Norway : In Pursuit of the Aurora

Gateway to the Arctic
Fly far above the Arctic Circle to the city of Tromso - with so many apt descriptions like Paris of the North and Gateway to the Arctic, it is easy to see the attraction of this place. The largest city in Northern Norway, Tromso is steeped in history. In centuries past it developed as an independent trade port, more recently it has become the launch site for both scientific and commercial polar expeditions. This vibrant city provides a perfect base to visit cultural attractions or maybe try one of the many optional excursions available, from dog sledging to snowmobiling.

Hurtigruten voyage
From Tromso, set sail for Finnmark on the Hurtigruten coastal steamer. This region lies along the same latitude as Alaska to the West and Siberia to the East. Although inland temperatures can dip well below zero, the Gulf Stream ensures the coastline and more importantly, the harbours do not ice over meaning that this remote Arctic region can be fully explored. 

As you voyage north, winding between islands and fjords, you’ll swear it gets darker each night, the ‘big skies’ lending themselves perfectly to keeping watch for the aurora. The next day there is an early morning stop in Hammerfest, the world’s most northerly town and interestingly the first European town to receive electric lighting.

Far far  north
Honningsvag is your mid morning port of call and here we strongly recommend you take the optional excursion to Nordkapp (North Cape), the strikingly desolate scenery and herds of reindeer en route providing a glimpse of true Arctic scenery. The Visitor Centre at the top of the 307m cliff offers a host of facilities including a restaurant, coffee shop and a super widescreen film presentation of a helicopter flight over the area. Outside is the much-photographed steel globe at the end of the promontory.

As you draw into Berlevag harbour, it is worth noting that this is the only village in Finnmark actually on the open Arctic sea and its 1000 residents are protected solely by the breakwaters. It is difficult not to feel completely at one with nature when alighting at such a place.

Amazing aurora borealis
The Kongsfjord Guesthouse is an absolute gem, just a 30 minute drive from Berlevag and in an enviable location with sweeping views over the fjord. This lovingly restored 19^th century farmhouse affords a high standard of accommodation with cosy, tastefully furnished rooms and a restaurant which specialises in dishes using local produce. There is a wide range of day time activities on offer including hiking, ice fishing, boat trips for bird watching and king crab fishing. With next to no light pollution in this area, Kongsfjord offers unrivalled chances as night falls to star gaze and view the aurora borealis.

Ice cool hotel
From Berlevag, the final leg of the coastal voyage takes you east within sight of Russia and into the port of Kirkenes, a town that allows a tantalising glimpse into life in this remote part of Norway. While staying here you can visit the Russian border, a mere 10km away; try your hand at a winter activity or see the Kirkenes Snow Hotel (open Dec-Apr), with its individually crafted snow suites and ice bar - you could even take the plunge and spend a night there, go on, you know you want to!

Please note sightings of the northern lights cannot be guaranteed – to read more about this naturally occurring phenomena click here »