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Cruise to Norway in Luxury to Find the Northern Lights

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Begin in Bergen, Norway and cruise up the coast of Norway.  See fishing villages, fjords, glaciers, and stunning scenery.  On your trip you will see some of the residents of the far north, including Arctic wolves. You might also enjoy the wilderness during a reindeer sleigh ride or meet the native Sami people.   In Alta, Norway you will see ancient rock carvings, by the Komsa people, date back as far as 4200 BC.  Alta is the gateway to some of Europe’s most magnificent natural beauty. Its frequent clear skies make it an ideal locale from which to view the northern lights.  Learn about this long-held wintertime tradition at the Tromsø Wilderness Center, home to more than 100 huskies.  Learn about the aurora borealis and the indigenous cultures of northern Norway from experts at the Tromsø University Museum. or pay a visit to the world’s northernmost brewery.  Just north of the Arctic Circle discover the charms and magnificent setting of the lovely city of Bodø.   A trip to Norway would not be complete without a stop in Stavanger,  home of the famous Preikestolen, or Pulpit Rock, jutting out nearly 2,000 feet above—it is one of Norway’s most famous natural attractions.

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Bergen, Norway

Scenic Bergen is nestled amid snow-capped mountains, magnificent fjords and a glacier.  When you arrive in Bergen, encircled by majestic mountains, fjords and glaciers, you’ll quickly understand how its setting inspired the Viking sagas. With your ship berthed next to Bryggen wharf, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you can easily stroll along its waterfront once you’ve settled in to your veranda stateroom. This evening mingle with the locals and dine ashore, as we will be spending the night in port.

 

Bergen, Norway

Bergen, with its historic Bryggen wharf, exudes the quaint character of a fishing village.  Take in more of Bergen’s Norwegian charms today. In the city’s Old Town, explore narrow cobblestone lanes and peer into shop windows. You’ll find this Hanseatic haven to be a walker’s delight. You might also spend time on the ship today, perhaps indulging in a treatment at The Spa or settling in with a good book in the Explorers’ Lounge.

 

Cruise the Norwegian Sea

It was once believed that the Norwegian Sea lay at the edge of the world.

As you sail the scenic coast of Norway, delve into the Nordic-inspired amenities of your ship. Treat yourself to a traditional Norwegian waffle at Mamsen’s gourmet deli. Tour your ship with our Viking Art App installed on your iPhone or tablet and learn about the onboard Scandinavian-inspired art and streamlined design. Perhaps take in an engaging lecture or attend a Viking Historian roundtable discussion.

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Narvik, Norway

Narvik enjoys a dramatic backdrop, encircled by mountains in every direction.

Home to a former Viking settlement, Narvik is situated on the innermost shores of the Ofotfjorden. The small town enjoys a dramatic backdrop, encircled by mountains in every direction and the glacier that spills right to the water’s edge. During your visit, you will learn how the ice-free port helped the town prosper as an exporter of Swedish iron ore. At the Polar Park, you can view some of the residents of the far north, including Arctic wolves. You might also enjoy the wilderness during a sleigh ride or meet the native Sami people.

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Alta, Norway

Alta’s ancient rock carvings, by the Komsa people, date back as far as 4200 BC.  Resting on the stunning shores of Altafjord, Alta is the gateway to some of Europe’s most magnificent natural beauty. Its frequent clear skies make it an ideal locale from which to view the northern lights. In Alta, fascinating rock carvings tell stories of primitive cultures; you may view them, as well as fascinating exhibits on salmon fishing and the northern lights, at the excellent Alta Museum. Or you may opt to visit the nearby Sami community of Máze for an authentic lunch of local dishes and an exciting ride in a reindeer-drawn sleigh.

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Alta, Norway

Alta is the gateway to some of Europe’s most magnificent natural beauty.Enjoy another day amid the breathtaking setting of Alta. You may wish to explore the town on your own, perhaps visiting the Northern Lights Cathedral. Admire its fascinating steeple designed to resemble a flame and enjoy the ethereal strains of its organ. Or venture to the spectacular Sautso, a canyon carved over millennia by the Alta River. At 7.5 miles long and up to 1,380 feet deep, it is the largest in Northern Europe.

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Tromsø, Norway

Northern Norway’s second largest city, Tromsø enjoys a spectacular island setting.  Enjoy the lovely setting of Tromsø’s historic center, spread over a scenic island surrounded by snowcapped peaks. On an included tour along heated sidewalks, installed to keep the snow at bay, admire its blend of wooden structures and neoclassical buildings. You’ll see the stunning Arctic Cathedral with its striking triangular shape, the city’s most recognizable symbol. In winter, the spectacular surroundings can be explored by sled, pulled by reindeer or dogs. You can learn about this long-held wintertime tradition at the Tromsø Wilderness Center, home to more than 100 huskies.

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Tromsø, Norway

Tromsø boasts the stunning Arctic Cathedral and world’s northernmost botanical garden.  Enjoy another day to immerse yourself in the natural beauty and rich culture of Tromsø. You might set off into Norway’s pristine wilderness on a glacier trek in the Alps. Alternately, learn about the aurora borealis and the indigenous cultures of northern Norway from experts at the Tromsø University Museum. Or pay a visit to the world’s northernmost brewery.

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Bodø, Norway

Just north of the Arctic Circle, discover the charms and magnificent setting of the lovely city of Bodø. Explore the lovely city of Bodø today, home to a masterful cathedral. Bodø lies just north of the Arctic Circle, and was rebuilt to what you see today after its destruction in World War II. On an included tour, see the Customs House, Norwegian Aviation Museum and Gothic Bodø Cathedral with its ten glorious tapestries from Nordlund and detached steeple. Its melodious church bells ring out over the town every hour. Rønvikfjellet mountain affords magnificent views over snow-covered roofs. Bodø’s greatest natural landmark, the Saltstraumen maelstrom, can be viewed year-round.

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Cruise the Norwegian Sea

The Norwegian Sea has been culturally important to Northern Europeans for centuries.

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Stavanger, Norway

From the heart of the Old Town, where your ship berths, you will have the morning and early afternoon to explore. Start here in the old quarter, Gamle Stavanger, which has Europe’s highest concentration of wooden buildings from the 17th and 18th centuries. Or consider a cruise along the Lysefjord to see the famous Preikestolen, or Pulpit Rock, jutting out nearly 2,000 feet above—it is one of Norway’s most famous natural attractions. Offshore oil drilling is an important industry for the local economy, and the award-winning Norwegian Petroleum Museum tells the story of the dangers faced in extracting this precious fuel. While ashore, don’t forget to indulge in waffles with cream and sweet jams with a steaming cup of hot tea.

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Cruise the North Sea

The North Sea has been central to Europe’s history, from Viking voyages to oil drilling. 

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London (Tilbury), England

Straddling the Thames River, London bustles with lively culture and royal glamour.

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* This is a sample itinerary from previous trips and is not intended as a final or current itinerary .  All options are subject to change without notice.  Call for a quote and current itinerary.  Special offers are available while inventory lasts and only on select dates. Travel protection recommended.  Additional options may be available.  Other restrictions may apply.  Must be booked no later than 30 days prior to trip.