Hurtigruten Norway Cruise - Travel Special

See the Northern Lights at Their Brightest in 50 Years

A surge of solar flares has NASA predicting the strongest Northern Lights activity in the past 50 years, making this winter the perfect time to take a Hurtigruten cruise along Norway's 1,250-mile west coast.

The Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights. The lights are the result of solar particles colliding with gases in Earth's atmosphere

Hurtigruten's selection of six- to twelve-day itineraries includes 34 ports that showcase the charm of wintertime in Norway, from the snow-capped wooden buildings in Trondheim's harbor to the artfully constructed Kirkenes Snow Hotel. The appeal of the area increases this year, with the opportunity to experience the elusive aurora borealis as few can, along the coast where the lights are the strongest.

In addition to prime viewing of this natural wonder, onboard highlights include educational lectures about the Northern Lights and local history, and a wide variety of optional shore excursions, such as:

An adrenaline-fueled husky ride through a frozen landscape of ocean, mountains and open plateaus
An ice fishing demonstration followed by a meal of giant king crab
A visit to the Lofotr Viking Museum and a real Viking feast, complete with home-brewed mead

Fares between November 1, 2011 and March 14, 2012 (the ideal time to see the Northern Lights), range from to $2,698 to $7,569 per person, based on double occupancy. For more information, go to www.hurtigruten.us

Related Content:
Going to Norway? Check out our travel guide
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(Updated: 10/11/11 CT)