Intense northern lights, Aurora Borealis over Knivskjelloden Island, view from Nordkapp, North Cape, the most northern point of Europe, Finnmark, Norway

Destinations Europe Norway

Cunard recommends: The Arctic Circle

Experience the breathtaking beauty of Norwegian nature – from the world’s strongest whirlpool in the city of Bodø, to the traditional fishing village of Honningsvåg, the gateway to the North Cape, and the town of Narvik, known for being a great site to spot the Northern Lights.

4 min

Cunard

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Sights to see

Experience an adventure of a lifetime in the Arctic Circle. The northernmost circle of latitude on the globe, it encompasses eight countries of the Arctic region, including Norway – famous for the Northern Lights. Varying from faint wisps of colour in the clear night sky to grand shimmering curtains of light, the aurora borealis has captured imaginations since the dawn of time. The tall mountains and deep fjords of Narvik make this town a spectacular setting to be awestruck by the atmospheric light dance above you that’s regarded as the holy grail of skywatching.

Another natural phenomenon you will be awestruck by in venturing into the Arctic Circle is the midnight sun, and Mount Rønvikfjellet in Bodø and the North Cape are two of the best places to do just that. From the easily accessible Rønvikfjellet ridge, you get an amazing view out over the city centre to the distinct mountainous island of Landegode, with all of 42 inhabitants, and across the Vestfjord all the way to the Lofoten archipelago. From atop the steep cliff at the North Cape, there is nothing but open sea scenery between you and Svalbard, with the sun hovering on the horizon all night long.

Things to do

Having admired both the sky and sea, why not now explore a city? Just north of the Arctic Circle – squeezed between mountains, hills and the sea – is Bodø. Drive via the city’s bustling harbour area for a tour of its main sights, the first being Bodø Domkirke (Cathedral). On its exterior, the unusual yet striking structure – shaped like an inverted ship’s hull – has a soaring tower and spire and was one of the first churches in Norway to have a detached steeple. A rose window, a 12m stained-glass window and ten tapestries adorn its beautiful interior. Then there’s the contemporary City Hall – integrating two existing edifices with a crystalline stone new-build, catching the dramatic changing light conditions north of the polar circle – and the quaint Bodin Church. Located in scenic surroundings and dating from medieval times, this is the main church of the Bodin congregation and the oldest in Bodø.

Not to be missed while in Bodø is Saltstraumen, the world’s strongest maelstrom (whirlpool). On one of our tours, cross Saltstraumen Bridge – the best place to witness this whirlpool phenomenon. When the tidal current is at its strongest, up to 400 million tonnes of seawater force their way through the narrow strait at speeds reaching 25 miles per hour, creating maelstroms up to 32ft wide and 16ft deep.

For postcard-perfect scenery dotted with quaint, colourful houses which overlook the peaceful Barents Sea, the traditional fishing village of Honningsvåg is well known as the gateway to the iconic North Cape, where its symbol – the Globe Monument, housed at North Cape Hall – marks the end point of Europe and is a treasured photography spot.

Saltstraumen bridge in Norway during summer day; Shutterstock ID 490883614; Invoice Number: -

Local flavours

Unsurprisingly, given the long coastline, Norway produces a lot of fish for consumption, with the export of seafood being one of its biggest industries. There’s also a heavy emphasis on using the best raw ingredients that are in season.

Whether it’s for breakfast, lunch or a snack, in Norway there’s always time for smørrebrød. Essentially an open-faced sandwich – with hundreds of combinations of toppings, including meat, fish, eggs and cheese – it doesn’t get much more ubiquitous in Norwegian cuisine. It’s also easily transportable, making it very easy to satiate your hunger as a travelling tourist.

Another traditional Norwegian offering, and the country’s national dish, is a lamb or mutton stew called fårikål. Consisting of the simple combination of meat on the bone, cabbage, whole black pepper and occasionally wheat flour, the stew’s ingredients simmer together for hours in a casserole dish and are typically served with potatoes boiled in their skins, resulting in a hearty meal.

Many visitors to Norway try reindeer while they’re here – it is an exceptionally lean red meat with a gamey flavour that is much milder than venison. With the vast majority raised by traditional Sami herders in the north of the country, you’ll find this menu offering to be more prevalent the further north you go. And, as they’re effectively wild, they are a sustainable and healthy option for meat-eaters.

Male hands taking the legs of a crab at the Bergen fish market, Norway.

Places to shop

Located in the centre of Bodø, housing 46 shops and eateries spread over five floors, Koch Shopping Centre has both big-name brands and small local businesses, bringing together something for every shopper.

For a more homely touch, the North Cape Christmas and Winter House is open all year round and is a craft shop inside a tiny but cosy cottage. Stocked with arts and crafts, which the residents of the island Magerøya and neighbouring regions produce, and offering a wide selection of knitwear, skincare, textiles, ceramics and cards, this special house is a charming choice to shop for your seasonal gifts… and much more.

You can book your voyage to the Arctic Circle online today, and purchase your Shore Experiences via My Cunard (accessible once you have your booking reference).

Article first published in Cunarder (Winter 2023 edition).