In Search of the Northern Lights
As you explore Arctic Norway, you’ll not only get to witness the seasonal beauty of the region’s dramatic landscapes, but also experience what life is like living amongst them. Visits to Tromso and Alta provide opportunities to explore Arctic wilderness and meet, spend time with, and sample the lifestyle of Sami people. Your call at Tromso coincides with Sami National Day too; join in with the celebration of the indigenous communities, with its mix of parades, displays of traditional dress, yoik choirs and much more. And, as you’ll be stopping overnight in both Tromso and Alta, considered two of the best places on earth to see the Northern Lights, you may even be fortunate enough to see Mother Nature’s light show illuminate the clear night sky with dancing ribbons of colour – an unforgettable experience. [ReadMore]
There’s time to simply explore Tromso and discover its abundance of sights and highlights, from the iceberg-shaped Arctic Cathedral to the scenic views from atop Mount Storsteinen, while the UNESCO-listed rock carvings of Hjemmeluft can be seen at Alta’s fascinating museum. A visit to Bodø, on the beautiful Kystriksveien Coastal Route, meanwhile 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. There are highlights to discover before and after your Arctic exploration too; Bolette makes a call at Trondheim – a city rich in Viking history and featuring fine examples of Gothic architecture – while Alesund, and its living museum of art-nouveau architecture and dramatic scenery, awaits as you head for home.
Your Itinerary
Southampton, England
Jan 30 | Depart - early evening
Considered the 'Cruise Capital of the UK', Southampton is the departure port for hundreds for cruise holidays every year, including a number of Fred. Olsen sailings on our smaller sized ships. But beyond being the starting poing for many cruise adventures, you can be assure that this historic city on England's sunny south coast has much to offer as a destination in its own right.
Whether you enjoy a call at Southampton as part of your cruise itinerary, or choose to spend time exploring either before of after your cruise from the city, you'll find there are plenty of attractions, highlights and sights to discover, showcasing fascinating history and local culture. Perhaps see the timber-framed treasures of the Old Town, including the beautiful Tudor House and Gardens, and visit the Sea City Museum to learn of Southampton's links to the Titanic's ill-fated voyage. Other Titanic-related sights include war memorials, the former White Star Line HQ and the Grapes Pub - wander the 'Titanic Trail' to take them in.
There are art galleries and museums aplenty too, as well as an abundance of places to shop, and a number of trendy bars, restaurants and cafés where you can always stop for something delicious. Alternatively, you might opt to explore nature trails and wetlands near to the city, or simply stroll through one of the green spaces or pretty parks.
Trondheim, Norway
Feb 02 | Arrive - early morning | Depart - late afternoon
Founded over a thousand years ago by Viking King Olav Trygvasson, Trondheim was Norway’s first capital city. Its colourful warehouses, charming waterways and wooded hills makes Trondheim one of Norway's most photogenic towns. Sat on the impressive Trondheim Fjord, the city is packed with interesting sights which are easy to navigate on foot, as most of the attractions are located on a small island accessible via a series of walkable bridges.
The pride of Trondheim is Nidarosdomen, the world’s northernmost medieval cathedral. The majestic church towers above the city centre and is erected on the site of St. Olav’s grave where medieval pilgrims flocked to worship. Nearby is the Archbishop’s Palace, now a museum displaying artefacts, sculpture and gargoyles, while the Nordenfjeldske Kunstindustrimuseum has stunning collections of furniture, textiles and jewellery.
Ringve Museum is a fascinating music museum in a former manor house and barn. Other museums worth a look include Sverresborg Trøndelag Folk Museum and the unique Sverresborg Ski Museum, which traces the history of skiing in Norway from the 17th century to modern times.
Trondheim’s wide streets and semi-pedestrianised heart has some great cafés and restaurants, while Kristiansten Fortress, located on high to the east of the centre, is one of the most popular recreational areas.
Alta, Norway
Feb 04 - 05 | Arrive - early afternoon | Depart - early evening
As one of the best places on earth to witness the Northern Lights in winter, and experience the sensation of the Midnight Sun in summer, Alta is a truly magical destination. Originally inhabited by the indigenous Sami people, the area has a fascinating cultural history. Rock carvings in nearby Hjemmeluft are believed to date from around 4,200 to 500 BC. Now a UNESCO World Heritage site, the carvings on display in the Alta Museum are evidence of the existence of human activity in the far north during prehistoric times.
Alta needed rebuilding after World War II, so the buildings of this northern Norwegian port are relatively new; notable architecture includes the Northern Lights Cathedral. A particular highlight in the winter months is the Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel. Everything inside and outside the hotel is made of ice, and is open to visitors from January until it melts away in spring.
The head of the Altafjord, where the Altaelva runs through the town, is said to have the best salmon fishing in the world. It’s still possible to see the fish leaping up the river, despite the construction of the 100m Altadammen in the 1970s.
Tromsø, Norway
Feb 06 - 07 | Arrive - early morning | Depart - late afternoon
The island city of Tromsø is one of northern Norway’s true delights. Rich with neo-classical architecture, the city known as the ‘Gateway to the Arctic’ contains the largest number of wooden houses in Northern Norway, and its old world charm makes it a joy to explore.
A major cultural hub above the Arctic Circle, Tromsø is famed as a viewing point for the colourful Northern Lights that often light up the night sky. The city’s most recognisable landmark is the must-visit Arctic Cathedral. Built in 1965, the cathedral’s distinctive iceberg-shaped design was inspired by the landscapes of Northern Norway and features a beautiful glass mosaic.
The many museums and galleries in the city include the Perspektivet Museum – set in a neo-classical building built in 1838 that has exhibits from Tromsø’s past, plus the Art Museum of Northern Norway and the Mack Brewery. Tromsø is also home to Polaria, an Arctic aquarium that is popular with locals and tourists alike. The aquarium’s tanks are full of Arctic fish species, and the friendly bearded seals always delight the visiting crowds.
Tromsø, and the stunning landscapes that surround it, are best viewed from the top of the Storsteinen Mountain, which stands 420 metres above sea level. Accessible via cable car, the peak is easy to reach and one of the most popular spots on the edge of the city.
Bodø, Norway
Feb 08 | Arrive - early afternoon | Depart - early evening
The charming town of Bodø is the northernmost point on the stunning Kystriksveien Coastal Route and home to the world's strongest maelstrom, Saltstraumen. The port represents the northern terminus of Norway's railway system, and is ideal for year round bird spotting as it boasts the world’s densest population of sea eagles.
The curious experience of the midnight sun from the summit of Mount Ronvikfjellet is a sight to behold, while strolling along Bodø’s chalk-white beach, or enjoying some shopping in the bustling town centre, are popular pastimes.
The majestic stained-glass windows and delicate tapestries within Bodø Cathedral make for a particularly worthwhile trip. Bodø’s historic past can be uncovered by visiting one of the town’s museums, and the Aviation Museum offers a glimpse into Norway’s aviation history. Exhibits include famous aircraft such as the Supermarine Spitfire, Tiger Moth and F-86 Sabre.
Ålesund, Norway
Feb 10 | Arrive - early morning | Depart - early evening
Ålesund is Norway’s popular, art-nouveau epic of towers and turrets, ornaments and balconies, steeples and spires. The city’s delightful pedestrianised streets, offer a diverse mix of art galleries, shops and lively cafés, and lead to the 418 steps that climb Mount Aksla. The Fjellstua restaurant and café at the summit is the perfect place to sit and soak up panoramic views of this attractive city, the archipelago, and the Sunnmore Alps.
Virtually destroyed by fire in 1904, Ålesund was rebuilt within three years and is regarded widely as one of Europe’s true visual experiences. The port is home to the Jugendstilsenteret – The National Art Nouveau Centre –, which has a well-preserved art nouveau interior and regularly features exhibitions and displays.
Ålesund is the gateway to the iconic northwestern fjords and this seaport is the home base for Norway's largest cod-fishing fleet, which, unsurprisingly, provides the city's visitors with some superb seafood to try.
Southampton, England
Feb 13 | Arrive - early morning
Considered the 'Cruise Capital of the UK', Southampton is the departure port for hundreds for cruise holidays every year, including a number of Fred. Olsen sailings on our smaller sized ships. But beyond being the starting poing for many cruise adventures, you can be assure that this historic city on England's sunny south coast has much to offer as a destination in its own right.
Whether you enjoy a call at Southampton as part of your cruise itinerary, or choose to spend time exploring either before of after your cruise from the city, you'll find there are plenty of attractions, highlights and sights to discover, showcasing fascinating history and local culture. Perhaps see the timber-framed treasures of the Old Town, including the beautiful Tudor House and Gardens, and visit the Sea City Museum to learn of Southampton's links to the Titanic's ill-fated voyage. Other Titanic-related sights include war memorials, the former White Star Line HQ and the Grapes Pub - wander the 'Titanic Trail' to take them in.
There are art galleries and museums aplenty too, as well as an abundance of places to shop, and a number of trendy bars, restaurants and cafés where you can always stop for something delicious. Alternatively, you might opt to explore nature trails and wetlands near to the city, or simply stroll through one of the green spaces or pretty parks.