Northern Lights Adventure In Norway - Glittering Celestial Poetry

With its centre located on the island of Tromsø, the municipality of Tromsø is more than five times the size of Norway’s capital, Oslo, and is the world’s northernmost university city. Lying 200 miles inside the Arctic Circle, it is known as the 'Gateway to the Arctic' because it was used as a starting point for hunters looking for Arctic foxes, polar bears and seals. In the 19th century it was a base for explorers on Arctic expeditions – a history that is remembered in the city’s Polar Museum, which you can visit on an excursion. Also commemorated in the area is the history of Norway’s indigenous people, the Sami. Visitors can learn about the traditions, heritage and modern preservation of the Sami culture at the Tromsø Museum. Nowadays, Tromsø is a charming mix of old and new, with wooden buildings sitting alongside contemporary architecture such as the impressive glacier-like Arctic Cathedral, which features one of the largest stained glass windows in Europe. Looking down on the city is Mount Storsteinen, and a cable car runs to the top, giving wonderful views over the surrounding countryside of forested peaks and reindeer pastures.

White landscapes, deep snow and frozen lakes in remote forests – in winter, nature in northern Europe can be experienced in a completely new way and particularly intensively during a wide range of outdoor activities. Come on board the HANSEATIC nature and fulfil your dream of an extraordinary cruise along Norway’s coast. The Northern Lights – which, with a bit of luck, you’ll be able to marvel at from the deck in clear weather – will be a constant reminder of the beauty of nature. As you cruise off the North Cape, let your gaze wander over Norway’s winter landscape in joyful anticipation of your cruise. What a way to start your adventure.

The remotely located old mining town of Kirkenes lies on the wide Pasvik river and it will be your starting point for further fabulous winter experiences. Embark on a king crab safari1 via snowmobile to the fishing baskets of these impressive animals. Alternatively, experience the beautiful nature on a snowshoe hike1 or from a dog sleigh1. The nearby Snowhotel 3651, by contrast, is all about impressive snow architecture, fascinating ice sculptures and atmospheric lighting. And time and again, the many open deck areas of your expedition ship become observation platforms at night when the Northern Lights dance across the sky.

Kirkenes is a small town in the North-East of Norway, bordering both Russia and Finland, located only 250 miles away from the Arctic Circle. Known for its wildlife, beautiful scenery and winter sports activities, Kirkenes has a kind of fantastical charm.

The maritime centre of the North Cape region, Honningsvag, offers a picturesque contrast between colourful houses and rugged landscape. A particular highlight is the ambience at the North Cape1, the most northerly point on the European mainland. The term winter sports will take on a whole new meaning – on a snowshoe hike with ice fishing1.

Searching in 1553 for a northeast passage to India, British navigator Richard Chancellor came upon a crag 307 yards above the Barents Sea. He named the jut of rock North Cape, or Nordkapp. Today Europe's northernmost point is a rite-of-passage journey for nearly all Scandinavians and many others. Most cruise passengers visit Nordkapp from Honningsvåg, a fishing village on Magerøya Island. The journey from Honningsvåg to Nordkapp covers about 35 km (22 miles) across a landscape characterized by rocky tundra and grazing reindeer, which are rounded up each spring by Sami herdsmen in boats. The herdsmen herd the reindeer across a mile-wide channel from their winter home on the mainland. Honningvåg's northerly location makes for long, dark winter nights and perpetually sun-filled summer days. The village serves as the gateway to Arctic exploration and the beautiful Nordkapp Plateau, a destination that calls to all visitors of this region. Most of those who journey to Nordkapp (North Cape), the northernmost tip of Europe, are in it for a taste of this unique, otherworldly, rugged yet delicate landscape. You'll see an incredible treeless tundra, with crumbling mountains and sparse dwarf plants. The subarctic environment is very vulnerable, so don't disturb the plants. Walk only on marked trails and don't remove stones, leave car marks, or make campfires. Because the roads are closed in winter, the only access is from the tiny fishing village of Skarsvåg via Sno-Cat, a thump-and-bump ride that's as unforgettable as the desolate view.

You will have plenty of time in Alta for extensive explorations of the region: discover the landscape of northern Norway, for example, on a dog sleigh ride1 through enchanted forests or go on an active snowshoe hike1. A fat bike tour1 across the snow and ice or a reindeer sleigh ride1 are also on the programme. On a visit to the Sami1, you can immerse yourself more deeply in their tradition and way of life during a cosy get-together around the campfire. The only way of getting to know the culture even more intensively is by spending the night in a husky camp1. A winter fairy tale will come true when you check into the magical Igloo Hotel1. Incredibly, the bedrooms are carved entirely out of ice.

People have been attracted to the community of Alta for thousands of years, and prehistoric rock carvings discovered in 1973 can be seen at the Alta Museum. Situated at the head of the Altafjord, it is a lush, green and hospitable shelter in the otherwise cold and windswept Finnmark landscape. Halfway between the grim, barren mountain plateau and the wet, stormy coast, Alta offers tree-clad valleys, pleasant temperatures and no more rain than the Sahara. However at 70 degrees North it is quite a different story in winter, when heavy snowfalls and sub-zero temperatures are the order of the day, and clear dark night skies become the arena for dazzling displays of the elusive Aurora Borealis, also referred to as 'the temperamental lady' by Laplanders. The world’s first Northern Lights Observatory, which played an important role in the development of geophysical and meteorological research during the first half of the 20th century, is located just 12 miles from Alta. Perched atop Haldde Mountain, it towers almost 3,000 feet above Kafjord, where the battleship Tirpitz was based during the Second World War.

People have been attracted to the community of Alta for thousands of years, and prehistoric rock carvings discovered in 1973 can be seen at the Alta Museum. Situated at the head of the Altafjord, it is a lush, green and hospitable shelter in the otherwise cold and windswept Finnmark landscape. Halfway between the grim, barren mountain plateau and the wet, stormy coast, Alta offers tree-clad valleys, pleasant temperatures and no more rain than the Sahara. However at 70 degrees North it is quite a different story in winter, when heavy snowfalls and sub-zero temperatures are the order of the day, and clear dark night skies become the arena for dazzling displays of the elusive Aurora Borealis, also referred to as 'the temperamental lady' by Laplanders. The world’s first Northern Lights Observatory, which played an important role in the development of geophysical and meteorological research during the first half of the 20th century, is located just 12 miles from Alta. Perched atop Haldde Mountain, it towers almost 3,000 feet above Kafjord, where the battleship Tirpitz was based during the Second World War.

Wondrous skerry landscape, stockfish archipelago or expeditionary territory – however you choose to describe the Lofoten Islands, they form a contrast of dramatic landscapes and idyllic fishing villages with the main town of Svolvaer. On starry winter nights, there is a good chance of admiring the Northern Lights in the sky. Will the mystical celestial phenomenon make an appearance?

Svolvær is widely regarded as the Capital of Lofoten and is the administrative center of Vågan Municipality in Nordland county, Norway. It is one of the most famous and picturesque towns in the Lofoten archipelago, celebrated for its dramatic natural surroundings and vibrant cultural life.

Key features and activities include:

• Location and Landscape: Svolvær is situated on the island of Austvågøya and is surrounded by a breathtaking landscape of steep mountains, including the iconic Svolværgeita (The Svolvær Goat) peak, and numerous small islands, which are typical of the Lofoten Wall.

• Maritime Hub: The town is a major port of call for coastal voyages, a feature confirmed by its inclusion in various cruise line schedules. It is a central base for exploring the surrounding islands and fjords.

• Fishing and Culture: Svolvær has a deep connection to Norway's fishing heritage. You can explore the town's in-depth fishing history, including the importance of the dried fish industry, and visit local art galleries and cultural sites.

• Tourist Center: The Destination Lofoten AS official Tourist Board is based in Svolvær, making it the ideal base for visitors interested in the region's activities, such as sailing along the Lofoten Wall.

With 370 km2 (143 mi.2), the Svartisen glacier is the second-largest glacier in Norway – a true work of art created by nature. Enjoy the unique scenery with glacial lake and mountains as well as the clear winter air. You will also have the opportunity to hike to the tongue of ice.

Svartisen Glacier is one of the largest and most stunning glaciers in Norway, located just inside the Arctic Circle in Nordland County. It actually consists of two main ice masses—Vestisen (the western glacier) and Østisen (the eastern glacier).

This glacier is famous for its striking blue ice, which forms due to the dense compression of snow over many years, removing air bubbles and allowing light to reflect in a vivid blue color. Svartisen covers an area of about 370 square kilometers, making it the second-largest glacier on mainland Norway.

One of its most popular arms, Engabreen, extends down to a relatively low altitude, making it one of the easiest glaciers in Europe to access. Visitors often come here for glacier hiking, ice climbing, and scenic boat trips across nearby lakes.

Today will be entirely devoted to exploring, with the HANSEATIC nature cruising nimbly through the Norwegian fjords. Be captivated by the changing series of fantastic views of the wintry landscape – from the nature Walk or the many open deck areas, for instance. Maybe you will also spot whales. When thick fog slowly enshrouds the striking mountains, the scenery is bathed in a particularly mystical atmosphere. Perhaps it is precisely in these moments that you can guess why Norway is also called the “land of the trolls”?

Carved by glaciers over millions of years, Norway’s northern coast is laced with steep-walled fjords, mountainous islands and chiseled peaks. Cruise in a Zodiac along vertical rock faces, kayak through serene fjords or go ashore on a secluded sandy beach to hike amid verdant valleys and birch forests.

The snowy Geirangerfjord is like an amphitheatre of almost vertical rock faces and countless waterfalls. What stories are hidden behind names like “Seven Sisters” and “Suitor”?

In Bergen, old merchant houses recall the historical significance of the port city. Set against a remarkable wintry mountain backdrop, take a gentle stroll through the Hanseatic quarter of Bryggen, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to see its colourful houses and narrow streets. Follow in the footsteps of the merchants and visit the popular fish market.

Embark your ship and settle into your stateroom. Bergen is home to the Hanseatic League’s only kontor (trading enclave) still in existence. Bryggen wharf, a row of timbered Hanseatic warehouses along a quaint quay, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Narrow wooden walkways are flanked by parallel rows of small, vibrantly painted buildings overlooking the picturesque Vågen Harbor. This is perhaps the most charming district of Bergen and a delight to explore, from its tight-knit community of workshops where artisans sell their wares to its cafés where freshly prepared smørbrød, or open-faced sandwiches, are on the menu.

Stavanger welcomes you with its historic harbour before you bid farewell to the wintery dream panoramas of an unforgettable adventure while cruising in the Lysefjord surrounded by 1,000 m (3,281 ft) high peaks.

Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, Stavanger flourished in the 19th century as a fishing port. While other towns in Norway have suffered with the decline of this industry, Stavanger has kept its economy booming by diversifying, first into shipbuilding and now into oil. These two contrasting industries have created a city of two halves – a modern area of high-rise buildings and a historic centre with cobbled streets and old wooden houses. The city centre was the birthplace of Alexander Kielland, one of the great 19th-century Norwegian novelists. Stavanger Cathedral, dating from 1125, is an impressive building and the only medieval cathedral in Norway that has not been substantially altered since it was first built. From Stavanger you can explore the attractive blue waters of Lysefjord, surrounded by cliffs and striking rock formations, and also visit Hafrsfjord where the Viking King Harald won an important battle that started the Unification of Norway. Those preferring to explore on their own may wish to visit the interesting Petroleum Museum.

Hamburg is Germany’s second-largest city with a history dating back to Charlemagne. A major port, this vibrant city is home to art and culture, extensive shopping facilities, Baroque buildings and waterfront vistas. With its well-known fish market, art galleries and Museums together with several beautiful parks including a botanical garden, this is a city with something for everyone. British visitors who remember the Swinging Sixties may like to visit the streets around Grosse Freiheit, where an unknown pop group called The Beatles gave their first public performances in various local clubs before achieving worldwide fame.