ExperiThis 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.ence the magic of the Northern Lights in Norway

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.

Bergen - Kirkenes - Bergen – Astronomy Voyage

Duration: 12 days

Departures:
January 2019 - December 2020

Price from: 2074 € per person

Check prices and availability

MS Richard With in Raftsundet, just one of the many remarkable destinations on the classic Hurtigruten voyage from Bergen.

Photo: Trym Ivar Bergsmo

Northern lights

Bergen - Kirkenes - Bergen – Astronomy Voyage

Duration: 12 days

Departures:
January 2019 - December 2020

Price from: 2074 € per person

Check prices and availability

ExperiThis 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.ence the magic of the Northern Lights in Norway

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.

Go hunting for the Northern Lights, the elusive winter phenomenon
Discover Norway's entire coastal route with 34 ports, more than 100 fjords and 1000 mountains
Learn more about the Northern Lights, the Arctic sky and the solar system in lectures on board from renowned astronomers
Visit the Northern Lights Planetarium in Tromsø

Northern lights

Northern Lights Promise

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 - 31 March.
Read more about the offer and see full terms and conditions.

Departure dates: Astronomy Voyage

2019: 29 March, 26 September, 29 October, 20 November, 25 November
2020: 19 January, 21 February, 03 March, 14 March, 17 September, 12 October, 11 November, 14 November, 06 December

Itinerary

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.

Day 1 Bergen
Day 2 Ålesund
Day 3 Trondheim
Day 4 Arctic Circle and Lofoten Islands
Day 5 Stokmarknes
Day 6 Honningsvåg
Day 7 Kirkenes
Day 8 Hammerfest and Tromsø
Day 9 Vesterålen and Lofoten Islands
Day 10 Arctic Circle, Seven Sisters
Day 11 Trondheim and Kristiansund
Day 12 Bergen

Day 1

Bergen

The hunt begins

The adventure begins in Bergen, the cultural gateway to the fjords. Enjoy the relaxed ambiance and take the opportunity to meet your fellow astronomers.

The famous Bryggen in Bergen.

Sailing to Molde and the Romsdal Alps.

Photo: Tim Couttreel / Guest Photo

Day 2

Ålesund

A day for masterpieces

An early arrival at the Art Noveau town of Ålesund gives you an opportunity to go ashore and explore this pretty town.

Through the 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:

Fantastic Lights - an introduction to the Northern Lights
Exploring the Solar System - Travel through the solar system from Mercury to Nepture and view the planets up close as seen by space probes
Stories of the stars - Relive the Greek mythology of the constellations and learn about stellar discoveries by modern astronomers
Comets, ghostly wanderers in space - Find out where comets come from, what they are made of and their role in the development of life on Earth
From the international space station to the surface of Mars
The splendour of total solar eclipses
Exploring the Arctic night sky
Our violent sun and space weather

Day 3

Trondheim

The Royal City of Trondheim

Photo: Maggie Strutt / Guest Photo

Continuing north you head for the medieval city of Trondheim, whose colourful history is reflected in its handsome civic architecture.

Photo: Maggie Strutt / Guest Photo

Visit the spectacular Lofoten Islands.

Photo: Kochneva Tetyana

As you cross the Arctic Circle, the hunt for the Northern Lights begins.

Day 4

Arctic Circle and Lofoten Islands

Welcome to the Arctic!

Visit the spectacular Lofoten Islands.

Photo: Kochneva Tetyana

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.

Day 5

Stokmarknes

Expand your Northern Lights knowledge

Go kayaking in Tromsø.

Photo: David Gonzalez

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.

Visit to the Science Centre and Tromsø Planetarium:

You will spend time at the Science of Northern Norway visiting their exhibits and installations on the Northern Lights. The Planetarium, part of the Science Centre, is the northernmost planetarium in the world and the largest in Norway.

It has a full dome ceiling offering 360 degree views, with room for 100 visitors, and high quality digital projectors showing daily films about 'Experiencing the Aurora' and the constellations.

Go kayaking in Tromsø.

Photo: David Gonzalez

Join an excursion to the magnificent North Cape.

Photo: Kateryna Moskalenko

Day 6

Honningsvåg

The Northern Lights and the North Cape

Join an excursion to the magnificent North Cape.

Photo: Kateryna Moskalenko

Following an early call at Hammerfest you arrive in Honningsvåg, the portal to the wonders of the spectacular North Cape (optional excursion).

Day 7

Kirkenes

To the top and back again

King crabs in Kirkenes.

Photo: Ørjan Bertelsen

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.

King crabs in Kirkenes.

Photo: Ørjan Bertelsen

Hammerfest offers great hiking opportunities.

Photo: Ørjan Bertelsen

From October to March, chances of seeing the Northern Lights above the Arctic Circle are high.

Day 8

Hammerfest and Tromsø

The extreme north

Hammerfest offers great hiking opportunities.

Photo: Ørjan Bertelsen

Hammerfest, the world's most northerly town is your first major stop, before continuing to Tromsø.

Day 9

Vesterålen and Lofoten Islands

Welcome to Lofoten

The northern lights over Hamnøy, Lofoten

Photo: Stian Klo

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.

The northern lights over Hamnøy, Lofoten

Photo: Stian Klo

The narrow Raftsundet.

Photo: Nina Helland

Vega islands near Sandnessjøen.

Day 10

Arctic Circle, Seven Sisters

A date with the Seven Sisters

Vega islands near Sandnessjøen.

Cross the Arctic Circle and sail past the famed peaks of the Seven Sisters as you enter a world of legends and folklore.

Day 11

Trondheim and Kristiansund

The old cities and the sea

Photo: Jan Menge / Guest Photo

An early morning arrival in Trondheim, where you have time to explore the city.

Photo: Jan Menge / Guest Photo

Day 12

Bergen

The final chapter of the fairytale

A few nautical miles are left between you and Bergen today as your Astronomy Voyage draws to a close.

Check prices and availability

What's included

Included in your voyage

12 day Bergen - Bergen Round Voyage in cabin grade of your choice
Full-board (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
English speaking tour leader on board
Tour Manager and lectures from a renowned Astronomer
Exclusive excursion to the Planetarium, Tromsø

Your lecturers on board:

Dr John Mason, MBE - On Astronomy Voyages departing:

29 March 2019
26 September 2019
25 November 2019
19 January 2020
21 February 2020
14 March 2020
17 September 2020
12 October 2020
11 November 2020

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 has appeared many times with Sir Patrick Moore on BBC TV's 'The Sky at Night.'

Interview with Dr John Mason

Ian Ridpath - On Astronomy Voyages departing:

29 October 2019
03 March 2020

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 Bryant - On an Astronomy Voyage departing:

20 November 2019
14 November 2020
06 December 2020

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.

Not included in your voyage

Return flights and transfers - you can book these with Hurtigruten during the booking process
Optional excursions
Luggage handling
Travel insurance

Notes

All prices are shown in EUR per person based on two people travelling together sharing an inside twin cabin,
Suites are available on request
Prices may change at any time before departure date, the applicable price will be quoted at the time of booking.

Ships

MS Finnmarken

Year built	2002
Year of refurbishment	2020
Shipyard	Kværner Kleven (N)
Passenger capacity	919
Beds	617
Car capacity	35
Gross tonnage	15,690
Length	138.5 m
Beam	21.5 m
Speed	18 knots

On board MS Finnmarken you find Hurtigruten´s relaxed style combined with a bit of luxury.

MS Trollfjord

Year built	2002
Shipyard	Fosen Mek. Verk. (N)
Passenger capacity	822
Beds	638
Car capacity	35
Gross tonnage	16,140
Length	135.75 m
Beam	21.5 m
Speed	18 knots

The ship is named after the spectacular Trollfjord in Lofoten. Inside she provides spectacular comfort, modern facilities and interior design that makes extensive use of Norwegian wood and stone.

Optional excursions

★ Excursion packages

Duration

depending on excursions

From

Bergen - Kirkenes - Bergen – Astronomy Voyage

Bergen - Kirkenes - Bergen – Astronomy Voyage

Northern Lights Promise

Departure dates: Astronomy Voyage

Itinerary

Here are some examples of what you can expect:

Visit to the Science Centre and Tromsø Planetarium:

What's included

Included in your voyage

Your lecturers on board:

Dr John Mason, MBE - On Astronomy Voyages departing:

Ian Ridpath - On Astronomy Voyages departing:

Graham Bryant - On an Astronomy Voyage departing:

Not included in your voyage

Notes

Ships

MS Finnmarken

MS Trollfjord

Optional excursions

★ Excursion packages

A Taste Of Norway

Mountain Hike In The Hjørundfjord

Geiranger With Trollstigen Pass

Hjørundfjorden, Geiranger and Ålesund (2019/20)

Hike With A Visit To A Shieling

Kayaking in Ålesund (2019/20)

Atlanterhavsparken Aquarium And Mount Aksla

Art Nouveau Walk

Art Nouveau Walk

Nidaros Cathedral & Ringve Museum

Trondheim With Nidaros Cathedral

Trondheim City Walk

Cycling In Trondheim

The Northernmost tramride in the world

Kayaking On The River Nid

Svartisen Glacier

Arctic Coastal Walk

Rib Safari To Saltstraumen

Experience Bodø and Saltstraumen

Meet the vikings - winter

Meet the vikings - summer

Highlights of Lofoten

Lofotpils Brewery

Farm visit in Lofoten

The Arctic Capital Tromsø

Dog Sledding (Tromsø)

Scenery & Huskies

Polar History Walk

Kayaking (Tromsø)

Cross-Country Skiing

Snowshoeing In Tromsø

The North Cape

The North Cape Exclusive

Birdwatching Safari

Fishing Village Visit

Sami Culture

Snowmobile Trip In The Arctic

Sami Autumn

RIB Expedition on 71 degrees north (North Cape)

The Russian Border

Riverboat To Russian Border

Snowmobile Safari

Kirkenes Snow Hotel

ATV/Quad-Safari To The Russian Border

Husky Sledge Adventure

Dog Sledding Exclusive

King Crab Expedition

The Northernmost Town In The World

Snowmobile Trip Into The Polar Night

Breakfast At North Cape

Mountain Hike In Hammerfest

Into The Ice: Stories Of A Polar Hero

Midnight Concert In The Arctic Cathedral

Arctic Midnight Adventure (2019/20)

A Taste of Vesterålen

Lofoten Islands

Sea Eagle Safari

Vesterålen and Lofoten by rib

Lofoten by horse

RIB-adventure in Lofoten