Reiserute

Welcome to Helsinki, where our adventure begins. Depending on when you arrive, there may be time to do a bit of exploration if you feel like it. Your tour manager will be at the hotel to meet and greet you.   Helsinki is a vibrant and charming city blending modern design with a rich history. Its picturesque waterfront, lively squares, and unique architecture create a welcoming atmosphere. Perfect for a stroll, you can enjoy a scenic walk and experience the city's lively spirit, all within a few hours.  In the evening there will be a welcome dinner at the hotel, giving you the perfect chance to get to know your fellow travellers. 

We kick off our adventure through Finland by getting to know its charming capital city a little better.   After breakfast you’ll meet with an English-speaking local guide for a sightseeing tour. Learn about local culture, history, and traditions as you pass landmarks such as Helsinki City Hall, Market Square, Senate Square with its Cathedral, and the Temppeliaukio Church (Rock Church, entrance included). Weather permitting, we’ll also visit the Sibelius monument, an unusual sculpture commemorating the life of the composer Jean Sibelius.  The tour concludes at the hotel, leaving the afternoon free for further exploration. Why not take the opportunity to try some local dishes, such as silakat (small Baltic herrings) or mustikkapiirakka (blueberry pie).  

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, then take a private transfer to Helsinki Railway Station for your train to Kemi. The scenic journey takes you  from Finland’s capital into the Arctic’s wilderness, offering incredible vistas of forests, lakes, and rugged landscapes – with the last section travelling beside the Baltic Sea.  We’ll arrive in Kemi around 15:30. Lunch is at your own expense, with food available on the train. Afterward, transfer privately to your accommodation, where you'll spend the night in a unique Glass Villa at the Experience 365 winter resort. Here, you’ll witness beautiful scenery all around, and with glass ceilings you’ll be able to look up directly into the heavens from your bed!  

This morning we’ll travel to the Ajos pier located on Bothnian Bay, where the sea freezes over during winter. It’s time to board Sampo, a real-life Icebreaker (conditions permitting) for an incredible adventure. It’s a thrilling experience as the icebreaker ploughs powerfully through the frozen sea. If you’re brave enough, take a refreshing dip in the icy waters while wearing a full-body waterproof survival suit.   After this adventure, you’ll be free to take lunch at your own arrangement in Kemi. A private coach will then collect us and transfer us to our next destination, Levi, via the Santa Claus Village at Rovaniemi.   At Levi, we’ll enjoy two magical nights in private glass igloo accommodation, offering again the chance to marvel at the Northern Lights from the comfort of your bed. Located on the outskirts of the resort of Levi, the hotel is far from light pollution, making it an ideal spot for Northern Lights spotting.  Please note: on tours with the following departure dates, the icebreaker ship will not be sailing due to expected sea conditions. Instead, you’ll be given a tour of the ship and will still be able to do the Arctic dip in a survival suit: 25 Sep, 9 Oct, 23 Oct, 6 Nov, 26 Mar, 9 Apr 

Please note, for today there are different possibilities depending on the season or date you are travelling.  See departure dates below: Today, enjoy a 1-hour Husky Safari in the form of a 5km sleigh ride (weather permitting). Driving a team of huskies over the shimmering fells is a must-do in Lapland. The eager dogs run at full speed, gliding effortlessly over the snow. Each sleigh seats two people, including one guest.   The safari takes you on a fast-paced ride through Levi’s untouched forest snow—an unforgettable experience!   Afterwards, the rest of the day is free to try optional activities like reindeer or snowmobile safaris (weather permitting).   In the evening, have dinner at the hotel before embarking on a 3-hour aurora hunting trip by sleigh (weather permitting). Sit comfortably in a heated sleigh pulled by a guide on a snowmobile and venture into the snowy forest and away from any light pollution. Watch out for the Northern Lights, and enjoy hot drinks, cookies, marshmallows and tales by the fire. This is followed by dinner at the hotel.   18 DEC, 1 JAN, 15 JAN, 29 JAN, 12 FEB, 26 FEB, 12 MAR, 26 MAR, 9 APR   SEP-NOV departures: Visit a husky farm and enjoy a 20 - 30-minute wagon ride (weather permitting, up to 4 people). Afterwards, relax in a traditional kota enjoying treats such as biscuits and warm berry juice, and listen to stories from the musher. If temperatures exceed 7°C, the activity may be limited to a farm visit only.   Before departure, enjoy dinner at the hotel and an evening of aurora hunting by snowmobile sleigh (weather permitting). Sit in a heated sleigh pulled by snowmobile, venturing into the forest for Northern Lights photography and storytelling by the fire. Warm drinks and thermal clothing are provided.   Note: The Levin Iglut snowmobile sleigh is not heated but includes overalls and blankets.  The rest of SEP-NOV departures: Enjoy a 3-hour evening of aurora hunting in the wilderness (weather permitting). The bus trip heads north, passing Jerisjärvi or Ounasjoki, where Northern Lights are more likely. Stops for photos are made before heading to Lake Äkäslompolo’s shore. Experience the magic of the aurora in a peaceful setting. If conditions are calm, you might even hear the whisper of the skies ...   Note: Northern Lights visibility depends on the weather conditions. 

Please note, for today there are different possibilities depending on the season or date you are travelling.  Most departure dates: After breakfast, we’ll transfer to the northwest along the Sweden - Finland border to Kilpisjärvi. Here, you’ll enjoy a 3-hour “Border of Three Countries” trip (weather permitting), visiting Norway, Finland and Sweden all in a single outing. We’ll travel by snowmobile or sleigh over frozen lakes and snowy forests to Koltavuoma, the peaceful border point. The trip includes guiding, thermal gear, photos, hot drink, and pastry.   SEP-NOV departures (25.09.26, 09.10.26, 23.10.26, 06.11.26): The border is inaccessible during this period, only reachable by a long snow hike. Instead, we’ll visit Kilpisjärvi Reindeer to experience Sámi traditions, meet and feed reindeer, and enjoy stories, berry juice, biscuits, and perhaps even grilled reindeer meat in a cosy log cabin.  

Today is the last day of our land trip before we board our ship. The 4.5 hr drive from Kilpisjärvi to Tromsø is a breathtaking journey through the Arctic wilderness, offering some of Norway’s most stunning scenery. Our route winds through snow-covered landscapes, passing frozen lakes and rugged tundra before reaching the majestic Lyngen Alps. These towering peaks, often blanketed in snow, create a dramatic backdrop.   Driving via the Lyngen Alps is subject to weather and road conditions, but if conditions allow the scenic coastal roads, fjords, and charming villages along the way offer perfect photo opportunities. If the weather and road conditions don't allow, we’ll drive directly to Tromsø. As we approach Tromsø, the landscape transitions from remote wilderness to a vibrant city surrounded by mountains and the icy sea.   Before you get settled into your cabin on board, give yourself plenty of time to explore Tromsø. This small city 350km north of the Arctic Circle has everything from trendy restaurants and cafés to boutique shops selling local crafts and produce.   Head to the Polaria centre, an aquarium home to a variety of Arctic marine species, including seals. Across the water from Polaria, you’ll find the Arctic Cathedral, standing out in the cityscape due to its striking design and impressive stained-glass windows.  In the evening, board the waiting ship and continue your journey on sea as we head north. 

Arriving early in the morning, you’ll have a full day in Honningsvåg. This far north, winters can be long and snowfall is high.   Ice fishing is a beloved winter tradition in the far north, and you might be able to try this on one of our optional excursions. Also, get a taste of the local delicacy, king crab, which is caught in the waters around Honningsvåg and served year-round.  But the highlight of any trip to Honningsvåg is a visit to the North Cape, which looks out over the Barents Sea. This is one of the northernmost points of mainland Europe, and if there's snow on the ground, you may even be able to arrive there by snowmobile. This trip is offered as an optional excursion.  Having reached the northernmost point of our voyage, we’ll turn around and begin going south as we sail away in the evening. 

Denne byen ligger på 70 grader nord, langt innenfor den nordlige polarsirkel. Området er spesielt kjent for mye nordlys, så sørg for å ha kameraet lett tilgjengelig. Under en valgfri utflukt kan du lære mer om hverdagen i Alta, se forhistorisk steinkunst og besøke Nordlyskatedralen. Her finner du også en utstilling som viser hvordan Alta sto i sentrum for banebrytende nordllysforskning på 1800- og 1900-tallet. Området har gjerne mye snø om vinteren, noe du kan dra nytte av på typiske vinterutflukter, som hundekjøring. Du kan til og med prøve hundekjøring på hjul hvis det ikke skulle være snø. Snøen og klimaet i Alta er et perfekt utgangspunkt for å bygge og vedlikeholde Igloo Hotel. Hotellet ligger på bredden av Altaelva, og er verdens nordligste ishotell. Alternativt kan du bli med Coastal Experienc-teamet på fottur til fjellet Komsa. Utsikten er magisk.

Narvik ble opprinnelig bygget som en helårs isfri havn for jernmalmgruvene i nærheten. I dag er byen kjent for sin arv fra andre verdenskrig og som inngangsport til aktiviteter som skigåing, hundekjøring og fotturer. Lær mer om Narviks historie på Narvik Krigsmuseum, som har engasjerende utstillinger som belyser byens strategiske betydning under andre verdenskrig. For en imponerende panoramaoversikt over Narvik, er det beste å ta gondolen til toppen av Narvikfjellet. Der vil du få fantastiske utsikter over byen og de tre omkringliggende fjordene.

Etter Narvik fortsetter vi sørover langs den eventyrlige norskekysten. La deg imponere av forblåste øyer, rolige bukter og noen av verdens vakreste fjorder. Her finnes også et rikt dyreliv, som den majestetiske havørnen. Da vi startet seilingene våre nord for Trøndelag i 1893, var det fortsatt mye vi ikke visste om denne kyststrekningen. Men gjennom årenes løp har vi blitt eksperter også i dette området. I dag er vi blant de få som har den maritime kunnskapen og ferdighetene til ferdes gjennom de tallrike skjærgårdene, holmene og skjulte fjordene som kjennetegner denne kyststrekningen.

Vi legger til kai i Åndalsnes sentrum om morgenen. Benytt sjansen til å utforske denne nydelige kystbyen langs Isfjorden, innerst i Romsdalsfjorden. Høydepunktene i Åndalsnes er, bokstavelig talt, fjellene som ruver over byen. De er grunnen til at byen har blitt et naturlig reisemål for turgåere, klatrere, skiløpere og andre. Trollveggen er en 1000 meter høy fjellvegg i Romsdalen, og trekker til seg adrenalinjunkies fra hele verden. Nyt severdighetene med en byvandring og en avslappende tur med Romsdalsgondolen som tar deg til toppen av Nesaksla, 708 meter over havet. Der oppe kan du nyte en 360-graders utsikt over det mektige Romsdalshorn, Åndalsnes sentrum nedenfor, og Rauma-elven.

Den gamle hovedstaden vår ligger omringet av sju fjell i havgapet, og er en av Norges vakreste og mest historiske byer. Utforsk Bryggen, som ligger på UNESCOs verdensarvliste, og se de fargerike trebygninger fra 1300-tallet. Bergens kjente fisketorg er også verdt et besøk. Det er en fest for sansene, med synet, lydene og luktene av rikelig med fersk sjømat som også kan tilberedes for deg her og nå. En av Bergens mest kjente attraksjonen er Fløibanen, taubanen som går hele veien opp til toppen av Fløyfjellet. Her får du nydelig utsikt over byen, fjorden i nærheten og de omkringliggende fjelltoppene.

Vi tilbringer reisens siste kveld i Kristiansand, som er Norges femte største by. Kristiansand sikter mot å bli den mest bærekraftige havnen i Europa. Lær mer om dette fantastiske målet på en valgfri utflukt, som inkluderer et besøk på Odderøya. Eller dykk ned i Kristiansands militære fortid fra det 20. århundre på en valgfri utflukt til Møvik fort. Møvik fort ble opprinnelig bygget som et tysk fort under andre verdenskrig, og her finner du verdens nest største landbaserte kanon. Når vi kommer tilbake til skipet, runder vi av reisen i stor stil med en flott avskjedsmiddag. Grip sjansen til å dele bilder og opplevelser fra turen med medreisende en siste gang.

Today, we arrive in Oslo, Norway's laid-back capital. During the journey, you’ll have seen majestic mountains, landscapes and fjords, and maybe gazed up in awe at the Northern Lights a few times. We hope you have had an amazing experience, and that you've made a few friends along the way.   If you have any extra time before heading home, Oslo is a beautiful city perfect for a quick visit. In just a few hours you can explore the surreal Vigeland Park, visit the impressive Opera House, and stroll along the waterfront. Don't miss the historic Akershus Fortress or the vibrant Aker Brygge area for great food and views. It's the perfect place to sit and reflect on your adventure.