worries. Valid for 2021/2022 cruises, Book before 28/02/2021.
Discover our risk-free booking policy
Follow the Lights southbound
This itinerary is also available in the reverse direction.
Explore Southbound 2021/22 Departure Dates.
Enjoy AU$200 Onboard Credit
Enjoy AU$200 (NOK1250) onboard credit with Hurtigruten’s New Year Global Expedition Sale, as you travel on their Follow the Lights voyages between 27 September 2021 and 30 March 2022.