Hunting the light

Join a winter expedition along the beautiful coast of Norway, hunting for the Arctic light. You will sail in the wake of the founder of Hurtigruten, Captain Richard With, crossing the Arctic Circle and passing 71° N. Travelling with Hurtigruten at this time of year is an incredible experience where landscape, weather conditions and light are constantly changing. On your journey towards the north you will also learn more about the local culture and history.

The light is one of the most important elements of your winter journey. During the winter the sun is low on the horizon, and north of the Arctic Circle it remains below the horizon for some weeks. This creates fascinating shades of light ranging from blue to purple and yellow tones. The highlight for many is of course the appearance of the majestic Northern Lights. This spectacular phenomenon has fascinated locals, visitors and scientists for centuries.

Activity out on deck

• There are only a few places in the world where you can sail north of the Arctic Circle during the winter and to mark this occasion a special ceremony is performed on deck.
• At the entrance to Trollfjord freshly made fish cakes are served out on deck. You will also hear the story of "The battle of the Trollfjord" which took place in the winter of 1890.
• Coffee and liqueurs are served out on deck as the ship crosses 70° N and if you are lucky you may see the Northern Lights.
• At the "Finnkjerka" rock formation, known as an ancient Sami sacrificial site, local fishermen will show you their day's catch of king crab.

Presentations on board

• The Magic Light, Aurora Borealis - Nature's own light show in pictures, words and music.
• Tromsø - The gateway to the Arctic - A presentation on the town's history and its importance as the Capital of the Arctic.
• The Captain's talk - The captain describes the way of life along Norway's coast.
• Weather forecast presented by the safety officer.
• Sami History - A presentation of the Sámi culture in pictures, words and music.
• Arctic Circle competition award.

Optional Excursions ashore

Lofoten - Lofotr Viking feast
The Viking Chieftain and his wife invite you to participate in a Viking feast. Experience the magic as they make sacrifices to the Norse Gods, hoping that the sun will return.

Tromsø - Dog sledging
Join a miniature polar expedition. Eager huskies will whisk you through the frozen landscape, sure to thrill and enchant.

Honningsvåg - The North Cape 
Join an expedition to the North Cape, the northernmost point of mainland Europe. 

Kjøllefjord - Scooter trip in Lapland
Drive through the beautiful Arctic landscape from Kjøllefjord to Mehamn on board your very own snow scooter. You might even be lucky and see the Northern Lights in a clear starlit sky.

Kirkenes - Snowmobile Safari
Drive snowmobiles on a frozen fjord and hear more about the history of the Sami people and the local flora and fauna.

Kirkenes - Snow Hotel
The hotel is built out of snow and ice. Every year the snow hotel boasts beautiful ice sculptures and artwork made of ice and snow. You will also have the opportunity to meet reindeer grazing nearby.

Husky Adventure
The huskies are harnessed to your sledge, eagerly waiting to transport you across the frozen landscape on a mesmerising ride.

The Russian Border
Kirkenes is Hurtigruten's turning point and the only town in Norway where east meets west. You will visit the border with Russia.  

Download Hurtigruten's Hunting the light brochure to read the whole programme.