New Travel Packages to Norway Highlight the Magic of the Northern Lights

NEW YORK, NY–(Marketwire – November 24, 2010) – The Northern Lights have mesmerized travelers from all over the world for generations. The optimal viewing time in Norway for the scientific phenomenon known as Aurora Borealis — caused by particles from the sun and space colliding with gases in the earth’s atmosphere — is in February and March, when the colorful bands of light are particularly brilliant. Innovation Norway — a governmental entity that promotes Norwegian industry and Norway as a tourist destination — is inviting Americans to experience the wonder of the Northern Lights through new travel packages and an online marketing campaign.

Because of their proximity to the magnetic north pole, the coasts of the Norwegian counties of Nordland, Troms and Finnmark are prime destinations for viewing the Aurora Borealis. Borton Overseas is offering the following Northern Lights travel itineraries:

• Winter Delights includes a smorgasbord of winter activities in the Tromsø region in Northern Norway. Visitors will undertake winter adventures such as hunting for the Northern Lights, dogsledding and reindeer sledding trips, horseback riding, snowshoeing, skiing, snowmobiling and fishing. There are also opportunities to experience Sami culture and traditions, take a city walk, and visit a Norwegian home. Packages start at $1,921 per person.

• Top of Norway includes a Hurtigruten cruise that takes you from Tromsø to Kirkenes, the northernmost point on the Hurtigruten itinerary. Kirkenes is home to the SnowHotel, where travelers will enjoy one night of unique accommodation. The package includes a King Crab safari, dogsledding and snowmobiling, Packages start at $2,651 per person.

• Inland and Coast of Norway includes a winter journey the entire length of Norway. Travelers will go from Oslo through the Gudbrandsdal valley by train and witness the stunning winter landscapes of mountains and valleys. In Trondheim, they board the legendary Hurtigruten for a northbound voyage along the rugged coastline to the Arctic Capital of Tromsø, and disembark for an adventure such as dogsledding. Continuing the voyage to Kirkenes, the northernmost point on the Hurtigruten itinerary, participants spend a night in the SnowHotel, and experience a King Crab safari and the arctic lifestyle. Packages start at $3,051 per person.

Innovation Norway features these travel packages on its website — http://www.visitnorway.com/us/mynorthernlights/, along with tips for how and where to see the Northern Lights in Norway and other activities to enjoy on a vacation there. 

Also on the website, Americans can “paint the sky” using their computer mouse to create their own personal Aurora Borealis, choosing from interchangeable backgrounds and evocative sound tracks to enhance the light show. Participants can save their personal Northern Lights and enter to win exciting vacation activities provided by the fashion line Moods of Norway and outdoor gear provider Bergans of Norway such as: a husky sleigh safari, a Hurtigruten cruise, ice sculpting, a king crab safari with ice and deep-sea fishing, cross country skiing or snowshoeing and relaxing in a hot tub under the stars. Participants are also invited to share their personal light show via Twitter, Facebook or email. 

“Travelers across the globe are captivated by the Northern Lights — it has an enchanting allure that is simply magical,” commented Beate Gran, project manager, Innovation Norway. “Norway is one of the best places on earth to view the Aurora Borealis and we are excited to once again welcome travelers to witness this incredible lights show. We hope our personalized campaign and new travel offers inspire Americans to take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime experience.”

To create a custom Northern Lights show, or to book Norway travel packages, visit www.visitnorway.com/us/mynorthernlights.

ABOUT INNOVATION NORWAY
In 2004, Innovation Norway took over the tasks of the Norwegian Industrial and Regional Development Fund, the Norwegian Trade Council, the Government Consultative Office for Inventors and the Norwegian Tourist Board. Innovation Norway offers products and services to help develop the regions, increase innovation in industry throughout Norway, and promote Norwegian industry and Norway as a tourist destination. With offices in all Norwegian counties and in more than 30 countries worldwide, Innovation Norway’s staff has knowledge of local and international factors that help turn its customers’ ideas into business successes.

Click here to see all recent news from this company