October 22, 2022
Estimated time of departure is 9:00 PM

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.

October 23, 2022

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.

October 24, 2022

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.

October 25, 2022

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.

October 26, 2022

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.

October 27, 2022

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!

October 28, 2022

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.

October 29, 2022

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.

October 30, 2022

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.

October 31, 2022

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.

November 1, 2022
Estimated time of arrival is 6:00 AM

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.