Get closer to the wintertime scenes of Arctic Norway, revel in their seasonal beauty, and seek out the remarkable Aurora Borealis, on a journey of discovery in Europe’s northernmost region. A visit to Bodø, on the beautiful Kystriksveien Coastal Route, offers a chance to enjoy the thrill of a husky ride that locals experience as part of their daily lives, and capture the town’s history and fishing heritage. Stopping overnight in Alta, considered one of the best places on earth to see Northern Lights, could be the highlight of your adventure. With luck on your side, you may be fortunate enough to see Mother Nature’s light show illuminate the clear night sky with dancing ribbons of colour. There will be time to meet, spend time with, and sample the fascinating lifestyle of, the Sami people too, while the UNESCO-listed rock carvings of Hjemmeluft can be seen at the Alta Museum.
With two days in Tromsø to explore the city known as the ‘Gateway to the Arctic’ and take in its abundant highlights, perhaps enjoy a stroll amongst the Neoclassic architecture, stop by the Mack Brewery and visit the iconic iceberg-shaped Arctic Cathedral. Take a cable car ride to the peak of Mount Storsteinen for an unmissable view of Tromsø and its winter scenery. During your time within the Arctic Circle, smaller ship Bolette also takes you on scenic diversions into rarely sailed Oksfjord and Jokelfjord, and past the ‘Devil’s Jaw’ peaks of the Okshornan Mountains. Meanwhile, en route to and from Norway’s northern reaches, there are visits to Ålesund, a living museum of art-nouveau architecture and dramatic scenery, and to Bergen, where the UNESCO-listed Bryggen Wharf, historic fish market and Fløibanen funicular railway are amongst the highlights.