Depart from Hamburg

Your Arctic adventure begins in historic Hamburg

Your Norway expedition cruise departs from Hamburg. We'll sail north towards Norway’s beautiful coastline and hunt for the Northern Lights. Our chances of seeing this amazing natural phenomenon increase the further north we go. We exit the Hamburg channel into Cuxhaven, a popular departure point for German seafarers over the centuries. Here, we go alongside to enjoy a special ceremony to celebrate the start of our journey. We’ll enjoy a guided tour of the Hapag-Halle museum and a performance from a local sea shanty choir.

Norway Bound

Relax and prepare for your adventure ahead

Spend the day at sea enjoying the amenities aboard MS Otto Sverdrup. Visit the restaurants, hot tubs, sauna and indoor gym. Or relax in the Explorer Bar.

Meet your Expedition Team, who will begin the first of their daily lectures in the well-equipped Science Center. Each member of team has been picked for their extensive knowledge of Norway. Discover more about local folklore, geology or the science behind the Northern Lights.

It's the perfect way to prepare for all the natural wonders that await you as we cruise towards Norway.

Beautiful Bergen

Explore UNESCO-listed Bryggen and Mount Fløyen

Surrounded by seven mountains and the sea, Bergen is one of Norway’s most picturesque cities and has retained much of its character and charm. Your included excursion is a funicular railway trip to the summit of Mount Floyen for amazing views over the city. If there’s time, we might even take a short hike in the alpine forest. Stroll through the UNESCO-listed Bryggen district with its colourful wooden wharfs dating back to the 14th century. As you explore the city’s cobbled streets, stop by artisanal boutiques and cafés, or pop into a pub for a glass of local Hansa beer.

Views from Mount Hoven

Enjoy the glacial beauty of Nordfjorden

Today, we'll cruise through the straits and channels of Nordfjorden. The smaller size of our expedition ships means we reach parts of Norway’s spectacular coastline that others can’t. Nestled along the fjord are old fishing communities, such as Loen. We'll take the Loen Skylift to the top of Mount Hoven – climbing over 3,300 feet in just five minutes. The views to Mount Skåla and Lake Lo in the east, and Jostedalsbreen, Europe's largest mainland Glacier, and Olden to the south, are unforgettable.

You can also try optional winter activities, including snowshoeing or sledding on the mountain, and maybe even kayaking on the fjord if time and weather allow.

Towards the Arctic Circle

Look out for Torghatten and the Northern Lights

However you spend this time at sea, strolling on deck or enjoying the facilities, don’t miss the scenery of the Strandflaten islands. Local folklore says the Seven Sisters peaks are the petrified bodies of troll sisters caught by the sunrise. Torghatten, a mountain with a hole through the middle, is the troll king’s hat, pierced by an arrow. You’re close to the Arctic now, and your chances of seeing the Northern Lights increase. As daylight hours shorten, you’ll spend more time in the romantic ‘blue hour’, when the sun glowing beneath the horizon creates a beautiful extended twilight.

The Lofoten Islands

Incredible island scenes and a visit to a magical bar

The approach to the Lofoten Islands is a wall of granite peaks looming on the horizon, punctuated by sheltered bays and untouched beaches. We dock at one of the most frequently photographed landscapes in Norway, the fishing village of Reine. From here, a picturesque sail takes us to Svolvær, where we’ll spend a day among the shops, galleries, eateries, and traditional fishing huts, or rorbuer. After passing the vertical mountain walls of Trollfjorden, you’ll enjoy a frosty glass among the Insta-worthy sculptures of the Magic Ice Bar. There’s also the option to join hiking or snowshoeing excursions.

Arctic Alta, Aurora city

Experience local culture in the city of Northern Lights

Directly beneath the active Auroral Zone, Alta is an epicentre for Northern Lights research. We’ll arrive in the afternoon and, if the skies are clear, stay past midnight to watch out for an unforgettable show. You’ll learn more about Alta’s starring role in an included visit to the interactive exhibition at the Northern Lights Cathedral. Its striking titanium-clad outline dominates the skyline. You can also join an optional excursion to the village of Máze on the Kautokeino River. It’s an opportunity to meet and learn from the semi-nomadic Sámi who make a living herding reindeer.

The North Cape

Look towards the North Pole as the Northern Lights beckon

Today we visit the most northerly point on our expedition, starting out with an included excursion. From Honningsvåg, you’ll take a bus ride through small villages and bays. Crossing a mountain plateau, you arrive at the spectacular North Cape. Standing at the edge of the cliff, there’s only the Svalbard Archipelago between you and the North Pole, 1,300 miles away. Later, take a stroll through Honningsvåg to admire the church that was the only building still standing at the end of World War II. And of course, don't forget to keep looking skywards for those first colourful signs of the Aurora.

Tromsø the Arctic gateway

Watch out for whales as we sail towards Tromsø

The winter waters of the Arctic Circle are a feeding ground for humpback whales, so watch out for them as we cruise towards Tromsø.

Your included trip today takes in the Polar Museum, where you’ll learn about the city's hunting and exploration heritage. Or explore the town independently. Visit the Arctic Cathedral with its huge stained glass window, or join friendly locals at Mack Bryggeri, the world’s northernmost brewery.

Tromsø is the centre for Arctic adventure experiences. Enjoy winter activities on optional hiking, dogsledding or snowshoeing excursions.

Return to Reine

Learn about Lofoten's fishing heritage in Å

We arrive back in the fishing village of Reine today. You'll see the now-familiar rorbuer. The breathtaking scenery is a masterpiece of jutting snowcapped mountains, sheltered bays, untouched beaches and fishing villages. If the Northern Lights are active, it will only add to the magic.

Fishing is a way of life for Lofoten's local communities. Discover one of the best-preserved traditional fishing villages in Norway on an included activity to Å, where you'll visit the Norwegian Fishing Village Museum, and learn how fishing has shaped life here over the centuries.

Trøndelag expedition day

The plan for today is that there isn’t one

Today you'll visit Norway's coastal heart – an area few experience – Trøndelag, dotted with islands, fjords and skerries. As our ship arrives at the windswept islands, nature will decide where we land and what we do.

Here's where our Expedition Team excels. They will draw on their in-depth knowledge of the area to pick out the most interesting sites we’re able to explore. If conditions are right, you’ll be able to enjoy optional activities like hikes and kayaking trips. Leaving the ship anchored off one of the islands or in a small bay, we’ll use our small expedition boats to take you to our selected landing places, where you’ll be able to explore the local landscape, life and nature.

Art Nouveau Ålesund

From marine life to mountain peaks

Your expedition cruise continues to the captivating city of Ålesund, famous for its charming architecture. After a fire razed much of the city to the ground in 1904, it was rebuilt in the fashionable style of the time: Art Nouveau.

Nestled into the rocky coastline is the Atlantic Sea Park, Norway's first marine science centre and today's included activity. You'll find Humboldt penguins, seals and otters.

You can also enjoy a hike to the summit of Mount Aksla for incredible views of the city. Reward yourself with a warm svele – a thick, crescent-shaped savoury pancake – at the top.

Pretty Hardangerfjorden

Stunning landscapes in a glacial setting

You’ll enjoy the views as we sail towards Hardangerfjorden, the second longest fjord in Norway. Its hillside orchards supply apples for award-winning local cider.

Today, you’ll explore either Sunndal or Rosendal, depending on conditions. From Sunndal, near the Bondhus Glacier, you can join an optional hike or kayaking with the Expedition Team. In Rosendal, learn more about the neighbouring Folgefonna Glacier at the village visitors’ centre.

Wherever we land, you’ll want to sample amazing local produce in the cafés. Make sure you try the cider one wine critic described as ‘Nordic champagne’.

Reflections of Norway

Relax on the last day of your Norway expedition

We have a relaxing day at sea ahead as we sail back to Hamburg. It's the perfect time to look back on your many adventures and share experiences with new friends in the Explorer Bar.

The Expedition Team will be available if you have more questions about the places you've visited. Catch up on any Citizen Science projects you’ve been involved with in the Science Center, or take one last chance to enjoy facilities like the sauna and gym.

You can also use the time to sort through your multiple memory cards with photos of Arctic scenery, colourful villages and – hopefully – the Northern Lights. And ask our expedition photographer if you need a second opinion.

Arrival in Hamburg

Explore more of Hamburg before you go

Our expedition cruise docks in Hamburg. You'll still havel time to enjoy a final breakfast on board before you leave. Why not explore Germany's second biggest city before you head home.

You'll discover most of the city's attractions in the Altstadt, including St Nikolai Memorial and Deichstraße Historic Street. You can also explore two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Chilehaus and the world's largest warehouse complex.