Expedition beyond the Arctic Circle

Norway From Lofoten to Tromsø

Fjords, islands, cetaceans and northern lights: sail the coasts of the Far North in a small group, aboard Polarfront.

69° N
latitude
7
upcoming departures
€2,585
starting price
12
guests max
Aboard Polarfront

Norway,
differently

An exclusive voyage among fjords, mountains, fishing villages and Arctic light.

From the Lofoten coastline to the waters of Tromsø, northern Norway reveals spectacular landscapes shaped by the seasons, the shifting light and deep, narrow fjords.

Aboard Polarfront, the itinerary adapts to the conditions and to the encounters along the way. Orcas, whales, northern lights, remote villages and hikes make for an intimate exploration of the Far North.

Only 12 guestsItineraries adapted daily to the weather, the ice and the wildlife
67° N68° N69° N70° N1Western Lofoten2Eastern Lofoten3Skjervøy4Vesterålen Islands5Senja6Trollfjord7Svartisen Glacier8Tromsø9Northern lights
Northern Norway · 69° NSuggested itinerary · Click a place to explore it.
Why go

What makes Norway unique

Four reasons to choose this expedition, in a small group aboard Polarfront.

Light

Northern lights

Arctic nights made for watching the sky and its polar lights.

Wildlife

Great whales

Orcas and whales frequent the northern waters during the winter season.

Sailing

Arctic fjords

Routes threading between the mountains, islands and narrow channels of the Norwegian coast.

Immersion

Small group

Twelve guests, for flexibility, personal attention and closeness to the land.

Explore Norway

The highlights
of Norway

Villages and heritage

Western Lofoten

Discover Nusfjord, one of the best-preserved fishing villages in Norway, along with Reine and the charming village of Å.

Western Lofoten: Nusfjord, Reine and the village of Å
Eastern Lofoten and its sandy northern beaches
Skjervøy among the fjords of northern Norway
Watching an orca in the Vesterålen Islands
The coastline and village of Senja
Sailing through the snowy Trollfjord
Svartisen Glacier, Norway
The city of Tromsø, north of the Arctic Circle
Northern lights over Polarfront
When to go

Norway
season by season

Two exceptional moments to sail beyond the Arctic Circle, between northern lights, whales and winter light.

December

The polar night

−5 °C on average, down to −10 °C

The sky darkens from mid-afternoon: the northern lights have all the time they need to appear. It is also the season of orcas and whales, which follow the herring into the fjords around Skjervøy.

Winter magic in NorwayPhoto voyage in Norway

Late February – early March

The return of the light

+5 °C on average

The days get longer fast, the low light sets the snowy mountains ablaze and the nights stay dark enough for the northern lights. Lofoten fishing villages, the Trollfjord and the Svartisen glacier.

Norwegian gems in spring

Our guide: northern lights in Norway

Ready to come aboard?

Would you like to sail
to Norway?

Our team in Marseille will get back to you within 24 to 48 hours to plan your expedition and help you choose your date and cabin.

Frequently asked questions

Your questions
about Norway

Answers to the questions we’re asked most often. Have another question? Let’s talk.

A question about your voyage?Write to us
What is the best time to go to Norway?

Norway can be explored year-round. The northern lights are visible from fall to spring. Winter is ideal for watching great whales, spring reveals spectacular snowy landscapes after the polar night, and fall offers exceptional light. In spring, Norway also becomes a paradise for ski touring.

Where can you see the northern lights?

Northern Norway, especially around Tromsø and the Lofoten Islands, is one of the best places in Europe to see the northern lights.

Can you see whales in Norway?

Yes. Every winter, orcas, humpbacks and other great whales come to feed on herring in the waters of northern Norway.

When can you see orcas in Norway?

Orcas follow the shoals of herring that spend the winter in the fjords of northern Norway, around Skjervøy, north of Tromsø. The season generally runs from early November to late January. Our December voyages, Winter magic in Norway and the photo voyage, call at Skjervøy during this period. Sightings are never guaranteed, but humpback whales also frequent these waters.

Are the northern lights guaranteed?

No one can guarantee the northern lights: you need a clear sky, darkness and a little solar activity. Northern Norway lies under the auroral oval, which makes it one of the best places in the world to see them, and in December the nights are very long. At sea, far from city lights, you just step out on deck as soon as they appear. Our advice: northern lights in Norway.

Is it dark all day in December?

Not quite. In Tromsø, the sun does not rise from late November to mid-January: this is the polar night. But around midday, a few hours of bluish light illuminate the fjords and mountains, ideal for photography. The rest of the time it is dark: all the more hours to watch for the northern lights.

How cold is northern Norway in winter?

Around −5 °C on average in December, sometimes down to −10 °C. Thanks to the Gulf Stream, the coast is milder than its latitude suggests, but the wind and humidity make it feel colder. On board, every guest receives an extreme-cold suit for outings; our winter packing list helps you prepare the rest.

How do you get to Tromsø or Bodø?

Our Norway voyages start in Tromsø, or in Bodø for Norwegian gems in spring, and end in Tromsø. Both cities have several daily flights from Oslo. Flights are not included in the price of the voyage.

What is there to see in Lofoten in winter?

Mountains plunging into the sea, fishing villages such as Nusfjord, Reine or Henningsvær, and sandy beaches under the snow. In winter, the low light and the northern lights give Lofoten a unique atmosphere; our calls let you discover the islands ashore, in a small group.

Do you need special equipment to photograph the northern lights?

A recent smartphone in night mode already gives lovely results. To go further: a camera with manual settings, a fast wide-angle lens, a tripod and spare batteries, which the cold drains quickly. Our photo voyage in Norway is led by a photographer who guides you on site.

Can you see both the northern lights and whales?

Yes, it is one of the great strengths of winter. In December, orcas and humpback whales frequent the northern fjords, while the long nights give the northern lights time to appear. Our voyage Winter magic in Norway combines both: Skjervøy for the whales, then Senja, the Trollfjord and Lofoten.

Do you need a passport for Norway?

Bring a valid passport. Norway is part of the Schengen Area: check its entry requirements for your nationality before you travel. All the formalities are in our practical information.

How much does a Norway cruise cost?

As of fall 2026, our Norway voyages range from €2,585 to €7,580 per person, depending on the voyage, the date and the suite, based on double occupancy. They last 8 or 9 days and include full board on the ship, Zodiac outings, lectures and, depending on the voyage, shore excursions. Flights to Tromsø or Bodø are not included.