See the Northern Lights on Norway’s western coast

Endless skies, snow-capped mountains, sheer-sided fjords, ribbon-like waterfalls and emerald green meadows ablaze with wildflowers – all combine to make Norway’s Fjordland one of the world’s most beautiful and serene cruising routes. And the water is one of the best vantage points from which to admire the view from.

Dozens of ships sail here in summer, visiting a selection of fjords, each one different. On a typical cruise, you might visit the Sognefjord, which twists and turns deep into the mountains, dotted with tiny villages, while the narrow Geirangerfjord is one of the most dramatic. At each stop, there’s an enticing menu of bucket list adventures on offer (see recommendations below) – like the long hike from Stavanger to the high granite block of Pulpit Rock, soaring nearly 2,000 feet over Lysefjord. In the autumn and spring, you may get to see the Northern Lights.

Any lover of the outdoors would appreciate the beauty and serenity of a Norwegian fjords voyage. The joy is that you can be as active as you like – or simply enjoy the scenery from the ship.

The 2,400km coastline between Bergen and Kirkenes is one of the world’s most dramatic – studded with astonishing fjords of geological grandeur, alpine mountains, and picturesque rural settlements. Days at sea take on a dreamy quality as you drift past snow-covered mountains and fjords.

But while the fjord-indented west coast appeals for its tranquility and scenery, there’s a vibrant cultural scene in the towns you’ll visit along the way. There’s also a host of thrilling bucket list outdoor pursuits on offer, from snowmobiling to husky dog sledding, kayaking on a fjord to hiking up a mountain for show-stopping views

Go from October to March for the opportunity to see the magnificent Northern Lights.

This rural science centre provides both an excellent vantage point for viewing and informative lectures about the science of the lights. It’s run by a friendly Dutch couple who man a collection of astronomic instruments that determine exactly when the Aurora is about to strike.