ITINERARY
Day 1 - Hamburg, Germany
Day 2 - Sea Day
Day 3 - Stavanger, Norway
Day 4 - Alesund, Norway
Day 5 - Brønnøysund, Norway
Day 6 - Reine, Norway
Day 7 - Alta, Norway
Day 8 - Honningsvåg, Norway
Day 9 - Tromsø, Norway
Day 10 - Narvik, Norway
Day 11 - At sea
Day 12 - Kristiansund & Molde, Norway
Day 13 - Bergen, Norway
Day 14 - At Sea
Day 15 - Hamburg, Germany
Day 1 Embark on the Adventure
Today you depart Germany’s second-largest city headed north
to explore Norway’s amazing coastline as we hunt for the
Northern Lights.
This amazing natural phenomenon is the result of disturbances caused by
solar wind - creating a cosmic lightshow of dazzling colour and
complexity. Your chances of experiencing the Northern Lights improve
the farther north we go.
As we sail across the North Sea, you may want to get to know your
expedition ship. Check out the Science Center, the sauna and hot tubs,
scout out a comfortable chair in the Explorer lounge, find a window
table you like in the ship’s restaurant or locate a good spot
on deck for viewing Norway’s incredible coastline.
During the night, we'll have a technical stop in Cuxhaven.
Day 2 Norway Bound
Enjoy a day at sea as we head north to the Norwegian coastline.
Meet our Expedition Team, who prepare you for exciting adventures
ahead. Listen in on talks by these experienced explorers who share
their extensive knowledge about places, people and natural phenomena we
are likely to encounter, like the Northern Lights.
Or maybe you just want to kick back and relax. Admire the views, try
some of the ship’s cuisine that caught your eye on the menu,
or settle into a good book while enjoying this day at sea.
Day 3 The City of Natural
Highs
Welcome to Stavanger – known for its many nearby natural
attractions, including famous Pulpit Rock and long sandy beaches along
the North Sea.
The Stavanger region is on the radar of nearly every visitor to Norway.
Many different nationalities are drawn to the area, making it a highly
international destination.
Its cosmopolitan nature is reflected in the city’s lively,
urban ambience, with creative food menus, fun pubs and bars, and a
booming cultural scene.
Stavanger’s proud history is never far from sight. Old
Stavanger has Europe’s best-preserved wooden house area with
more than 170 white wooden structures dating back to the 1700s.
Stavanger is also Europe’s oil and energy capital. Visit the
Norwegian Petroleum Museum to learn more about Norway’s most
important industry through modern interactive exhibits. See how oil and
gas were formed millions of years ago, as well as how petroleum is
found, produced and consumed. Feeling adventurous? You can slide down
an escape chute used on offshore oil and gas platforms.
While its less likely to spot the Northern Lights this far south, it
does happen. Keep your eyes on the northern edge of the horizon
Included
Excursions:
Stavanger - The Norwegian
Petroleum Museum (Included)
Today, Norway is one of the world’s largest producers of oil
– a legacy that began in the mid-1960s, when the discovery of
oil changed the path of a nation. At the Norwegian Petroleum Museum in
Stavanger, you will learn about how oil and gas, and how this industry
has affected Norwegian society today.
Day 4 Art Nouveau and
Aquatic Species
Today you arrive in the charming small city of Ålesund -
renowned for its beautiful art nouveau architecture. This owes to a
devastating fire that burned a large part of the city to the ground in
1904. The entire town was subsequently rebuilt in the fashionable art
nouveau style of the time.
Take the opportunity to wander Ålesund’s charming
cobblestone streets and admire the numerous spires, towers and
highly-ornate buildings.
Norway is a seafood nation and Ålesund is its fisheries
capital – so it’s only natural your included
activity today is a visit to the Norwegian Aquarium. Built directly
into the rocky coastline, the aquarium is also an architectural marvel.
Due to excellent oceanic conditions along the Norwegian coast, the
aquarium features a colourful and exciting range of fish and fauna,
including octopus, seals and penguins.
You can also choose one of our interesting optional excursions in and
around this fascinating coastal Norwegian city.
Included
Excursions:
Ålesund - The
Norwegian Aquarium (Included)
Norway is known for its strong connection to the sea, and
Ålesund is one of its fishing capitals. Take in the striking
coastal landscape and learn about the local sea life at the Norwegian
Aquarium.
Day 5 Home of Famous
Torghatten
Welcome to Brønnøysund - a vibrant and pretty
little town of 5,000 folks located on a narrow peninsula surrounded by
islands and sea. You are now at the halfway mark along
Norway’s long coastline. Brønnøysund is
near the famous mountain with a hole in the middle - Torghatten.
Brønnøysund is also the gateway to Vega Island
– a UNESCO World Heritage site which was granted UNESCO
status because of how the community demonstrates its centuries-old
sustainable way of life. Remarkably, the islanders have thrived by
practicing the now unique tradition of eider farming and duck down
processing.
As we leave Brønnøysund, we sail along the coast
of Helgeland and pass the famous mountain range called the
Seven Sisters. Legend has it that seven beautiful troll sisters were
caught out at sunrise and turned to stone, creating the seven beautiful
peaks.
In the evening, we cross the Arctic Circle – and your chances
to experience the Aurora grow.
Included
Excursions:
Brønnøysund
- Town Walk and Concert (Included)
This is a special opportunity: an invitation to get to know the tiny
Norwegian coastal town of Brønnøysund, from its
history to its modern day life. Grab a map and stroll at your leisure
from the port into town. Guides will be available along the way to
offer local insight and stories.
Day 6 Idyllic Reine
You won’t soon forget your first approach to Lofoten because
of the formidable wall of mountains looming on the horizon.
The Lofoten Islands are world famous for their distinctive dramatic
peaks, sheltered bays and untouched beaches - and this is your day to
explore them. Lofoten is also known for its excellent fishing,
picturesque villages and exciting year-round activities.
We dock at idyllic Reine in the morning. Fishermen´s huts
dotting the shoreline and snowy granite peaks shooting out of the fjord
make Reine one of the most frequently photographed landscapes in Norway.
After departing Reine, we sail past Henningsvær and
Svolvær. The islands, steep mountains, beautiful
beaches and bays we pass are unlike anything you’ve ever
seen. In Svolvær, choose from a number of exciting outdoor
and indoor activities. Intriguing shops, galleries, cafes and
restaurants are scattered throughout the town.
After a day exploring Lofoten, we sail to Trollfjord, an amazing place
where vertical mountain walls surrealistically jut out of the sea. In
winter, it’s not possible to sail into the fjord, so we
admire this very special site at its entrance. Keep looking skyward to
catch sight of the Northern Lights.
Included
Excursions:
Reine - The Fishing
Village of Å (Included)
Located at the western tip of the archipelago, Å is a unique
historical attraction. Here, you’ll find one of the best
preserved old fishing villages in Norway, offering a variety of
opportunities to experience life in the Lofoten fisheries through the
last 250 years.
Day 7 Sami Culture
A Sami settlement in the medieval times, Alta has grown into a small
city 500 years later, the largest in this part of Norway.
It's roots in the Sami culture is still very present among the
population, and sometimes you can hear Sami being spoken in the streets.
Alta is also home to two UNESCO sites, being the Struve Geodetic Arc
which is a chain of survey triangulations stretching from Hammerfest to
the Black Sea, as well as the Rock art dating back 7000 years.
Northern lights can be seen frequently and the stable weather provides
suitable conditions for experiencing this natural phenomenon.
Many of the dogsledding teams that participate in the Finnmark race are
located here, and some of those kennels can be visited.
Included
Excursions:
Alta - Experience the
Northern Lights Cathedral (Included)
Alta is a city known for opportunities to catch a glimpse of the
northern lights. Enjoy a short tour through the city on your way to the
Northern Lights cathedral, where you’ll have the chance to
learn about the cathedral’s distinctive architecture and
Alta’s special relationship with the majestic aurora borealis.
Day 8 Edge of the World
Today we visit one of the northernmost points in Europe, North Cape.
This is also as far north as we go on this winter expedition cruise.
Start the day by taking a scenic bus ride from the town of
Honningsvåg. We pass small bays and tiny villages,
then cross a mountain plateau before arriving at spectacular North
Cape. At 71°10’21´N, North Cape is just
2,100 km away from the Geographic North Pole. Stand at the edge of the
cliff and gaze out on the sea. Only the Svalbard Archipelago separates
you from the North Pole. North Cape feels like the end of the world.
It’s also a great place to take stunning photos and there
will be enough time to visit the North Cape Hall´s cinema,
showing a short film about the North Cape Plateau, and there are
several exhibits open to visitors.
Back in Honningsvåg, you can opt to stroll about, past
charming houses, nice shops and a church that was the only structure
left standing at the end of World War II.
This is the ship’s turning point and from here we start our
return trip southward. Keep looking skyward!
Included
Excursions:
Honningsvåg -
The North Cape (Included)
The North Cape lies far above the Arctic Circle at the northern tip of
Europe. No matter the season, arriving at this dramatic plateau
300-meters above the Arctic Ocean is the experience of a lifetime.
Day 9 Gateway to the
Arctic
Looking for an adventurous winter wonderland? Tromsø is the
perfect destination for winter activities and boasts a wide range of
optional excursions to choose from depending on your interests.
Enjoy a ride into the sky on the Fjellheisen cable car, with
breathtaking views of the city, mountains, fjords - and hopefully the
Aurora.
Tromsø brims with fascinating history, culture and bold
architecture. The Arctic Cathedral is a landmark in Tromsø
visible from the Tromsø Sound, featuring a huge
stained-glass window. Care to meet some friendly locals?
Tromsø is home to the world’s northernmost
brewery, Mack Bryggeri, which also runs Ølhallen, a lively
pub where townspeople go for a chat and a beer.
Other winter activities include optional excursions with our Expedition
Team on nature hikes, and Aurora-focused bus rides. Tromsø
is so far north that you may see the Northern Lights directly overhead.
Included
Excursions:
Tromsø -
Polaria (Included)
In a distinctive building depicting ice blocks pushed on land by the
rugged ocean in the Arctic, you will find Polaria, a unique museum and
aquarium where you can learn about the Arctic, wildlife, and polar
research. Your admission is included in your voyage, and you can visit
at your leisure during your time in Tromsø.
Day 10 History and
Mountains
We call on the scenic town of Narvik bordered by impressive mountains
where the skies are especially clear making it a great place for
observing the Northern Lights at this time of year.
Narvik played an important role during World War II as it provided an
ice-free harbour in the North Atlantic for iron ore transported by the
railway from Kiruna in Sweden. Both sides in the Second World War had
an interest in securing this iron supply for themselves and denying it
to the enemy, setting the stage for one of the biggest battles since
the Invasion of Poland.
Take the cable car to the summit of Fagernesfjellet, which on clear
days offers impressive views of the fjord below.
Included
Excursions:
Narvik - War Museum Visit
(Included)
Narvik was a key location in Norway during World War II, both on land
and sea. Today, Narvik War Museum not only tells the story of the
Battles of Narvik, but also gathers Northern Norway’s war
history under one roof.
Day 11 Serenity of the Sea
Today you can spend time in the ship’s Explorer lounge,
soaking in a hot tub, or out on deck watching for the aurora. Our
Expedition Team and on-board photography expert can help you locate the
Northern Lights and take good pictures.
The Expedition Team also continues its on-board lecture series, sharing
their vast knowledge and experience about the geography, culture and
history of Norway’s long and varied coastline.
The team also summarizes the voyage so far and lets you know about
plans for the exciting days ahead.
Day 12 Norwegian Alps and
Viking Battles
Kristiansund's location on four sea islands in the Norwegian Sea has
steadily provided livelihoods in the fishing, shipbuilding and oil
industries. Interested in history? A decisive battle between Danish and
Norwegian Vikings was fought near here in 955 and later noted in the
famous ‘Lives of the Norse Kings’ by Snorre
Sturlasson.
Maybe it’s a dry fact, but Kristiansund today is known as
Norway’s ‘dried cod capital’ because of
its historic export of dry salted fish, often called bacalao. Take some
time to stroll along the waterfront of this interesting little city,
past old shipyards and marinas, and see what you can find.
Perhaps join an excursion along the Atlantic Road, one of
Norway’s most-visited tourist destinations, spanning eight
bridges through picturesque landscapes and across the open sea. The
excursion ends in Molde, ‘City of Roses’, where you
rejoin the ship.
Day 13 Beautiful Bergen
We arrive in Bergen, one of Norway’s most beautiful cities
and a great place to explore by foot. Founded in 1070 AD, Bergen was
Norway’s capital for many years. The city has retained a
great deal of its local character, history and charm, and is a hub for
Norwegian travel. Be sure to stroll through the historic UNESCO-listed
Bryggen district with its colourful wooden wharfs dating back to the
14th century.
Visit Mount Fløyen - the Fløibanen funicular
takes you to the top in just six minutes. At the summit you get amazing
views over this city surrounded by seven mountains and the sea. Feeling
energetic? Follow one of many light trails atop Mount Fløyen
into possibly snow-decked alpine forrest.
Back at sea level, Wander the cobblestone streets and alleyways of this
enchanting, compact city. Drop into one of its many cafés or
pubs and order a half-litre of local Hansa beer, browse through unique
boutiques and visit world-class museums.
Spend the evening relaxing, maybe in the panoramic lounge or out on
deck. While its less likely the Northern Lights will appear this far
south, it does happen.
Included
Excursions:
Bergen - The
Fløibanen Funicular (Included)
Experience the Fløibanen Funicular, one of the best known
attractions in Bergen. At the top of Mount Fløyen, take in
panoramic views of the city as you enjoy a coffee and cinnamon roll.
This excursion is self-guided and at your leisure during our time in
Bergen.
Day 14 Relax and Unwind
It’s our final day at sea. As we cross the North Sea, you may
spot the giant gas flares atop one of the many oil and gas platforms.
You may want to take one last soak in the hot tub, relax in the
ship’s lounge, edit your photographs, or join the Expedition
Team as they review the highlights of your memorable winter expedition
cruise to the coast of Norway.
Day 15 Return to Hamburg
We dock in Hamburg and after breakfast, it’s time to leave
your home of the past 14 days.
As you head ashore, you’ll take with you the lifetime
memories of Norway in winter - wonderful fjords, fascinating towns and
cities, friendly people, and the magical Northern Lights.
Welcome aboard again soon!