FROM HAMBURG TO HAMBURG

Glittering and mysterious, peaceful and romantic: do you know Scandinavia in winter? The HANSEATIC spirit brings you very close to its most stunning places. Where the days are particularly eventful, the magical Northern Lights can be seen in the sky on starry nights. When cruising through the Stockholm Archipelago, you will find yourself in the middle of a network of 24,000 islands. At this time of year, outside of peak season, you will feel a serenity that makes you see Stockholm with different eyes: Take a relaxing stroll through the dreamy old town, explore Stockholm on a city tour¹ or visit the open-air museum Skansen¹.

What awaits you in the northern extension of the Baltic Sea, which is iced over until the end of April? Only a small expedition ship like the HANSEATIC spirit, which is suitable for polar regions, can navigate this area. Depending on the weather and ice conditions, a flexible expedition day in the Bothnian Sea and Bothnian Bay lies ahead of you. Enjoy your exclusive front-row seat on the many open deck areas and look forward to spectacular views of the shores of Swedish Lapland.

Experience the tradition and close relationship with nature of the Sami¹ in snowy Lulea, an ideal starting point for discovering Swedish Lapland on a variety of tours. During a winter experience with huskies¹ or a ride on a fat bike¹ across the ice and snow, the city’s surroundings become a real winter adventure for you. Explore the Gammelstad Church Town¹ UNESCO World Heritage Site on a guided tour with insights into the northern Scandinavian past. Alternatively, winter hiking and ice fishing¹ provide a taste of adventure. In clear weather, you will have a good chance of observing the Northern Lights from the deck of your ship.

The Finnish town of Kemi is situated not far from the Arctic Circle. You can experience for yourself how the locals get around on a snowmobile safari¹, on a dog sled ride¹ or on a snowshoe hike¹ through deep snow-covered forests and along frozen lakes and rivers. Perhaps you would also like to try your hand at ice fishing¹? Extend your knowledge about life in northern Europe in Rovaniemi¹ on a visit to the Arktikum museum. You will also be amazed by the SnowCastle, a hotel and restaurant that are rebuilt every year.

Oulu is popular among outdoor enthusiasts, too. How about an example? Then take a ride in a reindeer sleigh¹ and on a snowmobile¹ or go cross-country skiing¹ through Finnish Lapland.

On the second flexible expedition day in Bothnian Bay and the Bothnian Sea, nature keeps enticing you with new views that are only possible with a small expedition ship like the HANSEATIC spirit.

With bobbin lace and picturesque wooden houses, Rauma is a living example of Finnish craftsmanship. You will have the place almost completely to yourself at this time of year. Wind your way through the charming old town that is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

In keeping with the contented feeling of hygge, explore the Danish capital of Copenhagen on foot with glogg and a pastry. Use the long lay time into the evening to stroll through the charming streets on your own and pay flying visits to the Little Mermaid and Amalienborg Palace.

Reflect on your many unforgettable impressions and experiences during the daytime passage through the Kiel Canal with the best views of marshes, forests and meadows from the many open deck areas.