Bergen - Kirkenes - Bergen – The Classic Roundtrip Voyage

Enjoy early morning in the breathtaking Nordfjord, followed by a delicious breakfast. We then sail past West Cape for our approach to Ålesund.

Art Nouveau city

Ålesund is renowned for its beautiful Art Nouveau architecture and famed Atlanterhavsparken aquarium. Our tour to the aquarium includes a visit to see resident penguins before we continue to nearby Mount Aksla for an amazing view. 

Into the fjords

In the summer, we set our course for the spectacular UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord, passing sheer, 800 metre-high cliffs and dramatic waterfalls. In autumn, we explore Hjørundfjord in the majestic Sunnmøre Alps. The fjord’s pristine natural landscape of steep rock walls, lush green meadows, lonely mountain farms and tiny villages is unforgettable. 

Mountains and roses

Molde is known as the ‘City of Roses’ because of its lovely municipal gardens. This attractive coastal town has an amazing view of 222 mountain peaks across the fjord, called ‘the Molde Panorama’.

TIME IN PORT

• Florø: 03.30 – 03.40
• Måløy: 05.40 – 05.50
• Torvik: 08.30 – 08.40
• Ålesund (summer/autumn): 09.45 – 10.15
• Geiranger (summer): 14.15 – 14.30
• Hjørunfjorden/Urke autumn: 12.15 – 15.45
• Ålesund: 18.30 – 19.30/17.50 – 19.30*
• Molde: 22.15 – 22.45** 
  *Ålesund winter and spring: 09.45 – 13.30
  **Molde winter and Spring: 16.15 – 19.00

Today we cross the Arctic Circle, marking your best chance to see  Northern Lights in winter and experience the Midnight Sun in summer. We mark the occasion with a fun Arctic Circle ceremony on deck. 

Forces of nature

Ørnes is the site of Norway’s second-largest glacier, Svartisen. In summer, join us for a trip to the Svartisen Tourist Centre to admire this enigmatic world of ice, and visit a moose farm.

We then sail along the beautiful coast of Helgeland to Bodø, where you can experience Saltstraumen, the world’s most powerful maelstrom, by small boat. 

Majestic Lofoten

That afternoon, the 1,000 metre-high Lofoten Wall looms on the horizon, ushering us towards majestic granite cliffs and white sandy beaches.

Meet the Vikings

At Stamsund, visit the Lofotr Viking Museum, where you are welcomed into the chieftain’s house for a real Viking feast. 

Going organic

Between Stamsund and Svolvær, you can experience life on an organic herb and cheese farm, or visit the Lofoten’s only craft brewery, in Svolvær.

Hunting the Northern Lights 

In winter, crossing the Arctic Circle means an intensified hunt for the Northern Lights, and we present a multimedia show, ‘The Magic Light, Aurora Borealis’.

As we sail through the narrow Raftsund, we stop at the entrance to Trollfjord, a dramatic natural wonder that should not be missed.

TIME IN PORT

• Brønnøysund: 01.45 – 01.55 
• Sandnessjøen: 04.35 – 04.45
• Nesna: 05.55 – 06.05
• Ørnes: 09.45 – 09.55
• Bodø: 12.40 – 15.00
• Stamsund: 19.00 – 19.30
• Svolvær: 21.00 – 22.00

Enjoy magnificent landscapes as we sail to the North Cape, one of the northernmost points on the European continent. In summer, you may see herds of reindeer and small camps of indigenous Sámi people in the area.

Experience the North Cape

After a brief stop in Hammerfest, we arrive in Havøysund. Join a small boat excursion here to see the North Cape from the sea, visit the world’s northernmost fishing village and ride by bus to North Cape plateau.

The ship continues to Honningsvåg, from where you can join a bird-watching excursion to Gjesværstappan, home to millions of birds during nesting season.

Sailing north

The ship continues north into the heartland of the Sámi people. Visit Kjøllefjord, where you can learn about the Sámi way of life and hear traditional joiking (song).

Adrenaline and Northern Lights

In winter, you can join an unforgettable snowmobile trip across snowy plains and perhaps spot the Northern Lights in the starry sky.

Sámi traditions

'Sámi Autumn' is a fall excursion to learn about the Arctic natural 'pantry and pharmacy', sampling dried-reindeer meat, crowberry juice, herbal tea (nettle) and roseroot tincture. You may also feel the presence of the Sámi shaman, Noaidi.

TIME IN PORT:

• Øksfjord: 02.00 – 02.15
• Hammerfest: 05.15 – 06.00
• Havøysund: 08.45 – 09.15
• Honningsvåg: 11.15 – 14.45
• Kjøllefjord: 17.00 – 17.15
• Mehamn: 19.15 – 19.30
• Berlevåg: 22.00 – 22.15

Around midnight we dock at Mehamn with the option to join in winter a snowmobile trip to hunt the Aurora.

North Cape breakfast

We again dock at Honningsvåg, where you can join an excursion that includes eating breakfast at North Cape. The ship continues to Hammerfest, where you can see the UNESCO-listed Meridian Column. You can also join a mini-mountain expedition and learn about local polar hero Adolf Lindstrøm.

Amazing Lyngenfjord

We continue south to Øksfjord with a brief stop at the old trading post of Skjervøy. In spring, we sail through the beautiful Lyngenfjord, surrounded by the rugged Lyngen Alps.

Midnight adventures

We then dock at Tromsø, just in time to enjoy a midnight concert at the Arctic Cathedral. You can also explore Tromsø under the Midnight Sun by boat in summer. You may want to drop by Ølhallen, a classic pub for a friendly beer.

TIME IN PORT:

• Mehamn: 00.45 – 01.00
• Kjøllefjord: 02.45 – 03.00
• Honningsvåg: 05.30 – 05.45
• Havøysund: 07.45 – 08.00
• Hammerfest: 10.45 – 12.45*
• Øksfjord: 15.30 – 15.45
• Skjervøy: 19.15 – 19.45
• Tromsø: 23.45 – 01.30
  * 01.04. - 31.05. departure time from Hammerfest will be 11.45 due to diversion into Lyngen.

Celebrate crossing the Arctic Circle with a `taste´ of Arctic tradition – a fun ceremony highlighted by a spoonful of cod liver oil.

Mountain with a hole

As we sail along the Helgeland coast, you’ll see the strange mountain Torghatten, famous for its distinctive hole in the centre. The opening is 160 m long, 35 m high and 20 m wide, and was created during the ice age. If the weather allows, join a hike with your guides up the mountain.

Myths and legends

We also sail past the Seven Sisters mountain range – with peaks up to 1,100 m high. The story goes that seven beautiful troll sisters got caught out at sunrise and turned to stone, thus the seven beautiful peaks.

UNESCO heritage

We next make a short stop at Nesna, before moving on to Sandnessjøen. where you can join an optional excursion in summer to the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Vega Islands.

Charming coastal town

Brønnøysund is a pretty little town that offers a charming high street and marina. You can join an excursion to the Norwegian Aquaculture Centre for an interesting tour and taste of fresh salmon from April throughout October.

TIME IN PORT:

• Bodø: 02.30 – 03.45
• Ørnes: 06.40 – 06.50
• Nesna: 10.25 – 10.35
• Sandnessjøen: 11.45 – 12.15
• Brønnøysund: 15.00 – 17.30
• Rørvik: 21.00 – 21.30