Bergen - North Cape - Bergen – Arctic Winter and Northern Lights Expedition (Otto Sverdrup)

Description

The spectacular Northern Lights are the most famous reason to explore Norway in the winter, but the coast has so much more to offer. Sail with us to discover an Arctic landscape filled with impressive mountains, deep fjords and charming coastal towns. Discover Norway’s coastal pearls and feel the adrenaline of exciting winter activities as we hunt for the magical aurora.

Trip Name

Bergen - North Cape - Bergen – Arctic Winter and Northern Lights Expedition (Otto Sverdrup)

Days

Overview

Vessel Type: Expedition Length: 138.5 m Built / Refurbished: 2002 / 2020 MS Otto Sverdrup is designed for exciting, sustainable expedition cruises along the Norwegian coastline MS Otto Sverdrup (formerly MS Finnmarken) is named after a great Norwegian polar hero. Sverdrup was the first person to ski across Greenland, was a key member of polar expeditions and was the captain of the legendary Arctic ship “Fram”. He also served as a Hurtigruten captain between expeditions. The re-designed MS Otto Sverdrup is an ice class 1C ship. It's equipped with advanced maritime technology that makes her exceptionally well suited for expedition cruises in Norway. Comfort, Learning and Wellness Natural Scandinavian materials like granite, oak, birch and wool have been used in the ship´s renovation to create a relaxed and stylish atmosphere that adds to the premium onboard experience. This ship also offers a chance to indulge yourself in our new Wellness area, complete with gym, lounge, treatment rooms and sauna, and guests can enjoy the outdoor pool and hot tubs on deck 7. For taking in the magnificent scenery, Observation decks are located on deck 8, and in the aft of decks 5 and 6. Low impact exploration MS Otto Sverdrup is an advanced, more sustainable vessel. She is equipped with a battery pack, that will support the ship’s engines, and drastically cut emissions. The ship also has the ability to access shore power when docked, cutting shoreside emissions. And the vessel’s engines are upgraded to low-emission motors, complying with all known and upcoming regulations. Facilities on board MS Otto Sverdrup Cabins and public areas Norway´s stunning scenery is reflected in the ship´s interior design. Comfortable cabins and suites feature natural Scandinavian materials, such as granite, oak, birch and wool. Our stylish and welcoming public areas create great places to watch the world´s most beautiful coastline pass by. Science Center The hub of on-board learning is our Science Centre, an edutainment venue where guests and crew meet to create a deeper understanding of the areas we explore. Located on deck 4, this area is packed with state-of-the-art technology and interactive tools. Restaurants Our three on-board restaurants feature menus inspired by Norwegian traditions, as well as international cuisine. Whether enjoying your meal at Aune – the main diningroom; Fredheim – the informal international meeting place; or the specialty restaurant Lindstrøm, you can expect honest and delicious cuisine that reflects our destinations. Wellness and Relaxation After a day of exploring, guests can relax and rejuvenate in the hot tubs, exercise in the gym, enjoy the scenery in the elegant Explorer Lounge, surf the wi-fi network, or browse in the on-board shop. Expedition Team Your onboard Expedition Team will host interesting lectures, presentations and activities in the Science Center, on deck and on shore. These experts have a single mission: to enhance your experience by engaging you and interpreting the nature, wildlife, and culture you encounter during the voyage. They will offer the chance to join in hikes and other exciting activities during the journey. We provide all the basic gear needed for each excursion.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Day 1 Discover Bergen Before Departure

Before your expedition starts, you might have some time to explore Bergen. Why not kick start your winter adventure with a cable car trip to the top of Mount Fløyen or Mount Ulriken? There are great views over the city from both. Bergen also has great shopping from well-known brand stores to small niche shops. Another tip is to take a walk through Bryggen. This UNESCO-listed area is one of the most popular attractions in Bergen. Some of the wooden buildings are more than 300 years old and St. Mary’s Church dates back to the 11th century. The narrow alleyways and overhanging galleries create a special medieval atmosphere. Other attractions are the Fish Market, Bergenhus Fortress, and cafés, restaurants and shops.Once on board, we suggest you spend some time getting to know the ship. Meet the Expedition Team and prepare yourself for exciting experiences ahead.

Day 2 - Day 2 Art Nouveau and Undersea Wonder

Ålesund is a town renowned for its beautiful Art Nouveau architecture. A devastating fire burned a large part of the city to the ground in 1904. The entire town was rebuilt in the fashionable style of the time, Art Nouveau. Take a walk around town and take in all the small details that make these houses so beautiful.The Atlanterhavsparken is one of the most distinctive aquariums in Europe, and today you are invited on an active tour learning about the Norwegian fish.The aquarium is built into the coastal landscape and the fish tanks display the sea life in its authentic habitat.The aquarium boasts a spectacular outdoor area with a view to the Atlantic Ocean, as well as a penguin park, seal bay and underwater observatory.

Day 3 - Day 3 Mountains, Myths and UNESCO Site

By now, you might have joined in several of the Expedition Team’s lectures. Or maybe you´ve enjoyed a soak in the ship’s hot tub while gazing out at the winter landscape.Brønnøysund is our next port of call. Join the local guides for a town walk to learn more about this attractive coastal community whose life revolves around the harbour for trade and fishing.One of Norway’s most famous landmarks is located close to Brønnøysund. The mountain Torghatten, with a distinctive hole right the middle, is said to be the Brønnøy troll king’s hat. It plays a key role in the Nordland region’s fairy tales. It seems trolls caught out at sunrise turned to stone and thus became the mountains along this stretch of coastline.Join the optional excursion to the UNESCO-listed Vega Islands. Here you’ll learn more about Norwegian coastal culture. For 1,500 years, island fishermen and farmers maintained a sustainable way of life based on the now unique tradition of eider duck farming. In the evening, we sail past the small islet of Vikingen. The Arctic Circle crosses here and is marked by a small globe statue. Now your chances to see the Northern Lights grow.

Day 4 - Day 4 In the Aurora Zone

We are now in the aurora zone. The Northern Lights often appear directly above our ship. We can't control the weather, but we can sail past any cloud cover in a matter of minutes for a clearer view of the skies. Unlike a stationary viewpoint, we are a floating Northern Lights observatory. Travelling by sea, we are far away from artificial light pollution on land. This increases your chances of seeing the Aurora.You will never forget your first approach to Lofoten. The sight of the massive Lofoten Wall with snow-covered mountains raising straight out of the sea is truly awesome.We dock at Reine in the morning hours - a perfect spot to start your polar adventure. Join the included excursion to the small fishing village of Å. Here you can visit the Norwegian Fishing Village Museum. Walk among the old coastal buildings to get a sense of everyday life at the Lofoten fisheries over the last 250 years. We also offer optional excursions to explore more of the winter nature in Lofoten.We now continue to Svolvær and visit a fishing village steeped in age-old seagoing traditions. Take part in exciting activities to explore the surrounding islands, steep mountains, beautiful beaches and sheltered bays. Shops, galleries, cafes and restaurants are scattered throughout the town.After spending the whole day in Lofoten, we continue to amazing Trollfjord. Here, vertical mountain walls rise right out of the sea. In winter, it is not possible to sail into the fjord, so we admire this natural wonder at its entrance.

Day 5 - Day 5 Gateway to the Arctic

If you’re looking for an adventurous winter wonderland, Tromsø is the perfect destination. The city’s attractions include wildlife, nature, as well as history, culture and bold architecture.Tromsø is situated among large islands and high mountains. With an abundance of bars, shops and restaurants, Tromsø more than lives up to its reputation as the ‘Paris of the North’.The Ølhallen pub in Tromsø opened in 1928 in the cellar of Mack Bryggeri, the world’s northernmost brewery. Local folks of all ages stop by here for a pint (half-litre) and a chat. You can easily find Ølhallen at the southern end of Tromsø’s main street. Ask for a tour of the microbrewery or just enjoy a satisfying Norwegian beer among the local regulars.Your included activity today is a ride in the sky on the Fjellheisen Cable Car, with breathtaking views of the city, mountains, fjord and hopefully the Northern Lights. Another highlight is the Arctic Cathedral, featuring an enormous stained-glass mosaic.You also can join such optional excursions hikes with our Expedition Team, or scenic bus rides, husky tours, snow shoeing, or cross-country skiing when the snow arrives.

Day 6 - Day 6 Edge of the World

We are now sailing into the heart of Arctic wilderness. This is home to the magnificent North Cape, known as the one of the northernmost points on the European mainland.Start your day with a coach ride from Honningsvåg, passing small bays and tiny villages, crossing a mountain plateau before arriving at North Cape.Standing at the edge puts you at 71°10’21´N, just 2,100 km away from the North Pole. Look out from the cliff by the iconic globe monument and gaze across the sea. Only the Svalbard Islands separate you from the top of the Earth. The vistas extend to where ocean meets horizon, North Cape feels like the end of the world. Of course, it´s a great place to take stunning photos. And visit the North Cape Hall to enjoy a short film on your surroundings.Back at Honningsvåg, you can explore the town on your own and find charming houses and nice shops.

Day 7 - Day 7 Aurora City

Discover how Alta became the epicentre of ground-breaking research on the Northern Lights. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Norwegian scientist Kristian Birkeland was determined to find out the reason for this phenomenon. The Northern Lights had frightened and amazed people for thousands of years. Learn all about the aurora with an interactive exhibition located in the Northern Lights Cathedral.Alta lies well above the Arctic Circle at a latitude of 70 degrees north. It is the biggest city in the vast wilderness of Finnmark County. It’s also the perfect adventure destination, serving up a wide range of activities with a personal, non-touristy feel. Join optional excursions like visiting a Sami family and an ice hotel or go dog-sledging.Alta lies directly under the Northern Light Oval, so your chances of seeing Northern Lights are very good. We will use the rest of the evening hunting the Northern Lights from aboard ship.

Day 8 - Day 8 Wilderness and War History

Historic Narvik is situated in beautiful Arctic nature. The occupation of Norway during WWII started here in 1940. Join the included excursion to Narvik War Museum to learn more in exhibits that depict the conflict as well as universal issues related to war, conflict and human rights.If you’d rather spend the day outdoors in winter nature, you have several great options.Join an excursion by cable car to a mountain top for breathtaking views or spend the day in the world’s northernmost wildlife park. See bears, foxes, lynx, wolves, moose, muskox and other Arctic animals.

Day 9 - Day 9 Mountains and Viking History

The Seven Sisters mountain range might be Sandessjøen's primary claim to fame. You'll have great views to the peaks from deck as we approach the town.Sandnessjøen has a rich Viking history, and today we invite you to learn more about the local tribes. Northern Norway’s most powerful chieftain has been recreated at Sandnes in Sandnessjøen. This venue is situated just a 10-minute walk from the harbour. Learn the rich history from the Viking Age and powerful figures, such as Sigrid of Sandnes - one of the very few women ever mentioned in the Sagas, who was renowned for the respect she earned from her people.You may also join an optional excursion to learn more about the Norwegian poet and priest, Petter Dass. You can visit the modern museum in combination with a visit to the medieval church in Alstahaug.

Day 10 - Day 10 From Bacalao to Roses

Kristiansund’s location on four sea islands in the Norwegian Sea has provided the town with a wealth of opportunities in the fishing, shipbuilding and oil industries. Today, Kristiansund is known as Norway’s ‘dried cod capital’ because of its long-time export of salted dry fish.Our included activity today is a scenic bus ride along the renowned Atlantic Road - one of Norway’s most-visited tourist destinations. The 8.2 km long highway – one of Norway’s National Scenic Routes - spans a total of eight bridges and is surrounded by amazing landscapes and open sea. The excursion ends in Molde, where you rejoin the ship.Molde is known as the ‘City of Roses’. This is a 100-year-old description based on the city’s many lush blooming rose gardens. The city’s viewpoint affords fantastic views across Molde, the fjords, archipelagos and distant snowy peaks of the Romsdal Alps.

Day 11 - Day 11 Glaciers and Stunning Fjord Scenery

The morning we sail into the longest fjord in Norway, Sognefjorden. We cruise deep into the fjord to the tiny hamlet of Fjærland. Enjoy going ashore to discover this idyllic village with only 300 inhabitants and many charming old buildings.Jostedalsbreen Glacier is the largest glacier on the European continent. It has several smaller glacial arms stretching out in many directions. In Fjærland, you can get very close to two of these glacier extensions, Bøyabreen and Supphellebreen. Fjærland is the perfect place to learn more about how glaciers created the beautiful fjords of Norway. Join a very interesting visit to the Norwegian Glacier Museum. You will also get the opportunity to experience a glacier, with its white and blue limbs extending down steep mountainsides.In Fjærland, you´ll find Norwegian Book Town with picturesque, second-hand book shops around the village. Explore charming Fjærland and join several exciting optional excursions.

Day 12 - Day 12 Looking Forward to the Next Adventure

In the early morning, we arrive in Bergen where you disembark the ship. Hopefully you will have seen the magical Northern Lights several times and enjoyed delightful, unique and authentic experiences of Norway’s culture, history, wildlife and stunning nature. We look forward to seeing you on board again for new adventures in the very near future.

Day 13 - Please Note:

Hurtigruten offers unique expedition cruises to some of the most remote and pristine waters of the world. As with all expeditions; nature prevails. Weather, and ice and sea conditions, sets the final framework for all Hurtigruten’s operations. Safety and unparalleled guest experiences are at all times our top priorities. All our indicative itineraries are continuously evaluated for adaptions, whether this is due to constraints the elements unexpectedly presents – or exciting possibilities nature and wildlife offer. That is why we call it an expedition.

Trip Dates

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Inclusions

Take advantage of the very best chances of seeing the Northern Lights in the Norwegian Arctic
Benefit from our 126 years of experience to see the hidden highlights of the Norwegian coast
Discover the magical winter landscape of Lofoten
Explore fascinating Tromsø, Ålesund and the unforgettable North Cape