
The hunt begins
BergenThe adventure begins in Bergen, the cultural gateway to the fjords. Enjoy the relaxed ambiance and take the opportunity to meet your fellow astronomers.
Get unique insight and knowledge about the Arctic sky and the greatest lightshow on Earth, the Aurora Borealis, on this popular voyage along the mesmerising Norwegian Coast. This limited voyage is accompanied by special lecturers - experts on astronomy and expeditions to see the Northern Lights.
We're so confident that the Northern Lights will make an appearance during your 12 day Hurtigruten voyage in Norway, that if they don't, we'll give you another 6 or 7-day Classic Voyage with half board FREE OF CHARGE*
*Applies on travel between 1 October 2018/19 - 31 March 2019/20.
Read more about the offer and see full terms and conditions.
Learn more about what you will experience on the Astronomy Voyage. The day-by-day program will give you a few ideas about what you can see and do on your coastal voyage, but bear in mind that this itinerary is just an indication of what you can experience. After all, this is a sailing where the elements rule and weather conditions might vary, which is why every expedition with Hurtigruten is unique.
This fascinating science-focused winter cruise offers a great opportunity to discover more about the Northern Lights and the cosmos. Accompanied by one of our three renowned astronomers - Dr John Mason MBE, Ian Ridpath and Graham Bryant - who will give a series of exclusive onboard lectures and presentations.
Through this series of lectures and a guided tour of the night sky from the deck of the ship, your lecturer will bring the world of stars, planets and meteors closer whilst also exploring the numerous myths and legends linked to the constellations in our skies. Here are some examples of what you can expect:
An Applied Physicist by profession, Dr John Mason has been actively involved in Science for over 30 years, with Astronomy, Astrophysics and Space Technology as his main interests. He is currently Principal Lecturer at the South Downs Planetarium in Chichester, has been a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society since 1976, and is a full member of the International Astronomical Union. He lectures extensively in the UK and overseas on a wide range of scientific topics and is a frequent broadcaster on radio and television, having appeared many times with Sir Patrick Moore on BBC TV's 'The Sky at Night.'
Ian Ridpath has been a full time writer and broadcaster on Astronomy since 1972 and has previously worked at the University of London Observatory and in publishing. He is a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society (Council member 2004-07), as well as a member of the Society of Authors and of the Association of British Science Writers. He is also the Editor of the Oxford Dictionary of Astronomy and Norton's Star Atlas, a publication now in its twentieth edition since 1910.
Graham is Chairman of the Clanfield Observatory in Hampshire – the largest amateur observatory in the UK. He is a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society and part-time presenter at the South Downs Planetarium. Graham also mentors the final year astronomy module at the University of Portsmouth.
The adventure begins in Bergen, the cultural gateway to the fjords. Enjoy the relaxed ambiance and take the opportunity to meet your fellow astronomers.
An early arrival at the Art Noveau town of Ålesund gives you an opportunity to go ashore and explore this pretty town.
Continuing north you head for the medieval city of Trondheim, whose colourful history is reflected in its handsome civic architecture.
Crossing the Arctic Circle you continue to the modern town of Bodø. After crossing the Vestfjord you are amidst the glorious Lofoten Islands and their capital, Svolvær.
A relaxing morning on board precedes your arrival in Tromsø, the Capital of Arctic Norway. Here a visit to the Northern Lights Planetarium is included especially for this tour.
Following an early call at Hammerfest you arrive in Honningsvåg, the portal to the wonders of the spectacular North Cape (optional excursion).
The vistas and sea life become more dramatic as you approach Kirkenes, just a few kilometres from the Russian border, and you can join one of our exciting excursions here. As you return south the northbound ports visited by night are now seen by day.
Hammerfest, the world's most northerly town is your first major stop, before continuing to Tromsø.
Passing through the legendary Lofoten Islands the ship negotiates an intricate network of inlets and isles. This is one of the most beautiful stretches of the Norwegian coast for many it is the most stunning part of your journey south.
Cross the Arctic Circle and sail past the famed peaks of the Seven Sisters as you enter a world of legends and folklore.
An early morning arrival in Trondheim, where you have time to explore the city.
A few nautical miles are left between you and Bergen today as your Astronomy Voyage draws to a close.
You will find the relaed Hurtigruten atmosphere combined with a splash of luxury on board our two ships on the Astronomy Voyage.
Learn more about what happens on board your cruise along the Norwegian coast.
Everything you need to know before your voyage in Norway.
Read up on the science and stories behind the aurora borealis before your trip along the Norwegian coast.
Challenge your inner explorer and experience everything that Norway has to offer with our diverse range of optional excursions available on the northbound sailing between Bergen and Kirkenes. These excursions are available between 1 April 2018 and 31 May 2020.
Challenge your inner explorer and experience everything that Norway has to offer with our diverse range of optional excursions on the southbound sailing between Kirkenes and Bergen. These excursions are available between 1 April 2018 - 31 May 2020.
Learn more about the charming ports and cities you will visit on this voyage.
Discover the natural wonders, ports and wildlife you may come across during your voyage to Norway.
Please contact us if you wish to add on return flights and airport transfers to Bergen.
Complete your holiday in Norway with a Hurtigruten Land Adventure. Choose between excursions of several hours and multi-day tours including hotels.