FROM HAMBURG TO HAMBURG

The season begins – set course for Norway’s world of islands and fjords with the HANSEATIC nature. Now, at the beginning of winter, when the days get shorter and the nights longer, the chances are particularly good for experiencing the unforgettable Northern Lights. Your small expedition ship and the many open deck areas will then be front-row seat for the natural spectacle in the clear northern skies. Enjoy the quiet, cosy season for exciting insights into Nordic nature and culture. 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, to see 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 lanes at your own pace and enjoy the 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 Cathedral¹ is a prime example of how strong an influence the Arctic has on the city’s architecture. Experience culture and traditions up close on a visit to a Sami camp¹, rounded off with a reindeer sleigh ride if snow conditions allow.

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. If snow conditions are favourable, the term winter sports will take on a whole new meaning – on a snowshoe hike with ice fishing¹.

It’s not only in the region around Alta, where the first Northern Lights observatory was built in the 19th century, that you can see the aurora borealis on a clear night. Throughout your cruise, the ship’s deck will be the best observation platform when the weather conditions are right. According to the snow conditions, take a hands-on approach to the natural scenery as you ride a dog sled¹, take a winter hike¹ or set out on a fat bike tour¹.

Today will be entirely devoted to exploring, with the HANSEATIC nature cruising nimbly through the Norwegian fjords. The time of the cruise is ideal for spotting orcas, humpback whales and perhaps even some fin whales, which are now spending time in the fjords. Be captivated by the changing series of fantastic views of the landscape – from the nature Walk or the many open deck areas, for instance.

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 such as the administrative centre Svolvaer. Although the days become shorter as winter starts, you will be enchanted by the different ambiences of light at twilight just after sunset or the mysterious Northern Lights on a clear night.

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 air. You will also have the opportunity to hike to the tongue of ice.

Hungry for adventure or thirsty for knowledge? Trondheim sates both. On a guided walk¹ through the old town, you will discover charming wooden houses, small shops and cosy cafes. Take a hike along Ladestien¹ to experience part of the charming coastal trail. Alternatively, you can discover the city with some winter kayaking on the Nidelva¹.

Your small expedition ship will also take you to the famous 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 the Norwegian Inside Passage – and numerous breathtaking moments and unforgettable images of nature will be in your luggage.