Remote, mystical, and untouched, the Arctic Circle is a unique destination to have a cruise holiday all year round. If you are seeking an adventure that is off the usual tourist trail, this region promises immersive encounters with nature, indigenous cultures, and awe-inspiring landscapes.
Going on an Arctic cruise aboard one of our smaller ships enhances the experience, offering intimacy, expert-led exploration, and access to places larger vessels simply can’t reach. This blog will highlight 10 reasons why you should consider such a cruise and will highlight some of the best places to visit in the Arctic Circle.
What is the Arctic Circle?
The Arctic Circle is an imaginary line around the Earth that sits at a latitude of around 66° 30' north of the equator. It is one of two polar circles, and it is the northernmost circle of latitude on Earth, resulting in natural phenomena like the Midnight Sun in summer and Polar Night in winter. The other polar circle is the Antarctic Circle.
Home to the North Pole and the Arctic Ocean, this frozen landscape has an average temperature of -12 to -6°C across the year. Although you might think the Arctic Circle is a barren and unwelcoming landscape, it actually contains unique wildlife and outstanding scenery.
Which countries are in the Arctic Circle?
There are eight countries in the Arctic Circle, which measures roughly 9,900 miles in circumference. The countries included in the Arctic Circle are Russia, Canada, the USA, Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Iceland and Norway.
Norway is the most populated Arctic region in the world, with around half of the country situated north of the Arctic Circle. It is also home to the city of Tromsø, which is one of the best places in the world to catch sight of the Northern Lights. The Finnish region of Lapland is also almost entirely in the Arctic Circle, making this area the perfect destination for a Northern Lights cruise and an ideal winter wonderland escape.
10 reasons to visit the Arctic Circle
1. It's the best place to see the Northern Lights
The Norwegian Arctic is one of the greatest places on earth to see the Northern Lights. For the best chance of witnessing the Northern Lights, timing and location are key. The optimal viewing season runs from late September to early April, when the nights are longest and skies are darkest.
Prime destinations include Northern Norway, the remote wilderness of Svalbard, and other parts of the Arctic Circle, where clear skies and minimal light pollution enhance visibility.
What makes the experience even more magical is seeing the lights from the deck of a smaller ship. Away from the crowds and city lights, you'll have an unobstructed view of the night sky. Whether you're wrapped in a blanket with a hot drink or capturing the moment on a camera, it's a memory that will stay with you forever.
You might also like: Discovering the Aurora Borealis: Facts About the Northern Lights
2. The dramatic scenery of the Lofoten Islands
The Lofoten Islands are among the best places to visit in the Arctic Circle. Located around 100 miles inside the area, this remote location is one of the most picturesque regions in Norway.
Everything from soaring mountains and peaks to open seas, beaches, hidden bays and red wooden houses - you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to taking holiday snaps.
An adventurer’s haven, the Lofoten Islands are a popular destination for walking, fishing, kayaking and sailing. However, deciding when to go to the Lofoten Islands is tricky; just 1,500 miles from the North Pole, the weather can be unpredictable.
A Fred. Olsen cruise to the Lofoten Islands is carefully curated to ensure guests are visiting at the best time of the year to appreciate the area's natural beauty.
If you’re looking for a way to explore the Lofoten Islands, you can enjoy one of Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines itineraries, which will stop at Leknes, and here you can find out about the region’s Viking history and enjoy the picturesque Arctic nature.
You might also like: Discover Norway's beautiful mountain scenery
3. The stunning surroundings of Tromsø
Also known as the ‘gateway to the Arctic', Tromsø is a perfect destination on your Arctic adventure. This city is one of Norway’s cultural gems and offers something for everyone; whether you’re looking to immerse yourself in Sámi culture, go orca spotting on a whale safari (between November and January) or enjoy the views from atop Mount Storsteinen.
Tromsø is situated more than 200 miles north of the Arctic Circle, making it one of the most northerly places you can visit in the world. Famed for its unique natural environment, it’s also the world’s northernmost university town, offering a more lively side to the city. The summer is when the city is at its most vibrant, and it is a great time to visit.
Lydia, the writer behind the Lost With Lydia travel blog, has visited Tromsø before, and she spoke about what she loved about the city: “Tromsø is an incredible base for seeing the Northern Lights, experiencing the Polar Night and partaking in snowy adventures in the winter. It’s also a wonderful destination for hiking during the warmer months.
“However, it’s also a city that has museums, great restaurants and lots of shops. It even has the nickname ‘Paris of the North’ because of its rich culture.”
You might also like: A definitive guide to visiting Norway
4. You can witness nature's power
The summit of Mount Ronvik is certainly not to be missed, and is also home to the world’s strongest maelstrom, called Saltstraumen, which is when 400 million cubic metres of water pass through the strait every six hours between the vast Skjerstadfjord and the outer Saltfjord at speeds of up to 20 knots.
Here, you can also take time to explore the impressive Svartisen Glacier, with its lowest point being just 20 metres above sea level – the marked difference between this and the mountains and beaches is awe-inspiring!
5. Go polar bear watching in Svalbard
Located halfway between Norway and the North Pole, Svalbard offers experiences like nowhere else on earth. Also known as the polar bear’s kingdom, Norway’s Svalbard archipelago is one of the few places in the world where you may be lucky enough to spot these majestic bears in their natural habitat.
But there is a lot more to Svalbard, as during the Polar Night, the months of darkness from October to January, the Northern Lights dominate the sky both day and night.
It is also a haven for foodies as the cosmopolitan Longyearbyen offers multiple restaurants where travellers can experience Svalbard's locally sourced delicacies. There are also many glaciers to marvel at from the comfort of your cruise ship, as you slice through quiet and still waterways.
You might also like: When is the best time to visit Norway?
6. You can marvel at the midnight sun
Summertime in Northern Norway allows guests staying on a Fred. Olsen cruise to step into a world where the sun never sets and time seems to stand still. The Midnight Sun is a natural phenomenon that occurs in the Arctic Circle during the summer months, typically from late May to mid-July. During this period, the sun remains visible for 24 hours a day.
Like the Aurora Borealis, the further north you are, the more of the Midnight Sun you will experience. Onboard, the experience is equally enchanting. Imagine spotting whales or seabirds from the deck at midnight, or taking a peaceful stroll along the shore under a sunlit sky. The Midnight Sun invites you to slow down, savour the moment, and see the Arctic in a whole new light.
You might also like: Discover Norway's Midnight Sun
7. Keep your eyes peeled for the Arctic’s unique wildlife
Northern Norway is home to many rare animal species. Before your visit, why not create a list of arctic wildlife you’d be keen to spot, and tick them off as you go?
You should keep an eye out for the elusive arctic foxes, spot walruses as they relax on the icy beaches or go in search of some of Arctic Norway’s reindeer. There are also caribou, musk ox, and the Arctic hare that you could see.
Going on a cruise is regarded as one of the best ways to see wildlife, and the months of June, July, and August are the best months for wildlife sightings due to the 24-hour daylight of the Midnight Sun. If you’re interested in birdwatching, visiting later in the season is recommended as some migratory birds begin returning to the mainland as early as August.
8. You can dance with whales in the wild
If you’re travelling in Northern Norway in the winter, your cruise ship will sail slowly along the fjords of the Lofoten Islands and Vesteralen on the lookout for whales.
The Arctic Circle is home to a variety of whales that thrive in its cold, nutrient-rich waters. Humpback whales, minke whales, and orcas are some of the most commonly spotted whales. You might also spot the beluga whale or the narwhal in these Arctic waters.
Be sure to pack your binoculars and camera to capture the memories.
9. It has a strong Sami culture
Beyond the dramatic landscapes and wildlife of the Arctic lies a rich tapestry of indigenous cultures that have thrived in these extreme environments for centuries.
The Inuit of Greenland and Canada, and the Sámi of Northern Scandinavia, each offer unique insights into life above the Arctic Circle.
On our Arctic Circle cruises, you will get the opportunity to learn more about these cultures and, in particular, the Sámi culture. Although the indigenous Sámi people live across four countries (Norway, Sweden, Finland and Russia), around half of the population is settled in Norway. Northern Norway is home to the most ancient Sámi settlements, making it the perfect place to experience their way of life, including ancient sounds, traditional craftwork and working reindeer herds.
Top of our list for learning about the Sámi culture is Joik - the folk music of the Sámi and one of Europe’s oldest song traditions.
10. It's home to the Norwegian Fjords
The Fjords of Norway are not to be missed on a visit to this beautiful part of the world. With towering mountains, tremendous waterfalls and valleys that roll for miles, you’ll be spoiled with spectacular views.
The smaller-sized Fred. Olsen cruise ships are perfect for exploring the winding waterways of the Fjords and giving you the best view of awe-inspiring highlights such as the Seven Sisters and the Briksdal Glacier as you travel closer to the Arctic Circle.
At Fred. Olsen, we also have a variety of Norwegian fjord cruises available, which is another great way to experience the iconic scenery of Norway’s waterways.
Spend your holiday cruising the Arctic Circle
Our Arctic cruises have been tailored to show the best of the region, offering a sense of remoteness while providing an eclectic mix of unique experiences. When at sea, your cruise ship will cross the Arctic Circle in the Norwegian Sea close to the small islet of Vikingen.
The exact location will shift over the course of a year depending on the angle of the earth’s axis. However, whether you’re a midnight sun seeker, a wildlife enthusiast or a person who simply enjoys the beauty in nature, you’re sure to have a magical time on an Arctic Circle holiday.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Arctic Circle
What is the best time to visit the Arctic Circle for the Northern Lights?
The best time to visit the Arctic Circle for the Northern Lights is from September to early April, as these months have the necessary long, dark nights.
Where is the Arctic Circle?
The Arctic Circle is one of the two polar circles and the northernmost of the five major circles of latitude. It passes through land and sea in eight countries: Norway, Sweden, Finland, Russia, the United States (Alaska), Canada, Denmark (Greenland), and Iceland.
Is Tromsø in the Arctic Circle?
Tromsø is a city located on the banks of the Tromsøfjord, about 350 km north of the Arctic Circle. Due to its geographical location, the city is considered to be the gateway to the North Pole.
Are Arctic cruises suitable for older travellers?
Yes, Arctic cruises are suitable for older travellers, and here at Fred. Olsen Cruises, we have itineraries that cater to all mobility levels and offer accessible activities and shore tours.
The best reasons for visiting the Arctic Circle
Our Arctic cruises have been tailored to show the best of the region, offering a sense of remoteness while providing an eclectic mix of unique experiences.
Whether you're chasing the Northern Lights, basking in the Midnight Sun, watching humpback whales and polar bears or connecting with indigenous communities, you will have a magical time on an Arctic Circle holiday.