Northern Lights and Arctic Vistas

Embark Spirit of Discovery.

Depart 1700.

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

Bergen’s historic waterfront, UNESCO-listed Bryggen, is graced by colourful gabled buildings that hark back to its days as a member of the Hanseatic League. The Hanseatic Museum, housed in one of the old warehouses, features antique furnishings for an insight into merchant life. The wharf neighbours Bergen’s old town of characterful 17th to 18th-century wooden houses that adorn cobbled lanes and attractive squares.

Included excursion

See more of Bergen with a choice of and included excursion.

Optional excursion

Head into the scenic Hardanger region to admire the winter scenery.

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

Ålesund has a character unlike any other Norwegian town. After a fire tore through the wooden fishing village in 1904, it was rebuilt in the prevailing Jugendstil style. Wander its streets, admiring the Art Nouveau architecture and myriad turrets, spires and medieval ornamentation, explore the Atlantic Sea Park, one of Europe’s largest aquariums, or discover Ålesund’s many squares which feature sculptures commemorating significant events in the town’s history.

Included excursion

Visit the Atlantic Sea Park or discover Art Nouveau architecture on an included walking tour of the city.

Optional excursion

Take a cable car to the top of Mount Stranda and enjoy a panoramic view of the winter landscape.

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

One of the most striking features in Trøndheim is Nidaros Cathedral. Built on the grave of St Olav, Norway’s patron saint and the Viking king who founded the city, the Gothic cathedral was an important pilgrimage site in medieval times.

Included excursion

See Nidaros Cathedral on an included excursion.

Optional excursion

Visit the Ringve Museum. Norway’s National Museum of music.

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700

This deep-water harbour is the northernmost point of mainland Europe and gateway to the North Cape. The oldest building in town is the neo-Gothic 19th-century church as most other buildings were destroyed during World War Two. A small museum by the port reflects on the region’s fishing heritage and daily life.

Included excursion

Journey to the North Cape, with its iconic globe monument set on a cliff-top above the Barents Sea on an included excursion.

Optional excursion

Explore the snowy scenery of Magerøya Island.

Arrive 0800 on Mar 1.
Depart 1700 on Mar 2.

Alta has a sheltered setting at the head of the Altafjord and is surrounded by mountains, forests and coastal scenery. From its dogsled racing traditions, to its Sami culture and attractions like the Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel, Alta has much to discover.

Included excursion

Enjoy an included excursion in Alta.

Optional excursions

Hold on tight as you glide across the hinterland on a dog sledge ride, meet some Sami reindeer herders for an insight into their nomadic lifestyle or visit Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel which is re-built every year.

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

Often referred to as ‘The Gateway to the Arctic’, many Polar expeditions have begun in Tromsø. Its glories past and present are retold in the Polar Museum, a 19th-century wooden warehouse set on the seafront. The city’s setting 69 degrees north of the Arctic Circle also means that it is perched squarely within the Aurora Belt. See the iceberg-like Arctic Cathedral as part of an included excursion, or discover the cable car which offers fine views across the city and the Botanic Gardens where plants hardy enough to survive the extreme environment are showcased.

Included excursion

An included excursion will reveal the highlights.

Optional excursions

Join a thrilling dog-sledding or reindeer sledding excursion that will whisk you across the frozen backcountry.

Arrive 0800. Depart 1800.

The idyllic village of Flåm is hidden away at the end of the Aurlandsfjord, an arm of the Sognefjord. The winter landscape surrounding Flåm is particularly attractive at this time of year. The biggest draw though is the historic Flåm railway, which winds up from the fjord through the Flåm Valley for over 10 miles to Myrdal station. It is dubbed ‘the world’s most beautiful train journey’ as it passes high above deep ravines, snakes through mountain tunnels high above snow-covered valleys, passing frozen waterfalls along the way.

Included excursion

Enjoy the view from Stegastein Viewpoint on an included excursion.

Optional excursion

Take a trip aboard the Flåm Railway, one of Europe’s most beautiful rail journeys, especially at this time of year.

Arrive 0700.

Disembark Spirit of Discovery after breakfast.