Ultimate Norway – Arctic Expedition under the Northern Lights

Discover the gateway to the Arctic

Tromsø was the base for many historic Arctic expeditions, including those of Roald Amundsen, and its situation 250 miles north of the Polar Circle has led to it being called the ‘Gateway to the Arctic’. Just like the legendary explorers, now it is your turn to set a course for the High Arctic.

If you arrive early in Tromsø, take the opportunity to ride the Fjellheisen cable car for wide views over this city, located some 200 miles north of the Arctic Circle. Stroll past the modernist Arctic Cathedral, duck into cosy cafés glowing with festive lights, and keep one eye on the water: whales are sometimes spotted offshore.

The scenic Lyngenfjord

Over the next week we’ll be exploring four distinct regions in depth, each with its own outstanding features and unique beauty. The first such region we’re likely to visit is Lyngen.

Stretching out to just about 50 miles long is Lyngenfjord, a region of dramatic mountains and valleys, framed by the glacier-capped Lyngen Alps. It’s an incredible place for winter activities. Conditions permitting, you can tackle a hike, try snowshoeing, kayak in the icy waters, or join nature landings where you might spot otters and potentially even orcas and humpback whales.

Later, it’s time for a real treat. Inspired by Norway’s friluftsliv, a deep love for the great outdoors, we’ll gather on the beach and enjoy the warmth of a bonfire on our Day to Dusk – Flames and Flavours experience. With hot drinks in hand and Norwegian treats cooked by our onboard chefs, you’ll really feel at one with nature. If we’re lucky, perhaps the Northern Lights will put on a display for us.

Discover Norway in miniature

Senja is Norway's second-largest island, sometimes called Norway in miniature. With its rugged mountains, sandy beaches, dark forests, and idyllic fishing villages, it's easy to see how it earned the name. Keep an eye out for reindeer wandering the landscape as you go.

We plan to visit a local community and experience some warm Scandinavian hospitality, learning about ancient Viking culture and what modern life looks like in these remote villages during the winter months.

Svolvær and a polar plunge

Anticipation builds as we reach the Lofoten Islands, a winter wonderland of snowcapped peaks rising straight from the sea, narrow fjords, and picturesque fishing villages tucked along them. This iconic coastline is best explored with small ships like MS Spitsbergen.

As we navigate these waters, you'll learn about Lofotfisket, the local fisheries that have sustained these communities for centuries, meeting the people who still make their living from the Arctic sea.

In Svolvær, Lofoten's harbour town, another bespoke experience awaits: a Nordic Sauna and Polar Plunge. Embrace this revitalising Norwegian tradition as you warm up in a waterside sauna before plunging into the icy Arctic waters of Vestfjord.

Experience dramatic panoramas

The Expedition Team will seek out the best vantage point to explore the Lofoten Islands from water level. We'll head out in Zodiacs or kayaks, gliding beneath dramatically steep peaks that rise straight from the sea, with the chance to land on one of Lofoten's quiet, snow-covered beaches along the fjords.

Look out for white-tailed sea eagles circling overhead as you take in the exceptional beauty of this Arctic coastline in its winter stillness.

Enjoy an exclusive adventure

As we sail towards Vesterålen, an archipelago of rolling moorlands and mountains. Here, the Expedition Team will chart the day’s route based on conditions and opportunities, ensuring we make the most of what the region has to offer.

If conditions allow, we’ll venture into Trollfjord, where narrow waters are framed by sheer-sided cliffs. Or we’ll cruise between rugged peaks through the Raftsundet Strait. And as we navigate dramatic fjords, the mountains rise so close to the ship you’ll feel like you could reach out and touch them.

In Stokmarknes, you'll enjoy the bespoke experience: Into the Night, An Evening at the Museum. The Hurtigruten Museum opens exclusively for our group, where you'll see the preserved MS Finnmarken, a 1956 coastal express ship, and historical exhibitions tracing Hurtigruten's heritage along Norway's coast.

Experience a final day on expedition

We'll stay sheltered in the deep fjords as we make our way back towards Tromsø. Along the way, we have plenty of time to scout out landing sites in our Zodiacs, go on nature walks, and take part in other activities.

The scenery continues to be stunning as we pass through these inner waters, with low winter sun illuminating snow-covered mountains and coastline. Keep watch for whales as we navigate these rich feeding grounds. While on board, warm up in the sauna, or join the Expedition Team for talks and discovery sessions in the Science Center.

Another opportunity to explore Tromsø

Your expedition cruise ends back in Tromsø. If you didn’t have an opportunity to explore this beautiful city before the expedition, make sure you do now. There’s so much to see and do here.

We hope your time in Arctic Norway has been as rewarding as it has been memorable. After days spent in the stillness of the season, surrounded by dramatic landscapes and soft winter light, you’ll return home with a deeper sense of where you’ve been and memories of a lifetime.