HIGHLIGHTS
Beautiful landscapes and
Norwegian fjords
Sailing south from Tromsø, we’ll witness the
iconic beauty of the Lofoten Islands and visit the traditional fishing
town of Svolvær. Savor this region’s special
atmosphere as you learn about Viking history and bask in the glory of
fall. More nature experiences await farther south. We aim to visit the
unique holed mountain formation of Torghatten and explore the charming
town of Brønnøysund.
Enjoy the fall hues, crisp air, and mountaintops dusted with fresh
snow, as we explore Norway’s south coast. Learn more about
glaciers, traditional farming, and life in the picture-perfect
settlements deep in the fjords.
Historic cities and
picturesque islands
A full day in Bergen gives you time to enjoy the compact city center or
enjoy panoramic views after a trip up the Fløibanen
funicular railway. Bergen is a picturesque city where you’ll
see the old wharves in the UNESCO-protected Bryggen district.
We’ll also call on the colorful wooden houses of Egursund.
After entering the North Sea, we’ll see the small German
holiday island of Heligoland. Cars are prohibited here, so walkers
rule. Finally, our cruise ends in Hamburg, sometimes called the
‘Venice of the North’, due to its canal system.
Enjoy the many sights of the Germany’s second-largest city as
the foliage in its many parks turns red and yellow.
An onboard Expedition Team will be with us on the cruise to give talks
on the history, culture, and wildlife of the places we sail, among
other topics. Pack your sense of adventure and expect the unexpected as
we explore this alluring region aboard our comfortable and stylish
ship, MS Spitsbergen.
DATES / RATES
Rates are listed per person in USD
|
Start Date | End Date | Polar Inside Cabin | Polar Outside Cabin | Arctic Superior | Expedition Suite |
Oct 22, 2022 | Nov 01, 2022 | 3,992 | 4,670 | 5,189 | 6,786 |
Rates are listed per person in USD
|
Start Date | End Date | (Starting from) Polar Inside Cabin | (Mid-range) Arctic Superior | (High-end) Expedition Suite |
Oct 22, 2022 | Nov 01, 2022 | 3,992 | 5,189 | 6,786 |
ITINERARY
Day 1 -
Tromsø, Norway
Day 2 - Svolvær, Norway
Day 3 - Svartisen, Norway
Day 4 - Torghatten, Norway
Day 5 - Åndalsnes, Norway
Day 6 - Fjærland, Norway
Day 7 - Bergen, Norway
Day 8 - Eidfjord, Norway
Day 9 - Egersund, Norway
Day 10 - Heligoland, Germany
Day 11 - Hamburg, Germany
Day 1 Our adventure begins
Tromsø has been the starting point for numerous historic
Arctic expeditions, making it the ideal place to launch our adventure.
Today, the city is sometimes called the ‘Paris of the
North’ for its cosmopolitan outlook and sophisticated vibe.
You’ll soon see why.
Tromsø is filled with historical, cultural, and
architectural sights. It’s a small city has a lively
café scene, a relaxed atmosphere, and a range of restaurants
specializing in the region’s fresh produce. The city center
hosts some interesting shops and boutiques offering a range of locally
made specialties.
The city’s most recognizable landmark is the Arctic
Cathedral. It was built in 1965 and features a huge stained-glass
mosaic. For fresh air and epic views, take the Fjellheisen cable car to
the top of nearby Mt. Fløyfjellet and enjoy breathtaking
views of the city, mountains, and fjords.
The Polaria experience center looks like stacked ice and is located not
far from the city center. Here, you’ll find an Arctic
aquarium, exhibitions, and a panoramic cinema. Visit the University
Museum of Tromsø, which showcases Norwegian nature and
culture. The museum focuses on the indigenous Sami people and also
highlights Norway’s archeological heritage, geology,
and—of course—the Northern Lights.
After exploring Tromsø, your comfortable and stylish
expedition ship MS Spitsbergen will be waiting in the port. Once
you’ve boarded, pick up your complimentary expedition jacket
and take time to settle into your cabin. Afterward, walk around and
explore the ship before the mandatory safety drill. In the evening,
you’ll enjoy the first of many sumptuous dinners on board and
join in on a welcome toast from the Captain, wishing us a great cruise.
Pre-Program
There’s plenty to see and do in Tromsø, so if you
feel like getting to know this charming Norwegian city a bit better
before embarkation, why not book our optional Pre-Program? It includes
a cable car ride to the top of a nearby mountain and an overnight stay
in a nice, centrally located hotel.
Day 2 Majestic beauty of
the Lofoten Islands
This picture-perfect archipelago will take your breath away! Lofoten is
a group of beautiful islands with cultural roots deeply associated with
the Vikings. Its combination of dramatic peaks, sheltered coves, and
pristine waters is simply beautiful beyond compare. Lofoten is also
known for its enchanting villages and calm, sandy beaches.
Harvesting the seas has been a way of life here for centuries, as you
will see with the fishing villages and their iconic, photogenic cabins
(called ‘rorbuer’), which are set in rows along the
shore. Originally built to house seasonal cod fisherman, these cabins
give the villages a true old-world feel.
You’ll likely spot the wooden racks called hjell dotting the
shores of the town. Cod is air-dried here without salt, and turned into
tørrfisk (‘stockfish’ in English), a
prized local delicacy. Catching and preparing cod like this is a way of
life in Lofoten, and the islanders’ proud fishing heritage is
clearly visible.
Svolvær, the biggest town on the archipelago, is close to
Lofoten’s many magnificent sights. It provides easy access to
activities such kayaking and walking in nature. Pop in to the
interesting shops, galleries, cafés, and restaurants dotted
around town.
Day 3 Dark ice glacier
Today, we sail into the Holandsfjord, off the Helgeland coast, to reach
the glacier named Svartisen. Meaning ‘black ice’,
Svartisen covers 230 square miles and has 60 tongues, making it
Norway’s second-largest glacier after Jostedalsbreen.
It’s actually made up of two separate glaciers, Vestisen and
the Østisen, which are divided by a wide valley. The first
time you set eyes on this spectacular glacier, it will be frozen (no
pun intended) into your memory!
It might mean ‘black ice’, but the actual color of
Svartisen ranges from turquoise to dark blue—never quite
black, though. There are deep tunnels beneath the ice, which is 660 ft
thick, that go down to the roots of the mountains. It is the site of an
independent glaciology research laboratory constructed to help
scientists better understand the phenomenon of glacial meltwater.
Our aim is to land on the local jetty and take a closer look at this
frozen wonder on foot. You’ll spend the day exploring
Engenbreen, an accessible arm of the glacier that stretches all the way
down to the sea. Discover limestone caves in the mountains to the east,
along marked trails.
By the afternoon, you’ll be back aboard MS Spitsbergen,
warming your toes and maybe even enjoying a hot drink after the
morning’s icy adventure. Warm up for real in our amazing
panoramic sauna, which offers fantastic views of the scenery as you
relax. There are also hot tubs out on deck, if you haven’t
tried them yet.
Day 4 Hole of the
mountain king
In the morning, we’ll sail past many of the small islands
that dot the waters of Helgeland County. From the ship, pick out the
peaks of the Seven Sisters mountain range. In Norse mythology, the
mountain range is seven petrified troll sisters.
Our goal for today is to explore Torghatten, a small mountain outside
the town of Brønnøysund. At less than 850 feet,
it's not very high, but its height isn’t what makes it
special—it’s the distinctive hole going straight
through it. This unusual feature has made it one of the most
photographed sights in Norway.
We plan to anchor close by and use small boats to land on shore. If
weather dictates otherwise, we will dock in a nearby port and reach
Torghatten by bus. Geologists generally agree that the 98-foot-high
hole is due to erosion during the last Ice Age. But that
isn’t the only explanation for the unusual phenomenon.
Norwegian folklore tells of the troll Hestmannen, who was enraptured by
Lekamøya, fair troll maiden . When his advances were
spurned, Hestmannen flew into a rage and threw an arrow at her, which
went right through the mountain and created a huge hole. Witnessing
this, the troll-king of Sømna Mountain threw his hat in the
path of the arrow just in time to save Lekamøya.
But there’s a twist! Just as the mountain troll-king threw
his hat, the sun sent its first rays over the horizon, turning all the
trolls to stone. Lekamøya herself has been immortalized as a
small mountain to the south of Torghatten.
Feeling adventurous? Join the Expedition Team on a hike up to the
mountain’s hole. For something a bit less strenuous,
there’s an alternative walk around the mountain.
Day 5 Stunning mountain
scenery
Today, we sail along Romsdalsfjorden toward the tiny settlement of
Åndalsnes, deep in the Romsdalen valley. Along the way, we
might see early snow dusting the mountain peaks, just another point of
beauty amidst the beautiful scenery of islands and rocky reefs along
the coast.
Åndalsnes is seen as a basecamp for exploring the
Romsdalsfjorden. It’s a launching point to explore
Trollveggen, the tallest vertical rock face in Europe, which looms
majestically over the valley. For the best views, hitch a ride on the
Romsdal Gondola to the mountain station on Mt. Nesaksla, 2,277 ft above
the fjord. From there, you’ll have fantastic views down to
Åndalsnes and the Romsdalsfjord.
The scenery here truly is spectacular. In his novel Flaggermusmannen
(The Bat), Jo Nesbø waxes lyrical about the region, writing,
‘That was where God had started when He was creating the
world, and that He had spent so long on Romsdalen that the rest of the
world had to be done post-haste to be finished by Sunday.’
You can experience the valley from many angles. If you want to enjoy
the scenery at ground level, follow one of the local hiking trails. For
those who fancy more of a challenge, we recommend hikes on
Romsdalseggen ridge, or just up to Rampestreken view point, 1,853 ft
above the village.
The starkly modern Norwegian Mountaineering Museum is situated in
Åndalsnes. Stop in for insight into the history of
mountaineering in Norway and try out some of the equipment on display.
Just before dinner we’ll set sail again towards the longest
and deepest fjord of Norway: Sognefjord.
Day 6 The longest fjord
in Norway
Around lunchtime, we’ll sail into Sognefjord, the so-called
‘King of the Fjords,’ due to it being the longest
and deepest fjord in Norway. Stretching 127 miles inland from the
coast, we plan to cruise deep into its interior and visit the tiny
hamlet of Fjærland.
Only about 300 people live in idyllic Fjærland. Ashore,
you’ll discover how charming and quaint this little old
village is. Fjærland is a designated Norwegian Book Town. You
will find lots of books here, with picturesque second-hand book shops
and stands placed around every corner. In fact, there are supposedly
over two and a half miles of books on shelves in this tiny village!
This is where the Sognefjord meets Jostedalsbreen, one of
Norway’s best-known glaciers. It’s the largest
glacier on the European continent and has several smaller glacial arms
stretching out in many directions, including Bøyabreen and
Supphellebreen.
Visit the Norwegian Glacier Museum and find out more about the
processes involved in their creation. Designed by famed architect
Sverre Fehn, this award-winning museum allows you to engage with
hands-on exhibits that explain why the ice is blue and how the fjords
were formed. You can even perform some ‘cool’
experiments with 1,000-year-old glacier ice!
Day 7 Charm prevails in
Norway’s former capital
We arrive in Bergen in the morning. You’ll soon see that
Bergen is one of Norway’s most picturesque cities. The city
is surrounded by seven mountains and beautiful fjord scenery. It is
well-known for its unique charm, which is something you have to
experience for yourself.
Founded in 1070 CE, and known as a gateway to the fjords, Bergen was
once Norway’s capital for many years. You’ll see
that its local character, heritage, and allure are still thriving.
Stroll through the old streets and alleyways where people have lived
for centuries.
One included activity in Bergen is an excursion to Mount
Fløyen. A funicular train has been bringing visitors to the
top of the mountain for over a century. From the top, you’ll
have an amazing view across this picturesque city and its blend of
colorful homes, mountain scenery, and clear blue water. If we have
time, we might also venture into the alpine forest here for a short
hike.
Back in the city center, spend time strolling along its cobblestone
streets and alleyways. Don’t miss the historic UNESCO-listed
Bryggen district, with colorful wooden houses along the wharf. The area
dates back to the 14th century and now houses boutique stores selling a
range of arts and handicrafts. Across from Bryggen is
Bergen’s famous fish market, which is full of sights, sounds,
and scents to savor.
Day 8 Spectacular
waterfalls
Today we head inland and sail into Hardangerfjord, the second-largest
fjord in Norway. This impressive waterway winds its way into the heart
of Norway’s coastline for 111 miles. As we sail along it,
we’ll pass by scenic villages like Rosendal, Sunndal, and
Ulvik. Down here in the southwest of Norway, the climate is normally
mild in the fall.
It will be several hours before we reach our day’s
destination at the innermost point of the fjord, Eidfjord. Human
activity at this old settlement has existed for over a millennium. Not
far from the village are the remains of ancient Viking burial mounds.
Old Eidfjord Church was built in 1309, and sits center stage against
the backdrop of the beautiful mountains surrounding it.
Eidfjord is a perfect starting point for exploring Hardangervidda
National Park or one of the region’s many waterfalls. One of
the most well-known is Vøringsfossen, which pours water down
through the Måbødalen valley from a height of 597
ft. You can access a number of viewpoints to see this spectacular
sight, including the newly-built viewing platform at the Fossli Hotel.
The Expedition Team will be on hand to offer advice on the best walking
routes in the town. You’ll also have the option to join them
on some onshore hikes and kayaking. Eidfjord also has a few
cafés, restaurants, and shops, where you can buy a souvenir
or simply enjoy a coffee while you enjoy the view.
As the sun goes down, we’ll depart Eidfjord and sail out of
Hardangerfjord toward our next adventure.
Day 9 Picturesque town
with wooden houses
You’ll love Egersund and its cozy vibe. The town is famous
for its brightly colored wooden houses, a welcome and cheerful sight as
you approach the harbor. Depending on the weather conditions, we aim to
arrive at Egersund early in the morning.
People have lived around Egersund since the Stone Age. There are
several places near town where you’ll find ruins of
settlements dating back to the early migrations from around
400–600 B.C., and ancient runes have been found carved into
rocks nearby. It’s also one of the best natural harbors in
Norway. It used to be the largest in the country—measured in
quantity of fish caught each year.
Enjoy exploring the small town center, which has some of the best
preserved examples of wooden houses, with a few dating back over 160
years. The varied and scenic landscape surrounding the town is great
for walking, with numerous trails available.
For a panoramic view of the town and coast, we recommend hiking to the
viewpoint of Varberg, about 15 minutes from the town center.
You’ll have great views over the entire city from this
vantage point. See the array of colored buildings sitting low in the
valley, surrounded by trees in autumnal colors.
An optional hike with the Expedition Team is also on offer in the
morning. After lunch we’ll set out into the North Sea toward
the island of Heligoland, our first stop in Germany.
Day 10 A tranquil oasis
of calm
After lunch, we’ll arrive at Heligoland, which lies around 30
miles from the German mainland.
Germany’s only archipelago features Heligoland Island, a red
sandstone outcrop known for its laid-back holiday vibe and plentiful
supply of lobster. Originally settled by Frisians in the Middle Ages,
Heligoland became a pirate base. Since then it has changed hands
several times between Denmark, Britain, and Germany. The British
actually swapped it for the tropical African island of Zanzibar in
1891, which was ruled by Germany at the time.
The crowds are low this time of year and the colors are soft with fall
hues. Stroll its charming streets and see the colorful
fishermen’s houses that line the harbor’s
promenade. Originally used as storage, they house restaurants and
souvenir shops these days. Except for a few taxis, there are no cars on
the island, adding to the blissfully calm atmosphere.
There are a few interesting museums, if you want to learn more about
the island’s colorful history. If you’d rather get
active, there are several walking tails on the island, some of which
lead along the cliffs. A hike along the coast will lead to the Lange
Anna rock formations. ‘Lange Anna’, along with her
little ‘sister’, form two pinnacles jutting out of
the sea.
After an enjoyable day on this pleasant and idiosyncratic holiday
island, head back to the ship as we set course for Hamburg.
Day 11 Last stop, the
‘Venice of the North’
Your expedition cruise comes to an end in Hamburg. After
you’ve disembarked and said goodbye to the crew, the
Expedition Team, and your new friends, hopefully you’ll have
some time to discover a bit of this great German city.
Hamburg is Germany’s second-largest city and one of the
greenest urban areas in all of Europe.
Find out why it is called the ‘Venice of the
North.’ Enjoy a boat tour through its numerous canals and
explore the city’s waterways. You can also easily explore on
foot, by bike, or by hop-on, hop-off bus.
Visit the old Landungsbrücken floating dock, and see the old
ships and shipyards, waterfront buildings, and the Old Elbe Tunnel.
Climb the 433 foot bell tower of famous St. Michael’s Church
for stunning views over the city.
Many places of interest are concentrated in the Altstadt (Old Town).
Visit St. Catherine’s Church and the St. Nikolai Memorial,
discover the timber-framed houses of the historic street of
Deichstraße, and see the impressive city hall on Rathausmarkt
Square.
The world’s largest warehouse complexes of Kontorhausviertel
and Speicherstadt, as well as Chilehaus, are UNESCO World Heritage
Sites. Want to visit just one museum? Hamburg Kunsthalle ranks as the
nation’s foremost art museum. You can break up the
sightseeing with some browsing on Mönckebergstraße,
or stop for some traditional Hamburger fare such as aalsuppe, a ham
soup with dried fruits, or labskaus, corned beef with potato and
pickles.
Whatever you choose, we hope to see you again soon on another adventure!
Post-Program:
Hamburg is well worth an extended stay if you have the time. We
recommend booking our optional Post-Program, which includes a tour of
the main city sights and a visit to the observation deck of
Elbphilharmonie concert hall.
MS Spitsbergen (Expedition, 180-guests)
MS Spitsbergen joined the Hurtigruten fleet in 2016. The ship features high technical standards as well as comfortable, modern public areas and cabins. The vessel's fresh Scandinavian design reflects a colour palette derived from the sea. She is modern and environmentally progressive, and further improvements have been planned that will reduce emissions and fuel consumption even more. The new ship's maneuverability and optimal size make her quite suitable for exploring polar waters.
(Click image to view Ship details)
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Included in Your
Expedition
- Expedition Cruise
- Expedition cruise in the cabin of your choice
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner, including beverages (house
beer and wine, sodas, and mineral water) in the restaurant
- Complimentary tea and coffee
- Complimentary Wi-Fi on board. Be aware that we sail in
remote areas with limited connection. Streaming is not supported.
- Complimentary reusable water bottle to fill at onboard
water refill stations
- English-speaking Expedition Team who organize and guide
activities, both on board and ashore
- Range of included activities
Onboard activities
- Experts from the Expedition Team present detailed lectures
on a variety of topics
- Use of the ship’s Science Center, which has an
extensive library and advanced biological and geological microscopes
- The Citizen Science program allows guests to contribute to
current scientific research
- The onboard professional photographer will give tips and
tricks for taking the best landscape and wildlife photos
- The ship has hot tubs, a sauna with a view, and an indoor
gym
- Participate in informal gatherings with the crew, such as
daily recaps and the next day’s preparations
Landing activities
- Escorted landings with small boats (RIBs)
- Complimentary wind- and water-resistant expedition jacket
- Expedition photographers help configure your camera settings
Not Included In Your
Expedition
- Air travel
- Travel protection
- Baggage handling
- Optional shore excursions with our local partners
- Optional small-group activities with our Expedition Team
Notes
- All planned activities are subject to weather conditions
- Excursions and activities are subject to change
- Please ensure you can meet all entry and boarding
requirements
- No gratuities are expected