Our voyage begins in Hamburg, Germany’s second-largest city. With links to trade and adventure that go back centuries, it's the perfect starting point.  

Hamburg is home to two UNESCO World Heritage sites: the world's largest warehouse complex and the nearby Wadden Sea. If you have time, explore them before you board.   

Then, get settled on board the comfortable MS Otto Sverdrup, enjoy the first of many delicious, locally sourced meals, and get to know your Coastal Experience Team. 

Today we explore the most southerly point of Norway. It’s a beautiful spot known for its beaches, seafood, and lighthouses. 

One of the highlights is Lindesnes, Norway’s oldest lighthouse, on the southernmost point of mainland Norway. There’s been a lighthouse here since 1656. The current one dates from 1915 and hosts the Lindesnes Lighthouse Museum as well as helping sailors navigate the South Cape.   

Depending on the weather and season, we’ll tender at one of several landing options. This flexible approach goes to show just how vital lighthouses can be to those of us at sea! 

After Bergen, we head north along the enchanting edge of the Norwegian coast. When we started sailing north of the Trøndelag region in 1893, much was still unknown about the coastline but, over the years, we’ve become experts in these waters. Today, we are among the few with the maritime knowledge and skill to take you through the many skerries, islets, and hidden fjords that characterise this stretch of coast.  

You’ll be in awe of the landscapes as we sail through this region of windswept islands, sheltered bays, and some of the most beautiful fjords in the world. It’s also inhabited by a wide range of wildlife. Look out for Sea Eagles as you gaze in wonder at the exceptional beauty of this coastline. 

Today we visit Senja, a lesser-travelled island – perhaps due to its remoteness – that features on CNN’s top 10 list of the ’World’s Most Beautiful Islands’.  

Nicknamed 'Miniature Norway' due to the diversity of its landscapes, Senja's northern coastline has sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and lofty mountains. Southern Senja and Ånderdalen National Park offer rocky coastline and pine forests. You'll find rolling hills and birch forests to the east. 

Based on the weather conditions, your Captain will decide where best to drop anchor so you can go ashore and explore. 

Set in a majestic landscape, Tromsø is a small, cosmopolitan city with a big past that has plenty of fascinating sights to discover. 

At the Polar Museum, discover the city’s heritage as a base for famous trappers and legendary explorers including Roald Amundsen. See the Arctic Cathedral – with its huge stained-glass window, it’s one of the most striking landmarks in Tromsø. You can also take the Fjellheisen cable car to the top of Storsteinen for incredible views.  

On our second sea day of the trip, we head south from the Lofoten Islands along the enchanting ’inside passage’ of the Norwegian coast. As well as the views of the area’s fjords, windswept islets and skerries, it’s another opportunity to admire the navigation skills of your Captain. 

As you gaze out from the deck of MS Otto Sverdrup at one of the most beautiful coastal areas in the world, look out for birds swooping and soaring across land and sea. This is a wonderful area for birdwatching. Or you could simply soak in the hot tub. 

The Haugaland region is known for its Viking connections. It was from here that the Viking king, Harald Fairhair, united Norway into a single kingdom, and the country’s Viking past lives on in a plethora of historic sites. 

If weather conditions allow, we'll visit a recreated Viking settlement on the small island of Bukkøya. On the nearby island of Karmøy, the Nordvegen History Centre in Avaldsnes delves into the characters of sagas and ancient poems. 

For a more recent perspective, the coastal city of Haugesund played an important role in Norway’s herring fishing heritage, while the atmospheric town of Skudeneshavn has beautiful beaches and charming, 19th-century wooden buildings. 

Your voyage ends back in Hamburg. If you didn’t get a chance to explore this beautiful city 15 days ago, make sure you do now.  

Many of the city's attractions are clustered in the Altstadt district, including the St Nikolai Memorial and historic Deichstraße street. Hamburg’s beautiful canals have earned it the nickname ‘Venice of the North’, and a canal tour is a great way to explore the city.