In Search of the Northern Lights in Nine Nights

Surrounded by steep, snow covered mountain peaks, Bodo in winter is bathed in hues of pink and orange light as the winter light reflects off the surrounding waters. Located just north of the Arctic Circle, there are also opportunities to see the Northern Lights in Bodo, and as it is the first place the Gulf Stream hits the Norwegian coast, it’s climate is milder than more inland destinations.

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.

Slicing through the rugged landscapes of Troms og Finnmark, separating the islands of Hinnøya and Tjeldøya from the mainland, the Tjeldsundet Strait has long been one of Norway’s most important waterways, serving as vital route between the country’s northern and southern regions. The beauty and peace of Tjeldsundet is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and rock faces; and the Tjeldsund Suspension Bridge connects the islands of Lofoten and Vesterålen with the mainland.

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.

Slicing through the rugged landscapes of Troms og Finnmark, separating the islands of Hinnøya and Tjeldøya from the mainland, the Tjeldsundet Strait has long been one of Norway’s most important waterways, serving as vital route between the country’s northern and southern regions. The beauty and peace of Tjeldsundet is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and rock faces; and the Tjeldsund Suspension Bridge connects the islands of Lofoten and Vesterålen with the mainland.

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!

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!

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.