Sweden & Finland: Autumn in the Gulf of Bothnia (Southbound)

Departures & Pricing

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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

− + Fit

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

Itinerary

1. 1

   Spectacular Stockholm

   Discover Stockholm’s grandeur

   Welcome to Stockholm: a charming coastal capital with a rich history, and the starting point of your adventure. In autumn, the medieval cobbles of Gamla Stan feel relaxed and peaceful, so take some time to explore the city and its attractions, from cosy cafes serving up fresh coffees and cinnamon buns to the famous Vasa Museum.

   Head home relaxed and inspired by your truly beautiful autumn adventure.

2. 2

   Stockholm Archipelago

   Enjoy peaceful scenic sailing

   As our expedition begins, we will sail through the Stockholm archipelago: a vast maze of 30,000 islands and skerries scattered across the Baltic Sea. The archipelago has long connected Stockholm to the wider Baltic, and as we journey through the sheltered waters, you’ll see the landscape shift from gentle scenery of red-painted cottages and slow signs of life to more rugged pine-covered islands.

   Head to the deck, keeping watch for sea birds, historic lighthouses, and hidden settlements tucked between the islands. The Expedition Team will bring the geology, culture, and history of this region to life.

3. 3

   At Sea

   Cruising the Bothnian Gulf

   The first chapter of your adventure continues. You're sure to feel anticipation building on the ship, and this is your time to enjoy the facilities, from cosying up with a book in a quiet corner, to watching the scenery from the Observation Deck.

   Head to the deck to appreciate the autumn colours as they drift past. The Expedition Team is also on hand to tell you more about the post-glacial scenery and help you spot the wildlife that thrives around these chilly waters.

4. 4

   Luleå City

   Immerse yourself in Sámi tradition

   Luleå is both a modern Swedish port with a lively urban character and a city of deep history. The UNESCO-listed Old Town is home to some of the oldest buildings on the Bothnian Gulf, including Gammelstad, one of the most impressive surviving 'church villages'', where 404 wooden houses cluster around a 15th-century stone church.

   Long before the city was established, the indigenous Sámi people lived on these lands with their reindeer and continue to do so today. During our time here, we'll encounter their heritage firsthand as part of a bespoke cultural experience, welcomed into the community to hear about Sámi life and traditions.

   As the final stop on our expedition, this is a time to embrace every experience you possibly can, immersing yourself in the land and its storied history.

5. 5

   Haparanda: One City, Two Countries

   At the edge of the Bothnian gulf

   Welcome to the frontier of Europe. The Swedish and Finnish border cuts straight through the middle of Haparanda, at the furthest edge of the Bothnian Gulf. The geography creates a multicultural atmosphere, shaped by a long history as a trade hub.

   Beyond the town, vast stretches of Laplandic forest and impenetrable wilderness mark the first step into the true Arctic North. Keep your eyes peeled: we're far enough north to glimpse the Northern Lights after dark, while daytime can be spent wandering through the town, noticing the subtle differences between Baltic Swedish and Finnish cultures.

   This isn't a city packed with attractions, and that's part of its appeal. Join the Expedition Team to hear more about the area's history, or head out on an excursion into the heart of this region.

6. 6

   The Kvarken Archipelago

   Discovering Ice Age landscapes

   Today we experience one of the fastest-rising landscapes in the world: the Kvarken archipelago. This is a region still being shaped by the Ice Age, recognised by UNESCO as one of the most scientifically significant places on Earth for understanding the lasting impact of the glacial past.

   We'll explore the countless islands by Zodiac, searching for curious seals and white-tailed eagles while hearing how this otherworldly landscape came to be.

   Back on board, embrace the Finnish way of life with a sauna session as the scenery drifts past.

7. 7

   The Hidden Coves of Höga Kusten

   Autumn along the high coast

   Sweden's High Coast is one of the country's most striking yet rarely visited regions, despite its UNESCO-protected status. In autumn, it's particularly atmospheric: weathered shores and deep-green forests beneath a softer light.

   We'll explore by Zodiac, watching fishing nets dry in the breeze and sea eagles circle overhead. Although the coastline doesn't have the same scale as Norway's fjords, there's plenty of adventure here, with hidden coves and silent waterways to discover. We hope to step ashore in local communities, learning about traditions and perhaps tasting a local dish or hearing a story carried through the generations.

8. 8

   Charming Harnösand

   Discover UNESCO sites and pretty streets

   Today we sail south, perhaps passing beneath Sweden's iconic High Coast Bridge. Our destination is Härnösand, a modern coastal city where charming timber houses are painted in every colour. On our way, we pass through Kramfors, taking in the UNESCO-listed landscape of huge cliffs and boreal forests.

   Härnösand is home to one of Sweden's oldest educational institutions, and there's a welcoming energy you'll notice as soon as you stroll past its small boutiques and cafes, where the Swedish tradition of fika, a quiet pause for coffee, conversation, and perhaps a cinnamon bun, is a way of life. Enjoy it at your own pace or join a curated excursion to venture further.

9. 9

   The Enchanting Åland Islands

   Discover the Nordic Island frontier

   Today we're hopping into Zodiacs to explore a region once claimed by Viking seafarers. Located between Sweden and Finland, the Åland Islands are a labyrinthine archipelago with a unique character, particularly in autumn. Smooth granite shores, pine-covered skerries, and small independent communities make up the landscape, where a quiet rhythm of life persists.

   The spirit of Åland lies in its independence. Thanks to our local connections, we'll give you an authentic insight into island life here in the North Baltic. It's said that locals learn to steer a boat before they can walk, so we'll be following suit, skimming the shores by Zodiac and seeing it all up close.

10. 10

    Discover Gotland

    The mythical island of the Baltic Sea

    Rising from the middle of the Baltic Sea is Gotland. This windswept island has stood at the crossroads of trade, myth, and conflict, shaped by Viking merchants, medieval farmers, Hanseatic traders, and generations of seafarers.

    Today it's your turn to explore a landscape unlike anywhere else in Scandinavia. Join the Expedition Team to walk coastal trails, uncovering traces of Viking and medieval history and searching for the wildlife that calls the island home. In autumn, empty roads and softer light create a feeling of solitude that's hard to find elsewhere.

11. 11

    Historic Karlskrona

    City of maritime power and splendour

    Founded in the 17th century as one of Europe's most ambitious naval bases, Karlskrona still carries an air of maritime grandeur, with wide baroque streets, historic churches, elegant waterfronts, and fortified harbours. This preserved heritage has earned it recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

    With the Expedition Team, you can uncover the city's naval history on a tour, or venture further into the surrounding archipelago. Or simply stroll through the waterfront cafés and narrow passageways at your own pace.

12. 12

    Through the Baltic Sea

    Follow sea routes south

    Your journey ends by sailing in the wake of countless travellers, traders, and explorers who ventured through these seas before you. Today is for reflecting on the voyage and the places you've encountered.

    Unwind in a hot tub, soak in the views from the outer decks, or settle into a leisurely dinner, swapping highlights with fellow travellers.

13. 13

    Maritime Kiel

    On the edge of the Baltic Sea

    Your expedition ends in Kiel, 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 marks the end point of your expedition.

    Bid farewell to ship, crew and your fellow travellers, and take some time to stroll along the wide promenades of the city, appreciating the unique German and Scandinavian culture that's been carved out over countless generations of maritime travel.

    Head home, feeling relaxed and inspired by your beautiful autumn adventure.

Accommodation

Book this cruise

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