Canals and Gardens

Canal in historic Speicherstadt, Hamburg.

The second-largest city in Germany is one of the greenest urban areas in Europe – boasting large parks, botanical gardens and nature reserves.  Before embarking on MS Fridtjof Nansen, spend some time and enjoy a tour on a harbour barge to explore some of the city´s canals.

Enjoy an idyllic day at sea as we head towards the beautiful Norwegian coast.  Take in the panoramic views from viewpoints around the ship, relax with a book or join one of the lectures onboard.

Beautiful Bergen

Spectacular sunset view of Bergen from Fløyen.

Explore the historic Bergen harbour area, fronted by wooden houses dating back as far as the 1300’s. Stroll through the alleyways or take a trip up to Mount Fløyen. The Fløibanen Funicular takes you to the top in just six minutes to enjoy amazing views over the city. 

Included activity:

University Museum of Bergen - Plastic Whale (1hr)
Visit the University Museum of Bergen, featuring artefacts from the cultural and natural history of the city. Learn about the famous "plastic whale" that was found on the island of Sotra in 2017 with more than 30 plastic bags and other plastic items in its stomach. This Cuvier's beaked whale was found stranded in shallow local waters and had to be put down - a tragic reminder about plastic pollution in the oceans.

Fjords and Art Nouveau Highlights

City of Ålesund at twilight.

We sail into the UNESCO-listed beauty of Geirangerfjord for an unforgettable morning.

Our afternoon is spent in Ålesund, an Art Nouveau town which seems to have been taken right out of a fairy tale. Visit the Art Nouveau Centre or take a walk up the 418 steps to Aksla Mountain - well worth it for the panoramic views!

Included activity:

Art Nouveau Walk (1hr 30min)
Distinguished by its spires, towers and highly detailed ornamentation, Ålesund is renowned across the world for beautiful Art Nouveau architecture. A devastating fire burned much of the city to the ground in 1904, allowing the entire town to be rebuilt in the fashionable style of the time, Art Nouveau.

Your tour of Ålesund will begin on the pier, where you will be met by a guide who will take you on a pleasant walk through the streets of this enchanting town. Along the way you will pass the picturesque fishing port of Brosundet, the special Apotekertorget square, Jugendstilsenteret, the national centre for Art Nouveau and the beautifully decorated main street.

The Viking City

Colourful houses on the river, Trondheim.

Trondheim was founded by the Viking king Olav Tryggvason in 997 and today boasts a rich cultural life.  There is plenty to take in as you wander through this historic city, enjoying the architecture and surroundings which create a beautiful, almost mystical atmosphere.

Included activity:

Town walk with local guides (3hrs)
Your walk starts at the 19th century harbour, then on to the royal residence of Stiftsgården, before continuing to the Market Square to take a look at the statue of Viking King Olav Tryggvason. From here, we stroll to Nidaros to get to know the world’s northernmost medieval cathedral.

Next, we cross the old city bridge with its red gateway known to the locals as “the portal of happiness”. On the other side is Bakklandet, which has managed to preserve its charming wooden architecture. Originally, this was the industrial part of the city, but old factories have now been converted to housing, shops and gourmet restaurants and the area features the world’s only bicycle lift.

North of the Arctic Circle

The beautiful harbour of Svolvær, Lofoten.

After crossing the Arctic Circle, we arrive in Bodø, a city surrounded by sea and fjord. In the heart of Lofoten, we call on the picturesque town of Svolvær, where age-old seagoing traditions are still being practiced. From here, we sail through the Raftsundet Strait while keeping a sharp eye open for white-tailed sea eagles.

Included activity:

Fiskeværsvandring (1hr)
This cultural walk takes in the history of fisheries, merchants, and modern sights in the centre of Svolvær. This is the perfect introduction to fascinating tales of the harsh life of Arctic Norway.

During our 3km cultural walk, we make several stops. We reach Svinøya to gather under the fish racks and sample a taste of stockfish while learning about the importance of this local product dating as far back as 1,000 years ago.

Gateway to the Arctic

The Arctic Cathedral in Tromsø.

Tromsø is often described as the Paris of the North, and boasts friendly locals, wonderful shopping and great restaurants. The Arctic Cathedral is a highlight, as well as the Arctic Aquarium, the world’s northernmost Botanical Garden and the Fjellheisen Cable Car.

Included activity:

Polaria Arctic Aquarium (1hr)
Set in a spectacular building representing two ice floes, the Polaria Arctic Aquarium informs and entertains with films and installations that lead you along the "Arctic walkway". You can learn more about the melting Arctic ice and how it affects wildlife. And you can discover how researchers conduct their Arctic studies as well as enjoy seeing the resident bearded seals.

Top of the World

Nordkapp is the northernmost point of Europe, set on cliff above the Arctic Ocean .

Honningsvåg is the gateway to the spectacular North Cape. An optional excursion to the North Cape plateau puts you at 71°10’21´N, only 2,000 km away from the Geographic North Pole.

Included activity:

The North Cape (3hrs)
Enjoy the magnificent landscape as you cross the 71st parallel on our journey towards the North Cape, one of the northernmost points on the continent. The North Cape plateau rises 307 meters almost vertically from the Arctic Ocean.

The iconic Globe sculpture on the plateau is a popular place to get that all-important picture. At the North Cape Hall, you can view an impressive 180° panoramic film about the region. Other facilities at the site include a souvenir shop, scenic viewpoint, small chapel and, perhaps surprisingly, a Thai Museum.

The Northernmost Town in the World

Hammerfest with a sea view.

Hammerfest has gravesites dating back to the Stone Age and was an important fishing and Arctic hunting settlement long before it was given market town rights in 1789.  The town is also home to the UNESCO listed Struve Geodetic Arc – a chain of survey triangulations stretching to the Black Sea.

Included activity:

Sami Experience (2hrs)
Learn about Sámi history and culture at Mikkelgammn Sámi camp seated on reindeer skins around an open fire. Enjoy a special Sámi performance with joiks, or chants. The joik has no actual words and may be used to describe a particular mood, nature, character or person. Each Joik is personal and unique. The Sámi people present will be wearing their colourful national costumes.

Idyllic Reine

Idyllic Reine is a true gem.

A true gem of Lofoten, Reine´s beauty inspired artists like Gunnar Berg since the 1880´s.  Red and white traditional fisherman’s cottages - known as Rorbuer - perch on stilts over the water’s edge with a background of granite spires jutting skywards.  Take your time here to truly soak in the deep serenity of this place.

Included activity:

Fishing Museum in Å (2hrs)
Enjoy a scenic bus ride through spectacular Lofoten that takes you all the way to the where the road ends at Å. Visit the fishing museum to see and hear the story of Å - one of the best-preserved fishing villages in northern Norway.

You are guided through the adventures of Lofoten’s fisheries, and told fascinating stories about vagabonds and local heroes of the past.

From Bacalao to Roses

Hurtigruten reflected in the glass of the Scandic Seilet Hotel, Molde.

Closer to Torghatten

Beautiful view of Brønnøysund.

This pretty little fishing town is rich in history and maritime atmosphere.  Ambling through the marina, take in the fleet of small fishing boats and bustling sailing life. There will be an option to come close to iconic Mount Torghatten, the famous formation with a distinctive hole right through it.

Included activity:

Torghatten (2hrs 30min)
Enjoy a scenic bus ride to Torghatten. This iconic landmark has been called ‘Nature's Cathedral’ due to the hole’s 35-metre-high ceiling. The mountain’s summit is 258 m above sea level. Take a leisurely hike to the hole and admire the beautiful surrounding landscapes along the way.

As we sail along the coast, you will see the importance of fish to Norwegian coastal communities. Kristiansund’s location has steadily provided the town with a wealth of opportunities in the fishing, shipbuilding and oil industries. We continue to Molde, known as the “Town of Roses”

Included activity:

Romsdal visit (2hrs)
Your tour will start in the outdoor museum with a performance by a children’s folk dance group, after which you will have the chance to tour open houses with guides.

Next we will move on to Krona, the main building, and get an introduction to the museum´s folk costume section and other exhibitions. Throughout the visit coffee, tea and local “lefse” will be available.

To the West

Island hopping by bike in the beautiful landcape of Bulandet, Værlandet.

Værlandet is a small island group situated north of Sognefjorden. This unique place hosts hiking possibilities for all levels of fitness. Maybe jaunt up 481-meter high Mount Alden 481 will tempt you. The view is stunning.

Included activity:

Museum, hike options, bike rental (2hrs)
Stretch your legs on the small islands of Værlandet & Bulandet by hiking or walking around the village or take a bike around the island on your own. You can also learn more about the area´s cultural history at the local museum.

Relax and Unwind

Sunny days and stunning landscapes on deck.

On our final day at sea, relax in our comfortable lounges or out on deck and be sure to join the Expedition Team for one of the many lectures during the day.

Return to Hamburg

Canal in historic Speicherstadt, Hamburg.

After breakfast, it’s time to disembark and leave your base for the past 15 days.  Head ashore in Hamburg for a final bit of exploration before you make your way home.