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The 9 best northern lights alaska cruises for 2024 & beyond.

Consider one of these trips for a chance to see this mesmerizing natural wonder.

The Best Northern Lights Alaska Cruises

Northern lights over Alaska landscape.

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There's no other experience on Earth quite like witnessing the northern lights. Also known as the aurora borealis, this spellbinding phenomenon – when brilliant hues of green, yellow and purple dance across the night sky – is visible in Alaska from late August to late April. Clear, dark evenings away from the ambient light of cities provide prime viewing opportunities.

Alaska is one of the best places in the world to see the aurora borealis – especially locations in the Interior and Arctic regions, such as Coldfoot, Wiseman, Utqiagvik (Barrow) and Nome. Fairbanks is regarded as a top location due to its position directly under the auroral oval, a ring-shaped area in the far north where aurora activity is generally concentrated. The Southcentral region of Alaska, where you'll find Anchorage, Talkeetna and the Mat-Su Valley, also offers basecamps for northern lights viewing.

If you're hoping to see the magic aboard an Alaska cruise in 2024 or 2025, then you just might be in luck. Experts predict the next few seasons will be particularly good for northern lights sightings, due to increased solar activity. While seeing the northern lights is never guaranteed, your best chance of seeing them is during these high-activity solar cycles, which occur about every 11 years.

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When to take a cruise to view the northern lights

The Alaska cruise season falls between May and September, with a few cruise lines extending the season from April to October.

Holland America Line recommends booking a cruise or cruisetour (a combined sea and land package) during the autumnal equinox, or the official start of autumn, which falls around Sept. 22 in the Northern Hemisphere. Disturbances in the Earth's magnetic field are more likely around the autumn and spring equinoxes, which could increase your chances of seeing the aurora. For the best views, Holland America advises heading to higher ground in Anchorage , to vantage points like Glen Alps, the Knit River Valley and Point Woronzof.

Princess Cruises also suggests booking your vacation in the fall. September is an ideal month to watch for the spectacle in the sky as the nights start getting longer and darker. The elusive display is most likely to appear on crystal-clear evenings between midnight and 4 a.m. While you can see incredible light shows in Anchorage, consider an extended tour of Fairbanks or the Interior that takes you away from light pollution (such as to Denali National Park & Preserve).

U.S. News has compiled a list of the nine best cruises and cruisetours to give you the optimal chance of viewing these whimsical lights in the sky, with a focus on sailings around the autumnal equinox in 2024 and later dates in September 2025. We've also included an early sailing in April, before the end of the aurora season. (Keep in mind: Many of these trips and itineraries are also available on other dates during the season. Cruise fares were accurate at the time of publication.)

Holland America Line

Princess cruises, celebrity cruises, norwegian cruise line, royal caribbean international.

Man standing under the northern lights in Canada.

Thierry Guenez | Courtesy of Holland America Line

9-Day Denali: Tour D8l

This nine-day land and sea tour on Nieuw Amsterdam includes an opportunity to search for the northern lights in Fairbanks, one of the best places to see them in Alaska (and in the world). Holland America offers a four-hour aurora borealis viewing tour outside the city in a yurt; it operates between the last week of August and mid-September.

If you'd like more options, there's no shortage of tour operators in town that can take you on a northern lights adventure in Fairbanks. You can even fly into town early to stay in the wilderness in an igloo with clear views of the night sky at Borealis Basecamp, located less than 30 miles from Fairbanks. Be sure to notify your hotel that you'd like a wake-up call or a knock on the door if the northern lights are on display.

You'll have more opportunities to see the aurora when you head to Denali National Park & Preserve for a stay at Holland America 's exclusive 60-acre McKinley Chalet Resort, located near the entrance to the park. After a full day exploring the park by ATV or a bucket list flightseeing adventure over Denali, you'll have another chance to see the colorful light display in Alaska's wilderness after midnight. The rest of the cruisetour itinerary includes scenic cruising days, with one spent in beautiful Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve. You'll also call on Juneau , Skagway and Ketchikan before disembarking in Vancouver .

14-Day Denali: Tour D3c

This 14-day adventure includes scenic cruising of the Inside Passage, Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and College Fjord, with stops in the ports of Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Whittier and Seward. You'll then have nearly a week on land in Anchorage, Denali National Park & Preserve and Fairbanks to go aurora hunting. If you spend an extra night or two in Fairbanks at the end of the trip, you'll be in town for the autumnal equinox, maximizing your northern lights viewing opportunities.

With the extra time in town, plan to book the Arctic Circle Air Adventure with Northern Alaska Tour Company. This unforgettable journey takes you on a flight over the Yukon River and Brooks Range, just east of the Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve. You'll then land 60 miles north of the Arctic Circle in the community of Coldfoot and receive an Arctic Circle Adventure Certificate before your return flight to Fairbanks.

7-Day Glacier Discovery Northbound

If you're interested in a cruise-only option and would prefer to arrange the land portion independently, consider this seven-day voyage on Nieuw Amsterdam. The itinerary includes three scenic cruising days, with one day in Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve, and calls on the ports of Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway before disembarking in Whittier, which sits roughly 60 miles south of Anchorage.

From Whittier, there are many options to transfer to Anchorage (by rail or by road), including the iconic Glacier Discovery Train. Plan to stay a few evenings in Anchorage with a multiday guided aurora tour, or reserve a spot on an evening outing in search of the northern lights.

Read: The Most Affordable Alaska Cruises

Princess Cruises ship in Skagway, Alaska.

Courtesy of Princess Cruises

11-Day Denali Explorer – Tour DA4

This 11-day cruisetour begins with a seven-night voyage embarking from Vancouver on Royal Princess or Sapphire Princess . The itinerary includes three sea days, two of which are dedicated to scenic cruising through Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and College Fjord. You'll make stops in the coastal towns of Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway and Anchorage (Whittier) before disembarking to depart for the Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge via the line's direct-to-the-wilderness rail service.

Spending three nights at the lodge – located just outside the entrance to the park – in mid-September will offer excellent opportunities for aurora viewing. Keep your fingers crossed for high solar activity and clear, dark skies. Throughout your trip, learn photography tips to capture the mesmerizing display through Princess' North to Alaska Program. After your stay in Denali, you'll take a motor coach to Anchorage and stay overnight in a hotel there to finish up your voyage.

10-Day On Your Own – Tour BBX

The 10-Day On Your Own cruisetour with Princess Cruises begins with three nights on land, including overnights in Fairbanks, the Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge and the Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge. While at the Mt. McKinley resort, be sure to check out the lodge's treehouse. Designed by Pete Nelson of Animal Planet's "Treehouse Masters," this vantage point offers impressive views of Denali – the highest peak in North America at 20,310 feet above sea level.

Before heading off to bed, get an update on aurora activity from the tracker on your smartphone, especially if you have clear skies that night; the app My Aurora Forecast & Alerts has excellent reviews. Request a wake-up call to have the Princess lodge staff call your room if the dazzling bands of light begin to dance in the sky. The next day, after traveling to Whittier by motor coach, you'll embark on your cruise to Vancouver aboard Royal Princess or Sapphire Princess.

The voyage from Whittier includes three sea days for relaxing activities on board the ship, with two days of scenic cruising around Hubbard Glacier and in Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve. During your time in Glacier Bay, park rangers will board the ship to offer commentary about this captivating wilderness area's pristine glaciers and abundant wildlife. Younger cruisers and teens will also appreciate learning about this spectacular place through the Junior Ranger program, which features interactive games, activities and presentations. (All cruise ships visiting the park participate in this program with the National Park Service.) Ports of call for the rest of the journey include Icy Strait Point or Skagway (depending on the cruise), then Juneau and Ketchikan. The voyage ends in Vancouver.

iglu cruises northern lights

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Balcony of the Celebrity Suite on the Celebrity Summit.

Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises

The Great National Parks Expedition Cruisetour

Celebrity's pre-cruise national parks adventure takes guests on a wildlife viewing quest to destinations in the north and the Interior where you can watch for the aurora. The 12-night trip begins in Fairbanks with a free day to explore.

Consider a trip to the University of Alaska Museum of the North, which features exhibits on Arctic dinosaurs, diverse wildlife, Alaska Native cultures and 2,000 years of Alaska art. You could also visit the impressive collection of antique cars and clothing at the Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum, or take a walk with the reindeer into the woods at Running Reindeer Ranch. The second day in town includes a Riverboat Discovery ride and a tour of the city, as part of the cruisetour.

On the third day, you'll board the Wilderness Express (a glass-domed railcar) for the ride to Denali. Then, you'll embark on the Tundra Wilderness Tour in search of the park's grizzly bears, moose, Dall sheep and other wildlife. Be sure to put your name on the list before bedtime to get a wake-up call for aurora activity. You'll also have one evening in Anchorage, where you can arrange for a northern lights tour, and one night in Seward before setting sail on Celebrity Summit the next morning. Highlights of the voyage include cruising Hubbard Glacier and the Inside Passage as well as stopping in Juneau, Icy Strait Point and Ketchikan. You'll disembark in Vancouver.

The Norwegian Bliss on the water at sunset with mountains in the background.

Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line

13-Day Denali Explorer – Pre-Cruise Cruisetour

Norwegian Cruise Line's six-day pre-cruise adventure begins with overnights in Fairbanks, Denali and Anchorage, where you'll have the best chances to view the northern lights. Other highlights for the first part of the trip include a deluxe dome car rail journey from Talkeetna to Anchorage on the Alaska Railroad and a private tour to an Iditarod sled dog musher's kennel. You'll also have plenty of time in Denali National Park to book a flightseeing tour, go whitewater rafting, or take a hike with a park ranger to look for bears, moose, Dall sheep, wolves and other local wildlife before starting your cruise in Seattle .

Norwegian Encore will call on Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay and Ketchikan (Ward Cove) in Alaska. The Mill at Ward Cove near Ketchikan is a newly built cruise ship port that serves as a jumping-off point for outdoor activities in the Tongass National Forest, from hiking and biking to kayaking and sea cycling. You can even pick up souvenirs, grab a bite to eat and sample a cold Alaska brew at the mill. The cruise itinerary also includes one day at sea and a stop in Victoria, British Columbia, before you disembark in Seattle.

7-Night Alaska: Dawes Glacier, Juneau & Ketchikan

Consider this seven-day cruise on Norwegian Bliss if you prefer to travel early in the spring and take your chances at catching the northern lights toward the end of aurora season, which falls around April 21. This round-trip itinerary from Seattle is one of the earliest sailings of the year to visit the Great Land and features two sea days, with one day of scenic cruising in Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier. You'll also visit Sitka, Juneau, Icy Strait Point, Ketchikan (Ward Cove) and Victoria before disembarking in Seattle.

Juneau will offer one of the best opportunities during the cruise for seeing the northern lights, although chances are dependent on the weather and solar activity. There are several apps and websites with real-time updates for aurora tracking, including My Aurora Forecast & Alerts. If the skies are clear in the evening and the forecast looks promising, ask guest relations if there's a sign-up sheet to get a call or a knock on the door in the event of aurora activity.

Exterior of Royal Caribbean's Radiance of the Seas.

Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

12 Night Mountain Panorama Adventure Cruisetour 5B (Pre Tour)

This 12-night cruisetour with Royal Caribbean International begins with an overnight in Anchorage before boarding the Wilderness Express, where you'll have a glass-domed rail car for the journey to Talkeetna. The quirky community of Talkeetna is said to be the inspiration for the fictional Alaska town of Cicely in the 1990s show "Northern Exposure." It's also an excellent base for chasing the aurora – especially at the Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge, where you'll be staying.

After an overnight at the lodge, your tour moves on to Denali, where you can search for wildlife by day and look for the aurora at night. Another evening on land at Hotel Alyeska in the remote town of Girdwood affords more opportunities to chase the finnicky lights before heading to Seward to board your ship, Radiance of the Seas .

Ports of call on this voyage include Juneau, Skagway, Icy Strait Point and Ketchikan. There are also two days of scenic cruising through Hubbard Glacier and the Inside Passage before disembarking in Vancouver. While there are plenty of activities, dining venues, bars and lounges on board to keep you entertained all night long, be sure to save up enough energy to wake up in the middle of the night should you get a call to see the magical natural wonder that is the northern lights.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Gwen Pratesi is a U.S. News & World Report contributor and an avid travel adventurer who fell in love with Alaska on her first visit to the state many years ago. She's returned several times both by land and sea to view wildlife and chase the northern lights in one of the best places on the planet to view them. She's even considered moving to The Great Land as a full-time resident. Pratesi used her deep knowledge of Alaska and the cruise industry to write this article.

You might also be interested in:

  • Alaska Cruise Packing List: Must-Have Items
  • The Best Alaska Cruise Lines
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  • The Best Time to Cruise to Alaska
  • The Best Alaska Shore Excursions

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Watch the Northern Lights From This Modern Igloo in the Alaskan Forest

Vacation packages are on sale for the 2022-2023 season.

Jessica Poitevien is an international storyteller and regular contributor to Travel + Leisure.

iglu cruises northern lights

Every year, Alaska draws millions of visitors hoping to glimpse the northern lights . While there are many ways to admire this colorful natural show, few are more unique than a stay inside one of the modern geodesic igloos at Borealis Basecamp.

Located just 25 miles outside Fairbanks, Alaska, Borealis Basecamp puts guests in the middle of some of the darkest skies in the country , making for ideal conditions for watching the northern lights. Surrounded by 100 acres of pristine boreal forest, the grounds invite travelers who want a bit of adventure without sacrificing their creature comforts. That's where the signature igloos come in.

Guests at Borealis Basecamp stay in private fiberglass igloos similar to those used for polar expeditions and research stations. These accommodations are a bit more plush, with comfortable beds, luxurious linens, a fully equipped bathroom, and its most iconic feature: clear, curved windows that stretch 16 feet across the roof, allowing visitors to watch the beautiful night sky or tranquil daytime scenery from the comfort of their bed.

But there's more to do here than just lie around admiring the natural beauty of Alaska . This retreat is also about getting in touch with nature in an active, hands-on way. Basecamp adventures include exploring via dog sled or snow machine, hopping on a flightseeing tour, and wandering the forest by foot. Animal lovers, especially children, will appreciate the reindeer meet-and-greet activity, while those looking for an extra bit of relaxation can head to the wood-fired sauna or take a dip in the hot springs .

After a day full of activities, guests can recharge at the on-site restaurant, Latitude 65 , where they'll find locally sourced dishes offering a real taste of Alaskan cuisine.

For more information, visit the Borealis Basecamp website .

Jessica Poitevien is a Travel + Leisure contributor currently based in South Florida, but she's always on the lookout for her next adventure. Besides traveling, she loves baking, talking to strangers, and taking long walks on the beach. Follow her adventures on Instagram .

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These Cruises Offer the Best Way to See the Northern Lights

On these sailings, passengers will be able to witness the aurora borealis from the comfort and convenience of a cruise ship with ample amenities..

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northern lights reflect on the water

To see the Northern Lights, travelers need to be far north, away from light pollution, and have unobstructed views of the sky.

Photo by Shutterstock

The psychedelic light show that paints the night sky with multicolored neon streams, scientifically known as the aurora borealis, is an experience worth chasing for many. For the best chance of seeing the swirling spectacle, travelers should head to the northernmost climes on a cloudless night between late August and mid-April.

While it’s never a guarantee that the Northern Lights will be visible, one way to stack the deck in your favor is to be on a cruise ship that can move in search of the lights, typically in the Arctic.

Beyond seeing Mother Nature’s kaleidoscopic display, passengers on these cruises will have the chance to spend their days adventuring in the polar regions, perhaps cross-country skiing, dogsledding across the tundra, riding a Zodiac boat near the face of a calving glacier, or meeting with Sámi reindeer herders. In other words, if the lights fail to appear, you won’t be at a loss.

These are some of the cruises that offer you a solid chance of seeing the Northern Lights .

Where do Northern Lights cruises go?

The auroral oval, a band that hugs the northernmost latitudes where auroral activity has the highest concentration, covers most of Alaska and Iceland, southern Greenland, and the northernmost parts of Canada, Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia.

However, most Northern Lights cruises visit just Norway, Iceland, and Greenland because those countries have open waterways that aren’t frozen over.

Alaska’s cruise season only runs from May through September. While it is possible to see the Northern Lights display toward the beginning and end of the cruise season, it’s unlikely and no ships specifically target Alaska’s aurora season. Additionally, most Alaska cruises are concentrated around the collection of islands in the state’s southeast region, which is a little too far south for good auroral displays (though they do happen occasionally).

Aurora Expeditions' 132-passenger 'Greg Mortimer' sailing in polar waters

You’ll have a good chance of seeing the Northern Lights while sailing Aurora Expeditions’ 132-passenger Greg Mortimer through Norway, Iceland, and Greenland.

Courtesy of Aurora Expeditions

1. Aurora Expeditions’ “Northern Lights Explorer” cruise

  • Cost : From $19,346 per person
  • Departure port : Kirkenes, Norway
  • End port : Reykjavík, Iceland

It’s never a guarantee that the Northern Lights will appear—it’s all dependent on the strength of geomagnetic storms on the sun and how clear the sky is where you are. However, given that this sailing lasts 19 days and ping-pongs around remote Arctic sites in Iceland, Greenland, and Norway, your odds are pretty good of seeing the night sky ignited by ribbons of color at least a few times. The sailing starts in Kirkenes, on the northern coast of Norway, and spends the first six days hugging the coastline, sailing past fishing villages and granite peaks, and making stops in the Lofoten Islands and other small towns. Then it’s on to the Norwegian island of Jan Mayen, just north of Iceland, which is also an excellent place for spotting whales and dolphins, before sliding over to the glacier-covered eastern coast of Greenland for four days of Zodiac excursions and hiking along the tundra. One of the highlights is visiting the Inuit village Ittoqqortoormiit, the region’s most isolated and northernmost permanent settlement, with its gregarious locals and scores of Greenlandic sled dogs.

From there, you’ll visit the Westfjords region of Iceland (the northwestern peninsula), with its colorful small towns, turbulent waterfalls, and fjords rich in bird-viewing opportunities. The final days before disembarkation in Bergen, Norway, will be spent in the Faroe Islands. There you’ll find traditional red-painted timber homes with grass roofs, lots of sheep and Faroese ponies, Viking history, and imposing sea cliffs.

Because it’s often chilly in this part of the world (especially at night), each passenger is given a waterproof polar expedition jacket upon arrival. The sailings will take place on the expedition vessel Greg Mortimer , which can hold 132 passengers in 79 cabins (most have private balconies for auroral viewing). The sailing runs from September 8 to 26, 2024.

The Northern Lights viewed from the deck of a Havila Voyages vessel

Havila Voyages is so confident guests will see the Northern Lights on Nordic sailings between October and March, it offers a guarantee.

Courtesy of Havila Voyages

2. Havila Voyages’ “Round Voyage”

  • Cost: From $1,330 per person
  • Departure port: Bergen, Norway
  • End port: Bergen, Norway

Havila Voyages is so sure that guests will see psychedelic coronas of light in the night sky that the Norwegian cruise line offers a “Northern Lights promise” on any of its 12-day Round Voyages, taking place from October 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025. (If the Northern Lights don’t occur, guests can claim a complimentary six-day or seven-day Norway sailing during the next Northern Lights season.) The sailing starts in Bergen—with its picturesque UNESCO-listed Bryggen district lined with long, narrow rows of colorful buildings that face the harbor—before visiting Ålesund, known for its art nouveau architecture, and Trondheim, home to one of the largest cathedrals in Europe. Then, as the ship moves into the Arctic regions, it’ll pass by dizzying fjords, tiny fishing villages, and northern Scandinavia’s largest glacier, before visiting Tromsø, where guests can meet the Sámi people (an Indigenous group in Scandinavia) and their reindeer. From there, the ship will sail as far north as possible, to a few kilometers from the Russian border, before sailing back to Tromsø, then visiting the wild and rugged Lofoten Islands and the Trondheim fjord.

The Norwegian-owned Havila Voyages operates four newer environmentally friendlier coastal cruise ships that carry both people and cargo between Bergen and Kirkenes, year-round. The hybrid ships run on liquified natural gas and, for up to four hours, on 86-ton battery packs, for emissions-free sailing (the packs can be charged in ports with clean electricity). Done up in decor inspired by Norwegian landscapes, the vessels carry up to 468 overnight cruise passengers.

A row of historic white, brown, rust-colored, and mustard-yellow wooden storefronts with A-frame roofs in Bergen, Norway

Havila Voyages and HX both offer a Northern Lights promise on cruises that depart from the scenic town of Bergen, Norway.

Photo by Kaitlyn Collins/Unsplash

3. HX’s “North Cape Express”

  • Cost : From $3,360 per person
  • Departure port : Bergen, Norway
  • End port : Oslo, Norway

HX (formerly Hurtigruten Expeditions), like Havila Voyages, also offers a “Northern Lights promise.” Suppose you sail one of the Northern Lights–chasing itineraries with HX between September 20 and March 31 on a voyage of 11 days or more and don’t see an auroral display. In that case, the company will give you a free six-day southbound or seven-day northbound Original Coastal Express Class Voyage. Beyond the North Cape Express, the other auroral sailings (with the Northern Lights Promise) include the 12-day Original Coastal Express (the full scenic route that stops at all 34 ports twice, on the northbound and southbound route).

For Hurtigruten’s North Cape Express expedition cruise, after departing Bergen, Norway, the 822-passenger MS Trollfjord sails toward Norway, with the first stop being in Molde, where guests can hike to Varden viewpoint for panoramic views of the 222 neighboring peaks, or visit the Romsdal Museum, a folk museum. From there, it’s onward to Rørvik, an ancient fishing town, and then Lødingen, a village known for its place amongst the fjords. Then the ship continues north into the Arctic Circle and up to Alta. There, guests can take an excursion to visit a Sámi village and learn about the Indigenous and semi-nomadic reindeer herders. Then it’s back down to Tromsø, where guests can visit the Polar Museum, go snowshoeing, or try one of the world’s northernmost breweries, Mack Bryggeri. Next, guests will visit the Lofoten islands, considered one of the most visually stunning parts of Norway, before visiting Hardangerfjord, the second longest fjord in the country, to learn more about Viking history. The final port of call is Oslo, the nation’s capital.

Each sailing has a professional photographer on board to help guests capture the lights display on their own camera. (Also, each room has an alarm that alerts guests when the auroras are visible.)

Skógafoss Waterfall in Iceland with green-hued Northern Lights in the night sky above

Quark Expeditions’ Northern Lights–themed sailings begin and end in Iceland, where sightings of the dancing aurora borealis are common in winter.

Photo by Balazs Busznyak/Unsplash

4. Quark Expeditions’ “Under the Northern Lights: Exploring Iceland & East Greenland” cruise

  • Cost : Starts at $8,996 per person
  • Departure port : Reykjavík, Iceland

Northern Lights cruising isn’t what you would consider a mainstream cruise itinerary—there aren’t lots of options—but even within the limited field, Quark’s aurora-viewing sailing stands out for its unique destinations. In Iceland, guests spend time in Reykjavík before motoring along the Westfjords, the rugged peninsula that makes up the northwest corner of the island nation. There, guests spend their days scanning the dizzying cliff sides for puffins, guillemots, and razorbills, and their nights scanning the sky for signs of the aurora. The ship then crosses the Arctic Circle as it heads to Greenland, where it spends seven days patrolling the remote northeast coast. This wild tundra is home to reindeer, arctic hares, and 40 percent of the world’s musk ox population.

It’s also the site of Scoresbysund, the most extensive fjord system in the world, and the glaciers here are the birthplace of many of the icebergs you see in the Arctic. Because it’s an expedition sailing, guests typically get off the boat two or three times per day for excursions, be that for Zodiac rides between bobbing bits of icebergs, hiking among reindeer, kayaking in the fjords, or perhaps even doing a polar plunge.

Guests also have the option to extend their trip with a few days in Reykjavík, where Northern Lights displays are common in the winter. Quark is running this itinerary once in 2024, from September 20 to October 1.

Three lounge chairs lined up along two dipping pools in the spa on board Viking ocean ships

Warm up after aurora borealis–chasing in the Nordic-style spa on Viking ocean ships.

Eric Laignel/Viking

5. Viking’s “In Search of the Northern Lights” cruise

  • Cost : From $4,999 per person
  • Departure port : London, England
  • End port : Bergen, Noway

Looking to check multiple countries off your list and see the Northern Lights? Viking’s 13-day sailing has stops in England, the Netherlands, and Norway.

After departing London, guests spend a day in Amsterdam, where they can stroll along the canals, admiring the architecture and indulging in alfresco coffee and stroopwafel breaks. Then, after crossing the North Sea, the ship cruises the scenic Norwegian Inside Passage, a protected shipping lane that runs from the southern tip of Norway to Russia (though Viking guests will only go as far north as Tromsø).

The first stop where the Northern Lights could make an appearance is in Narvik, a small port city within the Arctic Circle where cruisers can participate in a Sámi Northern Lights ceremony, go snowshoeing in the mountains, or ride the cable car at Narvikfjellet. Then it’s on to Tromsø, Norway’s northernmost city, for two days of Arctic adventures, before sailing to Atla, a town known for its bluebird days (ideal for Northern Lights viewing later) and ancient rock carvings for two days.

In other cities, Viking offers late-night excursions that take passengers deeper into the countryside to darker spots with clearer skies to help increase the likelihood of spotting the elusive aurora. The following two days are at sea, taking in the beauty of the Norwegian coast as the vessel makes for its disembarkation city, Bergen.

If the lights appear during the night, the crew will play an announcement over the in-cabin TVs (meaning guests need to leave their TVs on all night to hear it). During sightings, staff circulates trays of hot beverages, like cocoa and toddies, to help guests stay warm on deck. Viking runs the itinerary multiple times from January through March in 2025 and 2026.

Rendering of a suite on Cunard's forthcoming 'Queen Anne,' including a velvet green couch and a bar area

See the Northern Lights in elegance and high style on Cunard’s forthcoming Queen Anne .

Rendering courtesy of Cunard

6. Cunard’s “Norway and Northern Lights” cruise

  • Cost: From $1,749 per person
  • Departure port: Southampton, England
  • End port: Southampton, England

While Cunard’s 2,996-passenger Queen Anne will offer oodles of nightly performances once it launches in 2024, one of the most dazzling shows could be the one Mother Nature puts on.

After departing Southampton, the first stop on this cruise will be in Ålesund, Norway, to spend a day exploring its art nouveau architecture. After another day at sea, guests will reach Tromsø, a city 250 miles inside the Arctic Circle with famously consistent Northern Lights displays. Guests can stop by the Arctic Cathedral (which resembles a geometric glacier), visit the Polaria Arctic Center, or perhaps take a cable car to the top of Mount Storsteinen.

The next day will be in Narvik, a fishing village that can trace its history to the Stone Age but that has held township status only since the early 20th century. There travelers can ride the Ofoten Railway for a day trip to Sweden, hike to Frostisen Glacier, or ski at the Narvikfjellet ski resort. The final port town on the itinerary is Stavanger, where the most popular attractions relate to the community’s maritime history.

Cunard is known for bringing aboard subject experts, astronomers, and night-sky photographers who add extra color and insights to the sky-transforming glory of the Northern Lights. There will be ample space on the 1,085-foot, 13-deck ship to find quiet areas to see the nighttime show. In 2025, Cunard will offer a departure from September 26 to October 8, and it will offer a sailing on the 956-foot, 12-deck Queen Victoria from November 22 to December 4, which will visit Haugesund, Norway, where the 2,000-foot-tall Langfoss Waterfall and hikes to the Instagram-famous Pulpit Rock are the big draws, instead of Stavanger.

Fran Golden contributed reporting. This story was originally published in October 2022 and was updated on April 5, 2024, to include current information.

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Northern Lights from a Glass Igloo: Everything You Need to Know

Northern lights igloo

Watching free-flowing waves of vivid greens, pinks, purples and yellows dance around a star-spangled sky, it’s easy to see why the Aurora Borealis is crowned as one of the world’s seven natural wonders. The phenomenon is exclusive to the Northern Hemisphere, with Scandinavia coveted as one of the best places on the planet to experience the marvel.

While watching the Aurora Borealis is magical in any setting, sleeping under the stars in a luxury, custom-made glass igloo is guaranteed to take your experience to the next level. Want to know more? Read on for answers to frequently asked questions about watching the Northern Lights from glass igloos, an unforgettable experience that’s offered with many of Scandi Travel’s tours of Lapland.

Why you should experience the Northern lights from a glass igloo

Glass igloos elevate your experience by combining the luxuries of a hotel with the sheer magic of sleeping under the Northern Lights and the Arctic sky. There’s nothing quite like gazing up at the Aurora Borealis from your plush bed, with a wood fire crackling in the background and a steaming hot sauna at your fingertips.

Beyond front row seats to the Northern Lights, staying in a glass igloo in Lapland unlocks all kinds of unique Scandinavian experiences. When travelling to the Muotka igloos, for instance, you’ll board a traditional husky sled and get a real feel for the jaw dropping landscape. If that’s not enough, you can even embark on reindeer safaris, snowmobile adventures and authentic Saami cultural experiences.

The best location to watch the Northern Lights from glass igloos

High latitude and very little light pollution make Finland one of the best places in the world to experience the Northern Lights. As Finland’s northernmost region, Lapland is one of the most rewarding destinations in Scandinavia. Best of all, it’s dotted with incredible destinations for viewing Aurora Borealis.

Generally, the further north you go the better your chances. With this in mind, Scandi Travel has handpicked some incredible destinations combining fantastic Northern Lights viewing opportunities with premium accommodation.

Surrounded by snow-dusted Arctic forest, the enchanting village of Saariselkä sits 250 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle and is a fantastic base for Aurora Borealis tours. The remote Muotka wilderness lodge promises an utterly unique experience, with beautiful cabins featuring panoramic windows for viewing the Northern Lights. Hotel Kakslauttanen puts you on the fringe of Urho Kekkonen National Park, an untouched wilderness that showcases the distinct natural beauty of Finland.

You’ll love experiencing Aurora Borealis from luxury Finland Northern Lights igloos, designed to immerse you in the spectacular light show. There’s even a spellbinding Snow Chapel, making Hotel Kakslauttanen a dream come true for destination weddings. Inari, a tiny village tucked away in Finland’s most sparsely populated municipality, is also a wonderful place to experience Aurora Borealis, as well as the unique culture of Lapland.

The best time of year to watch the Northern Lights from glass igloos

Winter offers the best chances of seeing the Northern Lights, with long dark nights and very little ambient light from the sun. The best time to visit is from December to February, though brilliant sightings of the Northern Lights are also reported from late August to April. In Finnish Lapland, the Northern Lights are visible on around 200 nights a year, meaning your chances are excellent if you travel in the right season.

Is it cold inside a glass igloo?

All igloos are constructed with a special thermal glass to ensure the inside temperature is always at a comfortable level. So, even if the outside temperature drops to below minus-thirty degrees, you’ll still be toasty warm inside your glass igloo.

The glass dome never develops condensation or frost which means your views of Aurora Borealis and the sparkling night sky are always pristine. You’ll also fall asleep in style with high thread count linen, cosy duvets and plush pillows.

What to wear when watching the Northern Lights in a glass igloo

Inside your cosy, thermally insulated glass igloo, you’re free to wear whatever you like. You’ll enjoy complete privacy from your neighbours which means you can get cosy with pyjamas and Ugg boots, or wear nothing at all. Don’t forget your swimming costume, as many igloos featured on Scandi Travel tours treat you to private saunas and the chance to enjoy an invigorating dip in an ice hole. Of course, on any winter tour you’ll be spending a good amount of time outdoors so be sure to pack warm layers and thermals, as well as windproof and waterproof shells.

Things to bring when watching the Northern Lights in a glass igloo

The Northern Lights are so mesmerising that you don’t need anything to enhance the experience. That said, Aurora Borealis can often dance around in the sky for hours, meaning it can be nice to have a bottle of wine and a block of dark chocolate on hand in your private glass igloo.

How many nights you need to give yourself a shot of seeing the Northern Lights

Like most natural phenomena, the Northern Lights don’t adhere to a strict schedule which means it’s best to give yourself at least two to three nights to experience the magic. Scandi Travel makes it easy to maximise your chances, with most tours including several opportunities to view Aurora Borealis.

On the Lapland Wilderness 4 Day Tour to Saariselka with Northern Lights & Glass Igloo , for example, you’ll embark on a three-hour after dark minibus tour from your hotel in Saariselkä to chase Aurora Borealis, then get a second chance when staying in a glass igloo at the Muotka Wilderness lodge.

Book your Northern Lights Glass Igloo in Finland

Watching Aurora Borealis dance in the sky is one of the most memorable and unique experiences on offer in the Northern Hemisphere. That’s why most tours offered by Scandi Travel include at least one unforgettable Northern lights experience, if not more.

For the ultimate experience, book a Scandi Travel Lapland tour featuring an overnight stay in a glass igloo. Sleeping under a canopy of twinkling stars and hypnotic Northern Lights is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and is guaranteed to crystallise as a highlight of your trip to Scandinavia.

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Onboard Obsession: Sleeping Under the Northern Lights in a Glass Igloo

By Stefanie Waldek

Onboard Obsession Sleeping Under the Northern Lights in a Glass Igloo

Onboard Obsession is a new series that explores the can't-miss highlights of the best-loved cruises—from the shore excursions to book to the spa treatments too relaxing to pass up.

At first, the light was blue. A soft, cool blue that gently reflected off the still waters of Igaliku Fjord, but kept the hills in silhouette. Soon the warm yellows, oranges, and pinks of dawn crept into the scene, setting aglow the clouds clinging tightly to the cliffs along the shoreline. Following a quiet knock on the door, a steaming mug of coffee and freshly-baked muffin entered the scene.

Such is waking up in a glass igloo on the top deck of Lindblad Expeditions' National Geographic Endurance in Greenland during the waning days of summer. Launched in 2021, Endurance is a polar-class expedition vessel named after the ship of iconic explorer Ernest Shackleton; she typically spends summers in the Arctic and austral summers in the Antarctic . Though Endurance has 136 bright and airy cabins for guests, she and her twin sister, National Geographic Resolution also carry a pair of igloos for a special overnight experience. The glass domes, which can comfortably fit up to two people, are located on opposite sides of the aft deck (port and starboard) about 50 feet apart. Spending a night inside is free of charge, booked on a first-come, first-served basis (you can reserve your stay at reception).

I had sailed on Endurance once before, in Antarctica , and I'll admit that I was a touch skeptical about the igloos then, despite the fact that they were booked every night of the sailing. Why would you want to stay in an igloo when it's daylight 24/7? There was zero chance of seeing the stars or the southern lights—so I chose to spend all of my nights in my suite. Later on, I traveled to Svalbard on Resolution , again encountering the midnight sun . Here, it wasn't just the light that dissuaded me from booking a night in the igloo, but the single-degree temperatures that I felt weren't conducive to spending a night on deck.

The proverbial third time was indeed the charm. In southern Greenland during the late summer, temperatures are fairly mild—at night, they're often above freezing. But more importantly to me, the skies would be dark, allowing for a chance to see the stars and, if we were lucky, the northern lights.

Spending a night in one of the ship's glass igloos is free of charge and booked on a firstcome firstserved basis.

Spending a night in one of the ship's glass igloos is free of charge and booked on a first-come, first-served basis.

Before dinner on the night of my igloo stay, I met the hotel director for a quick briefing about the experience. We ran through the amenities in the igloo itself, from the color-changing mood lighting to eye masks for the light-averse. Then there were the bathrobes and the fleece-lined cape for mad dashes across the deck to the nearest bathroom (just steps away in the spa) or the dual infinity-edge hot tubs just outside the igloo door (don't worry, the igloo is frosted on this side for privacy). He pointed out that there were no outlets, advising that I charge my devices before turning in for the night. Of course, should you want to return to your cabin at any moment, that's always an option, too.

After dinner, I bundled up in some warmer layers in preparation for my evening and joined a few fellow passengers for a nightcap under the heat lamps on deck. And then someone spotted them— the northern lights , dancing faintly astern through a break in the overcast sky. Sadly, they slipped behind the clouds soon after we spotted them. As the crowd dispersed, I entered my igloo and cocooned myself within the fluffy duvet, sandwiched between the two hot water bottles provided for warmth. Though I had intentions of keeping guard in case the cloud cover cleared, I promptly fell asleep. And I slept deeply, thanks to the gentle hum of the ship and the crisp air in the igloo.

Having slept sans eye mask, I found myself naturally roused by dawn, and even after my coffee delivery, I remained firmly planted in my igloo bed, entranced by the panoramic view. And in that hour, I realized that whether or not the stars or aurora made an appearance, I'd have enjoyed the experience nonetheless. If I ever return to Antarctica or Svalbard on Endurance, I certainly won't be passing up the opportunity to spend a night in a glass igloo.

As the sun rose higher in the sky and the ship continued deeper into the fjord, a dense fog rolled in, the light fighting its way through the mist to dance across the cliffs. Alas, nature's curtain had dropped, and I took it as my cue to head back inside for a hot breakfast.

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12 MAGICAL IGLOOS IN NORWAY TO STAY AT THIS WINTER (2024 / 2025): THE ULTIMATE GUIDE!

iglu cruises northern lights

WANT TO DISCOVER THE MOST MAGICAL IGLOOS IN NORWAY?

Check out our blog post below to discover the best igloos in Norway options to stay at this Winter 2024!

Includes: Glass igloos, luxury transparent domes, canvas tents plus glass lodges and cabins!

EDITOR’S TOP PICKS

Don’t have time to read the article? Check out our top picks by type:

⭐ Lyngen North (Glass igloo)

⭐ Sørfjorden Eye Iglo – Fosen (Transparent dome)

⭐ Aurora Borealis Observatory (Canvas dome)

⭐ Aera Panoramic Glass Lodge (Glass lodge)

⭐ Flatmoen Natur Lodges (Glass lodge)

⭐ Aurora Fjord Cabins (Glass lodge)

12 MAGICAL IGLOOS IN NORWAY: AN INTRODUCTION

While originating and thriving in numbers in Lapland in Finland , there are now a lot more structured igloos in Norway to choose from!

Whether a glass igloo , premium transparent tent , canvas dome or even a luxurious glass lodge or cabin , these structures give you incredible scenic views plus the chance of Aurora watching from the comfort of your own bed!

We have no stone unturned when searching for all the best options. See our easily categorised list below:

GLASS IGLOOS IN NORWAY

GLASS IGLOOS IN NORWAY:

1. LYNGEN NORTH

A photo kindly gifted to us by Lyngen North for our top igloos in Norway blog post. Pictured: Glass igloo in Norway with Northern lights above.

⭐ Rating: 9.2 / 10

📍 Location : Rotsund, Northern Norway

🏡 View On : Direct website

✅ Highly rated at 9.2/10 ‘Superb’! ✅ 180 & 360 degree glass igloos available. ✅ Incredible lakeside location with mountain backdrop. ✅ Great for Northern Lights viewing (Winter months)

Lyngen North currently has the only official glass igloos in Norway! Located on the secluded seafront of northern Norway, their glass igloos boast jaw-dropping views of the Lyngenfjord, complete with sea views and a snow-capped mountainous backdrop.

There are two glass igloo types to choose from: 180 ° and 360 ° . The 180 ° glass igloo has floor to ceiling windows facing the Lyngenfjord , with the area behind covered for privacy.

A photo kindly gifted to us by Lyngen North for our top igloos in Norway blog post. Pictured: Inside their glass igloo in Norway.

In contrast, the 360 ° glass igloo is fully exposed floor to ceiling crystal clear windows, allowing for uninterrupted views to watch the stars and especially the Northern lights at night!

Each glass igloo has underfloor heating and heat pump to allow for maximum comfort all year round. There also is the option to draw window blinds for moments of privacy, a queen sized bed, private bathroom with shower and W/C, coffee and tea facilities, free WiFi and free on-site parking.

Getting to Lyngen North: The closest airport to Lyngen North is Sorkjosen Airport, which is a 25 minute drive away (24km).

A photo kindly gifted to us by Lyngen North for our top igloos in Norway blog post. Pictured: Glass igloo in Norway with amazing sea views.

 Spectacular location! Seeing glaciers and waterfalls from bed—wow! The setting is truly amazing! Staff very helpful and friendly. We hope to return to see the Northern Lights. TIFFANY, UNITED STATES, BOOKING.COM REVIEW

Click to book your stay at Lyngen North! 🍙🌌✨

TRANSPARENT DOME IGLOOS IN NORWAY

TRANSPARENT DOME IGLOOS IN NORWAY:

2. SØRFJORDEN EYE IGLO

Sørfjorden Eye Iglo on our list of top igloos in Norway!

⭐ Rating: 9.5 / 10 Exceptional

📍 Location : Husby , Central Norway

🏡 View On : Booking.com

✅ Highly rated at 9.5/10 ‘Exceptional’! ✅ Set on a hillside wooden platform to fully immerse you in the surrounding nature and views. ✅ Free private parking and garden. ✅ Underfloor heating for Winter months.

Sørfjorden Eye Iglo (or ‘South Fjord Eye’ igloo) is a luxurious transparent dome tent, located in Husby on the West coast of central Norway.

It is set on a hillside wooden platform to make guests feel like they are floating on air and fully immersed in nature. The tent boasts wonderful, uninterrupted views of Stjørnfjorden and Trondheimsleia.

The tent has underfloor heating and a heat pump to maintain comfortable conditions all year round. Inside the tent. isa comfortable bed and seating, outside there is an outdoor seating area with a fire pit on your private terrace!

The water toilet, shower and laundry facilities (washer dryer) are just 400 metres away. An exceptional breakfast can be enjoyed at an additional cost of NOK 220 per person.

Getting to Sørfjorden Eye Iglo: The closest airport to Sørfjorden Eye Iglo is Ørland Airport, which is a 45 minute drive away (49km).

 Everything was super, wonderful location, the igloo is perfect to relax enjoying the view and the breeze among the trees, and tasting the food provided for dinner and breakfast by the very nice host UGO, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES, BOOKING.COM REVIEW

Click to book your stay at Sørfjorden Eye Iglo ! 🍙🌌✨

3. TRONES EYE

Trones Eye igloo experience in Norway

⭐ Rating: 4.86 / 5

📍 Location : Trøndelag, Central Norway

🏡 View On : Air Bnb

✅ Igloo provides a 360 °  view of the Trondheim fjord, the sky and the forest! ✅ Luxury glamping experience, with comfortable beds and heating.

Trones Eye is a luxurious transparent dome tent, located in Trøndelag on the West coast of central Norway. Trones Eye is located on the outskirts of Stiklestad Golf Course on a peninsula in the Trondheim Fjord. This secluded location allows for upmost peace and tranquility during your stay.

The dome itself boasts comfortable beds and internal heating for a pleasant stay all year round. Self check-in and check-out is used at Trones Eye, and pets are welcome to stay too!

All key facilities (water toilets and showers) are in the basement of Stiklestad Golf Club club house. This area is accessible 24/7 by guests using the chip on the key ring provided.

At an additional cost, a continental breakfast package (NOK 220 per person) or a barbecue grill package (NOK 250 per person) can be served directly to the tent.

Trones Eye is an AMAZING experience! Incredibly cozy and exciting to sleep under the “open sky”. We chose to go in the mids of winter so we expected it to be very cold, but we managed to have it very nice inside the igloo with lots of candle lights, the oven on and woollen clothing on. The beds are super comfortable and warm. And we can highly recommend the breakfast and the barbeque package, as it makes the trip even a bit more special. FRIDA, AIR BNB REVIEW

Click to book your stay at Trones Eye! 🍙🌌✨

CANVAS DOME IGLOOS IN NORWAY

CANVAS DOME IGLOOS IN NORWAY:

4. AURORA BOREALIS OBSERVATORY

Aurora Borealis Observatory on our list of top igloos in Norway!

⭐ Rating: 8.4 / 10

📍 Location : Senja Island, Tromsø, Northern Norway

✅ Located on the magical Senja Island, north Norway. ✅ One of the best places to see the Northern Lights! ✅ Large complex with multiple accommodation types. ✅ One-bedroom Bungalow canvas dome with full panoramic night sky views!

Aurora Borealis Observatory is a small family run business located on Senja Island, the second largest island in Norway! Huddled in northern Norway (just 2.5 hours away from Tromso), this magical island is renowned for high probability for incredible Northern lights displays!

They have multiple accommodation types at this aparthotel, including apartments, villas, and most importantly for you – a ‘One bedroom bungalow’ which is effectively their canvas igloo dome structure.

This compact but cosy canvas igloo features a comfortable bed, private dry toilet and shower, small kitchenette and incredible panoramic view of the night sky!

Aurora Borealis Observatory on our list of top igloos in Norway!

Getting to Aurora Borealis Observatory: The closest airport to Aurora Borealis Observatory is Bardufoss Airport, which is a 1 hour drive away (55km). Take the shuttle bus to Finnsnes town, where the accommodation will pick you up. The second closest airport is Tromsø, a 2.5 hour (170km) drive away. You can easily catch a direct 1.5 hour ferry from Tromsø harbour to Finnsnes, where again the accommodation can pick you up from.

Aurora Borealis Observatory on our list of top igloos in Norway!

The location is absolutely unreal! It is out of this world. The main barn where the restaurant is is absolutely stunning. The food there is INCREDIBLE. Breakfast was really lovely in the main barn. Our house had a hot tub on the balcony which was a great bonus … We were very lucky to see the Northern lights 3/5 nights and our last night was spectacular which of course cannot be guaranteed but it was a wonderful experience and perfect location to watch from. EMMA, UNITED KINGDOM, booking.com REVIEWS

Click to book your stay at Aurora Borealis Observatory! 🍙🌌✨

5. ISBREEN THE GLACIER

Isbreen the Glacier on our list of top igloos in Norway!

⭐ Rating: 5 / 5 (Google Reviews)

📍 Location : Jøkelfjord, Far Northern Norway

✅ Four delightful domes to choose from: Vika, Rammstein, Huldrestein and Skalsatind. All have jaw-dropping lakeside and mountainous views. ✅ Brilliant location to see the Northern Lights! ✅ Fantastic guided activities on offer. ✅ Private outdoor jacuzzi hot tub for each dome. ✅ Fitted with private WC and shower.

Snuggled on the shoreline of Jøkelfjord, far north Norway, is the wonderful Isbreen the Glacier complex. The small family run complex has just a main communal building for guest dining and activity, plus four luxurious canvas domes to choose from: Vika, Rammstein, Huldrestein, Skalsatind.

Each dome accommodates 2 people, but vary slightly in size. Book your stay on an all-inclusive basis and indulge in the delicacies made by the on-site head chef.

The lack of light pollution at Jøkelfjord makes it a perfect place to spot the Northern lights, which the canvas igloos full height windows giving you the chance to see them in bed!

The complex also offers a large variety of exciting and once-in-a-lifetime guided activities, including whale watching (seasonal), snowshoeing, reindeer farm and Sami culture experience, etc.

Check out all of the raving 5* reviews on TripAdvisor !

Getting to Isbreen The Glacier: The closest airport to Isbreen The Glacier is Alta Airport, a 1 hour 15 minute drive away (87km). From here, you can rent a car or request airport pick-up.

We had the most spectacular time at Isbreen. Mira and Tonny welcomed us as family: happy to see us ever day, happy to make our time as wonderful as we wanted. They saved our vacation before even meeting us, by contacting our travel agent in anticipation of a storm, urging them to change our travel plans. We weathered the arctic storm in romantic style and comfort in a truly stunning setting. They managed our activities (whale watching, reindeer, Sami, etc.) to accommodate the change in plans. Seamlessly. Their staff (young, interesting, adventurous) drove us around, fed us and entertained us. And Mira and Tonny are real super star hosts. ROLSONO, TRIPADVISOR REVIEW

Click to book your stay at Isbreen the Glacier! 🍙🌌✨

6. GLØD AURORA CANVAS DOMES

A photo kindly gifted to us by GLOD Aurora Canvas Domes for our top igloos in Norway blog post. Pictured: Glass igloo in Norway blog post.

⭐ Rating: 9.6 / 10

📍 Location : Alta, Far Northern Norway

✅ Extremely highly rated 9.6/10 ‘Exceptional’. ✅ Delicious breakfast included in the price. ✅ Great chance to see Northern lights! (Winter months)

Rated a staggering 9.6/10 on Booking.com, GLØD Aurora Canvas Domes truly tick all of the boxes in past guests eyes. GLØD is located in far northern Norway, near the town of Alta.

The canvas domes have everything you could need for a comfortable stay all year round, including, a large bed, air-conditioning / heating, electric ports, tea and coffee facilities and internal log burner.

The domes transparent ceiling and undisturbed woodland location also makes GLØD Aurora Canvas Domes is one of the best places to stay to see the Alta Norway Northern lights ! The surrounding woodland is a great spot for activities such as walking, cycling and canoeing!.

A stay here includes an exceptional buffet breakfast served every morning.

Getting to GLØD Aurora Canvas Domes: The closest airport to GLØD Aurora Canvas Domes is Alta Airport, a super convenient 15 minute drive away (11km).

A photo kindly gifted to us by GLOD Aurora Canvas Domes for our top igloos in Norway blog post. Pictured: Glass igloo in Norway blog post.

“location is just perfect, it is small, private, and the owner and his employees are beyond pleasant people; very friendly, heartful people. amazing stay, wish we could stay longer.” MASA, AUSTRIA, BOOKING.COM REVIEW

Click to book your stay at GLØD Aurora Canvas Domes! 🍙🌌✨

Want to stay in a REAL igloo made totally of snow and ice? Be sure to also check out our top 4 best ice hotels in Norway !

7. WILD CARIBOU DOME

Wild Caribou Dome on our list of top igloos in Norway!

📍 Location : Lakselv, Northern Norway

✅ Rated 9.6/10 ‘Exceptional’ across 50+ reviews! ✅ Reserve on Booking.com with free cancellation – pay at the property! ✅ Secluded wild location great for Northern lights. ✅ Fabulous breakfast included in the price.

Nestled in the small town of Lakselv, a further 2 hour drive north from Alta, is the quirky Wild Caribou complex. It is located in Finnmark, a region renowned for the stunning natural beauty of its fjords, forests, rivers and mountains.

Wild Caribou itself is set against the river Brennelva, and surrounded by such nature.

They have a collection of cosy and comfortable canvas igloo domes for guests to enjoy, complete with a large warm bed, seating and an internal log-burner. The transparent dome roof allows for the perfect position to spot the Northern lights while snuggled up in bed!

A wonderful breakfast is included in the price. They also offer great booking flexibility with free cancellation and no pre-payment needed – you pay when you stay!

Getting to Wild Caribou Domes: The closest airport to Wild Caribou Domes is Lakselv, a super convenient 6 minute drive away (5.3km). You can fly direct from Oslo airport to Lakselv with SAS Scandinavian Airlines, though services are not frequent.

The second closest airport is Alta airport, a 2.5 hour (172km) drive away.

the location, the personalised welcome on a site Beautifully arranged and furnished, clean and well maintained. the owners make you share their passion for their dogs, and their region and look after your every need. at night under the dome with the northern lights is an unforgettable experience Thank you very much for this meeting and sharing. VALERIE, FRANCE, BOOKING.COM REVIEWS

Click to book your stay at Wild Caribou Dome! 🍙🌌✨

8. CAMP NORTH TOUR LUXURY TENT

iglu cruises northern lights

⭐ Rating: 4.7 / 5 (Google Reviews)

📍 Location : Tromsø, Northern Norway

🏡 View On : Hotels.com

✅ Fantastic secluded location just outside of Tromsø, perfect for Northern light spotting! ✅ Airport transfer is offered by the accommodation. ✅ Guests enjoy a free breakfast every morning.

Camp North Tour is primarily a mountain lodge complex, located just outside of Tromsø, northern Norway. Here, you have the chance to glamp on-site in one of their luxury canvas tents!

Inside the tent you will find a queen size bed and internal log-burner to keep warm during those Winter nights. The partial transparent windows on the sea view side and roof allow for Northern light spotting from inside your tent!

On-site, there is also a restaurant and bar lounge to enjoy. Guests enjoy a free breakfast every morning.

If you were wondering what else there is to do when visiting Tromsø, be sure to check out our 5 days in Tromsø travel itinerary !

Getting to Camp North Tour: The closest airport to Camp North Tour is Tromsø airport, a 40 minute drive away (34km). Camp North Tour offers an airport shuttle service (additional cost).

Very unique experience and 5 stars camping. We flew Tromsø so to see mainly Northern Lights and from experience, if it is visible, areas such as Camp North Tour are almost guaranteed for success. It was awesome, all evening and night! FILIPA, GOOGLE REVIEWS

Click to book your stay at Camp North Tour Luxury Tent! 🍙🌌✨

9. ARCTIC DOME HOSET FARM

Arctic Dome Hoset on our list of top igloos in Norway!

⭐ Rating: 4.94 / 5 (Air BnB Reviews)

📍 Location : Orkland, South East Norway

✅ Secluded forest location, full of Norwegian wildlife. ✅ Easy self-check in, attentive hosts. ✅ Lots of outdoor based activities to enjoy in nature for both Summer and Winter months.

The canvas igloo at Arctic Dome Hoset is located just outside the town of Orkland, the South East of Norway on the West coast.

Perched peacefully upon a hilltop, this Arctic Dome requires a 600 metre walk from the private car park, as it it set deep in nature with enchanting and tranquil Norwegian forest all around!

This spot is teaming with great outdoor activities, such as swimming, fishing and cycling in the warmer months. In Winter, you can enjoy cross country snowshoeing and skiing.

In the Winter, it is recommended to either ski or snowshoe your way from the car park to the dome – as there is no road!

The forest is bursting with wildlife too, including creatures such a moose, hare, tiur bird, eagles and even hawks!

Despite it’s more southern location in Norway, it is still possible to see the Northern lights from your dome due to the minimal light pollution here!

Getting to Arctic Dome Hoset: The closest airport to Arctic Dome Hoset is Trondheim airport, a 1.5 hour drive away (90km).

Arctic Dome Hoset on our list of top igloos in Norway!

Me and my boyfriend stayed for a night in late December and the sunrise in the middle of the mountains full of snow is something we’ll never forget. FERNANDO, AIR BNB REVIEWS

Click to book your stay at Arctic Dome Hoset Farm! 🍙🌌✨

GLASS LODGES & CABINS IN NORWAY

GLASS LODGES & CABINS IN NORWAY:

10. AERA PANORAMIC GLASS LODGE

AERA Panoramic glass lodge in Tromso on our list of top glass cabins and lodges in Norway!

⭐ Rating: 8.7 / 10

✅ Secluded seafront location just outside of Tromsø. ✅ Option for airport shuttle service to/from Tromsø airport (just 50 NOK per way). ✅ Book the ‘Panoramic Glass Lodge’ option, where the bed is fully transparent glass windows and ceilings for optimal Northern lights and scenic viewing.

The Panoramic Glass Lodge accommodation at AERA Nord truly is a hidden gem, snuggled just on the outskirts of Tromsø!

Boasting jaw-dropping sea views, book this entire 258 ft² private villa for the ultimate Northern lights viewing experience! The true selling point is bedroom area, surrounded by transparent floor to ceiling windows and roof!

AERA Panoramic glass lodge in Tromso on our list of top glass cabins and lodges in Norway!

This incredibly modern and well designed Lodge – which is elevated 2m above ground – has a fully equipped kitchen (includes stovetop and oven), separate dining area and comfortable double bed area with amazing sea views.

The complex, which also includes other glass cabin options, includes convenient private parking, free WiFi throughout plus an on-site restaurant and bar.

AERA also provide free aurora alarm all night, so you can sleep easy knowing you’ll never miss a wonderful Northern Lights display! There is also a complimentary sauna to use on site, plus complimentary use of snowshoes.

Getting to AERA Panoramic Glass Lodge: The closest airport to AERA Panoramic Glass Lodge is Tromsø airport, a 36 minute drive away (32km). AERA offer a super convenient airport shuttle service at just 50 NOK per way, or can also arrange a car rental service for you.

AERA Panoramic glass lodge in Tromso on our list of top glass cabins and lodges in Norway!

Click to book your stay at Aera Panoramic Glass Lodge! 🍙🌌✨

11. FLATMOEN NATUR LODGE

A photo kindly gifted to us to use from Flatmoen Natur, one of the best glass lodge recommendations on our Glass igloos in Norway blog post!

⭐ Rating: 9.4 / 10

📍 Location : Alta, Northern Norway

✅ Convenient location just outside of Alta town. ✅ Scenic view of the mountains. ✅ Watch the Northern lights in the private outdoor terrace and hot tub!

Conveniently nestled just outside of Alta town, northern Norway, Flatmoen Natur offers the most special stays in their collection of wooden cabins.

Each of their spacious ‘Double Room’ cabins are private, boasting stunning scenic views of the adjacent mountains. The cherry on top of the cake is each cabin has its own private outdoor terrace and hot tub, the perfect setting for watching the Northern lights overhead at nighttime!

A photo kindly gifted to us to use from Flatmoen Natur, one of the best glass lodge recommendations on our Glass igloos in Norway blog post!

For your convenience, each cabin also has heating, a comfortable bed, tea and coffee making facilities plus a private bathroom and shower. The bedroom area has full length glass windows and ceiling for optimal night sky and Aurora viewing.

The complex is also well known for its horse and sleigh rides, so be sure to take advantage of this during your visit!

Getting to Flatmoen Natur Lodge: The closest airport to Flatmoen Natur Lodge is Alta Airport, a super convenient 16 minute drive away (12km).

A photo kindly gifted to us to use from Flatmoen Natur, one of the best glass lodge recommendations on our Glass igloos in Norway blog post!

Johnny was amazing! He thought of every little thing to make us enjoy our stay. The cabin was beautiful, and we saw a spectacular Northern lights show. The sleigh ride was perfect….I love the Norweigen Fjord horse…Timion. We were able to get close and pet him. Everything about the stay was exceptional, hot tub, homemade breakfast, nature hikes…absolutely competes with the Grande Hotel, Oslo. Flatmoen Natur has better service by far! Can’t wait to come back! ANNA, UNITED STATES, BOOKING.COM REVIEWS

Click to book your stay at Flatmoen Natur Lodge! 🍙🌌✨

12. AURORA FJORD CABINS

iglu cruises northern lights

📍 Location : Lyngseidet, Northern Norway

✅ Jaw-dropping scenic views from panoramic full length front window. ✅ Book the ‘Deluxe Bungalow with sea view’ ✅ Incredible spacious, fully equipped cabin. A true home from home! ✅ Private hot tub to enjoy gazing at the stars and dancing Northern Lights!

The wonderful Aurora Fjord Cabins are perched on the seafront just 5 miles outside of Lyngseidet, northern Norway. The best accommodation type here is the Deluxe Bungalow with Sea View.

These incredibly spacious cabins offer an entirely private 269 ft² bungalow with remarkable scenic sea and snow-capped mountain views. It is a true home from home, fully equipped with a full kitchen, dining area, bedroom and lounge area.

The main attraction is the private hot tub assigned to each cabin, providing the most magical setting to soak in the bubbles under a starry night sky or dancing Aurora! You can sometimes spot a few porpoise swimming around too during the day.

There is an on-site distillery tour to enjoy during your stay.

Getting to Aurora Fjord Cabins: The closest airport to Aurora Fjord Cabins is Tromsø airport, a 2 hour drive away (90km). You can hire a rental car (free parking on-site) or take a direct bus from Tromso to Lyngseidet . From here, you may have to ask the accommodation to collect you, as you are only now 5 miles away.

iglu cruises northern lights

View from cabin is excellent. We also saw porpoises few times a day. Fireplace was very nice. Bedroom kept cool enough for sleeping. JARI, FINLAND, BOOKING.COM REVIEWS
incredible location overlooking a fjord. Neat and fully equipped cabin. Amazing place to observe the aurora borealis from the couch. LASZLO, BELGIUM, BOOKING.COM REVIEWS

Click to book your stay at Aurora Fjord Cabins! 🍙🌌✨

CONCLUSION: IGLOOS IN NORWAY

To conclude, while it is apparent transparent tent igloo structures are much more commonly found here, there are a range of different accommodation types that will give you the ultimate panoramic view experience.

One of the only official glass igloos in Norway is Lyngen North . While there are a multitude of transparent domes to choose from, our recommended stay is the stunning Sørfjorden Eye Iglo .

There are also plenty of canvas style domes to choose from, the best of which for us has to be the One bedroom bungalow at the Aurora Borealis Observatory .

Likewise, if you wanted the panoramic views of an igloo but with maximum comfort and space, there are a few epic glass cabins and lodges to choose. For us, hands down the most jaw-dropping was the Panoramic Glass Lodge at AERA, just outside of Tromsø.

Whichever option you end up choosing to suit your travel preference, location and budget – we have everything crossed for you that you get to witness Norway’s magical Aurora displays from these epic igloo style structures!

A photo of Jordie, the author of this specific blog post and owner of the wesbite.

This blog post was written by… Jordie Flain! Founder of TheFlainsTravel.com, Travel Itinerary Creator & Wildlife Enthusiast

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Jordie Flain is the owner and author of The Flains Travel, a travel blog with emphasis on ethical wildlife experiences, "seen to be believed" natural beauty and "real magic" phenomena, such as the northern lights. Jordie crafts every itinerary and post to perfection for travellers to follow and get the very most out of their time in a destination.

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Northern Lights Cruises

Aurora borealis cruises - mother nature’s ultimate light show.

The sensational Aurora Borealis is one of Mother Nature’s most awe-inspiring phenomena, a magical multi-coloured light show that presents those lucky enough to witness this simply unforgettable, must-see spectacle with memories that will last forever. [ReadMoreMob]

With Fred. Olsen, you can go in search of the Aurora on a selection of specially timed Northern Lights cruises from southern and northern UK departures ports that offer the best chances to see dancing ribbons of green, blue and pink illuminating the skies above Arctic Norway's wonderland of remote islands, towering mountains and stunning glaciers. 

Presenting opportunities to explore flawless Arctic wilderness on exhilarating snowmobiling or husky sledding adventures; immerse yourself in authentic Sami Culture, visit an Ice Hotel; and much more too, Northern Lights cruise holidays always sell-out quickly, so be sure to book now and secure your chance to seek-out the Aurora Borealis with Fred. Olsen.

Northern Lights Cruises, The Olsen Way

Hand-crafted arctic cruises.

Our Northern Lights cruises are hand-crafted to show you the very best of the stunning Arctic region, whether this be docking closer to interesting towns, or scenic cruising past ice-capped northern fjords. And our curated programme of shore tours offer authentic Arctic experiences for the most avid travel enthusiast.

Cruise to see Aurora Borealis

Expert guides will take you to the best local spots, amid beautiful landscapes, perfect for seeking out the elusive Aurora Borealis.

Enjoy a shore tour Husky dogs sledging on your cruise to Norway

Husky sledding is the ultimate Arctic experience. Take an exhilarating ride through snow covered pine forests before learning how these magnificent creatures are trained.

Enjoy whale watching on your cruise to Norway

Surrounded by stunning arctic landscapes, get closer to magnificent Humpback and Orca Whales, listening out for their otherwordly calls echoing around you.

Take a shore tour kayaking on a winter Norway cruise

Experience glassy waters and unspoilt views of the Arctic from a kayak for a different and fascinating perspective of this beautiful part of the world from the water.

Experience traditional Sami culture on a cruise to Norway

Experience life as one of the Sami people and their deep connection to nature, where reindeer and traditional costumes are an integral part of their culture.

  • On Board Experience

19 Ocean Cruises

Northern lights over Tromso, Norway

In Search of the Northern Lights • L2431

  • Search for the Northern Lights from the decks of Balmoral in Alta
  • Enjoy a scenic discovery of the Seven Sisters mountain range
  • Spend time with a Sámi community to learn about local traditions
  • 1 offer available

In Search of the Northern Lights

In Search of the Northern Lights • L2432

  • Have the opportunity to spot the elusive Northern Lights in Alta
  • Meet huskies on a tour and learn about traditional dog sledding
  • Capture the views from the top of Mount Storsteinen in Tromsø
  • 2 offers available

In Search of the Northern Lights

In Search of the Northern Lights • L2433

  • Have the opportunity to see the magical Northern Lights in Alta
  • See remote coastal scenery as Balmoral sails the Tjeldsundet Strait
  • Visit a husky yard to learn about local cultures and traditions

In Search of the Northern Lights

In Search of the Northern Lights • L2435

  • Have the chance to spot the Northern Lights in Alta and from Balmoral
  • Experience Crossing the Arctic Circle and the ceremony held on board
  • Spend time with a Sámi community and learn of local traditions

Guests on deck looking out to the Northern lights, Norway

In Search of the Northern Lights • S2427

  • Enjoy an overnight stay in the 'Gateway to the Arctic, Tromso
  • Spend time with local Sámi people to learn about their way of life
  • Explore the historic Hanseatic city of Bergen

Northern lights over Sami tent, Tromso, Norway

In Search of the Northern Lights at Christmas • L2437

  • Have the chance to see the Northern Lights during the festive season
  • Celebrate Christmas Day on board Balmoral
  • Experience the maritime tradition of crossing the Arctic Circle

Northern lights in Tromso, guests on tour

In Search of the Northern Lights • L2503A

  • Catch a glimpse of the magical Northern Lights in Norway
  • Cross the Arctic Circle on board Balmoral
  • Connect with nature and pristine Arctic landscapes

Dog sledding in Tromso, Norway

In Search of the Northern Lights • S2502

  • Explore the rugged Vesterålen archipelago and historic city of Bergen
  • Sail past Torghatten, the mountain with the hole through its centre

Reindeer sledding on our evening with the Sami tour, Norway

In Search of the Northern Lights • S2506

  • Witness the Northern Lights from the decks of Borealis
  • Learn about life in the Arctic in Tromsø
  • Marvel at the views from Mount Aksla in Ålesund

Tromso marina in Winter, Norway

In Search of the Northern Lights • S2507

  • Witness the magical Northern Lights from Borealis
  • Climb the steps to the top of Mount Aksla in Alesund

Showing 1 - 10 cruises

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As part of our Northern Lights cruises, our new programme of on board activities allows guests to discover real in-sights about the culture and nature of the places we are visiting, so you can arrive in each destination fully prepared to get the most out of of your visit.

Take a look at the below for a taste of the wonderful activities which may be available on each of our Northern Lights cruises:

The Aurora Borealis in Alta, Norway

Itinerary Insights

Our Journey Planners have carefully curated a programme of events throughout your cruise, with special guest speakers selected for their expertise and knowledge about local wildlife, culture and traditions, to give you a deeper understanding of each of the destinations we will be visiting. On all our Northern Lights cruises we will of course go in search of the elusive Aurora Borealis, and there will be plenty of opportunities to wrap up warm and join our team out on deck to hopefully catch a glimpse of Mother Nature's most imitable light show!

Snow capped Seven Sisters Mountain Range, Norway

Scenic Discoveries

Our Scenic Discoveries are designed to allow you to enjoy seeing the world from a unique perspective of our ship. On your cruise, soak up the scenic sights on offer on your unique itinerary - this could be the majestic peaks of the Seven Sisters Mountains, the astonishing natural wonder of Torghatten Mountain, or joining in the fun and festivities of a traditional ceremony out on deck as we cross into the Arctic Circle. 

Chef preparing Treats of the Regions dishes

Treats of the Region

As we explore your cruise itinerary together, you'll be able to sample various treats of the region in our on board restaurants - trying out local delicacies, with options for both lunch and dinner. Our talented Chefs and their teams will also provide cookery demonstrations throughout your cruise, where you will learn to recreate traditional dishes such as Lapskaus; a winter warming beef and vegetable stew, Kjøttkaker; famous Norwegian meatballs or even Serinakaker; a delicious butter cookie which is a staple in Norway at Christmas time.

Borealis Northern Lights

The Sky at Sea

There's very little in the natural world more beautiful than a clear night sky, sunrise or sunset seen from sea. Take the opportunity to wrap up warm with a hot chocolate in hand and head out on deck for a chance to catch a glimpse of the famously elusive Northern Lights!

Audience with Captain Jozo

The Ship and Sea

We know a lot of our guests are curious about what it takes to operate a cruise, or find out what it's like to call our cruise ships 'Home', so join us for our  Audience with... sessions and learn all about what life is like as a member of our Show Company team, or maybe a live Q&A session with the Captain himself! 

Taking a cruise to the Northern Lights is a special experience, offering the chance to see the colourful Aurora Borealis in the skies above your smaller ship. 

Read below to see what our lovely guests have said about our Northern Lights cruises.

"Lovely relaxing cruise beautiful scenery, a great chance to see the Northern Lights". Independent Feefo Review

"Some magical sailing from the Scottish Islands in perfect weather to the Northern Lights in Tromso". Independent Feefo Review

"We travelled to Norway with Fred. for the Northern Lights - it was fabulous!!" Independent Feefo Review

"Good ports of call and seeing the Northern Lights on two nights was fantastic". Independent Feefo Review

"Lovely ship, and we saw the Northern Lights display on a number of evenings". Independent Feefo Review

Fabulous cruise to see the Northern Lights!! Independent Feefo Review

Take a look at our gallery of fantastic photos taking on board our ships as we cruise to the Northern Lights. 

Beautiful view of the Northern Lights over Tromso

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iglu cruises northern lights

Moscow Sky Lights Up With Strange Glow After Explosion at Electrical Substation: Reports

N ew footage has emerged showing bright flashes lighting up the night sky in southern Moscow during the early morning hours of November 22.

Knewz.com has learned that there was an explosion at an electrical substation on the outskirts of Russia's capital city followed by an alleged power outage in "several" homes.

Video snippets, shared on Russian news channels like ASTRA , captured a series of flashes that caused the sky to change color. Smoke could also be seen rising from a building.

Corroborating the video, several Russian Telegram accounts reported an explosion near the south of Moscow and a subsequent fire at the Lyublino electrical substation, southeast of central Moscow, per Newsweek .

The local authorities from the area have since confirmed that an explosion occurred in the village of Molokovo, but they reassured the public that all vital facilities were operating as normal.

Russian outlet MSK1.ru reported the blaze at the substation and noted “several” power outages.

The town of Lytkarino, located to the southeast of Moscow, was one of the affected areas, as reported by the independent outlet, Meduza .

Additional power failures were reported in the southern Domodedovo section of the city. However, electricity was later restored to these areas.

One local resident speculated that a drone may have been responsible for the explosion, but additional sources are yet to support this theory.

Newsweek reported that messages on the ASTRA Telegram account run by independent Russian journalists showed residents near the substation panicking. One concerned Russian called it a "nightmare."

The incident follows an attack by Russia on a power station in southwestern Ukraine that left 2,000 people without electricity .

Knewz.com reported previously:

“ Russian forces launched a total of 38 Iranian-made Shahed-136/131 drones during the later hours of November 17 and 18.

The Ukrainian Air Force Command reported that 29 of these drones were shot down [...].

One civilian was injured as a result of the attack that targeted energy infrastructure in the southwestern Odesa Oblast.”

The assault came after repeated warnings by Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky that Russia would try to cripple its power grid as winter approaches.

Ukraine's leader warned that if Russia resorted to attacking its power utilities, it would respond in kind.

Ukraine has conducted numerous long-range aerial drone strikes on Moscow since May 2023.

Most recently on November 20, it was reported that one such incursion was intercepted close to the city, per Kyiv Post .

Moscow’s Mayor Sergei Sobyanin confirmed this and elaborated that the region's air defense systems intercepted the unmanned craft over the city of Elektrostal to the east of Moscow, as well as another over the Bogorodsky district, northeast of central Moscow.

The details of the recently surfaced video footage have yet to be independently verified.

The Moscow skyline lit up on November 22 causing panic. By: Meduza

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Sights of Elektrostal, Moscow region

Table of contents:, history of the city, park of culture and leisure, historical and art museum, october cultural center, kristall ice palace, memorial complex, museum and exhibition complex.

Sights of Elektrostal, Moscow region

2024 Author : Harold Hamphrey | [email protected] . Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:06

In the Moscow region there is a small cozy town Elektrostal. Its sights for the most part have no historical value due to the fact that the city has a relatively small history. But for a visiting tourist or city dweller, they will be of interest. There is something to see, where to go to have an exciting leisure time.

Today the population of the city is 158 thousand people. Until the beginning of the 20th century there were several small workers' settlements here. After the opening of the electrometallurgical and equipment factories, the place began to be called the natural boundary of Calm. The construction of the railway made this settlement accessible, and workers and families flocked here to earn money. In 1925, the station was named Elektrostal, and the rapid increase in population allowed the village to receive the status of a city.

attractions elektrostal photo

The founder of the city is a prominent Russian industrialist Nikolai Vtorov. It was he who opened the plant here, creating, in fact, a city-forming enterprise that is still operating. In Soviet times, it was a closed facility, and it was not easy to get to work here.

Today Elektrostal is a promising industrial city with a great future and a heroic past. It bears the proud name "City of Military and Labor Glory".

You can learn about the sights of Elektrostal with descriptions and photos here. There are places for walking, outdoor activities and cultural development.

sights of the electric steel of the Moscow region

Those who come to the city by train are met by a monument to the metallurgist. It was installed in November 2017 for the 100th anniversary of the Elektrostal plant. The attraction is made in the style of constructivism. The monument quickly won the love of the townspeople, because this city is supported by ordinary workers.

Elektrostal attractions photo with description

Elektrost altsy and the founding father of the plant, Nikolai Vtorov, are honored. In 2002, a monument was opened in honor of him, which became a landmark of the city of Elektrostal. The bronze sculpture is installed on the site where once stood a monument to the leader of the world proletariat, V. I. Lenin. Times change, characters change. Today, the plant, founded a century ago, is the largest in Russia. Vtorov himself, whose fortune was estimated at 60 million rubles in gold, according to Forbes magazine, was the owner of the largest capital at the beginning of the century. He was a banker, an industrialist, an entrepreneur, a man of action.

The monument was erected byinitiative of the townspeople who wished to perpetuate the monument to the great man.

One of the popular places for spending weekends and evenings among citizens and guests of the city is the Park of Culture and Leisure. Here you can ride attractions for children and adults, play slot machines, rollerblade or bike. The park is divided into two zones. Fans of unhurried walks in the fresh air make a promenade on the Quiet Alley, and those who prefer outdoor activities flock to the Entertainment Alley. The park has a summer stage, where concerts and cafes are regularly held.

Elektrostal attractions

Until 1999, there was no central museum among the attractions of Elektrostal in the Moscow Region. The expositions were exhibited in schools, the house of culture, in factory museums. The city was closed, so there was no large influx of tourists and visitors. The appearance of the historical and art museum made it possible for residents and guests of the city to learn a lot of useful information about their native land, the formation of the production process, and the difficult years of the war. The exposition consists of paintings by local artists, historical artifacts, household items, documents, books and much more. The collection is updated regularly. It also hosts outdoor exhibitions, which are always popular with the townspeople.

One of the main attractions of Elektrostal, the photo of which is available to almost every resident or visitor, is the Main Alley. On herpassers-by like to stroll along shady paths, townspeople rest by the fountain after a hard shift at the plant. Flower beds are the decoration of the alley. In 2006, a flower festival was held here for the first time, which has become traditional. Each enterprise of the city and private individuals give residents a real composition of fresh flowers, which pleases with bright colors all summer long. A riot of colors, aromas and a flight of fantasy reigns here. Walking through the park, you can see Snow White with a basket, a bright well, a multi-tiered cake made from fresh flowers, hearts of lovers or a fabulous house. It is almost impossible not to take a photo against the background of these compositions.

There is a cultural center in the city. It hosts performances by local creative teams and visiting stars, performances and circus performances.

In 1971, the ice palace "Crystal" was opened in the city. Almost immediately, a children's and youth hockey team was organized, which gained sports fame. This is the home sports arena for the Elektrostal hockey team. Matches of different levels are held on the ice.

There are sections for children who go in for hockey or figure skating. Citizens come here with their families to cheer for their favorite team or go ice skating.

Elektrostal is a city with a heroic past. During the war years, more than 12 thousand citizens came to the recruiting station and went to the front to defend their homeland. Almost 4 thousand of them did not return from the battle. To these heroesdedicated to the memorial complex with the inextinguishable Eternal Flame, opened in 1968

But the electricians took part in the war in Afghanistan and Chechnya. By decision of the city authorities, their memory is also immortalized in the memorial complex.

It has become a good tradition for newlyweds to lay flowers at this monument.

attractions of the city of Elektrostal

In 1999, a museum and exhibition complex was opened in the city, where, in addition to the exhibition hall, there are numerous circles for children, classes for young people, and a creative workshop. Various festivals, exhibitions, city holidays and other events are held within the walls and on the territory of the complex, which attract many spectators.

Elektrostal attractions

Listing the sights of Elektrostal, it is impossible not to mention the temples. There are several of them in the city: the church of St. John of Kronstadt, St. Andrew's Church, the hospital church of St. Panteleimon. Another new church is being built. In appearance, the temples look ancient, monumental, in the Novgorod style. But they were all built at the end of the 20th century.

Let there be no ancient artifacts among the sights of Elektrostal. But on the other hand, all of them are connected with the history of the city, with everyday work and military exploits of ordinary residents.

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iglu cruises northern lights

Refuelling underway at Russia’s floating NPP

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iglu cruises northern lights

The fresh fuel cassettes were delivered to Pevek by in special shipping containers along the Northern Sea Route in October by Rosatom’s fuel company TVEL and were immediately transferred aboard the FNPP. The manufacturer of nuclear fuel for all Russian nuclear icebreakers, as well as the Akademik Lomonosov, is the Mashinostroitelny Zavod (MSZ - part of TVEL) in Elektrostal, Moscow Region.

The loading of fresh fuel cassettes is being carried out into the reactor on the starboard side of the FNPP. Refuelling of the second reactor is planned for 2024. “When carrying out work to transship the nuclear fuel, all necessary measures were taken to meet radiation safety requirements,” said Alexey Fedotov, chief engineer at PATEC. “Before loading them into the reactor, each of the 121 fuel assemblies passed strict acceptance control. After a thorough check by specialists, all assemblies are sequentially placed in the reactor using automated crane equipment.” The reloading operation is planned to be completed before the end of this year. Maxim Shamambaev, the head of nuclear safety for the FNPP, said the radiation background in the region did not change during the work and remained at the natural background level for Pevek.

The installation of the FNPP in Chukotka aimed to solve two key problems. First it was to replace the retiring capacities of the Bilibino NPP, which began operating in1974, as well as the Chaunskaya thermal power plant, which is already more than 70 years old. Second, it was to supply energy to the main mining enterprises located in western Chukotka - a large ore and metal cluster, including gold mining companies and projects related to the development of the Baimskaya ore zone.

By the end of 2023, power generation to Pevek from the FNPP since it began operation in 2020 will total 200 GWh. The population of Pevek is just over 4,000. However, the plant can potentially provide electricity to a city with a population of up to 100,000.

Image courtesy of Rosatom

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iglu cruises northern lights

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