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The aurora borealis (also known as the Northern Lights) is one of the world’s most dazzling natural wonders. Its colourful, ghostly shapes have entranced human beings for millennia, with many early cultures believing them to be spirits dancing through the night sky.
While we now know exactly what causes this remarkable light show (charged particles from the sun reacting with our atmosphere), to witness it is no less enchanting and it still tops many people’s bucket lists.
One of the best ways to catch a glimpse of the aurora borealis in its full glory is to go on a cruise. Cruise ships can take you far into the Arctic Circle, where the Northern Lights are most visible, while still providing access to the comforts of a lavish hotel.
Plus, cruise ships are constantly moving and can help you travel far from artificial light pollution, increasing your chances of a sighting.
However, seeing the aurora borealis isn’t the only reason to set off on a Northern Lights cruise. The search can take you to places you might not otherwise see – from the northernmost reaches of Scandinavia to the Canadian wilderness – so there are plenty of unique experiences to be had.
With this in mind, we’ve teamed up with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines to bring you seven spectacular things to do on a Northern Lights cruise. Fred. Olsen offer voyages to Norway designed to give you the best chance of seeing the aurora borealis.
1. Drop anchor at picturesque towns and cities
To see the aurora borealis in its full glory, you’ll need to travel pretty far north – past the icy border of the Arctic Circle. But the beauty of setting off on a Northern Lights cruise is that you can stop off at plenty of picturesque towns and cities along the way – ranging from dinky fishing villages to shimmering cities shrouded by snow – making your journey to the lights even more special.
For example, a popular stop on many Fred. Olsen Northern Lights cruise itineraries is Ålesund, a postcard-worthy port town surrounded by steely blue seas and looming mountains. When a catastrophic fire burned much of it to the ground in 1904, Ålesund was rebuilt largely in an Art Nouveau style, giving it an unforgettable, fairytale feel.
Or, en route along the Norwegian coast, you can drop anchor at the spellbinding city of Trondheim. Here, rows of colourful wooden houses, charming cobblestone streets, and the world’s northernmost Gothic cathedral await.
Trondheim is also a must-visit for foodies, boasting everything from family-owned eateries to Michelin-starred restaurants serving fresh flavours from the surrounding fjords and farmland.
2. Immerse yourself in native culture
Wherever they take you, the best Northern Lights cruises offer plenty of chances to experience and learn about native cultures – whether browsing Inuit art in Canada or attending Indigenous ceremonies in Alaska. After all, who knows when you’ll revisit these remote corners of the world.
For example, a Northern Lights cruise to Norway can involve immersing yourself in Sami culture. The Sami are Indigenous people from Northern Scandinavia, and they’ve inhabited this land for thousands of years, making their living from hunting, fishing, and reindeer herding. They’re known for their diverse languages, vibrant clothing, and folk music – particularly drumming and joiking (one of Europe’s oldest forms of singing).
On a Fred. Olsen ‘In Search of the Northern Lights’ cruise, voyagers can visit a local Sami camp, taste their cuisine (from hearty reindeer stews to tangy lingonberry jams), and learn about their traditional handicrafts – such as knife and jewellery-making. You might even get to feed the reindeer and listen to stories in cosy lavvu tents.
3. Spot wondrous wildlife
Another reason to consider a Northern Lights cruise is that it’s a great way to spot fantastic fauna. You could think about it like a floating, cold-weather safari through one of nature’s most unique and unusual habits.
As you sail, watch out for marine giants like orcas and fin, minke, and humpback whales emerging from the waves for fresh Arctic air. Some cruises even run on-deck wildlife spotting sessions. For example, on Fred. Olsen’s Northern Lights cruises in Norway, experts from marine conservation charity ORCA will be on hand to help you glimpse these magnificent mammals.
However, whales aren’t the only creatures you can see on a Norwegian Northern Lights cruise. Look to the sky to spot various bird species – from whooper gulls and velvet scooters to the mighty white-tailed eagle, the country’s largest bird of prey, which can be seen snatching fish from under the sea’s surface.
Speaking of fish, on a Fred. Olsen ‘In Search of the Northern Lights’ cruise, you can also get up close and personal with the denizens of the deep by going ice fishing. This involves heading to a frozen lake and drilling into the ice, before dropping bait into the icy depths.
Fishing has been an integral part of Norwegian culture for millennia, so an excursion like this is a great way to connect with the local way of life. Plus, ice fishing trips generally take you to mesmeric spots in the Norwegian wilderness, so you can enjoy views of looming mountains and snow-dusted pine forests as you wait for a bite.
4. Learn about the night sky
While witnessing the spectral shapes of the aurora borealis might be your ultimate goal for a Northern Lights cruise, the best voyages allow opportunities to see and learn about other aspects of the night sky. After all, you’re sailing through some of the best stargazing spots in the world, so those interested in astronomy will certainly want to take advantage.
For example, on a Fred. Olsen cruise, various talks and workshops can help to inform and enrich your experiences. These include top-deck stargazing sessions led by experts from the astronomy group Go Stargazing. They’ll take you on laser pointer-guided tours of different constellations and help you spot planets and nebulae.
Go Stargazing astronomers will also share myths connected with the stars and explore the fascinating relationship between seafaring traditions and the night sky. You may even witness astrological events like solar eclipses and meteor showers if you’re lucky.
The talks offered on a Northern Lights cruise will depend on your chosen voyage. However, they can include anything from practical photography workshops to presentations from Norway residents on life beyond the Arctic Circle.
5. Explore the landscape in unexpected ways
On many Northern Lights cruises, sailing won’t be your only form of transportation. At different stops, voyagers will generally have the chance to venture into the snow-covered hinterland and adopt exciting new ways of travelling.
For example, Tromsø – one of the ports on Fred. Olsen’s ‘In Search of the Northern Lights’ cruise – isn’t just one of Norway’s best places to see the aurora borealis, it’s also home to the Lyngen Alps. This bewitching paradise of soaring peaks and glistening glaciers is popular with hikers and skiers, but it’s also perfect for a dog-sledding adventure.
Before the days of 4x4s, planes, and snowmobiles, dog-powered sleds were the main transportation in the Arctic. However, today, you can snuggle up in reindeer hides and hit the open snow just for fun.
There’s nothing as serene as being pulled along a quiet alpine path by huskies, watching the sunset through the pine trees. Plus, you may even get to feed and pet the dogs once you’re done. And, if a dog-sled ride isn’t your cup of tea, why not try snowshoeing?
6. Admire breathtaking natural scenery
One of the best parts of any Northern Lights cruise is the staggering scenery you’ll see along the way. As well as icy Arctic landscapes of snow-frosted mountains and brilliant blue glaciers, you can watch out for plunging fjords and lush forests.
Many of Fred. Olsen’s Northern Lights itineraries include a stop at the fjordside town of Molde. Here, you can hike up to the Varden viewpoint for sweeping views of the islands scattered over the Romsdalsfjord’s glassy surface. Time your cruise right, and a mosaic of amber and crimson will greet you as the surrounding forests burst into an astonishing autumnal display.
For much of your sightseeing though, you won’t even have to leave the ship. Exploring by boat means you can enjoy natural landmarks that are difficult to see from land. And even if you could, in many cases, your vantage point in the open water will give you the best views.
This is certainly true for the Seven Sisters Mountain range, whose jagged peaks rise like the spine of a great monster from the island of Alsta. This looming landform is a must-see for anyone cruising to Norway in search of the Northern Lights.
7. Witness the Northern Lights
Of course, the main reason many people embark on a Northern Lights cruise is to see the magnificent aurora borealis.
As we’ve mentioned, this staggering natural phenomenon occurs when energised particles from the sun collide and react with our atmosphere. The Earth’s magnetic field draws most of these particles to our poles, which is why we have to venture so far north to see them at their best.
November to February is the best time to see them when the nights are the longest and darkest – and each sighting is different. Sometimes, they’ll appear as swirling lines and other times as dazzling curtains of light. Colours can include anything from luminous greens and cool blues to candy pinks and vibrant reds.
As we’ve said, cruise ships are the perfect way to see the Northern Lights. They’re basically floating observatories – constantly moving and giving us more opportunities to encounter a light show. Once you do, all you need to do is nip outside onto the observation decks to soak it all in, before heading back inside to warm your bones with a hot drink or warming meal.
Final thoughts…
From taking a dog-sled ride along peaceful alpine paths to immersing yourself in Indigenous culture, we hope this article has shown that there are plenty of unique things to see and do on a Northern Lights cruise.
If you’re interested in finding out more, why not head over to the Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines website? They offer voyages throughout the winter months with the distinct goal of finding the aurora borealis.
As well as taking passengers to some of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights, like Tromsø and Alta, Fred. Olsen offers plenty more stops and experiences along the way. And because cruises depart from Liverpool, Dover, Newcastle, and Southampton, each with slightly different itineraries, you’re sure to find one to suit your needs.
Are you considering a Northern Lights Cruise? Or have you already taken one? If so, we’d love to hear from you in the comments below.