Sweden & Finland: Autumn in the Gulf of Bothnia (Northbound)

Gateway to the Baltic seas

Kiel is a true maritime hub on the Northern coast of Germany. For generations, it's been the start point for voyages to the North Atlantic, Baltic Sea, and beyond. Today, it’s your journey that begins here.

Before you embark the ship, take some time to stroll along the wide promenades of Kiel, appreciating the unique German and Scandinavian culture that's been carved out over countless generations of maritime travel.

MS Spitsbergen is waiting for you. Get familiar with your ship and its crew as anticipation builds for the adventure ahead.

Following the old sea routes north

You begin your journey sailing in the wake of countless travellers, traders, and explorers who ventured through these seas before you. Today you have time to enjoy life on board, learning about the practicalities of the voyage ahead while also hearing more about the remarkable destinations ahead of you.

Join the Expedition Team’s workshops on the region’s history, nature, and culture, and leave time to enjoy the facilities on the ship. Unwind in a hot tub, soak in the views from the upper decks, or relax over a delicious dinner.

City of maritime power and splendour

Founded in the 17th century as one of Europe's most ambitious naval bases, Karlskrona still carries an air of maritime grandeur, with wide baroque streets, historic churches, elegant waterfronts, and fortified harbours. This preserved heritage has earned it recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

With the Expedition Team, you can uncover the city's naval history on a tour, or venture further into the surrounding archipelago. Or simply stroll through the waterfront cafés and narrow passageways at your own pace.

The mythical island of the Baltic Sea

Rising from the middle of the Baltic Sea is Gotland. This windswept island has stood at the crossroads of trade, myth, and conflict, shaped by Viking merchants, medieval farmers, Hanseatic traders, and generations of seafarers.

Today it's your turn to explore a landscape unlike anywhere else in Scandinavia. Join the Expedition Team to walk coastal trails, uncovering traces of Viking and medieval history and searching for the wildlife that calls the island home. In autumn, empty roads and softer light create a feeling of solitude that's hard to find elsewhere.

Discover the Nordic Island frontier

Today we're hopping into Zodiacs to explore a region once claimed by Viking seafarers. Located between Sweden and Finland, the Åland Islands are a labyrinthine archipelago with a unique character, particularly in autumn. Smooth granite shores, pine-covered skerries, and small independent communities make up the landscape, where a quiet rhythm of life persists.

The spirit of Åland lies in its independence. Thanks to our local connections, we'll give you an authentic insight into island life here in the North Baltic. It's said that locals learn to steer a boat before they can walk, so we'll be following suit, skimming the shores by Zodiac and seeing it all up close.

Gateway to the remote north

Today we sail northward, perhaps passing beneath Sweden's iconic High Coast Bridge. Our destination is Härnösand, a modern coastal city where charming timber houses are painted in every colour. On our way, we pass through Kramfors, taking in the UNESCO-listed landscape of huge cliffs and boreal forests.

Härnösand is home to one of Sweden's oldest educational institutions, and there's a welcoming energy you'll notice as soon as you stroll past its small boutiques and cafes, where the Swedish tradition of fika, a quiet pause for coffee, conversation, and perhaps a cinnamon bun, is a way of life. Enjoy it at your own pace or join a curated excursion to venture further.

This is also our gateway to the true north, as we sail through Kramfors, taking in the UNESCO-listed landscape of huge cliffs and boreal forests. From this point onwards, the population thins dramatically. Head to the deck to appreciate the endless pine forests and silent waterways that make up the vast wilderness.

Autumn along the high coast

Sweden's High Coast is one of the country's most striking yet rarely visited regions, despite its UNESCO-protected status. In autumn, it's particularly atmospheric: weathered shores and deep-green forests beneath a softer light.

We'll explore by Zodiac, watching fishing nets dry in the breeze and sea eagles circle overhead. Although the coastline doesn't have the same scale as Norway's fjords, there's plenty of adventure here, with hidden coves and silent waterways to discover. We hope to step ashore in local communities, learning about traditions and perhaps tasting a local dish or hearing a story carried through the generations.

Discovering Ice Age landscapes

Today we experience one of the fastest-rising landscapes in the world: the Kvarken archipelago. This is a region still being shaped by the Ice Age, recognised by UNESCO as one of the most scientifically significant places on Earth for understanding the lasting impact of the glacial past.

We'll explore the countless islands by Zodiac, searching for curious seals and white-tailed eagles while hearing how this otherworldly landscape came to be.

Back on board, embrace the Finnish way of life with a sauna session as the scenery drifts past.

At the edge of the Bothnian gulf

Welcome to the frontier of Europe. The Swedish and Finnish border cuts straight through the middle of Haparanda, at the furthest edge of the Bothnian Gulf. The geography creates a multicultural atmosphere, shaped by a long history as a trade hub.

Beyond the town, vast stretches of Laplandic forest and impenetrable wilderness mark the first step into the true Arctic North. Keep your eyes peeled: we're far enough north to glimpse the Northern Lights after dark, while daytime can be spent wandering through the town, noticing the subtle differences between Baltic Swedish and Finnish cultures.

This isn't a city packed with attractions, and that's part of its appeal. Join the Expedition Team to hear more about the area's history, or head out on an excursion into the heart of this region.

Immerse yourself in Sámi tradition

Luleå is both a modern Swedish port with a lively urban character and a city of deep history. The UNESCO-listed Old Town is home to some of the oldest buildings on the Bothnian Gulf, including Gammelstad, one of the most impressive surviving 'church villages'', where 404 wooden houses cluster around a 15th-century stone church.

Long before the city was established, the indigenous Sámi people lived on these lands with their reindeer and continue to do so today. During our time here, we'll encounter their heritage firsthand as part of a bespoke cultural experience, welcomed into the community to hear about Sámi life and traditions.

As the final stop on our expedition, this is a time to embrace every experience you possibly can, immersing yourself in the land and its storied history.

Relax and reflect on the Baltic Sea

Today marks the final chapter of your adventure. Use the quiet atmosphere on the ship to reflect on your journey, appreciating the autumn colours as they drift past. The Expedition Team is on hand to tell you more about the post-glacial scenery and help you spot the wildlife that thrive around these chilly waters.

As we sail to Stockholm, why not make the most of your final last hours on the ship with a relaxing hot tub, or delicious meal and conversation at Aune.

Enjoy peaceful scenic sailing

As our expedition nears its end, we will sail through the Stockholm archipelago: a vast maze of 30,000 islands and skerries scattered across the Baltic Sea. The archipelago has long connected Stockholm to the wider Baltic, and as we journey through the sheltered waters, you’ll see the landscape shift from gentle scenery of red-painted cottages and slow signs of life to more rugged pine-covered islands.

Head to the deck one last time, keeping watch for sea birds, historic lighthouses and hidden settlements tucked between the islands. As always, your expert Expedition Team will bring the geology, culture, and history of this beautiful region to life.

Discover Stockholm’s grandeur

Welcome to Stockholm: a charming coastal capital with a rich history. In autumn, the medieval cobbles of Gamla Stan feel relaxed and peaceful, so take some time to explore the city and its attractions, from cosy cafes serving up fresh coffees and cinnamon buns to the famous Vasa Museum.

Head home relaxed and inspired by your truly beautiful autumn adventure.