- Lofoten Islands
- Vesterålen
- Tromsø
- Hammerfest
- North Cape (71°N)
- Wide coastal fjords rather than narrow inland fjords
- Long stretches of open sea between fjord systems
- Arctic islands and skerries
- Fishing villages and small ports used by supply ships
- Snow-covered mountains in winter, green coastal slopes in summer
- Changing light conditions, including polar night or midnight sun
- Season: roughly late September to March
- Viewing happens at night, from open decks
- No route guarantees aurora visibility
- Cloud cover and solar activity remain decisive