Cruise · HX Expeditions · 9 nights

Southern Scandinavia: Between Norwegian Fjords and Swedish Isles (Northbound)

Comfortable and intimate sailing experience aboard MS Spitsbergen
Complimentary expedition jacket, photos, and Wi-Fi
Explore by Zodiac and on foot through stunning landscapes

$8,517 pp twin share

$14,479 pp solo share

9 nights

Enquire

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Southern Scandinavia: Between Norwegian Fjords and Swedish Isles (Southbound)

Southern Scandinavia: Between Norwegian Fjords and Swedish Isles (Northbound) – route map

Maritime Kiel

Colourful Copenhagen

Gothenburg Archipelago

The intriguing Koster Islands

Charming Farsund

Lysefjord and Preikestolen

Historic Haugesund & Viking legends

The Hardangerfjjord

Disembark in Bergen

MS Spitsbergen

Cruise Snapshot

9 Nights

Discover the ethereal beauty of Southern Scandinavia's fjords, islands, and historic towns on this 9-night expedition cruise

Sail the seas once travelled by the Vikings
Explore iconic fjords and the Gothenburg archipelago by Zodiac
Discover the Koster Islands, Sweden's first marine national park

Trip Details

Departs: 1 November 2028
Returns: 10 November 2028
Ship: MS Spitsbergen
Operator: HX Expeditions

10‑day all‑inclusive Southern Scandinavia Expedition Cruise from Kiel to Bergen

The 9-night Scandinavia voyage aboard MS Spitsbergen sails from Kiel to Bergen, calling at Copenhagen, Gothenburg Archipelago, Koster, Farsund, Lysefjorden, Haugesund, Eidfjord and Rosendal.

Experience the beauty of Southern Scandinavia in the autumn, when the ethereal light makes the dramatic fjords, windswept islands, and historic towns appear even more beautiful.
Sail the seas once travelled by the Vikings, hearing how the landscapes, fjords, and maritime cultures helped shape the story of Norway.
Explore by Zodiac and on foot through iconic Lysefjord and Hardangerfjord, and discover the quieter shores of the Koster Islands and the Gothenburg archipelago.

You sail aboard MS Spitsbergen. After being completely rebuilt for exploration travel with a modern Scandinavian-inspired interior design, MS Spitsbergen joined our fleet in 2016. As one of our smaller expedition vessels, it offers a comfortable and intimate sailing experience. On board: Indoor gym; Sauna with outside view; Outdoor hot tubs; Observation decks; Explorer lounge and bar; Onboard shop; Expedition Team; Restaurant Aune.

$8,517

pp twin share

$14,479

pp solo share

Enquire

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When & how much

Departures & Pricing

Departs

1 November 2028

Returns

10 November 2028

Duration

9 nights

From pp twin share

$8,517 pp

From pp solo cabin

$14,479 pp

01 Nov 2028 - 10 Nov 2028
from $8,517 pp twin share / $14,479 pp sole use *

Additional Pricing Information

Polar Inside from $8,517 pp twin share
Polar Outside from $9,965 pp twin share
Arctic Superior from $11,073 pp twin share
Expedition Suite from $13,717 pp twin share

* Prices and category availability are subject to change without notice.

Upgrades, transfers, accommodation and more can be quoted on enquiry — call 1300 414 198.

Life in transit

MS Spitsbergen

Details · HX Expeditions

MS Spitsbergen

After being completely rebuilt for exploration travel with a modern Scandinavian-inspired interior design, MS Spitsbergen joined our fleet in 2016. As one of our smaller expedition vessels, it offers a comfortable and intimate sailing experience.

Guests: 150
Gross tonnage: 7,344
Speed: 14.5 knots
Length: 100 m
Launched: 2009
Beam: 18 m
Deck plans: 6

MS Spitsbergen · Deck plans

Deck 8

Source: HX Expeditions, captured 16 September 2026. Deck plans are provided by the cruise line and are subject to change at any time.

Day by day

Itinerary

1
Maritime Kiel
Gateway to the Baltic seas
Kiel is a true maritime hub on the Northern coast of Germany. For generations, it's been the start point for voyages to the North Atlantic, Baltic Sea, and beyond. Today, it’s your journey that begins here.
Before you embark the ship, take some time to stroll along the wide promenades of Kiel, appreciating the unique German and Scandinavian culture that's been carved out over countless generations of maritime travel.
MS Spitsbergen is waiting for you. Get familiar with your ship and its crew as anticipation builds for the adventure ahead.
2
Colourful Copenhagen
Discover the ‘city of spires’
Enjoy a relaxed morning at sea, embracing the Scandinavian way of life by making full use of the ship’s sauna and hot tubs.
Appreciate the views from the deck looking out for the city skyline of Copenhagen, where you’ll spend a laid-back afternoon exploring. Known as the ‘city of spires’ thanks to its impressive architecture, the capital of Denmark is a compact and easy city to explore. Gaze up at grand urban palaces and royal residences, visit its numerous museums, or get lost in the medieval alleyways.
We'll be introducing another way to uncover the city: by Zodiac. We’ll lower the boats into the water and give you a perspective of the city that few experience.
3
Gothenburg Archipelago
Explore the wild islands beyond Gothenburg
Today we venture into the Gothenburg archipelago, a wild cluster of close to 8,000 islands.
The landscape here remains deeply connected to maritime traditions, and life here remains tied to the sea, with small harbours, red and white wooden houses, and isolated island communities that feel far removed from the busy streets of Gothenburg city.
If the weather conditions allow, we’ll explore some of the lesser-visited islands, narrow sounds, granite skerries, and fishing communities by Zodiac. With the golden autumn light settling over the Nordic coast, this is a particularly peaceful time of year.
4
The intriguing Koster Islands
Discover Sweden’s first marine national park
The Koster Islands is a breathtaking archipelago dotted across Sweden’s first marine national park. This is an area that’s best explored by Zodiac, where we can skim past the pink-grey granite islands, appreciating the rich marine life that thrives in the cold-water coral.
As we go, you’ll learn about the people who have inhabited these shores for thousands of years, with a legacy stretching back to the Stone Age. Those who lived here learned to endure political and natural challenges, creating a distinctive maritime culture of resilience.
Over the course of the day we’ll explore this natural paradise, appreciating rocky coasts lined with heather and juniper and watching for playful seals peeping out of the water.
5
Charming Farsund
Cosy cafés and historic houses in a picturesque port
Welcome to Norway, literally meaning 'the way to the north'. We’ll begin our journey to this Nordic land in the far south, where gentle glacial landscapes surround the small coastal town of Farsund.
In Farsund, maritime trading flourished for centuries, shaping a coastal culture with deep historical ties to the Netherlands and Germany. Today, it’s a beautiful place to explore at your own pace, strolling past wooden houses and exploring the quiet streets that are lined with cosy cafés.
The autumnal atmosphere makes the town feel particularly special, with windows aglow with soft lighting and flickering candles. For something more active, join the Expedition Team to discover the surrounding region.
6
Lysefjord and Preikestolen
Welcome to the Norwegian fjords
With a backdrop of cloud-shrouded mountains and tumbling waterfalls, of small farms and jade-green waters, we'll explore one of the world's most breathtaking fjords. Wind, rain, or shine, head to the deck to take it all in: glide past narrow passages and soak in dramatic scenery that reveals itself from every angle. In autumn, drifting mist and shifting light create an especially memorable atmosphere.
If conditions allow, you may also have the chance to hike to Preikestolen, 'The Pulpit Rock’, one of Norway's most iconic natural landmarks. Rising high above the fjord below, it's worth every step of the climb.
7
Historic Haugesund & Viking legends
Step back in time
As we sail through Norway, we’ll head for the rugged region of Haugesund, known as the ‘Homeland of Viking Kings’. This is a storied region where you can delve deep into maritime lore. It’s said that it was here that King Harald Fairhair first united Norway into a single kingdom. From this royal seat, Norway’s kings controlled the renowned shipping route of Nordvegen: ‘the way to the north’, from which the country takes its name.
We’ll be heading to a Viking settlement on the small island of Bukkøya, getting a sense of what daily life was like by these remote waters. On Karmøy, you can learn about Norway’s Viking and maritime history at the Nordvegen History Centre.
8
The Hardangerfjjord
Days 8–9
Explore Norway’s most lush fjord system
Over two days we’ll be taking in the lush glacial landscapes of one of the world’s most famous fjord systems. Head to the deck as we glide past apple orchards, pretty villages, and towering mountains descending into the waters below. Enjoy the chance to appreciate the autumnal colours, with mist-cloaked valleys and slopes of deep green and fiery red.
We’ll explore this remarkable region in true expedition style, perhaps heading out to explore on water level in Zodiacs or kayaks. Our aim is to reach Eidfjord, a breathtaking village surrounded by slate-grey peaks and tumbling waterfalls.
Throughout the voyage, the Expedition Team will share insights into the fascinating geology, culture, and wildlife. As the scenery drifts by, why not try a local Hardanger cider, raising a glass to the exciting adventure.
10
Historic Bergen
Goodbye to the fjords
Your expedition comes to an end in the beautiful city of Bergen, often known as the gateway to the fjords. By now, you’ll have sailed through some of northern Europe’s most spectacular landscapes, on routes once travelled by Vikings. It’s only fitting that your journey concludes here, in one of Norway’s most historic maritime cities.
Before leaving the city, take some time to explore. At Bryggen wharf, the historic harbour district, you can stand alongside mustard-coloured houses and wander through narrow alleyways. Or for a panoramic view of the city, ride up the Fløibanen funicular.
Though your expedition ends here, every voyage ending marks the beginning of another adventure to come.

What you get for the price

Inclusions & exclusions

What’s included

A stay in a cabin of your choice.
All day coffee, tea and soft drinks.
A complimentary reusable Ocean Bottle water.
Wind and waterproof expedition jacket.
Professional photos from your trip taken by our onboard photographer.
Complimentary Wi-Fi.

Not included

International flights
Additional overnight(s) if required due to international flight timings
Travel insurance
Luggage handling
Optional shore excursions with our local partners
Optional small-group activities with our Expedition Team

Where you’ll stay

Accommodation

MS Spitsbergen

On board: Indoor gym; Sauna with outside view; Outdoor hot tubs; Observation decks; Explorer lounge and bar; Onboard shop; Expedition Team; Restaurant Aune; Brygga Bistro; Wi-Fi.

Polar Inside

Our cosy Polar Inside cabins feature

Double beds and some have additional Pullman beds.
All have private bathrooms with a shower and toiletries, a TV, a safe, European two-pin plug sockets, and tea- and coffee-making facilities.

I2D – Inside cabin: no window, double bed, 9–14 m².
K2D – Larger inside cabin: no window, double bed, 15–20 m².

Polar Outside

Most of our Polar Outside cabins onboard MS Spitsbergen have double beds. Some include a single or double sofa bed and two Pullman beds (upper/lower berths).
All have private bathrooms with a shower and toiletries, a TV, a safe, European two-pin plug sockets, and tea- and coffee-making facilities.

O3 – Outside cabin: window, two pullman beds, upper/lower berths, 13–14 m².
O2D – Outside cabin: window, double bed, 13–14 m².
J2D – Outside cabin: window, limited view or no view, double bed, 11–12 m².

Arctic Superior

Relaxation and comfort are the hallmarks of our Arctic Superior cabins.

They feature double beds, some with a sofa bed.
All have private bathrooms with a shower and toiletries, a TV, a safe, European two-pin plug sockets, and tea- and coffee-making facilities.

QJ – Outside cabin: window, limited view or no view, double bed, 14–18 m².
YA – Wheelchair-accessible cabin: window, limited view or no view, double bed, 18 m².
P2D – Outside cabin: window, limited view or no view, double bed, 11 m².
U2D – Outside cabin: window, double bed, 13–14 m².

Expedition Suite

Add some indulgence to your voyage aboard MS Spitsbergen and reserve one of our Expedition Suites.

Spacious, serviced, and with bed combinations for up to four people, these well-appointed apartments offer special features such as private balconies, expansive windows, and minibars (charges apply).
Suites feature double beds, some with a seating area, some with a sofa bed or a Pullman bed.
All have private bathrooms with a shower and toiletries, a TV, a safe, European two-pin plug sockets, tea-making facilities, and a single-serve coffee machine. Naturally, the accommodation includes a full range of premium facilities including daily turn-down service and laundry.
Champagne on ice and a platter of delicacies are provided for your enjoyment as you set sail.

MX – Owners Suite: private balcony, double bed, sofa bed, 32–33 m².
MG – Grand Suite: private balcony, double bed, sofa bed, 28–29 m².
Q2 – Mini Suite: window, double bed, 16–17 m².
Q3 – Mini Suite: window, double bed, 22–23 m².
Q4 – Mini Suite: window, double bed, 21–22 m².

From the operator

Common questions about this voyage

How long is this journey?

This itinerary runs for 10 days and 9 nights.

When can I travel?

Departures are currently scheduled between 01 Nov 2028 and 10 Nov 2028, subject to live availability.

Can I travel solo?

Solo pricing may be available on selected departures, and final options can be confirmed at enquiry.

What is generally included?

Inclusions typically cover guided touring and selected experiences, with exact details listed in the itinerary.

What style of accommodation is used?

Accommodation is pre-arranged as part of the journey, with specific properties shown in the trip details.

Ready to lock in?

Book this cruise

Send us an enquiry and a consultant will be in touch, or call 1300 414 198 for personal help choosing a departure.

Enquire about this cruise

Southern Scandinavia: Between Norwegian Fjords and Swedish Isles (Southbound)

Sail aboard the intimate MS Spitsbergen, rebuilt for exploration travel
Enjoy included amenities like a gym, sauna, hot tubs, and Wi-Fi
Expedition team provides insights into the region's geology, culture, and wildlife

Departs 10 November, 2028

From $8,517 pp twin From $14,479 pp solo

Discover more