Treat all your senses to an exceptional winter cruise on the HANSEATIC nature to welcome in the New Year. Glittering landscapes and illuminated cities, shimmering stars and maybe even the magical Northern Lights: this route is packed with the very best that Swedish and Finnish Lapland have to offer. The festivities for true explorers begin with an evening cruise out of Hamburg.

The brightly lit houses on the banks of the Elbe are like chains of light, leading the way to the winter wonderlands of Scandinavia. Marshlands, forests and hills welcome you on the daytime passage through the Kiel Canal.

On Gotland you will be welcomed with “God Jul” – merry Christmas! The Swedish summer destination also has a special appeal in winter. In Visby, you can enjoy the Nordic Christmas spirit as you stroll through the narrow streets with their Christmas decorations.

Today you will celebrate Christmas Eve as never before: in a cosy, personal and maritime atmosphere on board the HANSEATIC nature, with views over the wide expanse of the northern extension of the Baltic Sea, the Gulf of Bothnia. Your best present will be time to yourself, perhaps to go on a culinary voyage of discovery, visit the OCEAN SPA or attend fascinating expert presentations. With a little luck, you will also be able to see the Northern Lights in the clear northern sky.

On Boxing Day, you will leave Kemi in Finland and head for Rovaniemi* to visit Santa Claus in his official home town. Lit up with Christmas lights, the town on the Arctic Circle is enchanting with its arts and crafts and “Elves Forest”. Activities like snowshoe hiking* in the snowy spruce forest or a snowmobile safari* through Finnish Lapland are a gift for nature lovers.

There is also plenty to do and see in Lulea. Winter hike or ice trail? Frozen waters make it easy to make the transition. If you’re looking for a sense of pure adventure, go for a ride on a fat bike* across ice and snow or have a winter experience with sledge dogs*. Perhaps here you will get another chance to see the mysterious aurora borealis. The history of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Gammelstad Kyrkstad* is illuminated in an atmospheric way during a guided guided tour with torches.

A winter wonderland also awaits around Umea, the cultural capital of northern Sweden, surrounded by wild nature. Cross-country skiing* in snowy Tavelsjo or a dog sled ride* – where will the mood take you today?

The centre of Sundsvall is a well-preserved district from the late 19th century. Explore the “Stone City” at your leisure or, if you’re feeling energetic, climb the local hill.

Stockholm opens up special perspectives: on a winter walk* through the fairy-tale old town or on a winter visit to the Skansen open-air museum* with its traditional Christmas and arts and crafts market. Your travel concierge will arrange your individual activities and cultural programmes in the Swedish capital in advance on request. 

Impressive perspectives await you as you cruise through the Karlskrona archipelago. Afterwards, as you walk through the picturesque baroque city, you will find the perfect balance between culture and relaxation – in accordance with the Swedish lagom way of life.

A cosy atmosphere, glogg and pastries will accompany your visit to Copenhagen. Take a relaxed stroll through the city, empty of all the hordes of summer visitors, or visit Zeeland’s fairy-tale castles*. This hygge feeling and your many wintry impressions will stay with you for a long time to come. What a great start to the New Year!