Phê Vé
April 27, 2026 • 4 min read
Discover the mesmerizing Northern Lights in Norway through a unique cruise journey. Learn how to prepare and important tips for Vietnamese travelers.
A Scientific Journey
At 3:13 AM, my suite phone on the Hurtigruten MS Trollfjord rang. When you're on a quest to see the Northern Lights, calls at such odd hours can only mean good news. We had been eagerly waiting for this moment during our aurora-hunting journey along the Norwegian coastline. Despite already spending seven days on a 15-day trip, the cloudy skies had thwarted our chances until now. My friend and I were two of the 25 participants on the inaugural Astronomy Voyage, and our excitement was palpable.
This cruise, led by Tom Kerss, an astronomer specializing in astrophysics and space engineering, was not just a journey to witness the Northern Lights but also an educational experience. We delved into the phenomenon that was first recorded in Norway back in the 13th century.
Preparing for a Special Moment
When the phone rang, we were ready. Since 2014, Hurtigruten has offered a "Northern Lights Promise": if you don’t see the lights, they’ll bring you back. We quickly shed our pajamas for layers of warm clothing and ventured outside. As we introduced ourselves to the chilly atmosphere, we cautiously made our way onto the deck while others bundled up.
On the deck, Tom Kerss illuminated his red zipper to help us navigate through the shadows. Looking up, the sky wasn’t the vibrant display we had seen on social media; it was faint bands of white light, occasionally touched with a soft green hue. But upon raising our cameras, the stunning images emerged: bright blue ribbons stretched across the sky, accompanied by shimmering patches of purple. We were all in awe.
A Special Trip with Valuable Lessons
The Signature Astronomy Voyage offers seven journeys from September to December 2026. Northern Norway is renowned as one of the best places to view the aurora. However, there’s no guarantee on when or if the Northern Lights will make an appearance. Nature holds all the cards, and being ready to rise at 3 AM certainly helps.
Throughout our 15-day journey from Oslo to Honningsvåg and back, we attended up to eight lectures by Kerss, providing us with deeper insights into these wonders. For those who may have overlooked science after graduation, he was the perfect guide to help us understand complex terms like geospace, ionosphere, and solar winds.
✈️ Tìm chuyến bay giá tốt
Đặt vé ngay với giá ưu đãi từ các hãng hàng không
An Exciting Blend of Travel and Cuisine
Besides the lectures, one of the biggest challenges was the lack of sleep. Who would want to miss out on visits to the ice hotel in Alta, snowmobiling in Tromsø, or embarking on an eagle safari in Svolvær? We didn’t skip any meals, enjoying everything from reindeer burgers at Brasserie Árran to a five-course dinner at Røst Arctic Fine Dining.
Post-dinner drinks at the 1893 Bar made me feel even more hopeful about catching the lights after enjoying a Norgroni, one of the ship's signature cocktails. As the sun set, we felt both exhausted and excited about what the night might bring.
Tips for Viewing the Northern Lights
Planning a trip to see the Northern Lights? Here are three myths to debunk before you go:
- Myth #1: You’ll have a clearer view on land.
- Myth #2: You’ll spend the entire night watching colorful light bands.
- Myth #3: Once you’ve seen them once, you’ve seen them all.
Keep in mind that traveling between October and March offers the best chances to experience the Northern Lights.
Useful Information for Vietnamese Travelers
When planning your trip, Vietnamese travelers should be aware of the visa requirements for entering Norway. Vietnamese citizens need to apply for a Schengen visa to enter Norway, which costs around 2 million VND. Additionally, flight tickets from Vietnam (SGN/HAN) to Oslo typically range from 15 to 20 million VND.
The best season to view the Northern Lights is from September to March, when the cold and clear skies optimize your chances of seeing this phenomenon.
For those who love exploration, this journey is a fantastic opportunity to learn more about astronomy and indulge in Norwegian culinary culture.
Article adapted and edited from: Condé Nast Traveler
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