It is morning when we dock in the historic city of Trondheim, which was founded over a thousand years ago. Nidaros Cathedral is the landmark of the city; it is Norway’s national shrine and one of the largest cathedrals in Northern Europe. After our visit here, the voyage continues out into the fjord, into an abundant archipelago and heads for northern Norway.
Day 10: Brønnøysund – Sandnessjøen – Nesna – Ørnes – Bodø – Stamsund – Svolvær
On this stretch, we mark crossing the Arctic Circle with a ceremony and continue onward into the Arctic regions. It means midnight sun in the summer, while winter days are merely a shade less dark than night-time and, possibly, Northern Lights in the evenings. Nature is powerful with northern Scandinavia’s largest glacier, the world’s strongest tidal current and encounters with the majestic sea eagle. In the evening, Lofoten’s fishing villages, steep mountains and Vikings await.
Day 11: Stokmarknes – Sortland – Risøyhamn – Harstad – Finnsnes – Tromsø – Skervøy
The voyage continues on through narrow fjords and past wild mountains to Tromsø, a city characterised by hunting and fishing, polar expeditions and courage. Now you have also reached the land of the Sami, Norway’s indigenous people. Meeting the Sami and their reindeer while hearing about the Sami culture is a unique experience you will remember.
Day 12: Hammerfest – Havøysund – Honningsvåg – Kjøllefjord – Mehamn – Berlevåg
As far north as you can get – by land and sea. For many, the visit to the North Cape is a high point and a goal for voyages along the Norwegian coast. Up here in the polar landscape, nature is at its harshest and most desolate, but between bare plains and rugged cliffs people cling on and reap nature’s bounty. You can also have a taste of the catch. How about some king crab?
Day 13: Båtsfjord – Vardø – Vadsø – Kirkenes
Enjoy one last breakfast at sea before the ship docks in Kirkenes around 9:00 this morning. This Arctic town lies on the borders of Russia and Finland and is home to some 3,300 inhabitants, including the Sámi, the native people of Lapland. For such a small town, Kirkenes offers an impressive range of things to see and do, and the rest of the day is free for you to try out an optional excursion or just relax in the town. It is here that your cruise up north comes to an end.
Disembark the cruise and head to the Snowhotel. You will sleep near in the premises of the hotel in luxurious Gamme cabins. Our cabins are inspired by the traditional hunting and fishing hut, “gamme”, that you find in the wilderness in the Sami areas of the Arctic. The large panoramic window and lounge chairs covered in sheepskins, will ensure you will be very comfortable while looking for northern lights, from the warmth of your cabin.
Spend night in Bergen Gamme Cabins