Norway’s historic coastal voyage route is one of the most popular ways to explore the country. From Bergen to Kirkenes, 34 ports of call along the way provide a comprehensive dive into Norwegian life with easy convenience. There’s no daily packing and unpacking. There’s no navigation required. Off-shore logistics are taken care of and perhaps best of all, you don’t have the go anywhere for an amazing, yet ever changing view.
Scenery and big sky vistas are the hallmark of a Norwegian coastal voyage. Aboard Havila‘s modern fleet of hybrid ships, you’ll find any number of places to soak up the magnificent scenery.
For night sky gazers, time onboard offers the chance to peer at the heavens largely uninterrupted, save for the odd imposing fjord. Sailing in autumn, winter and early spring means being poised for nightly aurora watch, particularly once you reach the higher latitudes of Bodo and beyond. While in contrast, choosing a late spring or summer voyage brings long days in the south and the midnight sun above the Arctic Circle. Therein lies the dilemma of when to travel. Northern lights or midnight sun? We think the solution is simple – travel twice! And here’s why.
Basking in the midnight sun
Cruising along the coast in summer, your entire day is an opportunity to bask in Norway’s glorious landscapes. This is especially true for the portion of the voyage sailing above the Arctic Circle when the midnight sun brings 24hr daylight and with it, an energising boost.
Wake to an ocean horizon. Head to the gym for a morning workout where you don’t so much pick cardio or weight training, but ocean or coastal views. Marvel at sheer-sided fjords like Geirangerfjord from deck the bow viewpoint. Take a stroll around the promenade deck with panoramic views of Lofoten’s saw-toothed peaks as your backdrop. Peer out of large picture windows while you dine on Norwegian-inspired dishes. Unwind in the bar gazing through the glass roof of Havblikk Bar & Lounge. And if you opt for a Seaview Cabin or suite you can admire the view as you drift off to sleep and before your rise. Even on a middle of the night comfort break. Norway’s beauty is always on. There’s a lot to love about the endless daylight when the scenery is as magnificent as this.
Like anywhere, summer weather can vary and along the coast it can be changeable. In June the average temperature in Bergen ranges from 15-20°C, rising in July. It’s not uncommon for warm days to reach the mid-twenties. In Northern Norway, summer temperatures range from 8-15°C. Comfortable if cool.
Summer experiences with Havila
There are also some seasonal variations to the optional excursions available. In summer, pair an in-depth look at Geirangerfjord with the spectacular switchbacks of Trollstigen and epic views on the Romsdal Gondola. Pedal around bicycle-friendly Trondheim and e-bike through Bodo’s scenic surrounds.
Explore Lofoten’s archipelago on a RIB-boat safari on the lookout for sea eagles. Journey along the National Tourist Route from Senja to Tromsø, quad bike at the North Cape or get up close to the bustling bird cliffs. And be driven along the Atlantic Road, the show-stealing extra from James Bond’s No Time To Die.
The aurora chase
Chances to glimpse green in the night sky mean travelling between September and March. And to maximise your chances of seeing the lights, opt for the classic round voyage, Bergen-Kirkenes-Bergen. Away from light pollution, with an aurora alert on board as you sail into north you’ll be perfectly positioned to see the northern lights should they appear. Knowing you can step out on deck at a moments notice is reassuring with a phenomenon as fickle as the aurora. And should you be blessed with a extended display, you can cosy up in the observation lounge, watching the display through the glass ceiling.
The northern lights can never be guaranteed. It’s part of what makes seeing them so special, but it’s fair to say that Havila are confident you’ll witness the lights at some point on a 12-day voyage. So much so, that they offer a simple promise – if the lights don’t show up, your next voyage, either the 6-day Southbound or 7-day Northbound voyage, is free of charge.
If your interest in the night sky goes deeper, opt for one of Havila’s astronomy sailings on selected dates. In the company of special guests from the Royal Astronomical Society, you can indulge your passion for the cosmos with insightful lectures and shared star gazing.
Winter coastal colours
It’s not just the dancing green of the aurora borealis that provides the colour as you sail along Norway’s coast in winter. On clear days you might be able to soak up deep pink sunsets in the south, shifting to burnt orange skies as you progress north and finally giving way to the atmospheric blue of the dark season in Norway’s far north. Twilight’s ‘blue hour’ adds a magical twist the already mesmerising landscapes.
Winter experiences with Havila
While many of the excursions are available year round, those specific to winter including snowmobiling across winter landscapes, dog sledding through the Arctic wilderness and sampling king crab fishing on a frozen fjord. Experience the polar night on an evening walk in the Lofotens and enjoy winter sea-kayaking in Alesund’s sheltered waterways followed by a warming sauna.
Feeling inspired?
Summer and winter, the Norway’s night skies have so much to enthral. A coastal voyage offers a perfect way to experience them and the stunning landscapes they frame, combining relaxation with adventure.
If you’d like to take in Norway’s big skies and epic landscapes on a coastal voyage with Havila, get in touch with our Travel Specialists by calling 01737 214 250, or you can send an enquiry.
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