Cruise Scandinavia with Hurtigruten Signature Limited Collection

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

The aurora borealis dances across the night sky, illuminating rugged mountains and the calm, glistening sea below. — 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

a killer whale inspects the surroundings in Tromsø, Troms and Finnmark county, Norway — 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

Colourful, charming houses line Copenhagen’s canals. — 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

A lone figure takes in the breathtaking panorama of Norway’s 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

The rock art in Alta, hunting scene, Norway, UNESCO World Heritage Site - prehistoric paintings and stone carvings high in the north of Norway in August 12, 2011 — 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

Quaint houses showcasing Ålesund’s iconic Art Nouveau architecture. — 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.

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7. Meet reindeer at Europe’s northernmost edge

reindeer in tromso — 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

Traditional fisherman cottages in the snowy landscape under northern lights (aurora borealis), Lyngen Alps, Troms, Nord-Norge, Norway, Scandinavia — 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.

Wellbeing means different things to different travellers. Here’s how to pick a hotel that gets it right for you.

The best wellness holidays aren’t necessarily spent wrapped in a spa robe. Sometimes they’re found around a dinner table in Cambodia, on a hiking trail in New Zealand or after finally beating jet lag on the other side of the world. The hotel you choose is what makes them happen.

1. Easy access to good food

meals from Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20 — Taste delicious meals at Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20.

One of the quickest ways to derail healthy habits on holiday is to spend half of it working out where to eat instead of digging into the culture around you. Thankfully, Novotel has done much of the hard work already, with chefs building menus that lean into the flavours, ingredients and traditions of each destination.

In Sihanoukville, Cambodia, Korkor soup – often dubbed ‘Cambodian ratatouille’ – sits alongside raw blue crab dressed with lime and chilli, best enjoyed with views across the Gulf of Thailand.

In the lovingly chaotic city of Bangkok, the presence of food cranks up the sociability. At Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20, you can settle in with mango sticky rice and stranger-turned-friends beside the pool at Sky on 20 rooftop bar, or bring them along to tackle river prawns and stir-fried crab with holy basil at the buzzing Crab Paradise Dinner Buffet.

Then Novotel Dubai Al Barsha welcomes you with a laidback twist on the level of indulgence the Middle Eastern city is best known for up on Deck Se7en. Looking towards Burj Al Arab, the rooftop lounge has everything from Mediterranean-style dishes like seabass ceviche to Italian prosecco sundowners.

At the other end of the scale, in the hills that surround the Novotel Bali Ubud Resort, calm comes from nature. At Siralada restaurant, Balinese traditions shape the menu while thunder rumbles over the surrounding jungle – proving the setting is as nourishing as the food itself.

While at Novotel Nha Trang, chef Kieu Thi My Hanh and her team showcase Vietnam’s knack for balancing freshness, texture and fragrant herbs. Pho remains a favourite, while seafood salad with pomelo and mango brings those flavours together in one bright dish.

It’s all an approach backed by partnerships with expert food creators such as Alfie Steiner, whose plant-forward recipes prove healthy food should never taste plain.

2. Better sleep options

Novotel Bali Ubud Resort room — Sleep deeply with Novotel.

There are few travel experiences more disappointing than arriving in a new country, determined to seize the day, only to fall asleep fully clothed by 3pm.

For Australian travellers, jet lag is often an unavoidable part of the journey. That’s one reason Novotel runs sleep-focused initiatives that help guests adjust quickly without compromising on health. We’re talking partnerships with Sydney-based sleep specialist Olivia Arezzolo, known for her advice on everything from better sleep habits to beating jet lag, alongside features like pillow menus, in-room yoga content and tailored sleep guidance.

The sooner you’re operating on local time, the sooner you can get back to more pressing matters – like deciding which spa treatment to book.

3. More ways to move

woman hiking around queenstown new zealand — Stay at Novotel Queenstown Lakeside and explore local hiking trails. (Credit: GettyI mages/ naruedom)

Every place in the world has its own way of getting you moving: whether that’s hiking up ice-bitten mountains before a sauna or gentle stretching by the pool before a facial. From fitness centres to spas, Novotel recognises that wellbeing rarely looks the same.

At Novotel Queenstown Lakeside, activity is inescapable. Here, hiking trails, ski fields, bungee jumps, and white-water rafting have made the region famous. The hotel’s location on the shores of Lake Wakatipu means less time spent organising yourself and more time out there experiencing them. To top it all off, you can book a private hot tub for the evening before heading back into the wilderness tomorrow.

Bali, of course, takes a softer approach. At Novotel Bali Ubud Resort or Novotel Bali Nusa Dua, movement is less about conquering a mountain and more about a dance class between the tropical gardens and lagoon pools. Afterwards, the spa takes over, with traditional treatments like a Lulur body scrub: a combination of rice, turmeric, sandalwood, ginger and jasmine that’ll soothe muscles already relaxed by the Balinese heat.

4. Better connections

Kids will love a stay at Novotel Sharm El Sheikh.

One of the best things about travel is that it gives your family stories you’ll be telling for years. Novotel helps create them with activities that bring everyone together, whether that’s trying something new, learning a local skill, or simply spending more time together.

Go for a distinctly Thai twist at Novotel Phuket Vintage Park, where many of the family activities draw on local culture. Kids can try everything from beginner Thai boxing and language lessons to umbrella painting and – a pastime beloved by children the world over – pool foam parties. Everyone is welcome to join in, whether that’s getting splashed, covered in paint, or simply watching their children discover a new side of Thailand during the dedicated Family & Kids Day.

A different adventure awaits at Novotel Sharm El Sheikh. Kids could be perfectly content with discos, drawing classes and new holiday friends, but the Red Sea has other ideas. Sitting on the edge of Naama Bay, days here might involve snorkelling colourful reefs, taking a boat trip to Ras Mohammed National Park or heading into the desert by quad bike or camel for a Bedouin-style dinner beneath the stars.

5. Location is everything

Surin Beach, Choeng Thale, Thalang District, Phuket, Thaiföld — Explore Phuket’s gorgeous beaches. (Credit: Bence Biczo)

Everyone’s idea of wellness looks a little different. With more than 600 hotels across 65 countries, Novotel gives guests the freedom to choose the destination that suits them best. Whether that’s a beachside escape in Phuket, an alpine expedition in Queenstown or a city break in Bangkok, there’s a good chance a Novotel isn’t far away.

All that’s left? Choosing your version of wellbeing.

Discover stays to inspire your everyday at novotel.accor.com.

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