Astronomy Voyage in the Arctic Circle

Introduction

The Northern Lights are caused when electrically-charged particles spiral down Earth's magnetic field lines into our upper atmosphere at high speed and cause the rarefield gases there to glow with a green, red, or purplish light.

They are most commonly seen around the Arctic Circle in the autumn and winter months; hence the need to travel to Northern Norway at that time of the year. Although clouds can spoil the show, and there is no guarantee that the Northern Lights will appear, they may be seen at any time of the year, BUT the sky must be dark. 

By Dr John Mason MBE, Principal Lecturer, South Downs Planetarium

The Arctic Highlights voyage spends its entirety within the Arctic Circle giving you not only the best opportunity to see the Northern Lights but also the chance to take part in some fantastic winter excursions to areas of this frozen land than are seldom seen by tourists. Flying directly into Tromsø, your airport transfer will take you directly to the quayside where your Hurtigruten ship will be waiting to take you north.

 

HIGHLIGHTS 

• Keep your eyes peeled for the beautiful Northern Lights
• Pose for a photo at mainland Europe’s northernmost point, the North Cape (optional excursion)
• Pay a visit to the Kirkenes Snow Hotel (optional excursion)
• Visit the Russian border at Kirkenes (optional excursion)
• Try your hand at a choice of exciting excursions including snowmobiling, dog-sledging or snow shoeing

Images courtesy of Hurtigruten 

Overview

There are a wide range of Northern Lights Expedition Voyages that Medway Travel would be delighted to assist you in arranging, and below you will find an example itinerary of a specific expedition entitled the Arctic Highlights Voyage, which offers you the opportunity to relax onboard as you sail deep within the Arctic Circle to in a search for the Aurora Borealis.

This, and any other Arctic cruise, can be tailor-made for you to include additional pre or post cruise stays in the Arctic towns, from where you can enjoy snow covered beautiful Arctic landscapes, go in search of the elusive Northern Lights, or take part in a number of winter activities including Arctic adventures such as a stay in the Ice Hotel, Husky and Reindeer Sledging, King Crab safari plus a number of city tours.
 

Arctic Highlights 2012

DAY 1: TROMSØ – YOUR GATEWAY TO THE ARCTIC

Ports visited today: Tromsø, Skjervøy

Many of the epic Arctic expeditions used Tromsø as a starting point; the famous explorer Roald Amundsen sourced both crew and supplies here. With the presence of the Norwegian Polar Institute, the city has cemented its position as the polar capital of Norway. Ishavskatedralen, the Arctic Cathedral, is the most famous landmark with its modern design and extraordinary stained glass window. Tromsø is also home to the world’s northernmost university and the large number of people arriving here has created a vibrant cultural scene with numerous restaurants and cafésconstantly teeming with life. (D)

DAY 2: HONNINGSVÅG AND THE NORTH CAPE

Ports visited today: Øksfjord, Hammerfest, Havøysund, Honningsvåg,Kjøllefjord, Mehamn, and Berlevåg

Following the scenic sailing through Magerøysund and after an early stop in Hammerfest, you arrive in Honningsvåg. This small port is the gateway to the wonders of the spectacular North Cape which rises 300m from the ocean, and at 71° 10’ 21” north it puts you a mere 2,000 kilometres from the Geographical North Pole. Standing atop the North Cape Plateau you’ll get the eerie feeling of being at the end of the world. This evening, as you approach Kjøllefjord, you pass a rock formation that is sacred to the indigenous Sámi people and now the site of an impressive light show, Finnkjerka. (B, D)

DAY 3: KIRKENES – THE VOYAGE TURNING POINT

Ports visited today: Båtsfjord, Vardø, Vadsø, Kirkenes, Vardø, Båtsfjord and Berlevåg

The last port on the Voyage North is Kirkenes. And at longitude 30 east,you are actually further east than Istanbul and St. Petersburg.The well-policed Russian border and the Kola peninsula are both close by which explains why the road signs are written in both Norwegian and Russian. The terrain, culture and geography of Kirkenes offer the opportunity to take part in some fabulous Arctic excursions. Departing Kirkenes at lunchtime, you reach Vardø, Norway’s easternmost port, later in the afternoon and continue along the Varanger peninsula to Båtsfjord before reaching Berlevåg in the evening. (B, D)

DAY 4: HAMMERFEST AND TROMSØ

Ports visited today: Mehamn, Kjøllefjord, Honningsvåg, Havøysund, Hammerfest, Øksfjord, Skjervøy, Tromsø

Your first major stop of the day is Hammerfest. Founded in 1789 to develop trade with Russia, Hammerfest reconfirmed its position as Norway’s polar capital of its time, acting as a base for hunting expeditions to the high Arctic. In Hammerfest the Meridian Column, erected in 1854, commemorates the first precise measurement of the globe, an achievement so important that it’s become a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As early as 1891, wave energy provided power to the first electric street lighting in Northern Europe, and energy innovation is still a signature for Hammerfest with its large Liquid Gas Plant just outside town. From here, your next major stop will be Tromsø where your voyage comes to an end. (B, D)

DAY 5: FULL DAY IN TROMSØ

Extend your stay in this lively and colourful city, surrounded by the dramatic Lyngen Alps. Tromsø has many things to offer, including Arctic history, architecture, culture and exciting excursions. Try our Aurora Safari with Dinner excursion by cable car, visit a coastal farm and enjoy reindeer sledging or perhaps visit the Polaria centre. An extra day in Tromsø will give you time to enjoy this beautiful city and more time to watch out for the Northern Lights. 

A full day in Tromsø with optional excursions available. (B)

DAY 6: FLY BACK TO THE UK

Further optional excursions are available before your flight back to the UK. (B)

 

Dates

v  25 January 2012* 

v  1 February 2012* 

v  3 February 2012* 

v  08 February 2012

v  15 February 2012

v  17 February 2012

v  20 February 2012* 

v  25 February 2012*¥ 

v  03 March 2012

Your holiday includes: Return economy direct flights from London Gatwick or Manchester to Tromsø including current taxes and charges, voyage in an unspecified twin cabin including half board, 1 or 2 nights at a centrally located hotel in Tromsø including breakfast (depending on your itinerary), transfers as applicable.

* These departures have one night pre and one night post voyage in Tromsø

¥ Departing from Manchester 

 Please Contact Us for further information and prices 

Pick and Mix

To allow yourself the best possible chance of experiencing the Northern Lights, it is recommended that you spend as long as possible above the Arctic Circle, as far away from towns and other sources of artificial light as you can.

The Northern Lights voyages all sail almost daily above the Arctic Circle, through the calm sheltered waters along the Norwegian coast line, with the pitch black sky above - the perfect setting to watch the breathtaking Aurora Borealis. 

In addition to gazing skyward at the Northern Lights dancing in the night sky, we can also offer an exciting range of winter activities and experiences. Please see below for further information and descriptions:

 

Husky Safari - in Kirkenes or Tromso

Experience the real feeling of wilderness during this adrenalin-fuelled ride! You can have a go at driving the sledge yourself, or simply sit back and enjoy the trip. You also have the option to visit the Snow Hotel or the reindeer enclosure.

Snowmobile Safari - in Tromso or Kjollefjord-Mehamn

Join an unforgettable snowmobile trip to one of Europe's most extreme and exciting natural areas. Experience the snow-clad valleys, the fresh winter air and perhaps the mesmerising Northern Lights in the clear, starry sky. 

 

Reindeer Sledging - in Tromso 

Enjoy this excursion in Risvika, outside Tromso, for a visit to a coastal farm. Once everyone is fully dressed in warm clothing, your guide will take you to the Sami lavvo where you will hear more about the farm and the Sami people, whilst enjoying traditional coffee made on the fire. Afterwards, experience the traditional Sami way of transport through the Arctic landscape and bidos (a traditional Sami meal) will be served to warm you after your ride in the sleigh.

The North Cape - in Honningsvag

Enjoy the magnificent sub-Arctic landscape as you cross the 71st parallel on your journey towards the North Cape, the northernmost point of the continent. Visit the North Cape Hall where you can see an impressive 180 degree panoramic film about Finnmark and the North Cape.

 

The Russian Border - in Kirkenes

The only town in Norway where east meets west, Kirkenes is the turning point of your Hurtigruten voyage. You start with a short tour of the town, before the bus takes you further into the Arctic landscape. You make a stop at Storskog - the border station between Norway and Russia.

Kirkenes Snow Hotel

A short drive through Kirkenes brings you to the Gabba Reindeer Park where the Snow Hotel is situated. A guided tour of the beautifully decorated snow suites is followed by a drink in Norway's largest ice bar and a visit to the reindeer.

Aurora Safari with Dinner by Cable Car - in Tromso

Ride up the famous cable car and take in the breathtaking view of Tromso. Away from any light pollution, this is the perfect spot for seeing the Northern Lights. Enjoy a delicious three-course dinner in the mountain lodge and learn more about the Northern Lights, Tromso and the surrounding area.

Essential Information

Weather

Coastal areas have a moderate climate owing to the Gulf Stream and North Atlantic Drift. Inland temperatures are more extreme with warm summers and often very cold winters (November to March). In general, the lowlands of the south and the inland mountains experience colder winters than the coastal areas. Rain is distributed throughout the year with frequent inland snowfalls during the winter. The northern part of the country inside the Arctic Circle has continuous daylight in midsummer, and twilight all day during winter - you might even see the Northern Lights if you're lucky. The best time to visit for the Northern Lights is between January and April. Warm clothing, gloves and hats are necessary during the winter. Waterproofing is advisable throughout the year.

 

Passports and Visas

Visas are not required for Norway but you must hold a valid British Passport. There is no minimum validity required but you should ensure that your passport is valid for your return journey.

 

Health

For up-to-date health advice for Norway, please consult your GP.

 

Insurance

We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions from the policy, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake whilst on holiday. Medway Travel can provide you with a quote for this – please contact a member of the Leisure team or use our  Online Insurance Quotation System

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