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 MS Otto Sverdrup, enjoy the first of many delicious, locally sourced meals, and get to know your Coastal Experience Team. As night falls, we sail to Cuxhaven where we dock for a few hours. 

The region of Haugaland 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 a scenic ride to the atmospheric town of Skudeneshavn takes in beautiful beaches and charming, 19th-century wooden buildings.

From Nordfjord, we head north towards enchanting Lofoten. 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 admire the exceptional beauty of this stretch of coastline.  

At 70° North, conditions can be unpredictable, so we adapt our route and activities according to the sea and weather conditions.  

If you visit in October and November, we’ll use the daylight hours to scan the sea for whales or explore a scenic fjord. From December to March, you can enjoy all manner of activities in Alta, including dog sledding, snowmobiling, and visiting snow hotels, under the beautiful blue glow of the Polar Night.  

Lying directly beneath the Auroral Oval, Alta also offers some of the best chances to see the Northern Lights, so if conditions are right, you could be in for quite a show. The majestic mountain, fjord, and glacier views are here whatever the weather! 

Our winter voyage reaches the capital of the Arctic – Tromsø. Set in a majestic landscape and packed with culture and history, this small, cosmopolitan city has plenty of fascinating sights to discover.   

At the Polar Museum, learn about the city’s Arctic and exploration heritage. 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 Mount Storsteinen for incredible views.  

From December to April, you’ll have the chance to try exciting winter activities such as snowshoeing, cross-country skiing or dog sledding. 

On our third sea day of the trip, we head south 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 areas of coast 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.  

Enjoy the unique charm of what was once Norway's capital, Bergen. It's one of Norway's most picturesque cities, surrounded by seven mountains and the sea.  

Stroll through the UNESCO-listed Bryggen district and discover its colourful wooden wharves dating back to the 14th century. Explore the cobbled streets and alleys on foot, stopping at fascinating museums, artisanal boutiques, cafés, or a pub for a glass of local Hansa beer.  

Afterwards, enjoy an included excursion up Mount Fløyen on the funicular railway. At the summit, you'll find amazing views over the city. If there’s time, we might even venture into the alpine forest for a short hike.  

Your voyage ends back in Hamburg. If you didn’t have an opportunity to explore this beautiful city before the cruise, make sure you do now.   

Many of the city's attractions are conveniently 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.