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10 tips for seeing the Northern Lights with Tom Kerss
Hurtigruten’s Chief Aurora Chaser, Tom Kerss, shares his expertise to maximise your chances of catching the Northern lights lights in all their glory.
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Tom Kerrs
Tom Kerss is Hurtigruten’s Chief Aurora Chaser, guiding guests to time, spot and savour the Northern Lights from the line’s dark-sky decks across Arctic Norway.

With over a century of experience navigating Norway’s polar skies, Hurtigruten has become synonymous with spectacular Aurora sightings. Their ships, floating sanctuaries far removed from light pollution, offer one of the best chances to marvel at these natural phenomena.

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northern lights photographer

Whether you're a seasoned stargazer or a first-time Aurora hunter, Hurtigruten ensures every guest gets the tools (and views) to create unforgettable memories.

Northern Lights quick guide (Tom’s tips at a glance)

Use this at the rail: when to look, where to stand and how to see more — without missing the moment.

When

Time it right

Best season is mid-September to late March when nights are longest and skies darkest.

Where

Head north

Stay inside the auroral oval — coastal Norway gives prime latitude and clear horizons.

Dark skies

Embrace the dark

Avoid light pollution and bright moonlight. New-moon nights = the cleanest canvas.

On board

Trust the crew

Hurtigruten runs aurora alerts. When the call comes, layer up and head out fast.

Spotting

Train your eyes

Early aurora can look like pale grey-green streaks. Give your eyes a minute to adjust.

Night vision

Dim the screens

Keep phones low and avoid white lights so your night vision — and the colours — pop.

Photos

Capture, don’t miss

Phone night mode works; manual cameras need practice. Take a few frames, then look up.

Patience

Wait for the burst

Displays arrive in waves. Give it 20–40 minutes; ships change position to help your odds.

Mindset

Live the moment

The best souvenir is the memory — share the rail, breathe, and enjoy the dance.

Good to know

Northern Lights Promise

On qualifying 11-day+ voyages, no aurora sighting means a free return voyage.


1. Time It Right

The Northern Lights season runs from mid-September to late March when long Arctic nights provide the darkness needed for optimal viewing.


2. Head North

Most of Hurtigruten’s ports lie within the Arctic Circle, positioning you smack in the heart of the auroral oval—a prime spot for dramatic displays.


3. Embrace the Dark

Avoid light pollution, even from a full moon. New Moon phases offer the darkest skies, making Hurtigruten’s remote itineraries a perfect match.


4. Trust the Crew

Hurtigruten’s observatory-like ships are designed for aurora spotting, with crew members on constant alert. With a notification system in place, you’ll never miss the first flicker of green across the sky.


5. Train Your Eyes

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The auroras often start as pale greenish streaks, but as your eyes adjust, the colours and details become more vivid. Hurtigruten’s experts are there to guide you, so you’ll know what to watch for.


6. Protect Your Night Vision

Keep phone screens and bright lights to a minimum. Let your eyes adjust to the Arctic night—it’s worth the wait.


7. Photograph Like a Pro

Your smartphone is capable of capturing the magic, but if you’re using a camera, practice in advance. And don’t let the pursuit of the perfect shot distract you from the real show.


8. Be Patient

Auroras are as unpredictable as they are breathtaking. Even with the best forecasts, it takes perseverance and luck—but Hurtigruten’s moving vantage points dramatically increase your odds.


9. Live the Moment

The photos are great, but the personal, awe-filled memory of seeing the Northern Lights dance across the sky? That’s priceless.


10. The Northern Lights Promise

Hurtigruten stands by their reputation. If you don’t spot the aurora on an 11-day or longer voyage, they’ll offer you another cruise free of charge. A bold promise, but that’s the kind of confidence that comes with 130 years of aurora chasing.


Discover Hurtigruten: Norway’s Coastal Heartbeat

hurtigruten coastal express

Since 1893, Hurtigruten has been more than just a cruise line—it’s a lifeline for Norway’s coastal communities. Known as the ‘spirit of Norway,’ Hurtigruten offers a rare opportunity to explore the fjords and Arctic waters as the locals do. For over 130 years, their famous route has connected 34 ports along Norway’s rugged coast, linking bustling cities and remote villages. The 12-day journey aboard the Original Coastal Express spans 2,500 nautical miles, treating travellers to jaw-dropping scenery that feels plucked from a Nordic fairytale.

For those seeking something extra special, Hurtigruten’s Signature Voyages elevate the experience with all-inclusive dining and premium itineraries. Summer adventurers can chase the Midnight Sun aboard the Svalbard Line, sailing to the Arctic Archipelago perched at the top of the world. Meanwhile, winter explorers can embark on the North Cape Line, journeying from Oslo to Europe’s northernmost tip to witness snow-cloaked landscapes and the elusive Northern Lights.

For Cruise Collective members, Hurtigruten offers an exclusive 5% discount on all voyages, making it easier than ever to experience the extraordinary. Whether you’re dreaming of serene fjords, icy Arctic landscapes, or the surreal beauty of the Northern Lights, Hurtigruten is your gateway to an authentic Norwegian adventure.

So why wait? Book your Hurtigruten voyage today and prepare to sail into the soul of Norway—where breathtaking views and unforgettable experiences await at every turn.

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