Awaken the explorer in you on this Hurtigruten cruise adventure from the Arctic wilderness of northern Norway to the world's most beautiful islands and fjords along the west coast. Imagine a landscape covered in pure white snow and a clear night sky. Suddenly a colourful explosion erupts above you. When this silent light show in the sky begins, it's impossible to look away. The northern lights are truly mesmerizing – and your chances to see them are best on this cruise!
Start your winter excursion in the delightful Kirkenes Snowhotel, that opened for the first time in 2006. Since then they have been giving guests a wonderful experience in one of Norway’s most beautiful surroundings. Every room in Kirkenes Snowhotel is like a small treasure, uniquely decorated by artists from around the world. All the 20 rooms have a different theme from the Arctic culture or nature. The lighted ice sculptures give the Snowhotel a very cosy and special atmosphere.
Extend the cruise by staying in Kirkenes for a few days before you join the ship and enjoy the land excursions – snowmobiles, huskies, hunt the Northern Lights, fish for King Crab.
‘At-a-Glance’ Illustrative Itinerary
DAY 1: Fly to Kirkenes, via Stockholm. The northern most town in Norway border Russia. You will find it intriguing that the local road signs are written in Norwegian and Russian. Transfer to the Snowhotel 2, or ideally 3 nights.
DAY 2: Spend the day enjoying several exciting excursions. For example, exploring the Arctic wilderness on a snowmobile and driving over a frozen fjord, learn about the history of the Sámi people, enjoy a husky dog-sledge adventures, or catch and eat giant king crab from the Barents Sea. You can also greet the reindeer and huskies living on the grounds. After dinner there will be a chance to go and hunt the Northern Lights
DAY 5: The ship today cruises through the island groups of Lofoten and Vesterålen offering some of the most stunning scenery you will see on the whole voyage. The Lofoten region is renowned for its natural beauty with steep mountains, wild nature and small, picturesque fishing villages. The daylight sailing route through the Lofoten Islands is a highlight for many guests. Excursions here offer horse riding, fishing, a village walk or a RIB excursion.
DAY 7: You reach the lovely city of Trondheim. It is worth disembarking to take a walk around as it is so pretty. With its colourful warehouses, waterways and wooded hills, the city is a pleasure to explore.
