The Norwegian Fjords, Bear Island & Svalbard

HIGHLIGHTS

• The ultimate Norway adventure
• The dramatic Lofoten Islands
• Magnificent fjords
• Picturesque fishing villages
• The realm of the polar bear – Svalbard
• The remote Bear Island
• Small ship - only 12 passengers

ITINERARY

Day 1: Bergen
The great journey begins in the city of Bergen, beautifully surrounded by high mountains and deep fjords. We stay the night at a centrally located hotel.

Day 2-9: Northern Norway
We embark the beautiful M/S Stockholm and head towards the beautiful passage of Alversund. During our adventure along the Norwegian coast we hope to visit some of the following places:

Ålesund
Upon reaching Ålesund we explore this small town, built in a true Art Nouveau style, enjoying its delightfully decorated facades, towers and pinnacles.

Geirangerfjorden
We get to know the majestic Storfjorden and pay a visit to the UNESCO-protected Geirangerfjorden, which is characterised by deep blue water and lush mountain plains with beautiful waterfalls.

Grip
This deserted fishing village is now popular with summer guests. Its original and colourful wooden buildings are well preserved. We visit the beautiful church and we also pass by the small and very dramatically situated lighthouse.

Torghatten
On our way north we sail past famous natural attractions like the mountain peaks known as the Seven Sisters, followed by Torghatten – a rock with a big hole, that the ice sheet once created, or according to the legend; the hole a giant created in despair from a broken heart.

Kerringøy
Kjerringøy is a real gem on the Norwegian coast. Here we encounter a diverse landscape of mountains, white sandy beaches and small farming communities, but the island is most famous for its old trading post. This is a unique heritage consisting of 15 well-preserved houses, which gives the visitor a great insight into what it was like to live in this northern trading town in the 1800s.

Reine
We hope to visit the picturesque fishing village of Reine. This charming village, with characteristic wooden houses overlook Kirkefjord with high mountain tops in the background. It is not difficult to see why it was once voted Norway’s most beautiful place.

Nusfjord
Nusfjord is a well-preserved and authentic fishing community with focus on cod fishing. The village is part of UNESCO’s World Heritage list of unique wooden houses with a charming old fashioned shop well worth a visit. We sail further along what is known as the Lofoten wall. In the evening we enter magical Trollfjorden and later set course towards Tromsø.

Tromsø
In Tromsø we visit the prestigious Polar Museum and learn more about the first polar explorers, who went north to seek fame and fortune. The city is known as Paris of the North, which derives from its vast cultural offerings.

Day 10: At sea
We set sail towards the remote Bear Island, situated in the middle of the Barents Sea. (The exact day of the crossing can change and is depending on the weather.)

Day 11 - 16: Bear Island & Svalbard
On the 400-meter high cliffs of Bear Island, hundreds of thousands of seabirds are nesting – puffins, guillemots, razorbills and kittiwakes among others. If wind and weather allows, we aim to do a spectacular Zodiac cruise along the impressive bird cliffs and set foot on this rarely visited island.

We then continue our journey and sail over night. Our next destination is Svalbard – one of the world’s most magnificent wildernesses. It is spring in the Arctic and it is a powerfulexperience to witness the archipelago spring to life. We enjoy the stunning nature that surrounds us – sparkling ice formations, snow covered mountains and glistering glaciers. We start by exploring parts of Storfjorden and constantly keeping our eyes peeled for the Arctic wildlife. How far in we reach depends on the drift ice that often accumulates here this time of year. We continue towards majestic Hornsund, consisting of several fjords, which glaciers calve out shimmering blue icebergs. It is also a favourite haunt for polar bears. In Bellsund we hope to reach Vårsolbukta, where the little auks nest in tens of thousands.

Day 17: Longyearbyen
We disembark in Longyearbyen and begin our journey home.

Please note: The places mentioned are just examples of some of the many sites we have the chance to visit during this unique trip. Our exact route will depend on ice, weather conditions, wildlife and government regulations. We always strive to maximise your experience. Please remember that flexibility is the key to a successful expedition!

WHAT'S INCLUDED

• 15 nights on board M/S Stockholm
• 1 hotel night in Bergen
• All meals on board
• All beverages
• 1 Expedition Leader and 1 guide
• Guiding ashore and talks on board
• All excursions and activities
• Comprehensive information material before the expedition
• The trip is climate compensated

Not included

• Flights to Bergen and from Longyearbyen
• Travel and cancellation insurance
• Gratuity to the ship’s crew