The Northern Lights

For 130 years, we’ve sailed beneath nature’s mesmerising lightshow along the Norwegian coast. Discover everything you need to know about the aurora borealis from the experts.

Photo: Tommy Simonsen

A magical phenomenon

It’s dark. You're outside and everything is quiet. Suddenly, a flicker of light in the sky catches your eye. Pale and modest at first, it soon becomes intense and vibrant, transforming the darkness into a mighty display of nature’s power.

Cascades of green, yellow, purple, and red dance above you in silent harmony. It’s hypnotic and impossible to ignore. These are the Northern Lights: a mighty, symphonic ballet in the sky. 

Photo: Tommy Simonsen

Why choose a Northern Lights cruise with Hurtigruten?

5 reasons to see the Northern Lights on a Coastal Voyage

For the last 130 years, we have been sailing along the Norwegian coastline under the glow of the Northern Lights. No-one knows them like we do.

Why choose a Northern Lights cruise with Hurtigruten?

5 reasons to see the Northern Lights on a Coastal Voyage

For the last 130 years, we have been sailing along the Norwegian coastline under the glow of the Northern Lights. No-one knows them like we do.

1. Our Northern Lights Promise

If the Northern Lights don’t occur within sight of your ship during your voyage with us of 11 days or more, we’ll give you another 6- or 7-day voyage free of charge.

2. More chances to see the lights

As we sail, the Northern Lights can occur at multiple times and at multiple locations along Norway’s coast above the Arctic Circle.

3. Front-row views

The aurora often appears directly above our ships, so you can enjoy unobstructed views of the lightshow from the outdoor observation decks.

4. Onboard announcements

Whenever the Northern Lights make an appearance, we let you know so you don't miss a single sighting.

5. The lights are brighter at sea

Away from light pollution and big cities, the Northern Lights are brighter and more vivid at sea.

Photo: Getty Images

What causes the aurora borealis?

The Northern Lights are also known as the aurora borealis, a name given to them by famed scientist and astronomer, Galileo. Aurora was the Roman goddess of the dawn, and ‘borealis’ is derived from Boreas, the Greek name for the north wind.

But when it comes to what causes them, we look to science rather than mythology.

Discover the science behind the Northern Lights Discover the science behind the Northern Lights
Photo: Getty Images

Our Northern Lights cruises

Photo: Ørjan Bertelsen

History of the Northern Lights

Modern-day science has revealed much about the aurora, but imagine gazing up at the phenomena of green, red, and purple lights flickering across the sky and not knowing what they are.

It’s no wonder the aurora borealis have influenced folklore and legends through the ages which painted them as everything from Viking armour and bridges to the afterlife to dangerous monsters and souls of the dead.

Read more myths and legends Read more myths and legends
Photo: Ørjan Bertelsen
Photo: Getty Images

How do I photograph the Northern Lights?

Photographing the Northern Lights isn’t an exact science; there are a lot of variables to consider, and some trial and error is needed.

But don’t let that put you off. We’ve seen the lights every year for 130 years. To capture their elusive beauty, here are our tried and tested photography tips.

Capturing the Northern Lights Capturing the Northern Lights
Photo: Getty Images
Photo: Shutterstock

Ask about the aurora

Where can I see the Northern Lights? When is the best time to see them? Find the answers to these questions and more in our FAQ.

Your questions answered Your questions answered
Photo: Shutterstock

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Further reading