Seeing the Northern Lights is On My Bucket List. Is it on Yours?

Seeing the Northern Lights is on my bucket list, is it on yours? This year should be a dazzling display of the Aurora Borealis because NASA (regular readers know I love that space agency) is predicting it to be on the peak of an 11-year cycle.

Every day I embrace life because I know how it can change in an instant. I know people who put off their dreams while waiting for tomorrow, yet tomorrow didn’t come. Now is the time to see the Northern Lights and one of the ideal destinations to view them this winter is Norway.

Why Norway?

• It’s scientific. The better quality Northern Lights can be viewed closer to the Earth’s magnetic poles. Right in the middle of the Magnetic North Pole is Tromsø, Norway.
• It’s rich with folklore. According to Norse mythology, the Northern Lights were built by the gods and is a fire bridge to the sky.
• Why not? Experience the warmth of the Norwegian culture while experiencing the untamed and wild frozen landscape of Norway. Plus, if you’re a fan of Frozen (okay, maybe you’re too old to be a fan but you know someone who is), I’m sure you’re a little curious what winter is like!

Now, I’ve never been on a cruise and in general, I don’t find the concept of cruising appealing, however, there are exceptions. I’ve worked in the tourism industry for quite awhile and Hurtigruten has been popping up on my radar the last few years. For 120 years the cruise line has been part of Norway’s coastal waterways and Hurtigruten embraces and celebrates its Viking heritage.

Why Cruise with Hurtigruten to See the Northern Lights?

• Become part of Norway. Travel along what’s called the ‘Hurtigruten Route’ from Bergen to Kirkenes and visit remote villages and towns to experience Norway’s culture.
• Visual feast. Drink in the amazing scenery of fjords, snow-covered landscapes and pastel-colored winter skies. I mean, look at these images in this post? Looks absolutely stunning!
• Fun winter packages. Experience untamed and wild Norwegian scenery with a host of packages by Hurtigruten, ranging from 6 to 12 days. Join in miniature polar expeditions such as a husky sledding adventure or snowmobile trip through a frozen landscape. Have the opportunity to look for whales, polar bears and other wildlife. Participate in a Lofotr Viking Feast. Can you imagine the selfie opportunities with vikings??? Plus, travel through the Arctic Circle for serious bragging rights!
• They offer an Astronomy Voyage! This is TOTALLY up my alley. Aboard this 12-day voyage, tour along the Norwegian Coast and 34 ports, learn during on board lectures about the Northern Lights and night sky, visit the Northern Lights Planetarium at Tromsø, and have a chance to view the Aurora Borealis.
• Substance over glitz. From what I’ve researched, a Hurtigruten voyage is designed for travelers appreciating natural, unique and active experiences rather than extravagance and luxury.
• Easy on the budget. Fares with Hurtigruten have never been lower than now.
• Because tomorrow may never come. Not trying to be a Debbie Downer here, but with low fares and peak of the Northern Lights cycle ahead, and uncertainty of what’s ahead in life, why not?

Flexible Pricing Savings Up To 30%: Hurtigruten operates on a variable pricing system whereby prices remain low until higher occupancy levels are reached. Right now a lot of prime space is still available meaning that select Winter Coastal Voyages have savings up to 30% off brochure fares! Check out these offers…

Winter Coastal Voyages
6, 7, 11, & 12 day Voyages
• From only $965 per person!

In Search of the Northern Lights Package:
• 6-Day Voyage
• 1-Night Hotel
• From only $879 per person!

Winter Voyage, Air & Hotel Package:
6 or 7 day Norway Voyage
• Roundtrip Airfare from Newark (more gateways are available for additional cost)
• All pre/post voyage transfers
• Pre and post Overnight Hotel (2 night)
• From $2,251 per person

Special Voyages:
• Christmas Voyages with special activities and inclusions
• New Years Eve in Tromsø

Visit the Hurtigruten website for details on the Special Voyages.

Doesn’t a voyage through Norway sound pretty nifty? Learn more and find a Norway Northern Lights package right for you by visiting Hurtigruten. On your social media channels, look for #hurtigruten to follow the real-time discussion.

Is seeing the Northern Lights on your bucket list?

Disclosure: Many thanks to Hurtigruten for sponsoring today’s story and encouraging me to visit Norway and see the Northern Lights. Opinions are my own.

Images Source: Hurtigruten