Sublime Svalbard – From Hamburg via Norway’s Springtime Fjords

Your adventure begins

Your journey starts in Hamburg, the second-largest city in Germany and one of the greenest urban areas in Europe.

There's much to see and do in Hamburg. If you have time, you'll find many attractions in the old town district of Altstadt, including the St Nikolai Memorial and the historic street of Deichstraße. Hamburg is also home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Chilehaus and the world's largest historic warehouse complex in Speicherstadt. Art lovers should head to Kunsthalle, the nation's foremost art museum.

Once you embark MS Fram, you'll have time to meet the crew and Expedition Team and settle in as we set sail.

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.

Get a taste of Denmark on the Jutland peninsula

Our first stop is Esbjerg, on the west coast of Denmark's Jutland peninsula. As we approach, look out for the giant "Man Meets the Sea" statues on the shore.

Esbjerg blends historic charm with modern Scandinavian style, and it's easy to explore on foot. A shuttle bus takes you into the centre, where you can wander at your leisure. Try a classic smørrebrød for lunch: Denmark's famous open rye bread sandwiches, irresistibly displayed in bakery windows along the main streets.

In the afternoon, we say goodbye to Denmark and set sail for Norway. Make the most of the ship's facilities as the coastline fades: relax in the hot tubs on deck or watch the world go by from the Explorer Lounge & Bar.

The first stop on our journey to the Arctic is Esbjerg on the west coast of Denmark’s Jutland peninsula. As we approach, look out for the giant ‘Man Meets the Sea’ statues sitting by the shore.

Esbjerg is a blend of historic charm and modern Scandinavian chic, and it’s easy to get around on foot. A shuttle bus will take you into the centre to explore at your leisure. Why not treat yourself to a typical smørrebrød for lunch. You’ll find Denmark’s famous open rye bread sandwiches irresistibly displayed in many bakery windows.

After lunch, it’s time to say goodbye to Denmark as we set sail for Norway. Enjoy an afternoon at sea making the most of your ship’s facilities. Why not relax in the hot tubs or watch the world go by from the Explorer Lounge & Bar.  The first stop on our journey to the Arctic is Esbjerg on the west coast of Denmark’s Jutland peninsula. As we approach, look out for the giant ‘Man Meets the Sea’ statues sitting by the shore.

Step back in time at the homeland of Vikings kings

As we reach Norway, we’ll head for the region of Haugesund. Known for its Viking connections, it was here that King Harald Fairhair first united Norway into a single kingdom. From this royal seat, Norway’s kings long controlled the renowned shipping route Nordvegen, or ‘the way to the north’, from which the country takes its name.

Today, this Viking past lives on in the area’s many historic sites. If conditions allow, we'll visit a recreated Viking settlement on the small island of Bukkøya, and on nearby Karmøy, you can delve deeper into Norway’s Viking and maritime history at the Nordvegen History Centre.

The coastal town of Haugesund is considered the birthplace of Norway. The Haraldshaugen Monument marks its unification into one kingdom in 872 and is said to be where the first king of Norway was buried. All the typical characteristics of a seaside Norwegian town are here: rustic timber houses, stunning sea views from the quays and magnificent vistas of fjords from the Steinsfjellet viewpoint. The region’s cultural heritage is inextricably linked to the sea; built on the herring industry, surrounding charming towns have thrived on its success and continue to do so today.

Discover how glaciers shaped the Norwegian landscape

In the morning, we plan to cruise deep into Sognefjord, the longest and deepest fjord in Norway, to the tiny hamlet of Fjærland. Only 300 people live in this idyllic village with its charming old buildings and weaving traditions. This is also where Sognefjord meets Jostedalsbreen, the largest glacier on the European continent.

A visit to the Norwegian Glacier Museum is the included activity of the day. Learn why glacier ice is blue and how the fjords were formed, watch a panoramic film about Europe's largest glacier, then try your hand at experiments using 1,000-year-old glacier ice.

Soak up breathtaking panoramas in this fjordside town

Nestled at the end of the Romsdalsfjord, Åndalsnes is surrounded by soaring mountains, deep valleys and dramatic fjords. The scenery around this alpine town is simply awe-inspiring.

To take it all in, hop on the gondola from the town centre for the five-minute scenic journey up Mount Nesaksla, some 2,300 ft above sea level. Here you can revel in 360-degree views of the town and the towering mountains of Romsdalshorn and Venjetinden beyond.

To truly immerse yourself in this incredible landscape, join us for an exhilarating hike or, if conditions allow, you can enjoy a peaceful kayak paddle in the fjord.

A small town in Norway’s fjord country, Åndalsnes is a gateway to the rugged wilderness of the Romsdalfjord. Known as the 'village between the mountains and the fjords', it typifies Norway's striking natural beauty with its setting on a promontory lined by alps and set at the mouth of the Rauma River. The town itself is tucked under the lofty mountain peaks, backed by lush, green scenery. Nearby is the impressive Trollveggen, or 'Troll Wall', which at 6,000 feet is Europe's highest vertical cliff face and is often topped by cloud. The precipice is said to be the ultimate trial for rock climbers, who regularly flock here to accept the challenge. Åndalsnes is also the terminus of the famous Rauma Railway which runs 70 miles alongside the emerald-green Rauma river and through some of Norway’s most spectacular scenery to Dombås (2160 feet above sea level) where it then connects to the main Oslo to Trondheim line.

Along the Helgeland coast to Arctic Norway

As we sail towards the wild beauty of the Lofoten archipelago, enjoy a day at sea.

Continue your discovery on board with your Expedition Team by joining a talk or workshop and deepen your understanding with a visit to the Science Centre.

Relax in the ship’s panoramic Explorer Lounge & Bar as we pass the Helgeland coast and the Torghatten mountain, recognisable by its distinctive hole through the middle. Then head out on the deck to admire the dramatic, jagged silhouette of the Seven Sisters mountain range.

Later in the day, we’ll cross the Arctic Circle as we venture further north and into the Arctic.

Discover the glaciers of ‘black ice’

Today, we'll sail into Holandsfjord off the rugged Helgeland coast, and head towards the Svartisen glacier. Covering 230 square miles and with 60 ‘tongues’, this incredible geographical feature is Norway’s second largest glacier after Jostedalsbreen.

Meaning ‘black ice’, the epic Svartisen is made up of two separate glaciers, Vestisen and the Østisen, which are divided by the half-mile-long Vesterdalen valley. The ice colour can range from turquoise to dark blue, although never quite black.

If conditions allow, your Expedition Team will land at a local jetty and lead you ashore, where we’ll take a hike to get a panoramic view of this incredible glacier.

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.

Experience dramatic panoramas

Approaching the dramatically steep mountains of Lofoten by ship is an experience that’s unforgettable. You’ll be in awe of the landscapes as we sail towards this region of windswept islands, sheltered bays, and some of the most beautiful fjords in the world. Look out for sea eagles as you admire the exceptional beauty of this stretch of coastline.

Today we aim to explore the famed Lofoten Islands from the fishing port of Svolvær. Learn how the rugged landscapes and a history of fishing have influenced life in Lofoten. There are many ways to immerse yourself in the stunning landscape via small hikes, optional excursions, or just hanging out on the picturesque boulevard.

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.

Follow in the footsteps of polar explorers at the gateway to the Arctic

Set in a majestic landscape, this small, cosmopolitan city has an exciting past and plenty of fascinating sights to discover.

It was the base for many a historic Arctic expedition, including those of Roald Amundsen, and its situation 250 miles north of the Polar Circle has led to it being called the ‘Gateway to the Arctic’. At the Polar Museum, discover the city’s exploration heritage, and see the Arctic Cathedral. With its huge stained-glass window, it’s one of the most striking landmarks in Tromsø. You can also take the Fjellheisen cable car to the top of Storsteinen for incredible views.

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.

Discover majestic Arctic landscapes at Europe’s northernmost point

The captivating North Cape marks mainland Europe’s northernmost point. This rugged promontory on the north of Magerøya island truly feels like the end of the Earth.

Here, we’ll venture across the wild Arctic landscape towards the cape’s towering cliff edge, which sits around a thousand feet above the Barents Sea. Feel a sense of awe as you take in the panoramas, and as you gaze towards the horizon, think of the adventures yet to come as your voyage heads even further north.

Discover more about the history of this remarkable site at the North Cape Hall.

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.

A peaceful interlude in your adventure

Spend the day at your leisure as we sail across the Barents Sea deeper into the Arctic towards the Svalbard archipelago. Savour the quiet moments, simply appreciating the peaceful feeling of being at sea. This is a rare opportunity to disconnect and get a break from the modern world.

A land of spectacular beauty

Spitsbergen, Svalbard's largest island, is a wilderness of steep mountains, glaciers, and scattered offshore islands.

Over the next few days, we'll explore dramatic fjords where glaciers creak and calve icebergs into the sea, push north towards Northwest Spitsbergen National Park where sea ice may shape our route, and scan for the wildlife that thrives here: polar bears, walruses, Arctic foxes, reindeer, and colonies of seabirds nesting on the cliffs.

Each day will be different. Landings, Zodiac cruises, kayaking, hikes: be ready for anything as your Captain and Expedition Team read the conditions and seize every opportunity the Arctic offers.

We may also head to the snowcapped peaks of Hornsund, or visit Ny-Ålesund, the starting point for Roald Amundsen’s expeditions north with the airship ‘Norge’. Now a hub for global science and climate research, you can still see remnants of the town’s history.

A final day on top of the world

Your Arctic adventure ends in Longyearbyen, where you’ll catch your flight back to Oslo. You'll return home knowing more about Arctic animals, history, polar ice, and climate change than you arrived with and memories of an incredible experience.

Longyearbyen is the biggest settlement in Svalbard. Seat of the Norwegian administration, it also has the best services and infrastructure in the archipelago. Located deep in the Adventfjord, a sidearm of the Isfjorden (Icefjord), Longyearbyen’s airport can be used all-year round, but its harbor is blocked by ice in winter. Most shops, hotels, restaurants and a hospital are within easy walking distance of the port. One of the most prominent buildings in town is the UNIS center, where several Norwegian universities have joined forces to operate and offer the northernmost higher education to both Norwegian and international students. Adjacent to UNIS, and well worth a visit, is the Svalbard Museum, covering the natural history and exploitation of Svalbard. Remnants of the former mining activity can be seen all around Longyearbyen and even in town.