Chasing the Northern Lights: Anil’s Thrillophilia-Powered Adventure in Norway

Norway had always been a dream— the land of fjords, the midnight sun, and, of course, the elusive Northern Lights. When I finally booked my trip through Thrillophilia, I knew I was in for an adventure of a lifetime. What I didn’t expect was how deeply this country would leave its mark on me.

Oslo: A City of Contrasts

My Norwegian escapade began in Oslo, the capital city that blends modernity with history in the most effortless way. I checked into a cosy boutique hotel near Karl Johans gate and wasted no time heading to the Viking Ship Museum. Standing before the towering wooden ships, I could almost hear the echoes of ancient Norse warriors sailing into the unknown.

From there, I wandered through Aker Brygge, a lively waterfront lined with cafés and art galleries. The sunset painted the Oslofjord in hues of orange and pink, and I found myself sipping on a warm cup of Norwegian hot chocolate, watching the ferries glide across the water.

A highlight of my Oslo visit was the Holmenkollen Ski Jump— an iconic landmark offering breathtaking views of the city. Even though I wasn’t brave enough to try the simulator that mimicked a ski jump, I stood at the top, imagining what it would be like to launch into the Norwegian sky.

Bergen: The Gateway to the Fjords

Next, I took the scenic Bergen Railway, one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world. The landscapes outside my window transformed from cityscapes to snowy mountains, deep valleys, and frozen lakes.

Bergen, Norway’s second-largest city, felt like a page out of a fairytale. Bryggen Wharf, with its colourful wooden buildings, looked straight out of a postcard. I strolled through the old Hanseatic quarter, listening to stories of merchants who once ruled the sea trade.

One of the things that I enjoyed the most in Bergen, was the Fløibanen Funicular, which took me up to Mount Fløyen. From the top, I could see the whole city, wrapped in mist, with the fjords stretching endlessly into the horizon. I even met a few friendly Norwegian mountain goats, who seemed entirely unfazed by human presence.

But the real adventure began the next day— a full-day Norwegian fjord cruise through the Nærøyfjord and Aurlandsfjord, both UNESCO-listed wonders. The sheer cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and deep blue waters were so mesmerizing, that I forgot to take photos for a while and just absorbed the moment.

Flåm: A Train Journey Through Time

From Bergen, I took the Flåm Railway, one of the steepest and most scenic train rides in the world. The train moved past frozen rivers, tiny villages, and snow-covered peaks. At Kjosfossen Waterfall, the train stopped, and a mysterious Norwegian folk song started playing through the speakers. A woman dressed as a "Huldra"— a mythical forest spirit— appeared near the waterfall, dancing to the music. It was eerie, magical, and unlike anything I had ever experienced.

In Flåm, I indulged in the best cinnamon buns at a local bakery and visited the Ægir Brewery, famous for its Viking-style craft beer. I was beginning to realize that Norway wasn’t just about landscapes; it was about stories, traditions, and flavours that lingered long after you left.

Tromsø: Chasing the Northern Lights

After days of travelling through fjords and mountains, I finally reached Tromsø, the Arctic capital of Norway. The excitement of seeing the Northern Lights was all-consuming, but first, I explored the charming town.

I visited the Arctic Cathedral, a stunning modern structure that looked like it was sculpted from ice. Then, I took the Fjellheisen Cable Car, which offered a panoramic view of Tromsø— a city that looked like it was dusted with powdered sugar under the Arctic twilight.

Then came the night I had been waiting for. Bundled up in thermal layers, I joined a Northern Lights safari. We drove deep into the Arctic wilderness, away from city lights, and waited. Hours passed, the cold seeped into my bones, and I started to wonder if the lights would ever appear.

And then— magic.

A green ribbon of light flickered across the sky, growing brighter, swirling, dancing. More colours joined— shades of violet and blue weaving through the darkness. It was otherworldly like the sky itself was alive. I stood there, speechless, realizing that no photograph could ever capture the feeling of standing beneath the Aurora Borealis.

The Final Chapter: Dog Sledding and Saying Goodbye

My last day in Norway was spent in true Arctic fashion— on a dog sledging adventure with a team of enthusiastic huskies. As they pulled the sled through a snow-covered valley, the silence was surreal, broken only by the sound of paws against the ice. My guide, a Norwegian musher, shared stories about the bond between the dogs and their owners, and I felt a deep appreciation for this age-old Arctic tradition.

As I flew back home, my heart felt full. Norway had given me stories— stories of Vikings and trolls, of fjords and midnight skies, of warm cinnamon buns and cold Arctic nights.

And as I closed my eyes on the plane, I knew one thing for certain— this was not goodbye. Norway was the kind of place that called you back, again and again. And one day, I would return.

Read More: Thrillophilia Norway Reviews