Ten Otherworldly Places to View the Unobstructed Night Sky
Orkney Islands, Scotland
The capital of the Orkney Islands, Kirkwall, is a Viking town at heart, known for the fierce spirit of its people. Here you can visit historic sites and beaches, and immerse yourself in the town's unique wealth of history. This rugged archipelago in northern Scotland is also an ideal spot from which to view the clear night sky in all its splendor. But first, catch the sunset to enjoy a light show of stunning pinks and blues.
To stop in Orkney, as well as iconic ports in Ireland, Wales, and England, sail on British Isles Explorer with Viking.
West Indies
From Puerto Rico to St. Lucia and all of the islands in between, this colorful stretch of the Caribbean has a myriad of activities and sight-seeing adventures for every type of traveler. Each island has its own rich culture and unspoiled scenery. While summers are warm and long, winters boast few clouds and warm, dry nights, making the West Indies a coveted location for stargazing.
Discover a new island each day and gaze upon the starlit Caribbean sky each night on West Indies Explorer with Viking.
Gulf of Alaska
Surrounded by remote wilderness and glacier-carved mountains, the Gulf of Alaska is home to a particularly clear view of the stars above. Take a cruise through this unique region to see the coastline, which consists of Glacier Bay National Park and scenic ports such as Juneau, Sitka and Seward.
See Alaska’s dramatic fjords, breathtaking icy peaks, and clear night skies on Alaska & the Inside Passage with Viking.
Crossing the Atlantic
A trip from Buenos Aires, Argentina to Barcelona, Spain opens up a world of wonder to any traveler. These vibrant cities, and everything in between, offer cultural immersion, architectural wonders, and some of the best viewing to catch the stars at night. As you sail the South Atlantic Ocean, enjoy some of the darkest, clearest skies in the world—perfect for catching a view of the Milky Way.
Call on Africa en route from South America to Europe and take in magnificent views of the night sky on Southern Atlantic Crossing with Viking.
The Chilean Fjords
A visit to this spectacular area should be at the top of your travel list. Here, you can find beaches teeming with wildlife such as elephant seals, unique national parks, and ice-blue glaciers. For centuries, seafarers journeyed along the sheltered waters of the Chilean fjords, navigating by the stars of the Southern Hemisphere.
Take in spectacular natural wonders and luminous starry skies on South America & the Chilean Fjords with Viking.
Ísafjördur, Iceland
Nestled at the foot of dramatic mountain slopes on a spit of sand, ĺsafjördur and its surrounding seas provide the perfect backdrop for the nighttime sky. Manifold travelers make the trek to Iceland just for a chance to glimpse the aurora borealis. The best time to catch this majestic showing is between the fall and winter months, from September to February. Don’t forget to stop in ĺsafjördur, where you can find the nation’s oldest fishing village.
Encounter stunning landscapes, myriad wildlife, and ethereal stargazing on Iceland’s Majestic Landscapes with Viking.
Tasman Sea
The Tasman Sea, about 1,200 miles long, was named after a Dutch sailor who navigated the body of water in 1642. Sailing these pristine waters between New Zealand and Australia, you’ll find uninterrupted views of the sky that are vastly different from those seen in the Northern Hemisphere. Don’t forget to catch a glimpse of a colorful sunset as you sail through this remarkable corner of the world.
Gaze upon southern skies and explore Tasmania, Australia, and New Zealand on Australia & New Zealand with Viking.
Swiss Alps, Switzerland
Far from big-city lights, the Swiss Alps boast stunning scenery by day and starlit skies by night. Generally the portion of the Alps that sits within Switzerland is covered in snow and ice, making the area famous for mountain climbing and skiing.
Marvel at alpine wonders and twinkling stars along the picturesque Rhine River when you sail on Paris to the Swiss Alps with Viking.
Tuscany, Italy
With its rolling vistas, the beautiful Tuscan countryside is perfect for daytime exploration and nighttime stargazing. Whether you’re venturing to Chianti for a wine tasting or heading to San Gimignano to view the still-standing medieval towers, be sure to take a moment as the sun sets to view the clear night skies.
To explore Tuscany and other historic Mediterranean ports, travel on Mediterranean Odyssey with Viking.
The South Pacific
Journey from the French Polynesian islands to Fiji to enjoy sun-filled days and warm evenings. At night, gaze at the South Pacific skies and spot the same brilliant constellations that early explorers used to navigate their way.
Sail the South Seas and admire brilliant Polynesian skies on South Pacific & the Land Down Under with Viking.