Hunting for
Northern Lights
Living in the Chicago area, we've been asked why we would go to Norway on a cruise in winter. The answer is quite simple actually - we are on a hunt for Northern Lights before they disappear until the next solar cycle.
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12-Night Round-trip Bergen
This diary tells about our journey which started in Oslo, Norway. From there we boarded a train for a six hour ride through the Norwegian countryside to Bergen where we boarded Hurtigruten Vesteralen for a 12-night Classic Voyage to Kirkenes and back to Bergen.
We have not had constant WiFi during our journey so this diary won't be finished until after we return. Be sure to bookmark our blog to read about our entire adventure. The image above was captured during our first sighting of Northern Lights.
| Port | Blog Posts | Photo Albums | |
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| Pre | Oslo
Arriving in Oslo we have time to see some local sites. We stay at Clarion Royal Christiania Oslo hotel overnight.
| Norway Journey Begins Overnight in Oslo | |
| Pre | Oslo/ BergenWe transfer to the ship via Bergen Railway (6 hour journey) the next morning.
NSB Train61 Oslo to Bergen (8:25 AM)
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Taking a Ride on Train 61 |
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MS Vesterålen
MS Vesterålen is named after the first Hurtigruten ship that started to
sail along the rugged Norwegian coast back in 1893. It is also the area
just to the north of Lofoten, and offers some spectacular scenery.
| Vesteralen Cabin 515 Norway's Coastal Kitchen | MS Vesteralen
Norway's Coastal Kitchen | |
| 1 | Bergen
The 12-day Classic Roundtrip Voyage starts in Bergen, a city surrounded
by seven mountains. Before your departure, you may wish to explore this
cultural gateway to the fjords.
| Vesteralen Embarkation Vesteralen Cabin 515 | Vesteralen Cabin |
2 | Florø - Molde
We continue north to Ålesund, a beautiful town filled with perfect
examples of Art Nouveau architecture. If you travel in summer or fall
there, is a fjord experience to behold. During the winter, we fascinate
you with our expert-led lectures about the aurora borealis, the northern
lights.
| Sailing to Alesund Atlantic Sea Park Alesund 3 Edible Wonders of Norwegian Fjords | |
| 3 | Kristiansund - Rørvik
The architecture and surroundings in Trondheim create a beautiful and
almost-mythical setting, whether you are exploring the city by foot,
bike, or boat. Kayak on the river Nid and into the city’s smaller
channels, or take a guided tour to discover the city’s most striking
features.
| Trondheim and the Nidaros Cathedral Sailing from Trondheim | |
| 4 | Brønnøysund - Svolvær
The Arctic Circle marks the border of the Arctic region. In summer this
means 24-hour daylight - often referred to as the ‘midnight sun.’ During
fall and winter, being above this degree of latitude gives you the best
chance of experiencing the northern lights.
| Crossing Arctic Circle Starting Point for the True North | |
| 5 | Stokmarknes - Skjervøy
Get ready for a day full of exciting activities, whatever the season!
Visiting Risøyhamn, Harstad, Finnsnes, and the capital of the Arctic,
Tromsø, you can join several excursions such as whale watching, Husky
dog sledding, polar history walks, mountain hikes, and kayaking.
| Harstad to Tromso Husky Sledding in Tromso Dinner in the High North Leap Year Treat | |
| 6 | Øksfjord - Berlevåg
Enjoy the magnificent sub-Arctic landscape as we cross the 71st parallel
on our journey towards the North Cape, the northernmost point on the
continent. In summer, you might see herds of reindeer and campsites
belonging to the indigenous Sámi people. In winter, experience the
snow-clad valleys, the fresh winter air, and your best chances to see
the mesmerizing northern lights.
| Journey Towards North Cape Northernmost City in Norway Northern Lights Double Header | |
| 7 | Båtsfjord - Kirkenes - Berlevåg
The vistas become more dramatic as we approach Kirkenes, just a few
miles from the Russian border. This is Hurtigruten’s turning point.
Kirkenes is known as the capital of the Barents region and the gateway
to the east.
| Visit Where Norway Meets Russia Stopping in Vardo Near Russia Food Experience | Kirkines - Andersgrotta Russian Border Vardo |
| 8 | Mehamn - Tromsø
In the middle of the night we dock at Mehamn, where it is possible to
join an unforgettable snowmobile trip through one of Europe’s most
extreme and exciting natural areas. Experience the snow-clad valleys,
the fresh winter air, and a chance to witness the mesmerizing northern
lights in the clear, starry sky.
| Hammerfest World's Northernmost Town Sun Kissed Øksfjord | Hammerfest Sailing Oksfjord |
| 9 | Tromsø - Stamsund
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Taste of Vesteralen Trollfjorden and Raftsundet Evening in Lofoten |
Taste Vesteralen
Harstad Trondenes Church Trondenes Historical Center Hinnøya Island Gullesfjord by Ferry Sigerfjord to Sortland Raftsundet & Troll Fjord |
| 10 | Bodø - Rørvik
The Helgeland coast, with its hundreds of islets, fertile farmland, and steep granite walls, is rich in local lore. Legends include how an arrow fired by the Hestmannen troll formed the hole in Torghatten Mountain.
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| 11 | Trondheim - Ålesund
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When in Trøndelag Choose Local EPIC Northern Lights Ends Voyage |
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| 12 | Ålesund - Bergen
During the night, the ship will call at Ålesund, Torvik, and Måløy as the world’s most beautiful voyage draws to a close. Make the most of your final impressions of Norway.
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| 13 | Overnight in London
London Heathrow Marriott Hotel before leaving in the morning for home.
British Airways BA 759
Bergen (BGO) March 7, 2016 07:00 PM
Travel Time : 2 h 5 m
London (LHR) March 7, 2016 08:05 PM
Local Buses to Heathrow Hotels (Many Free)
American Airlines 47
London (LHR) March 8, 2016 11:50 AM
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Travel Time : 8 h 55 m
Chicago (ORD) March 8, 2016 02:45 PM
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