Arctic Capital to the Norwegian Border

Welcome to the historic Arctic capital of Tromsø. If you’ve arrived in the morning or afternoon, you’ll have time to explore the city before your ship departs in the early evening. Along the waterfront you’ll find Polaria , a centre exhibiting environmental research in the Arctic with a small aquarium. Take your pick from the many shops and restaurants in the city centre, including Mack Brewery and favourite local watering hole Ølhallen pub . There are also cafés offering delicious cinnamon buns where baristas create innovative coffee art. Across the fjord from where the ship docks, you should be able to see the iconic Arctic Cathedral with its beautiful stained-glass mosaic. Across the fjord from where the ship docks, you should be able to see the iconic Arctic Cathedral with its beautiful stained-glass mosaic. You can also take Fjellheisen Tromsø , a cable car ride up 450m above sea level to a viewpoint on Mount Storsteinen for breathtaking scenery. Leaving Tromsø, we 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 summer 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.