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Day 1 Oslo/Longyearbyen
Your journey begins with a flight from Oslo, Norway’s fjord-side city surrounded by forested hills and lakes. The numerous electric cars you see on the roads illustrates the city’s commitment to sustainability, earning it the title of European Green Capital in 2019. Explore this green metropolis and discover its vibrant arts scene, modern beauty, and culinary delights.
Thanks to an efficient and well-connected public transportation system, all the various neighborhoods are accessible without a car. Make use of the buses, trains, and trams while you’re here! Or tour the city on an Oslo city bike and admire the work of Oslo’s world-renowned architects in the open air.
There’s no shortage of cultural experiences. Spend the day visiting some of the many excellent museums and contemporary art galleries. Soak up the history of Norwegian polar exploration at the Fram Museum, which features many displays and a chance to step aboard a polar exploration vessel. Discover what it was like to live and work on the Fram as you explore the decks and cabins.
Need to rest? Options abound for enjoying traditional Norwegian dishes or New Nordic cuisine. Choose from cozy cafés, hip coffee shops, modern fine dining, hot dog stands, and maybe even a microbrewery.
Oslo is surrounded by nature and offers a variety of activities. If you have time, take a walk in the forested hills that frame the city. Or simply spend some time relaxing in one of the many parks before your flight to Longyearbyen in the Svalbard Archipelago.
Day 2 Longyearbyen
After an overnight stay, you have the opportunity to explore the colorful frontier town of Longyearbyen on your own before boarding your ship in the afternoon. An excursion is included in your cruise, or choose from a selection of optional adventures before your cruise begins.
Longyearbyen is a small town on the island of Spitsbergen, where the 2,000 inhabitants are outnumbered by snowmobiles. Walk to the church during your stay, which is just a few minutes away from the hotel. You might encounter the Svalbard reindeer on the way, who often walk around town tending to their own business. Although wild, they are quite curious and tame. Stroll the main street, admire the colorful buildings, and pick out souvenirs and gifts from shops in the world’s northernmost town.
Make sure to remove your shoes before entering public buildings! This is a custom that originated in the mining days to prevent people from trekking coal dust indoors. It is just another way the town’s mining history continues to affect its culture.
Polar bears live outside Longyearbyen. It’s rare to see them in town, but you may spot art inspired by these iconic Arctic bears. See if you can find the polar bear statue or the giant mural in the town center.
Once you board the ship, pick up your complimentary expedition jacket and find your cabin before attending a mandatory safety drill. Locate the restaurants, Science Center, observation deck, and the Explorer Lounge & Bar—you may be spending a lot of time there. We’ll then say a fond farewell to Longyearbyen as we start our journey of discovery.
Day 3-4 Exploring Spitsbergen
Leaving the limited civilization behind, we now enter full exploration mode. There is no Internet in these remote areas, nor are there telephone masts to provide a cell phone signal.
Free from emails and text messages, this is a rare opportunity to disconnect from the modern world. It's time to get back in sync with what truly matters.
Spitsbergen showcases Arctic beauty in all its rugged, untouched glory. This is a wilderness of steep mountains, stark glaciers, and eerily beautiful offshore islands. Over the next two days, we’ll attempt several exciting landings in different parts of the archipelago.
Spitsbergen hosts some of the most dramatic fjords in the world. As we sail around this beautiful island under the midnight sun, take in immense U-shaped valleys brightened by lush arctic flora. Marvel at dramatic mountain ranges perfectly mirrored on the glassy surface of the waters. As we cruising silently through the water, you might hear the creaks and groans of ice chunks about to plunge into the sea.
Of course, this region’s stunning terrain makes it perfect for outdoor adventure. We’ll attempt to take full advantage of any opportunities that come our way. Activities might include using our small boats (RIBs) to go ashore for hiking, participating in a beach clean-up, or launching our kayaks.
Svalbard is one of those rare spots in the world where beauty and history collide. The Expedition Team will tell the stories of explorers who either conquered Svalbard or perished from its harshness.
In summertime, polar bears trek along the coast’s drifting ice on the hunt for seals. With a bit of luck, we hope to spot one of these apex predators during our time in Svalbard. When all is said and done, you’re sure to relish your adventures in Svalbard, just like the great explorers who came before you.
Day 5 At Sea
Enjoy a relaxing day at sea with onboard lectures while we set our course toward Jan Mayen. Days at sea can be as active or relaxing as you wish!
Delve deeper into the places you’ve visited by spending time in the Science Center. Its cutting-edge scientific equipment and extensive library will enhance your knowledge of the topography, history, and wildlife of the islands we’re headed to. Don’t miss the fascinating lectures given by members of the Expedition team. They’ll recap your expedition so far, share their knowledge of the region, and prepare you for the adventures ahead. You might also learn about the researchers and meteorologists who are stationed at Jan Mayen.
Day 6 Jan Mayen Island
Jan Mayen stands shrouded in mist in the middle of the Norwegian Sea. This island has snow-capped mountains, lush mosses, and lichens that seem to glow green against the black rock. This volcanic isle is about as remote as you can get. The atmosphere is surreal in this untouched wilderness and no permanent residents. It’s sure to be an unforgettable part of your Arctic adventure.
Jan Mayen has two main areas. The north is dominated by Beerenberg, the northernmost active volcano on Earth, which last erupted in 1985 and is mostly covered in ice. The south is flatter and unglaciated, with a weather station that houses about 30 people in the summer, all of whom work for the Norwegian Meteorological Institute or the Norwegian Armed Forces.
Even though no mammals are native to Jan Mayen, the island is far from empty. Designated an Important Bird Area, a large number of seabirds flock to the steep cliffs and slopes of Jan Mayen to breed. The island supports birds such as the Northern Fulmar, Brünich’s Guillemot, and the Little Auk.
The waters around this this prime destination for birders are rich with life, too. If the weather is calm, catch sight of one of the numerous whale species found in these waters, or even seals having a feast in the rich fishing grounds. Visits to Jan Mayen are extremely rare. We are one of the few who attempt landings on this Arctic island. If we’re successful, you’ll set foot on one of Earth’s most remote islands, taking in views rarely seen. You’ll also feel the sense of peace that comes from being surrounded by such pristine nature.
Day 7 At Sea
Enjoy a relaxing day at sea with onboard lectures while we set our course toward Akureyri. Grab a drink, sit at the bar, and chat with your new shipmates. You may be surprised at how much you have in common!
For a truly relaxing experience, soak in a hot tub out on deck. Don’t forget to keep your eyes open for marine life and seabirds.
Join the Expedition Team in the Science Center to learn about what you’ll encounter in northern Iceland, the next leg of your expedition. Learn about Iceland’s stunning landscape, culture, and its populations’ belief in the Hidden People. Icelandic elves. There might even be a chance to improve your knitting skills in one of our workshops.
Day 8 Akureyri
Akureyri is located near the base of the longest fjord in Iceland, Eyjafjörður. As we cruise along the fjord, enjoy incredible views of snow-capped mountain peaks and lush coastline. The fertile waters here also make it one of the best places in the country for spotting whales and dolphins. Species including humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins, and harbor porpoises are regular visitors, although blue and fin whales as well as orcas are sometimes seen here, too.
Nicknamed ‘Iceland’s Northern Capital’, Akureyri is a lively university town. With a population of almost 20,000, it’s the largest metropolitan area outside of the populated southwest region. There is plenty to delve into here, including tasty restaurants and cafés and interesting museums. Check out the Akureyri Museum, which gives you insight into how Icelanders used to live. The Norðurslóð Museum of natural history also features exhibitions about the local environment and the history of settlers.
You’ll be astonished and delighted by the array of flowers and foliage at the Arctic Botanical Gardens. Its serene atmosphere is an oasis of lush green in the most unlikely of settings. While you’re exploring the town, check out the striking architecture of Akureyri Church, designed by the famous architect Guðjón Samúelsson.
On an optional excursion outside of town, you can explore natural treasures that rank among Iceland’s must-see sights. At Goðafoss Waterfall, the ‘waterfall of the gods’, you’ll marvel at the translucent turquoise water pounding against immense black rocks.
The unique and beautiful geology of Lake Mývatn is located within a highly active volcanic area and includes shimmering waters and otherworldly colors. It’s also a great place to watch for birds, especially Eider and Harlequin Ducks. Watchers of the TV show Game of Thrones may also find a few sites familiar!
Day 9Húsavík
Welcome to Húsavík! Widely considered Iceland’s whale capital, this small town on Iceland’s northern coast has gained international popularity as one of the world’s best places to see whales.
Húsavík looks out over the Skjálfandi Bay, which enjoys regular visits from various whale species, including humpback, minke, and the elusive blue whale, as well as white-beaked dolphins and harbor porpoises. If luck’s on your side, you may see one or more of these giants of the sea.
It’s only fitting for a town so geared toward whales would have a museum to further your knowledge. If you want to learn more about these gentle giants, visit Húsavík’s highly informative Whale Museum.
If you’re also interested in space travel, the Exploration Museum is fascinating. The astronauts involved in NASA’s Apollo Program space missions trained near Húsavík in 1965 and 1967. Iceland’s basalt rocks are a close approximation of lunar rocks and provided essential geology training. The museum’s main exhibition is centered around this groundbreaking endeavor.
A little over a mile south of Húsavík, Kaldbakur, a pond, offers an extraordinary swimming experience. Not only is it a heitur pottur (a ‘hot pot’ or pool) heated by geothermal energy—you’ll also be swimming with goldfish!
Day 10 Bakkagerði
With stunning rhyolite peaks on one side and the majestic Dyrfjöll mountain range on the other, the coastal village of Bakkagerði could not be more scenic. According to regional folklore, a large population of elves call this tiny village home, on the coast of Borgarfjörður Eystri. In fact, the village derives its name from the rocky hill named ‘Alfaborg’, the supposed home of the elf queen herself.
With around 100 people, the settlement of Bakkagerði is well off the typical tourist path and offers lovely views, peace, and quiet. You can easily explore the very small town by foot. Sample fresh fish in one of the cafés—the tasty fish soup is a local favorite.
The main draw, however, is the area’s natural beauty, which makes for fantastic hiking. Shades of pink, blue, and yellow rhyolite rocks give way to lush green valleys along its multiple hiking trails. Look around in any direction and be rewarded by pristine wilderness. Take in the sights and sounds of the areas most prominent wildlife: the birds.
The coastal cliffs of Bakkagerði are home to a wide variety of birds, including fulmars and kittiwakes. It’s also a great place to see Eider Duck farming, an Icelandic practice that is hundreds of years old. The end product is the very exclusive eiderdown, the most prized variety of down in the world.
The undisputed stars of the show, however, are the puffins. If conditions allow, we’ll attempt to visit Hafnarhólmi, a fishing harbor home to a large puffin colony, which has some of the best birdwatching in Iceland. A boardwalk and several platforms allow you to get quite close to the puffins. For nature and bird lovers, this region is an absolute gem.
Day 11 At Sea
Enjoy another day at your leisure aboard the ship. Rest, enjoy the ship’s amenities, and take stock of what you’ve experienced so far. Break a sweat in the indoor gym or relax in the sauna while admiring the view.
Build excitement for the next part of your adventure by spending time in the library. Read up on upcoming places and attend the Expedition Team’s lectures in the Science Center.
By now, you’ll likely have plenty of photographs and stories from different excursions. Share your experiences with your fellow explorers and new friends.
Day 12 Elduvík
The village of Elduvík sits on the Funningsfjørður inlet in the Faroe Islands. Its shore lies at the end of a long, lush valley with towering green mountains on both sides. The river Stórá runs through the middle, splitting the village in two. Only 23 people inhabit Elduvík, which has a peaceful atmosphere and soothing natural surroundings.
Wander the streets and admire the small, rustic houses. Almost all of them were built in the style of traditional Icelandic village houses, with painted or tarred wooden walls. Many of the roofs are covered in grass instead of slate, a traditional element that offers much-needed insulation and protection from the weather.
Despite having so few inhabitants, this remote village has a school, church, dock, and pier. Wander around and get a taste of village life. Visit the church inaugurated in 1951 so the residents of Elduvík wouldn’t have to travel to the nearby town of Oyndarfjørður every week for service.
The songs of seabirds and the bleating of sheep form a chorus with the fjord’s crashing waves, creating Elduvík’s subtle soundscape. Listen to the sounds of Faroese nature and feel the cool sea air on your face as you stand on the pier and look out over the sparkling water, with the nearby island of Kalsoy rising above the waves in the distance.
Day 13 Faroe Islands
A city sits on the southeast coast of Streymoy (the largest of the Faroe Islands) where the modern and the ancestral sit side by side in a truly Scandinavian landscape. Wander the cobbled alleyways that weave between the traditional Faroese turf-roofed homes and the brightly colored wooden houses that look like they’re straight from a storybook.
Tórshavn means ‘Thor’s Harbor’ in Danish. Norsemen named it after the god of thunder himself when they founded it in the 10th century, meaning that it may very well be the oldest capital in northern Europe. Visit the local museums and travel back in time to learn about the city’s origins or to better understand the flora, fauna, and geology of the Faroe Islands.
Make use of the free bus service to get around the city and have an authentic island life experience! Choose between traditional or more contemporary meals in one of Tórshavn’s restaurants, or take a break in one of its picturesque cafes. At Svartifoss Waterfall, you’ll forget you’re in the middle of a city! Relax on the mossy rocks and take in the view as you listen to the rushing water.
The Faroe Islands are mostly devoid of trees. Rocky hills covered in a layer of soft grass stretch almost all the way to the shoreline. As you explore the open plains, you’ll probably come across sheep. Along the seafront, spot various kinds of seabirds soaring above. Try to spot a Faroese Starling, with its beige-tipped metallic wings, or an Eider Drake, with its distinctive green patch on the back of its neck.
Day 14 Lerwick
Lerwick is Scotland’s northernmost town and has grown over time to accommodate one-third of the population of the Shetland Islands. This is a place where Scandinavian roots run strong and are celebrated by those that live here. Listen to the locals’ Norse-influenced dialect and visit the Lerwick Town Hall to admire the stained-glass windows that chronicle events from the Viking period.
Built on the herring trade in the 17th century, Lerwick still lands more fish than the whole of England, Wales, and Northern Ireland combined. You can taste this in its gastronomy. Sample the variety of fish dishes available here, from salmon and shellfish to lythe, ling, and John Dory. Or, try some traditional reestit mutton soup, made with local mutton (sheep).
Shop for souvenirs and gifts in the local boutiques along Commercial Street or visit the Shetland Museum to learn more about the town’s Norse heritage and culture. Take a look around the galleries, where Pictish carvings are displayed alongside dainty Shetland lace shawls. Stand on the top of Fort Charlotte, an artillery fort with an intriguing past, located in the center of town. Then take in the remarkable views that stretch across Lerwick and beyond to the island of Bressay.
Gray and common seals are frequent visitors to Lerwick’s beaches. If you spend some time along the waterfront, you might spot one of these delightful mammals poking its head above water near shore. Don’t forget your binoculars! The Shetland Islands are famous for their unique birdlife, with species such as Red-throated Divers, redshanks, and curlews breeding here.
Day 15 Bergen
Your adventure ends in the bustling port city of Bergen. Founded in 1070 A.D., Bergen was Norway’s capital for many years. You’ll see that the city hasn’t lost any of its local character, heritage, or charm.
If you have time, the UNESCO-listed Bryggen district with its colorful wooden warehouses is a must-see. This area dates back to the 14th century and now houses boutique stores selling Norwegian arts and crafts. You can also visit Bergen’s famous fish market with its freshly sourced delicacies from the deep.
We recommend booking a Post-Program to explore this beautiful and distinctive city further. Bergen has evolved into one of Norway’s most important cultural hotspots. Immerse yourself in Bergen’s history by heading to the Old Bergen Museum. This open-air museum showcases what Bergen was like in the 1700s and 1800s. Another highlight is the wooden medieval architecture of the Fantoft Stave Church, which displays a beautiful combination of Norse and Christian styles.
You can hop aboard a funicular to climb up Mount Fløyen. The ride to the mountaintop takes just six minutes. The summit is over 1,000 feet high. Bask in stunning views of the city, surrounded by seven mountains and the sea.
Back in the center of the thriving and compact city of Bergen, spend time strolling along its cobblestone streets and alleyways. If you want to taste a local specialty, drop into one of the many cafés and try the local cinnamon bun, skillingsbolle – it pairs nicely with a cup of coffee.
Whatever is next for you, we look forward to welcoming you back on your next adventure!
