The coastline of Norway is one of extraordinary beauty and words cannot describe the awe-inspiring scenery of dramatic mountains, glaciers, waterfalls, valleys and truly magnificent fjords. Norway is also one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights and this expedition has been designed to maximise the chances of seeing the captivating aurora borealis as well as experiencing the raw beauty and awe-inspiring scenery as we take in views of dramatic mountains and truly magnificent fjords. There are few phenomena that capture the imagination like the aurora borealis and in February when the sun briefly rises above the horizon, we can expect magnificent displays with the flashing lights forming beautifully coloured arcs in the sky.
Sailing from Hamburg, you can enjoy a relaxing day at sea as we cruise north for our first glimpse of Norway. Here your days will be spent on optional excursions with local guides, on walks with the naturalists and on deck of the Hanseatic Nature as we cruise amongst the fjords. This itinerary uniquely combines the wonders of the natural world with the historical and cultural highlights of the area and our visits will include Alesund to marvel at the Art Nouveau architecture, the lively city of Tromso with its spectacular mountain scenery and a plethora of adventurous activities on offer as well as a full day in the enchanting Lofoten Islands. We will also cruise around the legendary Torghatten mountain, venture to mainland Europe’s northernmost point, the Northern Cape, and spend time in Alta, ‘city of the Northern Lights’.
For this expedition we are working with our associates at Hapag-Lloyd Cruises who have provided us with an allocation of cabins aboard Hanseatic Nature, a wonderful vessel on which you can be assured of excellent service, food and sumptuous surroundings. This is a perfect opportunity to visit one of Europe’s most beautiful regions in search of the Northern Lights and to experience spectacular natural scenery in a world far away from the stresses of modern life. There will be a range of optional excursions on offer as well as ample time to relax on board while cruising when you can pass the time on deck looking for wildlife, attend the series of lectures by members of the expedition team or simply enjoy the onboard facilities.
Hanseatic Inspiration / Spirit / Nature
Operated by our German associates, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, these three Hanseatic expedition class vessels – Inspiration, Nature and Spirit - are five-star vessels that were launched between 2019 and 2021. With a maximum of just 230 passengers (199 passengers in Antarctica and circumnavigation of Spitsbergen), these unique vessels offer plenty of open deck space including a walkway that allows access to the bow of the ship for front row wildlife sightings and incredible views. There is a qualified expedition team of naturalists who will accompany you ashore and provide informative talks in the comfort of the well-designed HanseAtrium, and a crew of 175 offering the most exquisite and attentive service on board.
Itinerary
Please note that shore excursions are not included in the price and details of what excursions will be available along with prices will be sent to passengers three months before departure.
Day 1 London to Hamburg, Germany.
Fly by scheduled flight. Upon arrival transfer to the Hanseatic Nature for embarkation. Sail this evening.
Day 2 At Sea.
Enjoy a leisurely day at sea as we cruise towards the Norwegian coast.
Day 3 Bergen, Norway.
Bergen welcomes you to a Scandinavian gem whose wealth over the years has been built on seafaring, trade and fishing. Today, the city’s past is reflected in the Hanseatic quarter of Bryggen which with its narrow streets and colourful, historic merchants’ houses lined up next to one another on the quayside has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The picturesque fish market is worth a visit and from Mount Floyen, one of the city’s seven hills which rises up to 300 metres above the centre, you will see from the top why Bergen is known as the “gateway to the fjords”.
Day 4 Alesund.
Alesund nestles in a picturesque location on the Norwegian coastline, spread over several islands and surrounded by fjords. Witness the harmony between people and nature here from the top of Mount Aksla where, after the effort of climbing up around 400 steps, you will be rewarded with amazing panoramic views. You may wish to take a stroll through the charming streets and lanes of the city centre and discover its impressive architecture; the entire city was rebuilt in the Art Nouveau style after a devastating fire in 1904. More than 400 listed buildings invite you to take the time to discover the many interesting architects’ quotes on the facades.
Day 5 Cruising off Torghatten.
Norway is legendary in the truest sense of the word and many of its impressive landscapes are closely linked with legends and Norwegian mythology. A particularly fascinating story comes to life when we cruise off Torghatten, the striking mountain with a hole in the middle. According to legend, this hole was created when the King of the Somna’s hat was pierced by an arrow fired by a wild troll prince. Witness this spectacle as we cruise off the island of Torget, offering a perfect view of the rock, and the team of experts on board will explain the actual story behind the special geological feature.
Day 6 Tromso.
Once described by seafarers and polar explorers as the “Paris of the North”, Tromso has not lost any of its charm to this day. A lively city in idyllic natural surroundings, it is the dance floor of the Northern Lights in winter. The city’s landmark, the Arctic Cathedral, is a prime example of how strong an influence the Arctic has on the city’s architecture. Aluminiumcoated concrete panels give the roof its striking design, making it look as if ice floes have been pressed up on both sides. The 23 metre high stained glass window is also impressive. Perhaps see the exhibitions at the Polaria centre where the Arctic fish and other species at the aquarium will enhance your knowledge of the polar habitat. There are also a number of museums that bring to life the legendary polar explorers for whom Tromso was the “gateway to the Arctic”. Back on board, when night falls you will perhaps be treated to a special light show of the Northern Lights if the sky is clear.
Day 7 Cruising off the North Cape, Honningsvag.
Honningsvag is the maritime centre of the North Cape region. Its colourful houses are huddled together on the slopes of the local mountain, Storfjellet, which stands at a height of around 300 metres. Walk from the port to the little shops and restaurants offering Nordic specialities or visit the church built in 1885. When the town was destroyed by German occupying forces in 1944, only the whitewashed church remained undamaged. Take a hike in the surrounding hills to appreciate the idyllic sight of the town today. Honningsvag is also a starting point for visiting the legendary North Cape. Here, black slate cliffs rise up about 300 metres out of the sea and are topped by a huge globe symbolically marking the end of the European mainland. The geographical location so far north makes it the perfect place for seeing the Northern Lights.
Days 8 & 9 Alta.
Exceptional weather conditions and the remarkably clear sky have made the region around Alta an ideal place to observe and study the Northern Lights ever since the 18th century. The first Northern Lights observatory was built in the charming little town right at the end of the Altafjord in the 19th century. The Northern Lights Cathedral, with its bell tower spiralling up into the sky, is also worth a visit. The architecture of the building was inspired by the lights in the sky and has a similarly undulating appearance from all sides. Alta is also the perfect starting point for a large number of outdoor activities.
Day 10 Svolavaer, Lofoten Islands.
Skerry landscape, stockfish archipelago and expedition territory: the Lofoten Islands impress with dramatic landscapes and idyllic fishing villages. See what life is like here on the main island of Austvagoya and in its main town, Svolvaer. Once the ship has docked, take a stroll around the little town. Everywhere you go, you will see frames for drying stockfish, which is exported all over the world from the archipelago. Rather than the town itself, it is the symbiosis with the surrounding mountains that makes this place so appealing. Its main landmark is the mountain of the same name, Svolvaer, with two rocky peaks standing a good 1.5 metres tall at the top. The extraordinary light and colour here have attracted many artists to settle in the town. Experience the spectacle of this centre of art and light – as creative as the Northern Lights which will perhaps also put on a show in the night sky.
Day 11 Svartisen Glacier.
Covering a surface area of 370 kilometres, Svartisen is Norway’s second biggest glacier. No other mainland glacier comes this close to sea level. Its name is derived from the old Norwegian “svartis” meaning “black ice”, although the glacier reveals amazingly bright blue tones rather than black. When less air is trapped in the ice, it will appear darker and bluer in colour; the experts will be at your side to tell you more about this and other background information. Depending on ice and snow conditions, take a hike to the the ice tongue to admire this work of nature or enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views of the glacier from the glacial lake.
Day 12 At Sea.
Relax on board as we enjoy a day at sea. Maybe join a lecture or unwind with a good book.
Day 13 Cruising in the Geirangerfjord.
Our small expedition ship will also take us to the famous Geirangerfjord as it hugs the coastline. The UNESCO World Heritage Site seems unreal and will draw you under its spell with its majestic mountains and cliffs rising up to 1,000 metres out of the water. Numerous waterfalls plunge into the fjord, including the “Seven Sisters” with a drop of 250 metres. Legend has it that the “Suitor” waterfall on the opposite bank had its eye on the beautiful sisters, but its desires remained unfulfilled because of the fjord that kept them apart. Out of frustration, it took to the bottle, which is now apparently reflected in its shape like a liquor bottle. Prepare to be awe-struck at the sight of this natural wonder which will stay in your memory forever.
Day 14 Stavanger.
Stavanger is proof of how colourful and picturesque history and monuments can be. In the old town centre, Gamle Stavanger, you will find a collection of narrow cobbled streets and small, white-painted, lovingly decorated wooden houses from the 18th and 19th centuries, which give the historic centre a special kind of charm. Stavanger Cathedral, built in 1125, is Norway’s only Medieval church to have kept its original architecture in the Anglo-Norman Gothic style. The city also has an interesting story to tell about the history of seafaring and oil extraction. On a walk through its narrow streets, soak up the casual, almost Mediterranean atmosphere in the boutiques, galleries and cafes. Stavanger is the starting point for exploring the impressive Lysefjord.
Day 15 At Sea.
Enjoy a final day at sea as we cruise towards Hamburg.
Day 16 Hamburg to London.
Disembark this morning and transfer to the airport for your scheduled flight to London.
Ship to Shore: Please note that we will be at anchor at some ports and will use tender boats or Zodiacs to transfer ashore.
Dates and Prices
4 to 19 February 2027 | ||
---|---|---|
Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
1 Outside cabin Deck 4, 5 & 6 | £9995 | £9495 |
2 Panoramic cabin Deck 4 & 5 | £9995 | £9495 |
3 French balcony cabin Deck 6 | £10995 | £10495 |
4 Balcony cabin Deck 5 | £11995 | £11495 |
5 French balcony cabin Deck 7 | £11495 | £10995 |
6 Balcony cabin Deck 6 & 7 | On Request | On Request |
7 Balcony cabin Deck 6 | £12995 | £12495 |
8 Balcony cabin Deck 7 | £13995 | £13495 |
9 Junior suite with balcony 6 & 7 | On Request | On Request |
10 Grand suite with veranda Deck 6 & 7 | On Request | On Request |
4 (Sole) Balcony cabin for Sole Use Deck 5 | £16995 | £16495 |
Tour Reference Code: SCHN040227
PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class scheduled air travel • 15 nights aboard the Hanseatic Nature on a full board basis • Mini-bar with soft drinks in your cabin restocked each day • Expedition team including onboard lectures • Gratuities • Transfers • Landing fees • Port taxes • Airport taxes.
Not Included: Travel insurance, shore excursions (details will be available to pre-book three months before departure and payment will be made on board).
NB. The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon so sightings cannot be guaranteed and are weather dependent. Please note that the use of Zodiacs may not be permitted in some ports of call and in these instances, the ship’s tender boats will be used when at anchor. Please note that all bookings (including those made by Commodore Club members) are subject to a 20% deposit and that the balance payment will be due 150 days before the date of departure. Please also note that between 149 and 70 days before the date of departure, cancellation charges shall be 40% of the total holiday price payable.
Ship to Shore: Please note that we will be at anchor at some ports and will use tender boats or Zodiacs to transfer ashore.
Please be aware that our website does not display real-time availability. As a result, the categories and prices listed above are subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, please call us at 020 7752 0000 and speak with one of our experienced Travel Consultants.
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Deckplan
Hanseatic Inspiration / Spirit / Nature
Operated by our German associates, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, these three Hanseatic expedition class vessels – Inspiration, Nature and Spirit - are five-star vessels that were launched between 2019 and 2021. With a maximum of just 230 passengers (199 passengers in Antarctica and circumnavigation of Spitsbergen), these unique vessels offer plenty of open deck space including a walkway that allows access to the bow of the ship for front row wildlife sightings and incredible views. There is a qualified expedition team of naturalists who will accompany you ashore and provide informative talks in the comfort of the well-designed HanseAtrium, and a crew of 175 offering the most exquisite and attentive service on board.
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Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000