Lofoten to the Norwegian Border

Welcome to Norway and what is arguably its most scenic archipelago. You’ll board your ship in the evening, giving you plenty of time to explore Svolvær if you arrive here earlier in the day. This enchanting town is nestled in a picturesque location between the mountains and the sea, overlooked by Svolværgeita, or Svolvær Goat Mountain, with its two characteristic ‘horns’. No wonder then that Svolvær is a place of inspiration for artists and photographers who feature their work in art galleries and the North Norwegian Art Centre. From Svolvær, the ship then sails for Stamsund, eventually passing the giant granite cliffs of the Lofoten Wall, a colossal mountain range of closely packed peaks. From late May through mid-July, the Arctic sun stays above the horizon, a phenomenon known as the Midnight Sun. This 24-hour daylight means outdoor activities, such as kayaking and hiking, can be done whatever time of day or night. In contrast, come winter, Lofoten’s position above the Arctic Circle and directly beneath the auroral zone make it ideal for viewing the spectacular Northern Lights.

We dock in Harstad just after 07:00. Feel free to have a peaceful early morning stroll around town. The ship will then continue to Finnsnes, which connects the beautiful island of Senja via the impressive Gisund Bridge. Keep your eyes peeled for a variety of seabirds, including puffins, as there are several colonies nearby. Gateway to the Arctic Then we’ll sail to the historic Arctic exploration capital of Tromsø, where you’ll have four hours to explore the city or join an optional excursion. You’ll find Polaria (the world’s northernmost aquarium) and the nice waterfront. Pop in to one of the many shops and restaurants in the city centre, including Mack Brewery and the Ølhallen pub, a favourite local watering hole. There are also a variety of cafés offering delicious cinnamon buns where baristas create innovative coffee-foam art. Across the fjord from where the ship docks, check out the iconic Arctic Cathedral, with its beautiful stained-glass mosaic. Leaving Tromsø in the early evening, we’ll head north for the trading post of Skjervøy, founded in 1622. On our way, we’ll pass the Lyngen Alps, which rise majestically from the sea.

The ship reaches the town of Hammerfest on the island of Kvaløya early in the morning. In summer, the island has herds of reindeer migrating here in their thousands. You’ll know we’ve reached Havøysund when you see the wind turbines of the landmark Havøyglaven wind farm which produces enough electricity to power 6,000 local homes. At the top of Europe We arrive at Honningsvåg mid-morning, portal to the North Cape where a globe monument marks the top of continental Europe. An optional excursion will take you to North Cape from Honningsvåg by bus, passing herds of reindeer on the way, depending on the season. Sámi heartlands Near the entrance of Kjøllefjord village, look out for the striking, building-like rock formation Finnkirka, an ancient sacrificial site once used by the indigenous Sámi. You can join an optional excursion to meet local Sámi, learn about their life reindeer herding, and listen to joik folk songs. Continuing north We reach our northernmost port of call, Mehamn, in the evening. If visiting in the months of February and March, you might spot tons of cod drying on outdoor wooden racks called hjell , mainly destined for export. The ship then sets off for Berlevåg. On the way, we pass the tall Slettnes Lighthouse, the northernmost mainland lighthouse on Earth.

We call at Båtsfjord and Vardø in the night, before docking at Vadsø early in the morning. Looking to the skies The area around Vadsø is one of the most scenic and popular birdwatching spots in the Arctic, lying directly under the migration path of birds flying from east to west. Watch for hooded crows and sea eagles. Near the Norwegian border Kirkenes is just a few miles from the Norwegian border. This is where your Norwegian coastal cruise ends and you’ll have travelled further east than St. Petersburg and Istanbul. As we arrive in Kirkenes around 09:00, you might have some time to explore this fascinating town by yourself, ahead of your onward journey. Call in at the Varanger Museum, or why not book one of our post-programmes at the Kirkenes Snow Hotel, staying either in a cosy Snow Suite or a wooden Gamme Cabin.