From Arctic towns to mighty fjords, connect with nature, wildlife and Scandinavian culture as you search for the Northern Lights on this all-inclusive, small-ship expedition cruise to northern Norway. You'll begin with some pre-cruise time in Tromsø, Norway's Northern Lights capital, where you'll enjoy everything from fascinating museums to optional tours taking in everything from craft breweries to husky sledding adventures. Then, it's time to set sail aboard MS Spitsbergen, a ship perfectly sized for taking in the lesser-known fjords, hidden beaches, and spectacular island chains dotted along Norway's northern coast. In the company of expert guides, you'll search for the Northern Lights and explore staggering beautiful regions such as Lyngen, the Lofoten Islands, Senja, and Vesterålen, enjoying a programme of lectures and demonstrations onboard, and a range of unmissable shore excursions designed to bring the whole experience to life.
Northern Lights Expedition Cruise with HX
To book call us on:
At a glance…
Search for the Northern Lights while exploring far-flung cities, islands and fjords in northern Norway
» 10 day expedition cruise
» Accommodation: Superior A higher standard of accommodation with a better range and quality of facilities, often in a good location (typically 4 stars)
Special offer
Early booking offer
» Price from: £4,070 pp incl. flights
Day by day itinerary
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Days 1-2 » Fly to Tromso
Make your way to the airport and fly to Tromso in the heart of Arctic Norway. On arrival, a private transfer will take you to your hotel, where you can relax or start exploring Tromso. The following day, you will have a full day for independent exploration; this compact city, considered the ‘gateway to the Arctic’ is easily explored on foot, with Its most notable sites, from the Arctic Cathedral and its spectacular Fjellheisen cable car, all within easy reach. There are also several museums to explore, including the excellent Polar Museum, the Arctic Museum of Norway, the Science Centre and the Northern Norway Art Museum., while you'll also have time to explore the local craft beer scene, perhaps at Mack Brewery, or head to Polaria to watch the seal feeding.
If you’re looking for something a bit more active, there are also plenty of optional excursions available, such as husky sledding, snowmobiling, snowshoeing and much more. Contact one of our travel specialists for more information.
Stay: Clarion Hotel The Edge
Meals: Breakfast
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Day 3 » Board Your HX Cruise
The morning is yours to enjoy on your own, perhaps with a leisurely breakfast at the hotel or catching one last Tromsø sight you haven’t had the chance to visit yet. Then, in the afternoon, a short transfer will take you from your hotel to board your ship. Dinner will be served onboard this evening.
Stay: MS Spitsbergen
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
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Day 4 » Lyngen Fjord and Alps
The itinerary for this HX Hurtigruten Expeditions cruise is known as an ‘exploration week,’ meaning that the actual route taken may vary depending on conditions. You’ll spend the week exploring four distinct regions, the first of which is likely to be Lyngen.
Lyngen is known for its landscape of jagged, snowy mountains and as a playground for winter activities. The Lyngen Fjord is over a hundred miles long. Spend the day on a nature landing, hiking, snowshoeing, and—if conditions allow—kayaking. Later, unwind after your active day with a cosy bonfire on the beach. Warm up by the fire with a hot drink, savour Norwegian foods by the onboard chefs, and connect with nature. You may even have the chance to spot the Northern Lights.
Stay: MS Spitsbergen
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 5 » Senja
The next likely stop is Senja, Norway’s second-largest island sometimes called ‘Norway-in-miniature.’ You can see how it earned this name: it is full of rugged mountains, sandy beaches, dark forests, free-roaming reindeer, and charming fishing villages—the best of Norway all fitted into one region. Visit a local community and experience warm Scandinavian hospitality as you learn about the Sámi culture and life in a remote village during the winter months. In December and January, you may be sailing in the dark and at dusk during the day, but this only enhances the experience, with glittering snowscapes illuminated by the lowering sun and sparkling starlight.
Stay: MS Spitsbergen
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 6 » Sail toward Lofoten
As you make your way toward the Lofoten Islands, your onboard expedition team will seek out the best place for today’s nature landing. You may visit one of the many fine beaches, which are likely to be covered in pristine snow. Alternatively, you may head out on small expedition boats to explore between remote islands or even get out the kayaks for a glide across the water.
You will never forget the experience of approaching the dramatic Lofoten mountains by ship. This region of windswept islands, sheltered bays, and beautiful fjords is simply awe-inspiring. Look out for Sea Eagles as you admire this gorgeous stretch of coastline.
Stay: MS Spitsbergen
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 7 » Lofoten Islands
During the winter months, the Lofoten Islands become a true winter wonderland covered in snow. MS Spitsbergen is the ideal vessel for exploring the region. This small ship can navigate narrow fjords and hidden beaches between towering mountains and picturesque vishing villages. Today, embark on a fishing trip from Svolvær or relax in a traditional Nordic sauna before a trilling polar plunge. The ship will stay late into the night in Svolvær, allowing you to get a real taste of this small town, and maybe catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights. It may be small, but Svolvær is the biggest one you’ll find in the Lofoten Islands, and the cosy restaurants and bars here are the perfect place to try a Lofoten snack or beer.
Stay: MS Spitsbergen
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 8 » Vesterålen
As you sail to Vesterålen, you’ll cruise through the Raftsunde strait to Trollfjord, passing towering cliffs as you go. Enjoy phenomenal views from the deck. The ship will pass so closely to the sides that you’ll almost feel like you could touch them. Vesterålen’s snow-covered landscapes are ideal for expedition activities such as snowshoe hiking, small-boat cruising, and kayaking. Another bespoke adventure awaits you as you spend an evening at the Hurtigruten Museum. Enjoy an exclusive opening and a private dinner with cruise guests only in this very special heritage setting.
Stay: MS Spitsbergen
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 9 » Return to Tromso
Your final expedition day will be spent making your way back toward Tromsø. At every turn, you’ll spot a new island or mountain, with plenty of time along the way to scout out landing sites in the small expedition boats to take nature walks and other activities. The scenery will be nothing short of stunning as you pass through these inner waters, the winter sun illuminating the mountains until it gives way to the magic of the polar night. Plenty of the areas through which you’ll pass are ones with ample whale-watching opportunities.
While onboard, enjoy the Arctic scenery from the ship’s deck or lounges, warm up in the sauna, or join the expedition team in the Science Centre to listen to expert lectures and see demos.
Stay: MS Spitsbergen
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 10 » Tromso to UK
You’ll arrive back in Tromsø this morning. After breakfast onboard, you’ll disembark and transfer to the airport for your flight back home to the UK, your Arctic adventures still replaying in your mind.
Meals: Breakfast
To book call us on:
At a glance…
Search for the Northern Lights while exploring far-flung cities, islands and fjords in northern Norway
» 10 day expedition cruise
» Accommodation: Superior A higher standard of accommodation with a better range and quality of facilities, often in a good location (typically 4 stars)
Special offer
Early booking offer
» Price from: £4,070 pp incl. flights
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