Tromsø the Arctic Gateway

Enjoy the delights of Tromsø, ‘Paris of the North’

Your autumn adventure begins in Arctic Tromsø. This small, cosmopolitan city has plenty of fascinating sights to discover. It's also got a lively café scene, as well as shops offering locally-made specialties. Look out for the city's most recognisable landmark, the Arctic Cathedral, with its huge stained-glass mosaic.

For superb views, take the Fjellheisen cable car to the top of Mount Fløyfjellet, or learn about Norway’s heritage at the University Museum. Then it's time to board your expedition ship MS Spitsbergen, built to explore up close in comfort, and enjoy a delicious, locally-sourced meal.

To explore more of Tromsø, book our optional Pre-Programme.

Enchanting Lofoten

Fishing traditions of this picturesque archipelago

The starkly beautiful Lofoten islands – with a rich Viking heritage – combine dramatic peaks, sheltered coves, sandy beaches and pristine waters.

The winter fishing season has been a way of life here for centuries, when Arctic cod come here to spawn. You’ll see fishing villages, with their cabins – or rorbu – set out in rows along the shore. You might even spot the fishermen's wooden racks air-drying cod.

Svolvær, the biggest town on the archipelago, is close to Lofoten’s many magnificent sights. Here you can enjoy activities such as kayaking and nature walks, or take a stroll around the shops, galleries and cafés.

Svartisen adventures

Visit Norway's second largest glacier

Despite meaning 'black ice', the spectacular 230-square-mile Svartisen glacier, off the Helgeland coast, ranges in colour from turquoise to dark blue, and has 60 glacier tongues.

We aim to land on the local jetty and get a closer look at this spectacular glacier on foot. You’ll spend the day exploring Engenbreen, an accessible arm of the glacier with marked trails featuring limestone caves.

Back aboard MS Spitsbergen after the morning's icy adventures, you can warm up with a hot drink, hit the sauna or soak in the hot tubs out on deck.

Torghatten Mountain

Hike up the slopes of a mythical mountain

Today's expedition begins close to the town of Brønnøysund, at Torghatten – a small mountain with a distinctive hole that goes straight through it.

Geologists generally agree that the hole is due to Ice Age erosion. However, Norwegian folklore tells of a spurned troll who fired an arrow at his love, which went right through the mountain. The maiden was saved by a troll king but all were turned to stone.

Depending on the weather, we'll anchor and take our small expedition boats to land on shore, or dock nearby and travel by bus. For the really adventurous, the Expedition Team will lead a hike up Torghatten for a closer look.

The heights of Romsdalen

Breathtaking mountain scenery in tiny Åndalsnes

Today we sail into beautiful Romsdalsfjorden, framed by mountain peaks dusted with snow.

We start at Åndalsnes, a tiny settlement used as a basecamp for exploring Romsdalsfjorden. Its most famous sight is majestic Trollveggen, the tallest vertical rock face in Europe. You'll also find the starkly modern building housing the Norwegian Mountaineering Centre, where we'll visit on today's included activity.

For stunning views across Åndalsnes and Romsdalsfjorden, ride the Romsdal Gondola to the mountain station high above the fjord.

The narrow fjord

In the early afternoon, we sail into Nærøyfjorden, since 2005 under UNESCO protection, where we will be surrounded by dramatic and spectacular mountains and landscapes.

The idyllic fjord village of Gudvangen will be a beautiful first stop on our voyage. Located at the end of the fjord it will provide fantastic opportunities for hiking along the coastal mountains, or exploring the fjord with our kayaks and expedition boats.

Take the chance to visit the authentic Viking town Njardheimr and seek the inner Viking in you by participating in activities like axe-throwing and archery. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to learn about the Viking ways first hand.

Beautiful Bergen

Explore UNESCO-listed Bryggen and mountain peaks

Surrounded by seven mountains and the sea, the old capital of Bergen is one of Norway’s most picturesque cities.

Stroll through the UNESCO-listed Bryggen district and discover its colourful wooden wharfs dating back to the 18th century. Across from Bryggen, you'll find the city's famous fish market.

You'll also enjoy an included excursion to Mount Fløyen. Take the funicular railway up to the summit for amazing views over the city. If there’s time, we might head to the alpine forest for a short hike. 

Pretty Hardangerfjorden

Great views, ancient history and towering waterfalls

Our journey through the fjords continues as we sail into Hardangerfjorden. Passing by scenic villages such as Rosendal, Sunndal and Ulvik, you'll notice the relatively mild climate of southwest Norway.

We'll sail right into the innermost point of the fjord, Eidfjorden. This old settlement, with ancient Viking burial mounds nearby, has recorded human activity for over a millennium.

Eidfjorden is also perfect for exploring one of the many waterfalls such as the 597 ft Vøringsfossen. And if you're feeling adventurous, why not join your Expedition Team for some optional shore hikes or kayaking.

Cosy Egersund

A beautiful town of wooden houses and ancient runes

You’ll love the cosy vibe of Egersund, with its brightly coloured, wooden houses – so different to traditional white-painted Norwegian homes.

People have lived here since the Stone Age and you can even find ancient runes carved into rocks nearby. It’s also one of the best natural harbours in Norway and, in terms of fish caught, was once the largest.

The best way to explore is on foot. You can take an optional hike in the hills or enjoy exploring the town centre on your own. For panoramic views, hike to the viewpoint at Varberg, a short walk from the centre. After lunch, we set sail for Heligoland, our first stop in Germany.

Exploring Heligoland

Discover the laidback charm of this historic island

After lunch, we arrive at Heligoland, just off the German mainland. Once a base for pirates, it's now better known for its laidback holiday vibe and plentiful lobsters. Enjoy the relative tranquillity of this car-free island as you take in the autumn hues.

Stroll through charming streets, past the colourful fishermen’s houses lining the harbour promenade. Or visit the local museums to learn more about the island’s history. If you're up for something more active, there are several scenic walking trails on the island. Once back on board, we set our course for Hamburg.

Historical Hamburg

Explore Hamburg's architectural and cultural delights

There's so much to see and do in Hamburg – the 'Venice of the North', so-called for its picturesque canals. Visit the old floating dock of Landungsbrücken, see the old ships and yards, waterfront buildings, and the Old Elbe Tunnel.

You’ll find many of its attractions in the Altstadt, including the St Nikolai Memorial, St Catherine's Church, City Hall and Deichstraße Historic Street. Art lovers will enjoy Kunsthalle, Germany’s foremost art museum.

You can also visit the world’s largest warehouse complex at Kontorhausviertel and Speicherstadt, which together with Chilehaus, are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. 

Final day at sea

Relax and enjoy the North Sea air

Your cruise to Amsterdam is almost at an end, so enjoy the onboard facilities, look out for seabirds on deck, or perhaps catch up on your travel journal.

If you haven’t already done so, check out the Science Center in more depth, and contribute to the Citizen Science programmes we run. These aim to help scientists around the world better understand the locations we sail to.

In the Explorer Lounge & Bar, your Expedition Team will present a recap of your expedition highlights – the perfect opportunity to look back and share your favourite memories of your autumn adventure.

Amsterdam's Dutch masters

A creative, cosmopolitan city known for the arts

Your autumn expedition cruise ends in Amsterdam. You can book our optional Post-Programme and spend an extra day exploring this wonderful city.

Walk along Amsterdam's famous canals and bridges between the Rivers Amstel and Ij. Admire the charming townhouses that line the canals of the Grachtengordel, now protected by UNESCO. 

In Museumplein, three of the world's top museums await you: the Rijksmuseum with its unrivalled collection of Dutch Masters; the Vincent Van Gogh Museum; and the Stedelijk Museum - one of the best places to view modern art.