There's variety too - with cities, towns and remote villages boasting summer sunshine and also typical Arctic scenery. The seasons cause dramatic change in the region so it's key to choose your cruising date carefully. Below, we've summed up what each Autumn, Winter, Spring and Summer have to offer.
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Explore the best ways to see the Northern lights without air travel from the UK
Autumn
Autumn is peak hiking season in the fjords, with the temperatures at a comfortable level and the crowds dissipating. As you explore, you'll see the bounty of fresh produce in the forests and meadows ready for harvest. Continuing North, you'll also get to experience the snowy Arctic as the cold weather returns.
Winter
The fjords will be at their quietest and possibly most beautiful in winter as the scenery glistens under frost and snow. Excursions will change to dog sledding and snow shoe walks, but some of the best cruise memories will be made laying back, relaxing, with a coffee in hand, looking through the windows at mesmerising scenes. Other benefits include the possibility of a seeing the Northern Lights in Tromso, as well as orcas and whales in the open ocean. There are also Christmas markets dotted about in December, which look like a festive dream as the snowy landscapes play host to steaming mulled wine and marzipan laden treats. Those in Trondheim, Bergen and Oslo are definitely worth leaving the warmth of the ship for.
Spring
March in the fjords is an extension of winter, with outdoor snowy pursuits still very popular, but with slightly longer days. By April and May, the snow will begin to melt and the landscape comes alive with wildflowers and it's also when most businesses reopen from their winter break. In areas such as Honningsvag, high in the Arctic Circle, the snow remains, giving great contrast to the vistas and excursions on offer throughout your cruise.
Summer
June, July and August near the Arctic Circle are truly magical with the ‘midnight sun’ guaranteeing full days (and nights) of sunlight. This allows for longer excursions, with great options for adventurers such as kayaking and paddle boarding in Northern areas such as Alta. It's also possible to sail further into the fjords on some ships due to the melting glaciers, so there's more fantastic scenery to explore.
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