Natural Treasures of Northern Norway

The Gateway to the Arctic

When Roald Amundsen recruited crew for his famous expeditions, he travelled to Tromsø to find men with the skills to survive with minimal means in the icy polar regions. The Arctic hunters and trappers of this northern city fit the bill.

Today, Tromsø is the refined version of itself 100 years ago. There are still some of the most skilled people for Arctic operations in the area, as well as academics investigating climate change and the polar environment. Tromsø is still the ideal Arctic gateway and a natural starting point for many expeditions – like yours.

Enjoy discovering Tromsø before you embark on MS Nordstjernen in the afternoon.

Dramatic History

Flanked by islands to the west and surrounded by mountains in every other direction, Narvik occupies a truly beautiful setting.

Narvik was the first industrial town in northern Norway and was given town status in 1902, when the construction of the Ofoten Railway was completed. The settlement provided an ice-free harbour in the North Atlantic for iron ore transported by the railway from Kiruna in Sweden. Both sides in the Second World War had an interest in securing this iron supply for themselves and denying it to the enemy, setting the stage for one of the biggest battles since the Invasion of Poland.

You can visit the modern and interactive Narvik War Museum and take the cable car to a mountain top for breathtaking views over Narvik City, Ofotfjord and the surrounding mountains!

Another option is to spend the day in the world's northernmost wildlife park, and which is home to bears, foxes, lynx, wolves, moose, muskox and other Arctic animals.

The Realm of Knut Hamsund

Tysfjord is the deepest fjord in Northern Norway, and you awake in the innermost part of the fjord – in Hellmobotn, home to a Lule Sami settlement. The area hosts important cultural monuments from early Sami life and is currently on the UNESCO tentative list.

Large, smooth, polished slabs of rock dot the mountainsides, which are pocked with caves. Spend the morning admiring this very special and nearly untouched area.

As we sail out of Tysfjord, we will pass the majestic mountain of Stetind, Norway's national mountain. Since ancient times, the mountain has served as a guiding landmark for sailors along the Norwegian coast.

In the afternoon, we will arrive at the homestead of the author and Nobel Prize laureate Knut Hamsun (1859-1952). Use the afternoon to trace his footsteps at the Hamsun Center and at his childhood home, or visit the charming Tranøy lighthouse.

The Beauty of Lofoten

Lofoten´s distinctive scenery of dramatic peaks, sheltered bays and untouched beaches is world famous. You'll never forget your first approach to Lofoten Island. We will dock at beautiful Reine, which a perfect spot to start your exploration of the area.

Exploration of Natural Wonders

Today we will continue exploring wonderful Lofoten, known for its excellent fishing, rugged natural beauty and picturesque villages. Enjoy the view as MS Nordstjernen sails along the Lofoten mountain wall to Svolvær.

After spending the whole day here, we will sail to the impressive, narrow Trollfjord, where vertical mountain walls rise right out of the sea. In winter, it is not possible to sail to the innermost part of the fjord, so we will admire this special formation at its opening. We end the day sailing through breathtaking Raftsundet, before arriving in Stokmarknes in Vesterålen during the evening.

A Hidden Gem of Coastal Norway

We start the day sailing through Vesterålen en route to Senja.

At lunch time, we arrive in Hamn, where we will spend the day exploring the area that hosts Norway´s second-largest island. Knife-ridged peaks rise directly from the Arctic Ocean here, casting shadows on beautiful and isolated fishing villages. 

Spectacular Lyngen Alps

This famed mountain range is 90 kilometres long and 15-20 kilometres wide. The Lyngen Alps are known for dramatic peaks and steep mountainsides that plunge into the fjord, conditions that create a true winter sports paradise. The area also boasts the world's northernmost whiskey distillery and an old NATO base.

In the afternoon, we will visit the charming fishing village of Havnnes, Norway's northernmost operating trading centre. Stock and salt fish are produced here in the traditional way, and most houses in the village are historically protected.

Lively Tromsø

Our expedition ends in Tromsø. Take the opportunity to spend some time strolling through the city or participate on exciting excursions before you fly home.