the Northern Lights

Iceland & Norway’s Far North –Midnight Sun and the Incredible Aurora

Strokkur geyser, Iceland

The opportunity to circumnavigate the pristine, rugged coastline of the ‘Land of Fire and Ice’, one of Europe’s most endlessly fascinating outposts, is featured on several itineraries. Even more adventure is provided on Ambience’s epic Arctic & Greenland Voyage, following in the wake of Norse explorers.

Heading north from London Tilbury, a first call is usually made at one of the Northern Isles. Depending on the route you may find yourself in rugged Kirkwall, Orkney, discovering Shetland’s Viking heritage and abundant wildlife, or taking a shore excursion from Tórshavn, pretty Faroese capital. Cruising through waters teeming with aquatic life, landfall is next made on the coast of Iceland itself, where several fascinating ports of call await fascinating exploration. Crowning glory Reykjavík is always a delight, with its colourful houses, striking architectural treasures and unforgettable shore excursions, perhaps to the famous Blue Lagoon Pool, to the ‘original’ Geysir – after which all others are named – or to the stunning Gulfoss waterfall. Majestic Greenland, with its iceberg strewn waters and picturepostcard settlements framed by fleeting summer’s verdant pastures and snow-capped peaks, offers similarly captivating ports, including Arctic fishing paradise Sisimiut. The extraordinary Aurora Borealis, the celestial phenomenon that has bewitched, enchanted and entranced generations, is truly one of Earth’s most awe-inspiring sights, which has to be experienced to be believed. Join one of a selection of cruises north along Norway’s coastline, in search of the mysterious spectacle.

Selected Ports of Call

Tórshavn, Faroe Islands

Tiny, Toytown-like Tórshavn is capital of the remote Danish outpost of the 17-strong Faroe Islands, Gulf Stream-washed birdwatchers’ Paradise and guardians of a deep-rooted Viking tradition. One of world’s smallest capitals, Tórshavn boasts an old town lanes and narrow passages, black-tarred, turf-roofed houses, and a modern centre. Shore excursions might cross the famous ‘Bridge across the Atlantic’, which connects main island Streymoy with spectacularly scenic, smaller Eysturoy. Klaksvik, Faroe Islands

This exquisite port is capital of the Northern Isles of the 17-strong Faroes, remote Danish outpost whose inhabitants are directly descended from the Vikings, and who still speak an ancient Norse language. Surrounded by conical-shaped mountains, Klaksvik is gateway to a green land that is a birdwatcher’s haven. Grundarfjörður, Iceland

Erik the Red set off to discover Greenland from Iceland’s remote Snaefellsnes (Snow Mountain) peninsula, home to the fishing village of Grundarfjörður, while Jules Verne set “Journey to the Centre of the Earth” in its dormant volcanic crater. The tiny town is watched over by muchphotographed Kirkjufell, the Matterhorn-like ‘Church Mountain’.

Blue Lagoon

Akureyri, Iceland Reykjavík, Iceland

Ålesund Ilulissat, Greenland

Ísafjörður, Iceland

Tiny, exquisite Ísafjörður is capital of the Westfjords region, and gateway to the magical, mystical land of West Iceland, from which Norse sailors set out to discover Greenland and the New World. A replica Viking Age farmstead has been built at Eiríksstadir, home of Eirík the Red (who left it to settle Greenland) and birthplace of Leif the Lucky, who discovered America. The area is a treasure trove of natural wonders, culminating in the glacier on mystical Snæfellsjökull, Iceland´s newest national park. Akureyri, Iceland

Akureyri, a popular resort town on Iceland’s rugged north coast, is both thriving winter sports centre and home to a fascinating Botanical Garden, as well as gateway to the Godafoss Falls and volcanic Lake Myvatn, which can be discovered on optional shore excursions. Reykjavík, Iceland

The fascinating capital of the ‘Land of Fire and Ice’ juts into the waters of Faxafloi Bay, framed by majestic Mt Ejsa. Brightly painted wooden buildings stand in sharp contrast to the stunning setting. Step ashore to soak up the atmosphere of the city, where highlights include towering Hallgrímskirkja Church, the fascinating Árbær Folk Museum and the Saga Museum, or join optional shore excursions into the volcanic interior, perhaps visiting the famous Blue Lagoon Pool or to the ‘original’ Geysir, after which all others are named. Tromsø, Norway

The city of Tromsø, with its daily market and fascinating Polarmuseum, which chronicles the lives and exploits of the likes of Amundsen and Nansen, is featured on itineraries heading along the stunning Norwegian coast. Go ashore to explore, and don’t miss the magnificent ‘Arctic Cathedral’, with its stained glass and unique, ‘shipshaped’ organ. Gerainger, Norway

Smaller Geirangerfjord is also one of the most beautiful, its twists and turns marked by several crashing waterfalls and – in Hellesylt and Geiranger itself – two ancient and beguiling villages that for their truly breathtaking settings are simply hard to beat. Disembark in the former to enjoy an unforgettable overland excursion to the latter, or stay on board for an equally compelling passage along the glorious fjord. Narvik, Norway

The modern, friendly port and year-round resort and rail terminus of Narvik, gateway to the Finnmark region of Sami people with their herds of reindeer, was the site of fierce WWII battles on land and at sea. Take the opportunity, on an optional excursion, to catch the cable car to the heights of Fagernesfjellet mountain for some truly spectacular views.

We offer 14 cruises to the ‘Far North’ – which will you choose?

Northern Lights, Lofoten Islands, Norway Trondheim, Norway

Molde, Norway Ålesund, Norway

Molde, Norway

Known as the ‘city of jazz and roses’ on account of the famous music festival held in high summer, when the flowers are in full bloom, Molde is picturesquely set on Romsdalfjord, backed by steep hills, from which vantage point the view is quite magical. Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen & Svalbard, Norway

Spitsbergen, the largest island in the Svalbard archipelago, is named for the ‘pointed mountains’ which crown the rugged landscape. The largest settlement, Longyearbyen, has some 3,000 hardy inhabitants, and is gateway to an Arctic wilderness covered in summer by a profusion of colourful flowers, mosses and lichens, upon which herds of reindeer feed. Spot Arctic foxes, polar bears, somnolent walruses, seals and perhaps minke and beluga whales, as well as countless bird species. Honningsvåg, Norway

The literal highpoint of many cruises is the remote ‘village’ of Honningsvåg, from where a shore excursion heads to the famous visitor centre at North Cape, almost at Europe’s northernmost point, to hopefully see the sun not quite set, then rise again in the midnight sky. Even on cloudy nights, the effect is truly startling. Hammerfest, Norway

Hammerfest is as proud of its status as Europe’s northernmost town as it is with the fact that it was the first place to have electric street lights – a blessing in the long winter months, but hardly necessary in summertime! Enjoy the genial atmosphere of this remarkable settlement, largely rebuilt after WWII, and huddled around its horseshoe of a harbour. Leknes, Norway

Rising up out of the sea like miniature Alps, the wild and beautiful Lofoten Islands offer tiny fishing villages (with even tinier names like ‘Å’) set beneath the towering peaks, sheer cliffs and jagged rock formations, hemmed in by the sea. Leknes offers an opportunity to explore this most beautiful corner of the world. At Svolvær, in the shadow of yet more dramatic scenery, you’ll find a fascinating museum chronicling WWII Allied commando raids. Ålesund, Norway

Boasting a maze of natural harbours lined by pastel-painted buildings, Ålesund is more fantasy movie set than working town. Colourful Art Deco houses line main street Kongens gate, while close by the Sunnmøre Museum is an impressive heritage centre, chronicling life in the region through the ages. Bodø, Norway

This bright and bustling former herring fishery serves as a gateway to the Lofoten Islands and nearby Kjerringøy, an historic Nordland trading post. Step ashore to explore the town, or to take an optional shore excursion into the pristine interior of this stunning corner of Western Norway. Alta, Norway

Remote Alta, in whose skies the Northern Lights are regularly seen, is gateway to the Arctic region of Finnmark, home to the indigenous Sami people and their herds of reindeer. Lerwick, Shetland Isles

The rugged Shetland Islands’ capital is an enchanting old town and gateway to a land of ancient legend, traditional crafts and an incredible abundance of bird-life. Spend time in the town, or join the optional excursion to the 3,000 year-old archaeological site at Jarlshof, with its Bronze and Iron Age remains.