Why Venture to Norway Now?

With the demand to see the Northern Lights on the rise, Norway is on the list as one of the best places in the world to witness the green and purple glow of the Aurora. With the sun approaching its 'solar maximum,' the northern lights will be more active than usual, and scientists predict the peak will take place at some point in 2024. The best time to see the Northern Lights is typically between late September to early March (depending on where you are), so now is the time to try your luck!

Fitting for the season, family-owned Havila Voyages is offering a Northern Lights promise, which applies to all passengers who have booked the Round Voyage departing between October 1 and March 31. If the Aurora doesn’t appear during the trip, guests will receive a new 6 or 7-day voyage from Bergen to Kirkenes (Voyage North) or vice versa (Voyage South) completely free of charge. 

What to Expect on a Havila Cruise

The first thing I noticed when checking into my cabin? A Northern Lights button on my phone! While I was being rocked to sleep in the evenings, a friend of mine did manage to make it to the top deck after midnight to see the lights. This is a pretty nifty thing to have, especially while you’re on a cruise in Norway – one of the best places to see them!

I’ve been to Norway in my past travels, but never thought to take a cruise along the coastline in this way. When I was invited aboard Havila Voyages Kystruten coastal route, I was actually surprised by how organized and seamless the trip was. A smaller vessel with around 179 cabins, what made this route truly standout was the idea of deciding the length of your trip. Choosing between a Northern or Southern voyage, guests actually have the ability to hop on and off at various ports along the coast. For my journey, I boarded in Tromso and ended in Trondheim – the perfect itinerary for seeing the best of coastal Norway! 

If you’re paying to take a cruise through Norway, chances are you’re there for the dramatic views and serenity. Havila Voyages are designed with the utmost comfort in mind, which is evident in the communal spaces across the ship. Onboard you’ll find two restaurants, a cafe, rooftop jacuzzi, gym, and sauna; however, while the interiors and exteriors reflect that of a luxury, Havila is actually one of the leading models in sustainability and supporting local Norwegian businesses in the area. 

Stops Along the Way

Tromsø

Used as a mode of transportation for many locals, Havila makes numerous stops on its voyages. If you’re doing the complete journey from North to South, most travelers hop on at Kirkenes, but we boarded at Tromsø. Most people say the municipality is the gateway to the Arctic, and I couldn’t agree more. A cultural hub tucked above the Arctic Circle, Tromsø is one of the best places to see the Northern Lights from September to early April. If you want a higher chance of seeing the lights, I recommend taking the Fjellheisen cable car that will bring you up to Storsteinen (421 meters above sea level). If you want to sample the freshest seafood, be sure to visit Fiskekompaniet before you board the ship again!

Lofoten Islands

You’ll know you’ve arrived in Lofoten when you see dramatic landscapes, colorful buildings, and hanging Norwegian stockfish at every turn. Still above the Arctic Circle, the Lofoten Islands are an archipelago draped across the Norwegian Sea. When the cruise docks, it’s quite spectacular sailing along the charming fishing villages. We pulled into Svolvær harbor town and trekked to XXLofoten for our Sea Eagle Safari. Once we were zipped into a few layers of protective gear, the rib boat sailed through Raftsundet's rocky waters to an opening where we saw hundreds of eagles. Northern Europe's largest eagle with a wingspan of up to 2.65 meters, seeing these creatures swarm above us was one of the highlights of my trip. 

Trondheim

A Norwegian treasure set along the Trondheim Fjord, the colorful city is bustling with students, locals, and in-the-know tourists. For a fresh perspective, I’d advise taking a traditional wooden boat trip, "Frøya" and "Himinglæva", to admire the city from afar. Designed in the UNESCO-recognized clinker style, there’s no better way to explore River Nidelva than with a local guide (they even have “sleigh-boat” rides in the winter!) 

A visit to Trondheim isn’t complete without checking into the Britannia Hotel. Established in 1870, the Hotel has been a staple in the community for over 150 years and features multiple dining options and a spa with a lap pool, mineral pool, and various saunas/steam rooms. While the rooms are extremely comfortable and the restaurants beautifully adorned with chandeliers and elegant furnishings, my favorite thing has to be the living wine cellar with over 10,000 bottles of the World’s finest wines. 

Now is one of the best times to visit this beautiful country if you want a chance to see the Northern Lights, and experience all the best of the outdoors. From a variety of excursions to charming stops along the way, Havila Voyages is a must when exploring the coast.