Explore with Viking—Northern Lights

Explore Alta’s storied history, from its archaic past to the present, through its rock art and native culture. Embark your motor coach for a scenic tour of the “City of Northern Lights.” At the Alta Museum, located in a field of rock carvings, step inside to see relics recovered from this prehistoric settlement that lay undiscovered until 1973. Your local guide will lead you on a museum tour to showcase its permanent and temporary exhibitions, covering a variety of topics related to local history and nature including the northern lights, salmon fishing, and local Sami and Christian religions. Enjoy free time to explore the museum independently and perhaps stop at the museum café for light refreshments. Continue your tour to Alta’s cathedral to visit the Borealis Alta, an interactive exhibition on the science and history behind the northern lights. Afterward, return to your ship.

Witness the unique structures and natural beauty of Tromsø amid its stunning island setting and winter landscapes. Meet your local guide and drive through the city known as the “Gateway to the Arctic”—a starting point for many Arctic expeditions. Tromsø boasts the largest concentration of wooden houses in northern Norway, built here until 1904 at which point wood construction was banned for fear of fire. Throughout the city, you will see classic architecture mingling with modern buildings, including the stunning Arctic Cathedral. With its soaring white roofline, it has been compared to the Sydney Opera House. Admire its triangular interior, a stunning vision in white and icy blue, then continue to the Science Centre of Northern Norway. Here, in the darkened planetarium, marvel at the northern lights during a breathtaking documentary. Afterward, return to your ship via the Tromsø Bridge.

Delve into the mystery of the aurora borealis as you watch the night skies from atop Mt. Pæska. At the mountain camp you will meet your host, who will introduce you to the various activities you can enjoy. Learn about the science behind this natural phenomenon through a series of visual presentations and films. Get cozy around a campfire in a Sami tent, called a lavvu, or take a seat in one of the slate cottages and warm up over a hot beverage and a slice of cake. There is no guarantee that the unpredictable northern lights will be visible, but with a little luck, clear nighttime skies and sufficient solar activity will prevail and you will be rewarded with a glimpse of this majestic wonder. Camp guides will be on hand to offer tips on capturing the special moment on camera, and a gift shop is available where you may purchase locally made handicrafts.

Explore the Polar Museum, the Tromsø Museum and take in breathtaking vistas via cable car. For adventurers and explorers, Tromsø is the “Gateway to the Arctic.” You will begin at the fascinating Polar Museum, located in a wharf house dating to 1837. Here, gain a glimpse of Arctic life and learn about the expeditions of explorer and native son Roald Amundsen, who reached the North Pole in 1926. After, board a cable car at Tromsø Fjellheis and ascend to the 1,378-foot summit of Mount Storsteinen. From the top, marvel at the Tromsø cityscape nestled amid islands and sea, then return to the city and continue to the informative Tromsø Museum. Here, delve into the natural history of the region, including changes to the Arctic environment, and learn more about the elusive northern lights during your guided visit. En route back to your ship, enjoy a brief city tour.

Experience the beauty of the Arctic while waiting to catch a glimpse of the mesmerizing northern lights. Leave the light pollution of the city behind as you travel into rural Norway to the Gargia Lodge, a charming, rustic mountain lodge nestled in the woods. Upon arrival, enjoy snacks and spend your time engaged in a range of activities while you wait for the elusive aurora borealis to appear. Tour the upstairs gallery that chronicles the region’s history with artifacts and photos or pet the friendly resident huskies. Alternatively, explore the grounds on snowshoes or just relax on a reindeer skin and take in the silence. On a clear night, the northern lights may manifest themselves as faint wisps of color or shimmering curtains of bright, neon light over the Arctic landscape. With any luck, you will see her dancing lights grace the night sky before returning to Alta.

Learn about a historically important railway and gain insight into those who built it. The Ofoten Railway has been integral for the hauling of iron ore from the mines of Kiruna in Swedish Lapland to the ice-free port of Narvik since it opened in 1902. At the railway station in Narvik, board your private train car for the picturesque roundtrip journey to Bjørnfjell Station and back. During the construction of the railroad, this heritage trail was the “road to work” for the navvy, the itinerant workers who labored under extreme conditions to build the railway. Learn more about their lives and work, and the role of the railway during World War II, as you wind along a path of picturesque forests, small streams and mountain views. During the return portion of your journey, enjoy a cup of coffee and a cinnamon bun while en route back to your awaiting ship.

Sled over the scenic Arctic landscape outside Alta while being pulled by a team of lively huskies. A short drive from your ship brings you to the local farm where the huskies reside. Upon arrival, meet your guides and listen to a short safety briefing before heading out. Relax as your experienced musher guides you and the sled’s team of well-trained dogs through the rugged terrain. Breathe in the fresh air as you journey through the forests and clearings along the Alta River during your 20- to 30-minute outing. At the end of your ride, you will return to the husky farm to warm yourself with a hot beverage while sitting in a traditional Sami lavvu (tent) and listening to your guide’s tales of racing sled dogs. You will have an opportunity to spend time with and photograph the charming huskies before returning to your ship.

Spend time with man’s best friend as you venture out into the night in search of the northern lights. Leave the pier by motor coach and travel to Kvaløya Island. Upon arrival at the husky camp, the friendly dogs and puppies will excitedly greet you. Enjoy an opportunity to interact with them as you learn how canines have long been a valued mode of transportation in northern climes, with sled dog teams capable of pulling heavy loads over long distances. Then, take a seat around a roaring bonfire and warm up with a hot beverage as you scan the sky for the northern lights. On a clear night, they may manifest themselves as faint wisps of color or shimmering curtains of light over the wintry landscape. You may also escape from the cold in a traditional lavvu, or tent, where tea, coffee and cake will be served. Afterward, you will return to your ship.

Admire the beautiful Dutch landscape on a leisurely drive, stopping in a fishing village to taste local delicacies. You will get a sense of why this area has been described as “a creative masterpiece, created by humans.” Embark on a scenic drive by motor coach to Zaanse Schans, a charming neighborhood renowned for its collection of windmills and wooden homes from the 18th and 19th centuries. This former industrial area once featured more than 1,000 windmills; today, 13 remain. Upon arrival, tour the interior of a windmill and gain insight into its inner workings. Later, board your coach and transfer to the pretty fishing village of Volendam. Enjoy some local fish delicacies in this stunning lakeside location, including pieces of crispy cod. Afterward, return by coach to your awaiting ship.

Learn about the vibrant culture of indigenous Norwegians during a visit to a local Sami village. The Sami’s roots in Arctic Europe trace back at least 5,000 years. Embark on a scenic journey by motor coach to the small village of Máze, located on the Finnmark Plateau. Upon arrival, you will be warmly greeted by your hosts, members of a reindeer-herding family. You will have an opportunity to climb on board a reindeer-pulled sled for a picturesque ride along a frozen river. Relax as you glide along to the sound of reindeer bells and snow crunching under hooves. After your ride, return to the village, where you will be invited into a large traditional tent called a lavvu. Take a seat next to a roaring fire and enjoy a delicious traditional lunch while your hosts entertain you with stories of Sami traditions and modern life. Later, you will return to your ship.

Learn about the vibrant culture of Indigenous Norwegians during a visit to a local Sami village. The Sami’s roots in Arctic Europe trace back at least 5,000 years. Embark on a scenic journey by motor coach to the small village of Máze, located on the Finnmark Plateau. Upon arrival, you will be warmly greeted by your hosts, members of a reindeer-herding family. You will have an opportunity to climb on board a reindeer-pulled sled for a picturesque ride along a frozen river. Relax as you glide along to the sound of reindeer bells and snow crunching under hooves. After your ride, you will be invited into a large traditional tent called a lavvu. Take a seat next to a roaring fire and enjoy a delicious traditional dinner while your hosts entertain you with stories of Sami traditions and modern life. Later, you will return to your ship.