FROM HAMBURG TO HAMBURG

This cruise will take you from one wintry highlight to the next. And at night the open deck areas become observation platforms when the Northern Lights dance across the sky. The first stop, Bergen, welcomes you with a typical “Hei”. Set against a remarkable mountain backdrop, take a gentle stroll through the Hanseatic quarter of Bryggen, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and admire its colourful houses and narrow streets. It is clear why the city is known as the “gateway to the fjords” when Norway’s Inside Passage begins there and the landscape becomes more and more spectacular.

Famous for its art nouveau architecture, Alesund is spread over multiple islands. Stroll through the snowed-in lanes at your own pace and enjoy the winter flair. A hike on Mount Aksla¹ offers stunning views of the fjord.

The legend that the rocks are petrified trolls comes to life as you cruise off Torghatten: the hole in the mountain is said to have been made by the troll king’s hat. Your team of experts on board will explain the actual story behind the special geological shape.

Feed the explorer in you in Tromso with stories of historical expeditions that set out from there, the gateway to the Arctic Ocean. Inspired by the ice floes, the Arctic Cathedral – which you will visit on a city tour¹ – is a prime example of how strong an influence the Arctic has on the city’s architecture. The cable-car ride up Mount Storsteinen¹ offers a wonderful panorama of the wintry city. Experience culture and traditions up close on a visit to the Sami camp¹, rounded off with a reindeer sleigh ride or alternatively at a husky camp¹ with dog sled ride.

After cruising off the North Cape, the maritime centre of the region awaits you. Honningsvag offers a picturesque contrast between colourful houses and rugged landscape. A particular highlight is the ambience at the North Cape plateau¹, the most northerly point on the European mainland. The term winter sports will take on a whole new meaning – on a snowshoe hike with ice fishing¹.

You will have plenty of time in Alta for extensive explorations of the region: discover the landscape of northern Norway, for example, on a dog sled ride¹ through enchanted forests or go on an active snowshoe hike¹. A fat bike tour¹ across the snow and ice or a reindeer sleigh ride¹ are also on the programme. On a visit to the Sami¹, you can immerse yourself more deeply in their tradition and way of life during a cosy get-together around the campfire. The only way of getting to know the culture even more intensively is by spending the night in a husky camp¹. A winter fairy tale will come true when you check into the magical Igloo Hotel¹. Incredible – the bedrooms are carved entirely out of ice.

Wondrous skerry landscape, stockfish archipelago or expeditionary territory – however you choose to describe the Lofoten Islands, they form a contrast of dramatic landscapes and idyllic fishing villages. From the main town of Svolvaer, travel a thousand years back in time on a scenic tour with a visit to the Viking farm¹. A fast-paced RIB boat trip in the Trollfjord¹ promises pure adventure, while a ride¹ on Icelandic horses allows you to experience the breathtaking Nordic nature at a more relaxed pace. Houses bathed in romantic light, starry skies and, with luck, the magical Northern Lights round off your visit.

With 370 km2 (143 mi.2), the Svartisen glacier is the second-largest glacier in Norway – a true work of art created by nature. Enjoy the unique scenery with glacial lake and mountains as well as the clear winter air. You will also have the opportunity to hike to the tongue of ice.

Today will be entirely devoted to exploring, with the HANSEATIC spirit cruising nimbly through the Norwegian fjords. Be captivated by the changing series of fantastic views of the wintry landscape – from the spirit Walk or the many open deck areas, for instance. With a little luck, you might also spot whales. When thick fog slowly enshrouds the striking mountains, the scenery is bathed in a particularly mystical atmosphere. Perhaps it is precisely in these moments that you can guess why Norway is also called the “land of the trolls”?

Your small expedition ship will also take you to the snowy Geirangerfjord as it hugs the coastline. What stories could the waterfalls tell, with names like “Seven Sisters” and “Suitor”?

Near Stavanger, the Lysefjord¹ with its peaks of up to 1,000 m (3,281 ft) high makes for an unforgettable final impression on Norway’s Inside Passage – and numerous breathtaking moments of a Nordic fairy tale in winter will be in your luggage.