Chasing the Northern Lights: Norway Winter Adventure Cruise - 2022

Your Nordic adventure begins with an overnight flight to Bergen. Or, depart earlier for your pre-trip extension to Oslo.

After arrival, transfer to your hotel in the heart of Bergen. Enjoy the remainder of your day in this historic port city at leisure. Later, join your fellow travelers at the hotel for a Welcome Drink and an informative briefing about the days ahead. A light buffet dinner will wrap up our first day in Scandinavia.

Our day begins at the hotel next to Bryggen Wharf, the city’s historic waterfront area. We’ll set out into the colorful city of Bergen on a combined coach and walking tour. Built after the Great Fire of 1702, these traditional wooden houses and unusual street patterns inspired UNESCO to declare the city a World Heritage Site.

We’ll then learn about Norway’s musical legacy with a visit to Edvard Grieg’s summer home. As one of the most influential Romantic composers of the 19th century, his work helped launch the country into international musical prominence. During a tour of Grieg’s home — now a fascinating museum — we’ll delve further into his cultural contributions.

After the museum, we'll embark on your Hurtigruten cruise ship and set sail. Because your ship is both a working and passenger vessel, your Nordic adventure will include a mix of Norwegian and international travelers as shipmates. Take the opportunity to connect with Scandinavians and learn about local life.

Included Feature:

• Panoramic city tour, including Old Town Bryggen

Hiking Opportunities:

• Hurtigruten offers a Hiking Pass for more active travelers. Revel Norwegian fjordland’s unspoiled natural landscapes with a series of guided hikes

Please note: Your ship calls at many ports and you'll often have time to go ashore for sightseeing. However, this is also a working vessel that delivers cargo on a strict schedule. As such, some port of calls may not permit any time on shore. Wherever possible, your Adventure Leader will keep your explorations active with port orientation walks.

Rise early to make the most of Nordfjord’s breathtaking splendor this morning before breakfast. As we cruise past the West Cape on our way to Ålesund, we’ll experience a rare venture into the open sea. Depending on the departure date, we’ll either sail past the spectacular cliffs and falls of the UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord or explore Hjørundfjord, settled amidst the majestic Sunnmøre Alps.

Depending on the season, we’ll enjoy an extended visit in the art nouveau town of Ålesund. Here, we’ll explore the cobblestoned streets and colorful architecture during a guided walking tour.

Later, we'll visit the town of Molde, a previous trading port dating to the Middle Ages. Learn about King Arthur, an icon from the Middle Ages, during a fascinating onboard lecture. We’ll be further informed about Dollsteinhola, which is rumored to be the site of the Holy Grail.

Cultural Discovery:

• Walking tour of Ålesund (please note that the walking tour of Ålesund is not available on summer departures between June 1st and November 1st)

Hiking Opportunity:

• Join a guided hike with a member of your Expedition Team through the secluded Sunnmøre Alps for vistas of majestic peaks and soaring skies

After an early arrival in Trondheim, we’ll spend the day exploring this small city on a bus tour. As one of Norway’s historic and religious cities, Trondheim has been considered the Nordic’s most important pilgrimage site since the 11th century. Witness St. Olav Ways, which comprise over 3,000 kilometers, all ending at St. Olav’s shrine (St. Olav was a Norwegian king and Catholic martyr).

On our city walk, we’ll follow the city’s old veitene, or narrow alleys, past its markets and historic warehouses. The stroll concludes with a tour inside the legendary Nidaros Cathedral.

In the afternoon, we’ll board our ship to cruise northwest. Perched among charming islets and rocky outcrops, we’ll glide past the striking Kjeungskjær lighthouse. An onboard lecture will cover Trondheimfjord’s geography and life during the Viking era. After passing through the narrow Stoksund, the ship will stop at charming Rørvik. This busy fishing community lies at the center of 6,000 islands.

Included Feature:

• Tour of Trondheim

Cultural Discovery:

• Visit the interior of Nidaros Cathedral

Hiking Opportunity:

• Lose yourself in Trondheim’s surrounding nature on an easy, guided mountain hike with a member of your Expedition Team

Today, we’ll cruise past the soaring Borvass Mountains and across the Arctic Circle, where the sun can remain above or below the horizon for 24 hours. During winter, this is where our hunt for the Aurora Borealis begins. Chances of witnessing the Northern Lights are best above the Arctic Circle’s latitude. We’ll sail along Helgeland’s beautiful coast until we reach Bodø. Here, we’ll stop for a walking tour of this young city, which is also Norway's largest air force base.

Crossing Vestfjord this afternoon, we’ll spot the half-mile high Lofoten Wall on the horizon. The small, picturesque fishing villages of Stamsund and Svolvær reveal the bohemian allure of the Lofoten Islands.

After sailing through the stunning Raftsund Strait this evening, we’ll pass Trollfjord’s entrance. Weather permitting, it is here that you’ll learn the enthralling story of the 1890’s Battle of Trollfjord.

Cultural Discovery:

• Walking tour of Bodø

Striking views await us as we cruise through the scenic Vagsfjord this morning. Our cruise ship will pause in the peaceful town of Finnsnes for a quick orientation walk.

We’ll continue to Tromsø, the "Gateway to the Arctic." Amidst other things, this lively city is known for its distinctive architecture and endless supply of cultural events. With more pubs per capita than any other town in Norway, Tromsø also hosts the hallowed Mack Brewery, especially famous for its Arctic Ale.

Setting off on a walking tour, we’ll pass key city sites and visit the Polar Museum. Learn the fascinating science behind the Aurora Borealis phenomenon and the history of Norwegian trapping in two separate lectures.

After returning to the ship this evening, we’ll enjoy dinner and a movie night.

Included Feature:

• Tour of Tromsø, the “Gateway to the Arctic”

Cultural Discovery

• Learn how the Aurora Borealis has influenced regional culture

Hiking Opportunity:

• Join your Expedition Team for a nature hike through Tromsø’s mountains. The clear air provides for unparalleled views of the city and its surroundings

Witness magnificent subarctic landscapes as we cruise Norway’s northernmost region this morning. Our destination today is Honningsvåg, North Cape’s gateway. We’ll make brief stops in the peaceful fishing towns of Hammerfest and Havøysund.

Surrounded by mountains, Honningsvåg is rich with gorgeous vistas, fish, and Nordic discoveries. Our Vantage expert will tell us about life in the country’s tiniest official city. We’ll perhaps learn about Bamse, a local dog who became the Free Norwegian Forces’ symbol of heroism in WWII.

Later, our ship will continue east, sailing through the heartland of the Sámi people and their ancient sacred site. We’ll pass the rock formation of Finnkirka and briefly visit the fishing village of Kjøllefjord.

Cultural Discovery:

• Walking tour of Honningsvåg

Hiking Opportunity:

• Explore Honningsvåg’s rolling hills and tranquil vistas on a guided hike with your Expedition Team

Rise early to savor the views of Vardø’s colorful town this morning. We’ll head to Kirkenes, land of the Sámi people and reindeer. Located just eight miles from Russia, this remote town was unsurprisingly tense during the Cold War.

After traveling along Storskog, the only official border between Norway and Russia, we’ll enjoy a short panoramic tour of Kirkenes. This is also the turnaround point on your Norwegian cruise.

Later, we’ll step into the past with a visit to Andersgrotta, a civilian bomb shelter from World War II. Here, a local will illuminate us with compelling historical anecdotes. If you depart in the winter or spring, you will explore the remarkable Snowhotel instead.

After Kirkenes, we’ll stop in Vardø for a short walking tour. As our ship heads northwest, a completely different side of Norway will unfold. We’ll now have the chance to make daylight calls at ports we previously passed in the night.

Included Feature:

• Walking tour of Vardø, including: Russian border and Snowhotel (from December 20th to April 20th) OR Andersgrotta (from April 21st to December 19th)

Cultural Discovery:

• Hear a local’s retelling of history at Andersgrotta (from April 21st to December 19th)

After early calls at Honningsvåg and Havøysund, our Norwegian cruise ship will stop in Hammerfest. We’ll take a short walking tour of this town, Europe’s first to have electric streetlights.

Heading south this evening, we’ll arrive at the small village of Skjervøy.

Cultural Discovery:

• Walking tour of Hammerfest

As we travel through the Vesterålen Islands via Stokmarknes, today’s cruise arguably promises the trip’s most stunning Nordic scenery. We’ll cross the Raftsund Strait, which connects Vesterålen with Lofoten, before docking Hadseløya’s island.

Here, we’ll take a leisurely, guided walk of Stokmarknes, where Hurtigruten’s headquarters are located. The lovely village is most famed for its Coastal Express Museum, which features retired ships. Tour this 1950s vessel to experience what Norwegian sailing was like decades ago.

Included Feature:

• Scenic cruise of Lofoten and Vesterålen islands

Cultural Discovery:

• Walking tour of Stokmarknes

After leaving Ornes early this morning, our ship will sail through narrow straits bordered by farm fields. Crossing southward over the Arctic Circle, we’ll call at Sandnessjøen. This island port connects to mainland Norway with an impressive new cable bridge.

As we cruise, we’ll witness exceptional views (weather permitting) of the Seven Sisters, a chain of seven breathtaking peaks. Often referred to as "The Centre of Norway," our next stop is Brønnøysund. Join our Adventure Leader on a walking tour to learn more about this beautiful town.

Cultural Discovery:

• Walking tour of Brønnøysund

Today, we’ll disembark in Trondheim, Norway’s third-largest city. This lively university town is known for its wide streets and colorful buildings. On a three-mile walking tour, we’ll pass architectural masterpieces like the Archbishop's Palace and the Old Town Bridge. You’ll see why it’s no wonder that these are some of the city’s most photographed locations.

These are by no means Trondheim’s only attractions. Wander through the serpentine streets, passing by quaint shops and cafes to absorb the vibrant local culture. Bundle up to sit at an outdoor table and watch passersby. Or, head to the city center’s Trondheim Torg, a shopping mall with myriad snacking options. In the winter, there is a skating ring if you’re in the mood for some revelry!

After returning to the ship, enjoy the views as we pass the picturesque islands of Grip and Hitra. Our next stop is Kristiansund, a peaceful city that stretches across four islands.

Cultural Discovery:

• Walking tour of Trondheim

Sail through one of the most beautiful archipelagos in Norway today, enjoying lunch on board. As we return to Bergen, the cruise portion of your Norway adventure comes to an end.

We’ll disembark and transfer to the hotel for our journey’s final night. Enjoy a leisurely evening, making the most of this intriguing town.

This morning, transfer to the airport for your flight home. If you’re joining the post-trip extension to Helsinki, Finland, your adventure begins today.