Norway's Arctic coast is one of the best places on earth to see the Northern Lights, and Hurtigruten's coastal voyages put you right beneath them. From a 6-day taster to a full 15-day expedition, here's how to chase the aurora with Ocean & Safari.
There's a particular kind of hush that falls over a ship's deck when the sky turns green. Somewhere above the Arctic Circle, on a clear winter night, that hush is exactly what you're chasing.
Hurtigruten has been sailing Norway's coastline for over 130 years, and its winter voyages remain one of the most reliable ways to see the Northern Lights without giving up your creature comforts. Right now, departures between October 2026 and March 2027 are discounted by up to 25%, which makes this a particularly good season to book.
There are two ways to do it, depending on how much time you have and how far north you want to go.
Two ways to chase the lights
The Coastal Express – South
If you're after a shorter taste of Arctic Norway, this is it. Sailing from Kirkenes down to Bergen aboard MS Polarlys, this 6-day voyage calls at a string of small ports and fishing villages along the way, from Hammerfest and Tromsø to the Lofoten Islands, with scenic cruising through the dramatic Trollfjord.
Full board is included throughout, and departures run right through the Northern Lights season.
From R18,600pp (was R24,800), 14 December 2026 departure.
The North Cape Line – Winter
For a fuller Arctic experience, this 15-day round trip from Oslo takes you all the way to Norway's northernmost point aboard MS Trollfjord. Along the way you'll call at Stavanger, Ålesund, the Lofoten Islands, Tromsø and Honningsvåg, your gateway to the North Cape itself, before continuing on to Alta, Narvik and back down the coast to Oslo.
This is an all-inclusive voyage, with selected drinks and meals covered throughout, and suite guests enjoying extras like fine dining at Røst and a welcome basket on arrival.
From R57,800pp (was R77,032), 4 December 2026 departure.
Which one suits you
If you have a week to spare and want a proper introduction to Arctic Norway without committing to a full expedition, the Coastal Express South is a lovely way in. If you've got more time and want to stand on the North Cape plateau itself, watch the aurora from the top of Europe, and settle into a slower, more immersive rhythm on board, the North Cape Line is the one.
Both are genuinely excellent chances to see the lights. Hurtigruten's Northern Lights Promise means that if the aurora doesn't appear on voyages of 11 days or more, you'll be offered a free 6 or 7 day voyage to try again, so the odds are firmly in your favour on the longer sailing.
Booking your Northern Lights escape
With savings of up to 25% running through March 2027, this is a good window to lock in a winter departure. Pricing and availability move quickly on these routes, so confirm the latest rates and cabin categories with your Ocean & Safari consultant before booking.
Speak to an Ocean & Safari consultant and begin planning your bespoke journey today.
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