In Search of The Northern Lights
Beccy Miller
Many bucket lists include the opportunity to see the amazing Aurora Borealis. Find out how to make that dream a reality with our ultimate guide.
When To See Them
The northern lights are visible in most parts of the far north between mid-September and early April. During these months, the nights are dark enough to see the magical phenomenon, and from mid-November to mid-January, the Arctic Circle experiences the polar night, when the sun does not rise above the horizon and only provides light during the day for a few hours.
In addition to a dark sky being necessary to be able to see the northern lights, it also needs to be clear without any clouds obscuring the view. When it comes to witnessing the aurora, it is best to make sure you go somewhere far away from light pollution. This is why taking a cruise at sea probably ranks as one of the finest places to see this natural wonder.
Who Offers Northern Light Cruises
Many cruise lines offer Northern Lights sailings, so there's sure to be an itinerary that suits your needs. With cruises to see the Northern Lights ranging from short to long, luxury ships and budget-friendly options, there is a cruise line perfect for everyone.
Recently launched Ambassador Cruises sail from six different departure ports in the UK and they offer traditional cruising with a modern twist. They have a fantastic enrichment program, expect to hear expert speakers, take part in a book clubs, or learn a new art craft.
British favourites P&O offer a number of cruises North in search of the lights. They have an impressive set of shore excursions which will help enhance your experience, along with fantastic entertainment onboard.
Fred. Olsen also sails from several UK departure points and their Norwegian background means they are the perfect line to travel up to Norway to witness this natural phenomenon.
Or discover the delights of the Aurora Borealis whilst relaxing in luxury on board a Cunard Queen. By day, enjoy afternoon tea served by white-gloved waiters and by night cosy up with a blanket as you take to the deck to gaze up at the sky.
What Should You Pack
Packing for an arctic cruise in winter is very different from packing for a summer jaunt to the Med. Temperatures are regularly sub-zero and you will want to make sure you are warm, as it may involve some hours outdoors waiting to see them.
Lots of layers are always better than one bulky coat. Thermal base layers are a must, as well as socks. A warm, waterproof coat and trousers are also advised and a hat, scarf and gloves, with duplicates of gloves in case one goes astray. Clear arctic days are often very sunny, so a pair of sunglasses is a good idea and lots of lip balm and moisturiser to prevent or soothe dry, chapped skin.
Where To See Them
Norway
Aurora sightings are one of Norway's most famous attractions. It is possible to spot them if you travel to the Arctic Circle for one day, but if you stay for five or more days, the odds change to 90%.
Tromsø, located 400km north of the Arctic Circle, is one of the best Norwegian cities from which to view nature's dazzling light displays. The city also offers a variety of other attractions. Designed to resemble a geometric glacier, the Arctic Cathedral is inspired by the landscapes of northern Norway. This imposing building, constructed in 1965, still looks futuristic today.
Iceland
There are not many places on earth where you can view an aurora borealis like Iceland. On the southernmost edge of the Arctic Circle at 65° N, they are usually visible every night and in warmer temperatures than elsewhere in Scandinavia.
You can soak in geothermal rock pools such as the Blue Lagoon during the day, and by night the lights are visible throughout the country. The beautiful Thingvellir National Park is a popular place to travel to in order to witness the aurora in all its glory.
Alaska
In terms of watching the Northern Lights, Alaska is one of the best North American hotspots. It boasts dramatic scenery and expansive dark skies, which showcase the Northern Lights brilliantly during the aurora season, which officially runs from late August to late April.
If you're sailing out of Alaska toward the end of the season, you may see them dancing across the sky. You can also stay in the magnificent Fairbanks region of the state, one of the best places to see them, before or after your cruise.
Faroe Islands
There are few places that can match the dramatic sights of the Faroe Islands. The scenery is breathtaking, from giant lakes set atop mountains to waterfalls that captivate you, to jagged cliffs and adorable puffins. It is also a very safe place to visit and it is relatively sparsely populated so there is less light pollution, which provides the excellent conditions needed to see the lights.
Have you seen the magnificent Northern Lights? Discover all our arctic cruises here
