Norway – Exploring Norway's Fjords and the North Cape

The second-largest city in Germany is one of the greenest urban areas in Europe – featuring large parks, botanical gardens and nature reserves.  Before embarking on MS Fridtjof Nansen, spend some time and enjoy a harbor barge tour to explore some of the city´s canals. 

Explore the historic harbor area, fronted by wooden houses of Bryggen dating back as far as the 1300s. Stroll through Bergen’s charming narrow alleyways or take a trip up to Mount Fløyen on the Fløibanen funicular, which reaches the top in just six minutes to enjoy amazing views over the city.  

Included activity: 

University Museum of Bergen - Plastic Whale (1hr)
Visit the University Museum of Bergen, featuring artefacts from the cultural and natural history of the city. Learn about the famous "plastic whale" that was found on the island of Sotra in 2017 with more than 30 plastic bags and other plastic items in its stomach. This Cuvier's beaked whale was found stranded in shallow local waters and had to be put down - a tragic reminder about plastic pollution in the oceans.

Trondheim was founded by the Viking ruler, Olav Tryggvason, in 997, and today features a rich cultural life.  There are plenty historic sites to take in as you wander through this historic city, enjoying the architecture and surroundings that create a beautiful, almost mystical atmosphere. 

Included activity:

Town walk with local guides (3hrs)
Your walk starts at the 19th century harbor, then on to the royal residence of Stiftsgården, before continuing to the Market Square to take a look at the statue of Viking King Olav Tryggvason. From here, we stroll to Nidaros to get to know the world’s northernmost medieval cathedral.

Next, we cross the old city bridge with its red gateway known to the locals as “the portal of happiness”. On the other side is Bakklandet, which has managed to preserve its charming wooden architecture. Originally, this was the industrial part of the city, but old factories have now been converted to housing, shops and gourmet restaurants and the area features the world’s only bicycle lift.

Tromsø is often described as the “Paris of the North,” and boasts friendly locals, wonderful shopping and great restaurants. The Arctic Cathedral is a highlight, as well as the Arctic Aquarium, the world’s northernmost botanical garden and the Fjellheisen cable car.

Included activity:

Polaria Arctic Aquarium (1hr)
Set in a spectacular building representing two ice floes, the Polaria Arctic Aquarium informs and entertains with films and installations that lead you along the "Arctic walkway". You can learn more about the melting Arctic ice and how it affects wildlife. And you can discover how researchers conduct their Arctic studies as well as enjoy seeing the resident bearded seals.

Hammerfest has gravesites dating back to the Stone Age and was an important fishing and Arctic hunting settlement long before it was given market town rights in 1789.  The town is also home to the UNESCO-listed Struve Geodetic Arc – a chain of survey triangulations stretching to the Black Sea.

Included activity:

Sami Experience (2hrs)
Learn about Sámi history and culture at Mikkelgammn Sámi camp seated on reindeer skins around an open fire. Enjoy a special Sámi performance with joiks, or chants. The joik has no actual words and may be used to describe a particular mood, nature, character or person. Each Joik is personal and unique. The Sámi people present will be wearing their colourful national costumes.

The pretty little fishing town, Brønnøysund, is rich in history and maritime atmosphere.  Ambling through the marina, take in the fleet of small fishing boats and bustling sailing life. There will be an option to come close to iconic Torghatten, the famous mountain with a distinctive hole through the middle.

Included activity:

Torghatten (2hrs 30min)
Enjoy a scenic bus ride to Torghatten. This iconic landmark has been called ‘Nature's Cathedral’ due to the hole’s 35-metre-high ceiling. The mountain’s summit is 258 m above sea level. Take a leisurely hike to the hole and admire the beautiful surrounding landscapes along the way.

Værlandet is a small island group situated north of Sognefjorden. This unique place features excellent hiking possibilities for all levels of fitness. Maybe a jaunt up 1,200 ft high Mount Alden will tempt you. The view is stunning.

Included activity:

Museum, hike options, bike rental (2hrs)
Stretch your legs on the small islands of Værlandet & Bulandet by hiking or walking around the village or take a bike around the island on your own. You can also learn more about the area´s cultural history at the local museum.

After breakfast, it’s time to disembark and leave your base for the past 15 days.  Head ashore in Hamburg for a final bit of exploration before you make your way home.