8 experiences you can only have in Scandinavia (and 3 new ways to get there)

Dramatic fjords, Arctic cities and a wealth of thrilling snow adventures; when it comes to travelling Scandinavia, these experiences are just the tip of the iceberg.

Chasing the Northern Lights beneath an inky sky or observing wildlife in snow-dusted forests. Exploring towering fjords that carve through a wild coastline, or lingering over menus in Michelin-star restaurants. From nature and culture to cuisine and cosy hygge, Scandinavia delivers it all. And three new Signature Limited Collection voyages from Hurtigruten offer new ways to explore it.

Sailing in spring, autumn and winter 2027–2028, Hurtigruten’s Signature Limited Collection voyages offer a deeper, more personal way to experience this northern European gem. Each all-inclusive adventure offers longer itineraries in port, world-class dining in multiple restaurants and unlimited selected drinks. The key attractions? Consider these a mere taste of what’s to come.

1. Marvel at the Northern Lights

Catch the magic of the aurora. (Image: Johny Goerend)

Cosy up and settle in to watch aurora borealis, the greatest light show in the world, when ribbons of green and purple dance across the sky. With Hurtigruten’s 12-day The Arctic Line itinerary there’s no need to settle for frostbite, unlike land tours; as you cruise between Copenhagen and Tromsø via icy fjords and glittering landscapes, you can stay warm and relaxed until the crew lets you know the light show is beginning.

What’s more, Hurtigruten is so committed to getting all guests a glimpse of the Northern Lights that they’ll gift an Original voyage free of charge for anyone who misses out during an aurora sailing, thanks to their Northern Lights Promise.

2. Observe orcas in their natural habitat

Watch orcas glide by. (Image: Getty/ Cavan Images)

Arctic foxes and wolverines make for regular sightings around Altafjord, but it’s hard to match the raw power of watching pods of orcas and humpback whales as they slice through Arctic water surrounded by snow-covered mountains.

Whale watching along the coast of Alta is a key feature of Hurtigruten’s eight-day The Arctic Circle Explorer itinerary. This Tromsø-return voyage includes scenic cruising of the Lofoten Islands’ ice-gripped fjords, as well as a host of adventures like sledding and snowshoeing.

3. Embrace Copenhagen cool

Take a quiet moment in Copenhagen. (Image: Jacob Buchhave)

Welcome to a world where cutting-edge design sits alongside opulent royal palaces, elegant parks and candy-coloured harbour houses. In Copenhagen it’s not only possible, but encouraged, to visit world-class museums, feast on Nordic cuisine and do a cycle tour through the city all in one day.

Keen to explore the 17th-century houses of Nyhavn or stroll Tivolo Gardens? Hurtigruten’s The Arctic Line itinerary kicks off or ends in Denmark’s historic city and features a visit to the charming city of Bergen, as well as an overnight stay (igloo optional and recommended) in Alta.

4. Sail through the western fjords

Take in the breathtaking Western Fjords. (Image: Mareks Steins)

This is the Norwegian adventure dreams are made of. Jagged and oh-so-steep cliffs rocket straight out of mirror-still water, waterfalls tumble from improbable heights, and tiny villages cling to the cliff edges.

Hurtigruten’s seven-day The Inner Fjords Explorer (Bergen return) takes in the two UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord, and also treats travellers to the beauty of Sognefjord, Lysefjord, Hardangerfjord and Nordfjord.

5. Check out UNESCO-listed rock carvings

Appreciate prehistoric paintings up close. (Image: Getty/ Lumir Pecold)

Taking a step back to Scandinavia 4200 BC is as easy as visiting Alta, known as the gateway to the Indigenous Sámi heartlands. Here, high above the Arctic Circle, thousands of UNESCO-listed Alta rock carvings – created by hunter-gatherer communities – tell stories of local life, offering modern-day visitors a glimpse into Arctic life thousands of years ago.

Etched into smooth rock surfaces that slope gently towards the fjord, the best way to see them is through Hurtigruten’s The Arctic Circle Explorer itinerary, which also includes an overnight stay in Alta and complete Finnmark wilderness immersion.

6. Experience charming village life

Feel the local way of life. (Image: James Obernesser)

Literature goes to great lengths to articulate the beauty of the villages dotting Norway’s inner fjords. It discusses the region’s ancient stave churches, the fragrant orchards of Rosendal, Ålesund’s Art Nouveau architecture and the traditions shaped by sea and seasons. Few pieces, however, mention the wonder of seeing goats munching leaves on roofs (particular to this part of the world).

Discover this local village life with Hurtigruten’s The Inner Fjords Explorer itinerary, which cruises Bergen return. Take in a host of quaint villages framed by waterfalls and mountains, each one in possession of a striking trail just begging to be hiked.

7. Meet reindeer at Europe’s northernmost edge

Meet the locals. (Credit: Yihang Li Ciu)

It isn’t unusual for those travelling above the Arctic Circle to witness herds of reindeer grazing along the tundra, or, in the wintertime, moving across snowy plateaus.

Hurtigruten’s The Arctic Circle Explorer itinerary offers guests a chance to get closer to the local culture with many shore excursions, including visits to Sámi communities where you can learn about reindeer herding and the deep cultural significance of the animals. The cherry on top? The itinerary also includes a visit to North Cape, Europe’s northernmost edge, where the land meets the sea.

8. Experience Norway’s Arctic capital

Embrace Norway’s natural splendour. (Image: Getty/ Paolo Graziosi)

A city where you can see the Northern Lights, spot whales gliding effortlessly around fjords and experience Sámi culture, all while enjoying a lively cafe scene and striking modern architecture? It’s a breathtaking promise, but one that Tromsø delivers like it’s no big deal.

A visit to The Polar Museum, catching the Fjellheisen cable car up Mt Storsteinen for panoramic views, or checking out the modernist Arctic Cathedral: it’s all on your doorstep with Hurtigruten’s The Arctic Line itinerary.

Discover your perfect Hurtigruten Signature Limited Collection voyage at hurtigruten.com.