[2] The middle mast was taken out to improve stability during World War II, when the vessel was in the service of Nazi Germany's Kriegsmarine and named Flensburg.

It was used as a workers' hostel for a time, and from 1967 to 1986, as a clubhouse for the sailing association Möltenorter Seglerkameradschaft at Heikendorf.

[2][3] In 1991, the vessel was found in Leeuwarden, Netherlands, Ted van Broeckhuysen and Gert Ritzema.

Ten cabins provide accommodation for up to 20 passengers, and two rigid-hulled inflatable boats are carried to enable close-up viewing of wildlife and landscapes in otherwise inaccessible areas.

Between 2002 and 2015, Noorderlicht was intentionally ice-locked at Tempelfjorden, Svalbard, during the winter months to provide base-camp accommodation for Arctic journeys.