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HANSEATIC nature

From Hamburg to Longyearbyen

Hamburg - Longyearbyen

Expedition Norway and north-west Spitsbergen: in the magic of the midnight sun

  • 07.06.27 to 22.06.27|15 days

  • HANSEATIC nature

  • NAT2712

Hamburg - Longyearbyen

07.06.2027 to 22.06.2027|15 days

from € 10.170

15 days Cruise incl. charter flight p.p.

What to expect

The highlights of this cruise

With its mighty glaciers and polar bears, the Arctic seems so far away and the route there so complex. With the small HANSEATIC nature, however, your adventure starts in Hamburg. Your destination: Norway’s fjords, the legendary North Cape and the main highlight, Spitsbergen.

  • A route rich in experiences from Hamburg to the Arctic – pure Nordic nature
  • Dramatic fjords and quaint fishing villages: as you pass through Norway’s Inside Passage
  • Adventure in Spitsbergen’s unspoilt wilderness as far as the ice edge
  • Wildlife watching in the kingdom of whales, seals, polar bears and thousands of sea birds
  • As the sun doesn’t set, enjoy walks on the tundra with experts in a magical light
  • At anchor

  • Bergen welcomes you to a Scandinavian gem. Over the years, the city’s wealth has been built on seafaring, trade and fishing. Today, the city’s past is reflected in the Hanseatic quarter of Bryggen with its narrow streets: with its colourful, historic merchants’ houses lined up next to one another on the quayside, the area has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The picturesque fish market is also worth a visit. Mount Floyen, one of the city’s seven hills, rises up to 300 m (984 ft) above the centre – on a walk you will see from the top why Bergen is known as the “gateway to the fjords”.

    Experience more

    Selected shore excursions*

    • Walk around the Hanseatic quarter of Bryggen
    • Bergen with cable-car ride up Mount Ulriken
    • Hike on Mount Floyen
    • E-bike tour of Bergen
    • Pure nature in the Hardangerfjord
    • Fantoft Stave church and the old part of Bergen
  • At the foot of a mighty chain of mountains lies the charming coastal town of Maloy. The town has a rich maritime history, which is still alive today. Fisheries and aquaculture are the mainstays of the local economy. The street art here is as creative as the surrounding scenery is beautiful. Discover the murals inspired by island life as you walk around independently. The exhibition in the Maloyraidsenteret (Maloy raid centre) tells the extraordinary tale of the events that took place in 1941 during the Second World War. Set in the middle of idyllic, unspoilt nature, Maloy is the ideal starting point for exploring the surrounding countryside.

    Enjoy some relaxing moments on the many open deck areas when the small ship cruises through the Nordfjord. A labyrinth of sea inlets that shape Norway’s character in a myriad of ways. Majestic mountains rise up steeply out of the clear, deep-blue water, and along the shores you will see the changing scenery of steep cliffs, gentle slopes and idyllic villages.

    Experience more

    Selected shore excursions*

    From Maloy:

    • Hike on Mount Kletten
    • Visit to a deer and llama farm
    • RIB boat trip off the island of Vagsoy
    • Cultural city walk around Maloy (street art)
    • Hike in the nearby hills
    • Kayak trip
  • Your small expedition ship will also take you 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 m (3,280 ft) out of the water. Numerous waterfalls plunge into the fjord, including the “Seven Sisters” with a drop of 250 m (820 ft). 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. You too will be intoxicated by the sight of this natural wonder, which will stay in your memory forever. From the little town of Geiranger at the end of the fjord, you can take the opportunity to go on a variety of excursions*.

    Experience more

    Selected shore excursions*

    • Dalsnibba and the Fjord Centre
    • Hike to the Storseter waterfall
    • E-RIB boat ride through the fjord
    • Kayak trip in the Geirangerfjord
  • Norway is legendary in the truest sense of the word. Many of its impressive landscapes are closely linked with legends and Norwegian mythology. A particularly fascinating story comes to life when your ship heads for 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. See it for yourself when you walk through the hole and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding coastal scenery and the sea. Your team of experts on board will explain the actual story behind the special geological feature.

  • 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’s 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 (5 ft) tall at the top. The extraordinary light and colour here have attracted many artists to settle in the town. That’s why Svolvaer is now an art centre.

    Experience more

    Selected shore excursions*

    • Scenic tour with Viking museum
    • High-speed RIB boat trip in the Trollfjord
    • Horse riding on the Lofoten Islands
    • Hike on the island of Gimsoya
    • Fishing village of Henningsvaer and Lofoten Gallery
  • 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. Playground of the midnight sun in summer and 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. Aluminium-coated concrete panels give the roof its striking design, making it look as if ice floes have been pressed up on both sides. The 23 m (75 ft) high stained glass window is also impressive. The exhibitions at the Polaria centre and the Arctic fish and other species at the aquarium will enhance your knowledge of the polar habitat. A number of museums bring to life the legendary polar explorers, for whom Tromso was the “gateway to the Arctic”.

    Experience more

    Selected shore excursions*

    • City tour with Arctic Cathedral
    • Tromso – “Gateway to the Arctic” with Arctic Cathedral, Polaria centre and Polar museum
    • Visit to a husky camp
    • City walk with Full Steam Museum and Magic IceBar
  • 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 m (984 ft). 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 (984 ft) out of the sea and are topped by a huge globe symbolically marking the end of the European mainland.

    The rugged beauty of the countryside, combined with the powerful waves in the sea, create an unforgettable atmosphere when your ship cruises off the legendary North Cape. The most northerly point on the European mainland is on a majestic cliff 307 m (1007 ft) above the ocean. The North Cape is a geographical point, as well as a symbol of the spirit of adventure that will also come to life in you.

    Experience more

    Selected shore excursions*

    From Honningsvag:

    • Transfer to the North Cape
    • Quad bike ride to the North Cape
    • King crab RIB boat safari with tasting
  • On an adventure in north-west Spitsbergen, feel the connection with Willem Barents, who discovered the archipelago in 1596. Now, more than 430 years later, you can still expect some stunning expedition experiences on your cruise to the ice edge. Where the route is determined by nature, the weather and the ice, the crew’s many years of polar experience and the highest ice class for passenger ships are what really count. Time and again, you will head off in the Zodiacs to admire icy glacial cliffs or go ashore in remote bays. Your team of experts will provide captivating background knowledge during lectures on board and on numerous hikes. With a little luck and from a respectful distance, you will observe polar bears, whales, Arctic foxes and walruses.

    Forge your way along deserted coasts like the great pioneers before you visit Hornsund, where hundreds of thousands of little auks live on the shore. Blubber ovens, houses and graves are the main remnants of the early European whale industry here: some 50 whaling stations were registered in Spitsbergen. This site is one of the oldest and comes from a time when whaling was still operated from the shore.

    Prins Karls Forland is an extraordinarily long island, mostly glaciated on the north-eastern side. The wild mountain scenery includes several peaks over 1,000 m (3,280 ft). The land is very barren in the open, with the tundra becoming bright green only near cliffs full of birds. Unforgettable wildlife sightings await on the gently sloping coastline, where walruses like to relax – a great photo opportunity for you.

    The small settlement of Ny-Alesund is known for its great polar history and international research. The world’s northernmost year-round research station is devoted to meteorology and research into global warming and the Northern Lights. Around 30 people live here in the winter and about 120 people in the summer. In Ny-Alesund, you can find the world’s northernmost post office.

    In the Liefdefjord, the majestic Monacobreen glacier will catch your eye. Blocks of ice keep falling into the fjord from the 5 km (3.1 mi.) wide front. Take a look from the deck or from a Zodiac. The glacier was named in honour of Prince Albert I of Monaco, who explored the area in 1906 and 1907 with Gunnar Isachsen.

    The Arctic leaves nobody out in the cold – especially not at the thermal springs at Bockfjord. Limestone sinter terraces have formed around the hot springs, the only place you can see them in Spitsbergen. The water in the springs is groundwater, which is so hot that the temperature at the surface stays above 20 °C (68 °F) all year round.

    The Raudfjord will surprise you with its colourful accents and mountain slopes that shimmer in striking red. These red sandstone mountains are what give the fjord its name, meaning “red fjord”. Go ashore with the Zodiacs and enjoy the Arctic silence and solitude.

* The shore activities are not included in the cruise price and are in the planning stage. Subject to change.

** Approximately three months before departure, you will be informed at which German airport the charter flight will land. Connecting flights and possible hotel accommodation subject to a surcharge.

The itinerary depends on official approval, weather and ice conditions. The natural experiences and wildlife described are possibilities on this expedition and are not guaranteed.

Extend your trip

  • Our travel concierge will be happy to put together tailor-made travel arrangements for you according to your wishes. From design hotels to luxurious beach resorts to ticket reservations for theater visits or restaurant recommendations for the most exciting cities. The Travel Concierge is available to you before your trip and of course on board.

Price special

Attractive combination discount

Extend your stay with the previous cruise NAT2711 and save € 800 per person (applies to Categories 1 – 10).

Included services

Expedition and knowledge
  • All landings and rides in the ship’s own Zodiacs (Use of the Zodiacs depends on the destination and on official permits)
  • Experienced experts from various disciplines accompany every cruise, give presentations and multimedia lectures, provide well-informed answers to questions about the cruising area and take part in the Zodiac landings/rides and hikes from/to ship
  • Use of the interactive Ocean Academy with individual knowledge formats
  • Comprehensive information before the cruise – for example about the Arctic, Antarctic, the South Seas and the Amazon, as well as expedition maps
Cabin
  • In every cabin: champagne to welcome you, mini bar restocked daily with non-alcoholic beverages (additional selection in Grand Suites and Junior Suites), coffee machine (tea on request), 24-hour cabin service
  • Equipment for loan: one pair of binoculars and two sets of Nordic Walking poles in the cabin itself, furthermore warm parkas, rubber boots, snorkelling equipment
  • Flat-screen TV with information and entertainment programme, personal email account and Internet access via Wi-Fi (free of charge for one hour per guest and day, satellite-dependent especially in polar areas)
  • Information about harbours and destinations (where available) in the cabin
Restaurants
  • International gourmet cuisine – full board: breakfast (early-bird and late riser breakfast), bouillon, afternoon coffee/tea time, lunch and dinner (three restaurants to choose from in the evening with flexible opening hours)
For all cases
  • German ship and expedition management as well as a mostly German-speaking service crew
  • Harbour and airport fees
  • Cancellation fee insurance (20% excess) in the PLATINUM and GOLD fares
Spa and fitness
  • Extensive sports programme: fitness area with ocean view, course programme, additional sports activities on shore depending on the destination (Personal training for an additional charge)
  • OCEAN SPA with Finnish sauna with an ocean view, steam sauna, indoor and outdoor relaxation area (spa treatments and hairdresser at a surcharge)