Northern Lights cruises in Europe: Top 4 destinations

Watching the Northern Lights on a cruise in Europe is a unique experience that combines comfort with a grandiose natural spectacle. Far from the light pollution of the cities, the ships take you to the heart of the Arctic where the celestial ballet of the aurora unfolds in all its splendour. Between September and March, when the polar nights grow longer, embark on an exceptional maritime adventure through the Norwegian fjords, the Icelandic coast or the icy waters of Greenland. These cruises not only offer the chance to admire this fascinating light phenomenon, but also to discover spectacular Arctic landscapes, authentic fishing villages and remarkable wildlife.

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Also read about the Nordic guide:

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• The 10 best places to see the Northern Lights in Iceland
• A unique winter experience in Finland
• From Lapland to Helsinki: discover Finland’s 4 regions
• Visit Santa’s Village in Rovaniemi
• Glaciers & Ice Caves Iceland : Memorable Experiences
• Discover Iceland by motorhome: advice, information and areas.

1. Cruise from Bergen to Kirkenes with Hurtigruten

The legendary cruise from Bergen to Kirkenes aboard the Hurtigruten ships is one of the most iconic northern lights viewing experiences in Europe. Dubbed “the most beautiful sea voyage in the world”, this historic line has been sailing along the Norwegian coast for over 130 years, serving 34 picturesque ports over 2,500 nautical miles. Between September and March, when the Arctic nights grow longer, you will cross the Arctic Circle and sail through waters where the night sky offers an incomparable light show.

Over 12 days, your mail ship will take you to discover majestic fjords, the snow-capped mountains of Helgeland and the magical archipelago of the Lofoten Islands. You’ll call at fascinating towns such as Ålesund, famous for its Art Nouveau architecture, Tromsø, capital of the Northern Lights, 350 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle, and the authentic fishing port of Honningsvåg, gateway to the North Cape. Each stop offers the chance to explore unspoilt coastal villages, admire spectacular Arctic scenery and discover authentic Norwegian culture.

Download the audio tour to discover Bergen on foot and on your own

Before or after your cruise, take the time to visit Bergen with the Navaway itinerary. This app guides you through 24 places of interest in the “Princess of the Fjords” with captivating audio guides. Explore the famous UNESCO-listed Bryggen district, the bustling fish market and the colourful alleyways of this historic port city. TheBergen audio tour allows you to discover all the secrets of this gateway to the Norwegian fjords on your own.

The Northern Lights are particularly visible during the six nights spent above the Arctic Circle. The crew, trained to spot this natural phenomenon, will alert you as soon as auroral activity is detected. Hurtigruten is even offering a “Northern Lights Promise”: if you don’t see them during your cruise of 11 days or more between September and March, a 6 or 7 day trip will be offered to you. Fares start from €1,600 per person in an inside cabin, with regular departures throughout the season.

2. Northern Lights cruise from Tromsø

Tromsø, nicknamed the “capital of the Northern Lights”, offers boat trips specially designed for aurora hunting. Situated at 69°N latitude, well above the Arctic Circle, this Norwegian town is ideally placed to observe the phenomenon. The 2-3 hour night cruises depart from Tromsø’s old port at around 8pm each evening, taking passengers away from the lights of the city to the surrounding fjords and islands, where total darkness makes observation easier.

Aboard comfortable catamarans or observation boats with heated outdoor decks, you’ll navigate the icy waters in the company of experienced guides who will explain the science behind this natural spectacle. Warm wetsuits are provided to protect you from the Arctic cold, while hot drinks and light snacks are served on board. The captains, in constant contact with the weather stations and auroral activity forecasts, adapt the route in real time to maximise your chances of observation.

These sea outings offer the advantage of being able to move quickly away from cloudy areas and find the best viewing conditions. The reflection of the Northern Lights on the calm waters of the fjords creates a doubly magical spectacle. Prices generally vary between €80 and €150 per person, depending on the size of the boat and the services included. Some companies, such as Brim Explorer, even offer a guarantee: if you don’t see the Northern Lights on your first trip, a second cruise is offered free of charge.

3. Iceland cruise from Reykjavik

Iceland is an exceptional destination for observing the Northern Lights at sea, and several types of cruise are available from Reykjavik. The Icelandic capital, located at latitude 64°N, lies at the southern limit of the aurora zone, but offers excellent viewing conditions between September and April. The night-time boat trips, which last between 2 and 3 hours, leave from Reykjavik’s old harbour, offering a unique view of the illuminated city before heading out to sea to take advantage of clearer skies.

Download the audio tour to discover Reykjavik on foot and on your own

Discover Iceland’s capital before your night cruise with the Navaway audio tour of Reykjavik. This guided tour takes you through 20 of the city’s most iconic landmarks, from the famous Harpa to the Sólfar sculpture and the colourful city centre. Let Navaway be your guide as you explore this fascinating Nordic capital on your own and prepare for your hunt for the Northern Lights at sea.

For a more complete experience, opt for multi-day cruises that combine Iceland and Norway. For example, MSC Cruises offers a 12-day itinerary departing from Hamburg that calls at the Shetland Islands, rich in Viking history, then explores the fjords of western Iceland and stops at Akureyri, the capital of the north close to the Arctic Circle. These cruises offer two full nights at sea, far from any light pollution, with the best chance of admiring the aurora dancing over the Atlantic Ocean.

On board, Icelandic naturalist guides share their knowledge of the mythology of the Northern Lights and the best photographic techniques for capturing this ephemeral phenomenon. Optional excursions to the Golden Circle can complete your Icelandic experience, allowing you to discover the country’s iconic geysers, waterfalls and geothermal sites. Prices for a night cruise from Reykjavik start at €80 per person, while multi-day cruises range from €1,200 to €3,000 depending on cabin and season. Don’t hesitate to check out therange of activities on offer in Reykjavik to complete your stay.

4. Expedition cruise in Disko Bay, Greenland

Greenland’s Disko Bay offers one of the wildest and most authentic experiences of watching the Northern Lights on a cruise. This region of western Greenland, centred around Ilulissat, whose name literally means “icebergs” in Greenlandic, offers an exceptional Arctic setting where the auroras are reflected on waters dotted with giant icebergs. These expedition cruises, generally organised between September and April, combine coastal navigation and total immersion in the most unspoilt polar environment in Europe.

Departing from Ilulissat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its spectacular glacial fjord, small expedition ships (generally 50 to 150 passengers) take you to explore Disko Island, the snow-capped mountains of Kuannit and the impressive glaciers of Lyngmark and Eqi. These boats, specially designed for polar navigation, can get as close as possible to the glaciers and dock in isolated bays inaccessible to larger vessels. The intimacy of these small groups and the expertise of the polar guides create an authentic expedition atmosphere.

The days are devoted to exploratory activities: glacier trekking, kayaking between icebergs, visits to traditional Inuit villages accessible only by boat, and observation of Arctic wildlife including seals, humpback whales and sometimes polar bears. The nights, spent at anchor in isolated fjords or during the night sailing, offer perfect conditions for observing the Northern Lights in a sky totally devoid of light pollution. The spectacle of the green and purple lights dancing above the immaculate icebergs creates pictures of striking beauty.

These expedition cruises also allow you to immerse yourself in thousands of years of Inuit culture. You’ll visit traditional fishing huts, discover local crafts and share moments with the inhabitants of isolated coastal villages such as Qeqertarsuaq or Kangerluk. Specialist companies such as Grands Espaces, Latitude Blanche and Quark Expeditions offer these trips at prices starting at €4,000 for a week, generally including excursions, polar equipment and the services of experienced naturalist guides. These cruises represent a substantial investment but offer an incomparable Arctic experience, combining the Northern Lights, grandiose glacial landscapes and authentic cultural encounters in one of the wildest environments on the planet.

In conclusion, taking a cruise to see the Northern Lights in Europe is much more than a simple tourist excursion: it’s a true Arctic adventure that combines an exceptional natural spectacle, the discovery of awe-inspiring polar landscapes and immersion in fascinating Nordic cultures. Whether you opt for the historic cruise from Bergen to Kirkenes, a night outing from Tromsø, an exploration of the Icelandic coast or an expedition to Disko Bay in Greenland, each itinerary offers its own advantages and unique charm. Before you leave, don’t forget to explore the departure cities with Navaway’s audio tours, which will allow you to discover Bergen, Reykjavik or other Nordic destinations on your own, enriching your trip with a cultural and historical dimension. Get ready to experience unforgettable moments under the celestial ballet of the Northern Lights!

FAQ

When is the best time to see the Northern Lights on a cruise?

The ideal season is from the end of September to the end of March, with peak activity between November and February. During this period, the Arctic nights are long and dark enough to allow observation of the Northern Lights. October and March offer a good compromise, with temperatures still mild and nights already quite long.

What are the real chances of seeing the Northern Lights on a cruise?

Travelling above the Arctic Circle between September and March, you have an 80-90% chance of seeing the Northern Lights during a cruise lasting several days. Weather conditions and solar activity influence visibility, but the mobility of the ship means you can get away from cloudy areas. Some companies, such as Hurtigruten, even offer an ‘aurora borealis’ guarantee, with a free trip if you don’t see them.

How much should you budget for a Northern Lights cruise in Europe?

Prices vary considerably depending on the type of cruise. Expect to pay between €80 and €150 for a 2-3 hour night-time outing from Tromsø or Reykjavik. For a multi-day cruise, expect to pay €1,600 to €3,000 for a Hurtigruten Bergen-Kirkenes trip, and €4,000 to €8,000 for a Greenland expedition cruise. These prices generally include accommodation, meals and some excursions.

What do you need to take on a Northern Lights cruise?

Take warm clothing in several layers: thermal underwear, fleece, waterproof parka and windbreaker. Don’t forget a hat, gloves, scarf and non-slip waterproof footwear. For photography, take a camera with tripod, spare batteries (the cold quickly discharges them) and extra memory cards. Some companies provide warm wetsuits for the outside decks.

Can the Northern Lights be seen from inside the boat?

Yes, modern ships generally have large panoramic windows and heated interior observation decks, so you can admire the Northern Lights sheltered from the cold. However, for the best experience and quality photos, we recommend that you go out on the outside decks. The crew will alert you as soon as auroral activity is detected, giving you time to dress warmly before going on deck.