Autumn Cruise in Norway
Autumn along Norway’s coast is known as the season of colour. In September and October, brilliant reds, yellows and orange dominate the mountainsides, hilltops and woods. Astonishingly blue skies contrast against the highest peaks, white with the season´s first snows. The days grow shorter, the nights longer, and with luck, you´ll see the magical Northern Lights.
September and October are a very special time to cruise the Norwegian coastline with Hurtigruten. Many guests rate autumn as their overall favourite season to sail, and here's a few reasons why:
- Experience coastal Norway at its most naturally colourful
- Enjoy a more tranquil journey without summer crowds
- Encounter darker nights, with the chance to see the magnificent Northern Lights
- Enter the majestic Trollfjord and beautiful Hjørundfjord
Beginning of the Northern Lights season
As the nights grow longer, so do your chances for seeing the mesmerising Aurora Borealis lightshow. During autumn, the night skies at sea are so dark and full of stars that it is almost unbelievable. During the day, you´re treated to an absurdly colourful display of autumnal nature.
Laid back and leisurely
Autumn is also a more tranquil time to travel with Hurtigruten. The summer crowds dissipate, allowing you more leisurely time to take in the sights, enjoy the slower pace of life and the spectacular scenery passing by.
Fantastic fjords
During autumn, we make a detour into Hjørundfjord on the northbound route from Bergen to Kirkenes, and navigate the narrow passage into breathtaking Trollfjord on both the northbound and southbound journeys.
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1/5 In autumn we sail into the beautiful Hjørundfjord Photo: Erika Tiren Photo -
2/5 Enjoy the beautiful colours along the coast, exciting shore excursions and a chance of seeing the Northern Lights above the Arctic Circle Photo: Trym Ivar Bergsmo Photo
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5/5 Autumn sunset from MS Kong Harald Photo
Food stories from Norway
Fresh local food enhances the travel experience. It generates positive ripple effects in the local communities and inspires great stories about the places we visit. During autumn, we serve cloudberries out on deck. A woman in Finnmark handpicks and personally delivers the berries to our ships. Food experiences don’t get more real than this. You can also buy some of the products we serve in our on-board shops and take them home. That way the experience lingers.
Fresh autumn produce from Norway's Coastal Kitchen
Autumn is peak harvest time, which means it´s top foodie season at Hurtigruten. Our kitchens serve a great selection of fresh, locally sourced cuisine.
Seafood, meat, poultry, dairy products, condiments, foraged mushrooms and berries, and seasonal vegetables are all delivered directly to the ships, significantly reducing food miles and optimising the use of local port facilities.
Read more about the food on board.
Look and learn with the Expedition Team
Sit in on any number of lectures and presentations hosted by our Expedition Team, experts on all things Norway.
Autumn is also the perfect hiking season.
Join one of our exciting shore excursions, including seven different coastal hikes and tours through the historic cities of Trondheim and Tromsø.
Read more about the Expedition Team on board.
Autumn apparel - what to wear on a cruise to Norway
The coastal climate in autumn is generally mild, but as you sail further north it can get quite cold. In October, temperatures can even creep below 0 degrees in the northernmost areas, so make sure to pack warm clothes. It´s a good idea to bring along a woolly jumper, wind and waterproof jacket and trousers, a hat, gloves and light hiking boots.
The dress code on board the ship is casual and relaxed, so no need for a tie. But don't forget your camera - that should be with you at all times.
Mellow and magical
Autumn is a wonderful time to visit Norway. If you have always wanted to see the Norwegian coastline, the fabled fjords and the legendary Northern Lights, Hurtigruten´s autumn sailings present the perfect opportunity.
