In Search of the Northern Lights
March 2026

Located close to the start of the engineering feat of the Atlantic Ocean Road, Kristiansund is a city spread over four islands and is known as the ‘cured cod capital’ due to its centuries-old export of dried fish. The old wharf in the city is now a museum dedicated to how clipfish was prepared. The route from Kristiansund to Molde, along the Atlantic Ocean Road offers scenery covered with snow, and bridges linking the islands that seem to appear out of nowhere.

Part of the shipping lane that follows the country’s coast, Nærøysundet is an important part of Norway’s maritime industry. However, as busy as this strait is, it is beautiful too, and sailing its glassy waters offer outstanding scenic views. Take in scenes of forested valleys and rugged, rocky shores, dotted with little villages and thriving towns, and see the impressive Nærøysund Suspension Bridge, linking the islands of Vikna to the mainland.

Located on the island of Torget, Torghatten Mountain is one of Norway’s most astonishing natural wonders. Known affectionately as ‘the mountain with the hole’, Torghatten is famous for the huge hole which strikes right through the middle of it. Formed during the Scandinavian Ice Age, looser sediment and rock were eroded, but the harder rock at the top of the mountain remained, creating the distinctive hole. There are also one or two folklore tales about how the hole was formed!

Forming a majestic chain of peaks overlooking the shipping channel, the Seven Sisters mountain range is an awe-inspring backdrop to a myriad of islands and Norwegian landscapes. Standing 1,000 feet above the shoreline, these striking peaks are perhaps best observed in all their glory from your cruise ship, particularly when snow-covered in the winter months. It is possible to climb them, and to learn the legend of the trolls who were turned to stone!

Embarking on the maritime tradition of crossing the Arctic Circle is a cherished experience for guests and crew alike. This momentous occasion, often announced by our Captain, invites you to venture out on deck and celebrate. You may choose to participate in a ceremonial ritual, complete with optional ‘baptisms’, where ice-cold water is poured down your back, or simply delight in the atmosphere of excitement and anticipation.

Due to its location far north of the Arctic Circle, the small town of Narvik is seen as one of the best places to see the Aurora Borealis. Situated on the banks of the Ofotfjorden, with snow covered mountains and desnse forests surrounding Narvik, the Northern Lights dance in the skies overlooking the town. In March, the winter festival is held, celebrating music, literature, art, and dancing.

During winter, the ice-covered seas around Tromso are filled with hundreds of whales, as they go in search of food and breeding grounds. One of the main reasons they visit this area is for the abundance of herring in the waters. Tromso is also well-known for its husky sledding, where these magnificent creatures pull sleds through the snowy countryside. It’s also possible to see the other-wordly Northern Lights as they dance and flicker in the skies above northern Norway’s largest city.

Considered by Norwegians to be Norway’s most beautiful city, Alesund in winter is perhaps even more breath-taking than in the summer months, as its bathed in dusky shades of orange and pink. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, the Art Nouveau town is built on three islands, where panoramic views of the city, archipelago and Sunnmore Alps are best seen from the top of Mount Aksla.