Norway Summer Expedition Cruise From Hamburg

Your comfortable expedition ship MS Otto Sverdrup will be ready and waiting for you in the port of Hamburg.

Once on board the ship, you’ll pick up your complimentary expedition jacket, settle into your cabin, explore the ship and attend a mandatory safety drill.

After the first of many sumptuous dinners and a welcome toast by the Captain, you’ll meet your expert Expedition Team. They are your knowledgeable lecturers, warm hosts, and good-natured guides throughout your journey. Many grew up and live in the places you’ll be visiting and are passionate about sharing their home with you. First and foremost though, they are there to keep you safe and well. They’ll be making it a priority to run through important health and safety aspects with you and your fellow guests.   

Add an extra night in Hamburg before your expedition cuise and explore the maritime spirit of this Hanseatic, vibrant city during a guided city-tour.

As we exit the Hamburg channel we reach Cuxhaven where we will go alongside and celebrate the start of our journey to Norway. For hundreds of years German seafarers and emigrants leaving Germany have used the port of Cuxhaven. Join us for the ceremony where the expedition team will let you know all about the coming adventure in the land of the midnight sun. A local sea shanty performance will entertain us and the museum of the Hapag-Halle will give us a guided tour and a historical perspective on our journey. 

Enjoy a day at sea as we head north to the rugged Norwegian coastline. You’ll have plenty of time to de-stress, relax and really get into the mood for this expedition cruise. Admire the waves from MS Otto Sverdrup’s expansive Observation Deck, settle into a good book together with a freshly baked pastry from the Fredheim restaurant, or take full advantage of the gym and hot tubs.

You’ll also be invited to talks hosted by the Expedition Team who will happily share their extensive knowledge of Norway with you. Topics will change each day and often be relevant to the area you are sailing in. For instance, as we sail across the North Sea, well-known for its oil and gas reserves divided among the UK, Norway, Denmark, Germany and the Netherlands, the lecture subject, perhaps out on deck instead of the Science Centre, might well be about the geology of the North Sea. These added insights will enhance your experience, filling out your sense of discovery with delicious detail.

We also support a number of Citizen Science projects that you can join. These projects include Happywhale where your photographs help identify and track whales across the planet. Or the Globe observer project which combines your observations of clouds and sky conditions from below with data collected by satellites. Not only will you be supporting the scientific community, you’ll also be getting a better understanding of the world around you.

With calm seas and good weather conditions, we can expect to reach Bergen tomorrow afternoon. If the weather is less agreeable, the Captain will chart a course further north up the coast to stunning Hjørundfjord, sailing slower through Norway’s idyllic islands that offer more protection against any unruly elements.

In the afternoon, we get our first glimpse of the Norwegian coast. Small islands and mountain silhouettes draw closer. We leave the North Sea behind and enter scenic straits and fjords. If weather conditions have allowed, we will start our visit of Norway in Bergen, one of the country’s most beautiful cities and a great place to explore by foot.

As we approach Bergen, ‘The City of Seven Mountains’, you’ll catch sight of the colourful houses that stud the hillsides. Founded in 1070 AD, Bergen was Norway’s capital for many years, its location ideally placing it as the gateway port for Hanseatic trade between Norway and Europe. The nation’s second largest city has retained much of its local character, history and charm.

While in Bergen, be sure to visit the historic Bryggen district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with distinctive wooden wharves. You’ll find the area full of independent boutiques selling artisanal handicrafts. Opposite Bryggen is Bergen’s top-notch fish market that cooks up sumptuous fresh seafood right in front of you. You can also take the funicular up to Mount Fløyen for views of the acclaimed seven mountains. But if the sun is out and it’s warm, what could be better than sitting outdoors at one of the many cafés or pubs? Partake in a pint or two of refreshing local Hansa beer and bask in the vibes of this buzzy city.

Like famous Geirangerfjord next door, Hjørundfjord is part of the UNESCO designated Fjords Norway area which is notable for “exceptional natural beauty”. However, unlike its neighbour which can get a bit too popular, Hjørundfjord can bask in its beauty in tranquillity thanks to being off the beaten tourist track. Surrounded by the Sunnmøre Alps with peaks soaring 1,700 metres straight up from the sea, it is one of the most scenic fjords in all of Norway and still undiscovered by most other cruise lines.

On a clear day, you’ll get the full 360° sensory experience: the bluest skies, the greens of coniferous forests and grazing pastures covering the mountainsides. The still, pristine waters then reflect the superb scenery in all its glory, merging the fjord and landscape perfectly. The steep mountains have made it almost impossible to cultivate the land here. Still, a few tiny farms cling to the slopes and small villages nestle along the shoreline.

We’ll go ashore at the villages of Urke or Sæbø to experience Norwegian nature and culture. The topic of today’s lecture may well be the geology of Norway, explaining how the mountains and fjords around you came to be. Sign up for optional excursions to explore the area further. Join a guided walk taking in villages along the Hjørundfjord and learn about the history, nature and royal connections of this splendid beauty spot. Alternatively, you can opt for more exhilarating, pulse-raising excursions such as hiking up the mountain for incredible views. Or find yourself kayaking along the fjord, the exquisite silence broken only by the sound of your own paddle.

Welcome to Trondheim, Norway´s third largest city and former capital for 200 years. It was founded in 997 by Viking king Olav Tryggvason who is buried at Nidaros Cathedral near the city centre. Trondheim is best explored on foot and most attractions are within walking distance. The cathedral, which is sometimes referred to as the ‘Notre Dame of Norway’, can be reached by walking along the river from where the ship docks. A medieval masterpiece, it is built in the Gothic style and is the only one of its kind in the country.

From Nidaros Cathedral, it’s a ten-minute stroll to Old Town Bridge which connects to the vibrant neighbourhood of Bakklandet. The bridge was constructed in 1861 and sits over the River Nid with views of the colourful wooden wharves that line the water. Many of the former warehouses are now cosmopolitan eateries, up-market bakeries and trendy coffee shops which you’ll be welcome to stop at. Doing so, you’ll maybe come to understand why the other name for the bridge is ‘The Portal of Happiness’. You can also get a different perspective of the bridge and the neighbourhood by joining an optional kayaking excursion on the river.

Follow the cobblestone streets of Bakklandet up a steep hill to where the white walls of Kristiansten Fortress sit. The grounds here give sweeping views of the city, over the river and towards the fjord. You’ll likely notice a distinct island lying just off the coast of Trondheim. This is Munkholmen, the Viking equivalent of Alcatraz and the site of a fort, prison and monastery over the centuries, now also a popular beach. We’ll pass by the island later when we leave Trondheim to continue your adventure north.

In the morning, we sail along the coast of Helgeland with nothing but sky and sea ahead. In the distance, you can see mountains rise from the horizon. This is Træna, an archipelago of over 400 islands and islets right on the Arctic Circle. We plan to go on a scenic walk around the village of Husøya where most of Træna’s 454 inhabitants live.

Surprisingly, the community on the islands has a Nordic-Hawaiian vibe. There is a permanent outdoor photography exhibition, themed café, and even a local ‘Waikiki Beach’.
Similar to Hawaiians, Norwegians believe in the life philosophy of friluftsliv – a respect for nature and a love of the outdoors. Being on an expedition with us is the best time not just to learn about this ideal, but to live it. And Træna is a perfect place for you to try a host of optional excursions.

Remember though that the sea can be rough any time of the year. If weather does not permit us to land this far out from the coast, we might take you to Svartisen Glacier instead, where you can join optional excursion hikes to the glacier and kayaking. At approximately 370 square kilometres, Svartisen is Norway’s second largest glacier after Jostedal Glacier.

We’ll cross the Arctic Circle in the evening and mark the occasion with a special ceremony. What that ceremony will be is something you’ll just have to be on board to find out!

Today, we dock at Senja, one of the most ruggedly beautiful and less-visited islands in Norway. You’ll be awestruck by the scenery on display here and understand why it made CNN travel’s list for ’10 of the world’s most beautiful islands’.

Senja is Norway’s second largest island but counts fewer than 8,000 inhabitants, most of whom are employed in fishing and aquaculture. The captain will decide on a location to drop anchor or a port where we can dock. Should the weather be rough on the coast side, we will seek more shelter in the bays or inlets.

Sometimes referred to as ‘Norway in miniature’, the island boasts diverse landscapes that seem to change in the blink of an eye. Senja’s northern coastline is characterised by lofty mountains plummeting straight into the sea, interspersed with isolated coves and sandy beaches that fringe crystal clear turquoise waters. Southern Senja is distinguished by rocky coastline and pine forests and is home to Ånderdalen National Park. The eastern side of Senja has gentler, more forgiving landscapes with rolling hills and birch forests.

One of the best ways to see the island’s many beautiful contrasting topographies is a road trip along the National Scenic Route in Senja. Setting off from a local village, we’ll take a guided coach tour along part of this route and see the magnificent, untamed coastal landscape of Senja. One scenery that you'll be amazed by are the dark, jagged peaks of the Okshornan mountain range, which are aptly nicknamed ‘Devil’s Jaw’. Along the way, you’ll also learn from the Expedition Team about the intriguing tale of the Senja troll.

We spend the morning today sailing through Arctic Norway. You’ll notice how the landscape and scenery is different from the Helgeland Coast. The climate is usually a tad cooler too. Relax on board, catch up on your journal, visit the gym or the Science Center. Today’s lecture topics focus on Norwegian history; learn about the country’s Viking past, the Pomor trade with Russia, or discover more about Troms and Finnmark county’s indigenous and semi-nomadic Sámi people.

After lunch we arrive in Skarsvåg, a small fishing village only a scenic bus ride away from the North Cape. You’ll now visit one of the northernmost points in Europe as part of an included excursion. The scenic bus ride passes small bays and tiny villages, then crosses a mountain plateau before arriving at spectacular North Cape. At 71°N, it is just 2,100 kilometres away from the Geographic North Pole, with only the Svalbard Archipelago in between. Stand at the cliff’s edge and gaze out across the sparkling sea. The North Cape is the closest you may ever get to the top of the world. There’s the obligatory selfie at the Globe Monument to snap before visiting the North Cape Hall for several exhibits and a short film which chronicle the history of the cape.

You can also combine this included trip with other optional experiences on the rugged and remote island of Magerøya. A birder’s paradise, the island is home to hundreds of Sea eagles and other birds like Arctic skuas, northern fulmars, Brünnich’s guillemots that congregate in large numbers around the bird cliffs of Gjesværstappan, attracted to the nutrient-rich waters.

Back in Skarsvåg, enjoy a stroll by the pretty harbour, browsing the charming houses and church. The one shop in the village is also the local restaurant. It serves up king crabs all year round and also a traditional fisksuppe made by the owner Heidi. It may well be the best fish soup we’ve ever tasted. Skarsvåg is the ship’s turning point and from here, we start our return trip southbound.

Looking for Arctic adventure? Tromsø is the place to find it. Set far above the Arctic Circle, the Midnight Sun shines here from May 20 to July 22 and it never gets dark during the peak of the summer. There are lots of great hiking trails to explore and watersports around the harbour. You can join optional excursions like hikes with our Expedition Team, kayaking, boat trips and scenic bus tours. 

Nicknamed the ‘Paris of the North’, Tromsø is a lively university city, with a large brewery and several microbreweries, and a selection of great restaurants specialising in fresh regional produce. It is also rich in Arctic history and culture. Our Expedition Team can share more with you about polar history and exploration in one of their lectures. As the gateway to the Arctic, Tromsø was the starting point for many polar expeditions and provided a very welcome first stop on explorers’ return to civilisation. Visit the Polar Museum to learn more about the famous explorers and expeditions that have their origins in the city. 

The angular Arctic Cathedral is a city landmark, featuring a striking, stained glass window. One of the main attractions is to ride the Fjellheisen cable car to the top of a 424-metre-high mountain. The summit provides fabulous views of the city, mountains and fjords. If you are curious about Arctic marine life, the Polaria Arctic Experience Centre is a family-friendly aquarium with fish and seals that inhabit the region’s polar waters. 

The approach to Lofoten is not to be missed as a formidable wall of mountains greets you. The islands here are unlike anything you’ve ever seen. The breathtaking scenery is a masterpiece of distinctive peaks, sheltered bays, untouched beaches, and fishing villages.

We start the day by first sailing to Trollfjord, a narrow waterway where vertical mountain walls loom above you. At the Captain’s discretion and depending on weather conditions in the area, you might get to experience the ship ‘threading the needle’ as it sails into the fjord so close to the cliff walls that you’ll feel you could reach out and brush them. Once safely within the fjord, the ship will then turn 180° on the spot. You’ll be holding your breath again as it manoeuvres back out through the tight entrance. It is a thrilling experience that requires superb seamanship. Thankfully, our Captains have that in spades!

We’ll land in idyllic Reine in the afternoon. You may recognise it as one of the most photographed nature landscapes in Norway – and for good reason. Characteristic red fishing huts known as rorbuer dot the shoreline against a backdrop of granite peak clusters jutting out of the fjord. As part of an included activity, you’ll board a bus to the picturesque old fishing village of Å, a unique, historical attraction. Here, you’ll see well-preserved houses, a blacksmith, an old cod liver oil press, and a bakery which might be making a fresh batch of lefse cakes. The local museum explains how cod fishing has been key to establishing Norway into a country.

In the morning, we’ll sail through Helgeland county and the thousands of islands of the lowland area. Pick out the peaks of the Seven Sisters mountain range, thought to be the bodies of seven troll sisters petrified by the sun’s rays at dawn.

Our goal for today is to explore famous Torghatten, a small mountain outside the town of Brønnøysund, only 258 meters tall, but with a distinctive hole straight through its centre. It is easily one of the most photographed places in Norway.

Geologists generally agree that the scientific explanation for the 30-metre-high, 25-metre-wide and 160-metre-deep hole in Torghatten is due to erosion during the last Ice Age. Local legend prefers something more fanciful. Norwegian folklore tells of the troll Hestmannen who was besotted with the fair maiden Lekamøya. When his advances were spurned, Hestmannen flew into a rage and attempted to kill Lekamøya with an arrow. Witnessing this, the troll-king of Sømna mountain threw his hat in the path of the arrow to protect Lekamøya. At the same time, the sun rose, turning everything to stone. Lekamøya herself is immortalised as a small mountain to the south of Torghatten.

If you’re feeling up for an adventure and keen to see the views, you can join the Expedition Team to hike up to the mountain’s hole. Want something less strenuous? There’ll be an alternative walk around the mountain on offer too.

Welcome to the charming coastal city of Ålesund! The small city clutches to the shores of a thin island chain. Its waterfront buildings, once wharves and warehouses and now apartments, are painted in pastel yellows and reds. Join a guided walk of Ålesund through its cobblestone streets and admire the numerous spires, towers and highly-ornate buildings. Look closely and spot the variety of stone statues carved into the buildings

Due to a devastating fire in 1904, much of the city was rebuilt in the architectural style so fashionable at the time: Art Nouveau. The extensive project was partly funded by Kaiser Wilheim of Germany who enjoyed vacationing in the Sunnmøre region. He was such a fan that he is known to have visited Norway at least 22 times! Approximately 20 master builders and 30 Norwegian architects educated in Trondheim and Berlin drew inspiration from all over Europe when designing the many buildings that still stand here today.

As Norway’s Fishing Capital, Ålesund is also the site of the Atlantic Sea Park, recently granted status as Norway’s first marine science centre. Built in the coastal landscape at Tueneset, you’ll find a spacious Humboldt penguin park and Europe’s biggest seal pool together with an underwater observatory. The park’s Otter Island is home to three sociable and adorable otters who go by the names of Nusse, Muffe and Pia.

There’s also a decent hike to the summit of nearby Mount Aksla, giving you views over the city and the other islands. Once you reach the top, you can refuel with an ice cream at the café. Or perhaps tuck into warm svele while here, a thick, crescent shaped pancake popular in these parts. For an added, bold Norwegian twist, add a slice of brunost, Norwegian brown cheese, so it melts in the middle.

The expedition lecture series continues, perhaps with a talk on glaciers or Norway’s climate, providing some background on the geology of the area you’re about to see. Just before lunch, the peaks of tall mountains will appear on the horizon. Between these peaks lie Norway’s world-famous fjords.

One such fjord is Hardangerfjord. The hillsides here are blanketed in the prettiest apple orchards in Norway which are loaded with ripening fruit come July and August. The region is understandably famous for its apple products, from jams and juice to its award-winning cider, which one wine critic described as “Nordic champagne”. We all know that there’s no taste that captures the spirit of outdoor life better than a refreshing glass of cider!

Today, we will explore either villages of Sunndal or Rosendal, depending on local conditions. From Sunndal, located close to the Bondhus Glacier, you can explore the area on a scenic hike or go kayaking with the Expedition Team as optional excursions. With only 800 inhabitants, Rosendal is a small, charming village. The biggest attraction is the 16th century Baronial manor, famous for its beautiful rose garden and landscaped grounds, in full bloom in the summer months. Why not also stop in at one of the small cafés in the village and sample the delicious local produce?

Towards the end of the day, we depart Hardangerfjord and begin our journey south. It is sadly time to head back to Hamburg, leaving the fjords, islands, and eventually the Norwegian coast as a whole behind.

It’s our final day at sea and the last full day of this memorable expedition cruise. As we cross the North Sea, you may spot seabirds and dolphins that like to follow the ship.

Relive your wonderful experiences of coastal Norway as you edit your photographs, share stories with fellow guests over drinks in the Explorer Bar, soak up the fresh sea air in the comfort of the hot tub or out on deck. Fill in any knowledge gaps in the Science Center as you chat with Expedition Team members. You might also like to join their expedition review with a slideshow of all the highlights.

We dock in Hamburg during the early morning hours. After breakfast, it’ll be time to say a fond farewell to everyone on MS Otto Sverdrup who have made your expedition so special.

As you head ashore, you’ll take with you fantastic lifetime memories of Norway; wonderful fjords, impressive nature, fascinating towns and cities, and of course, all the friendly people you’ve met along the way.

Add an extra night in Hamburg and explore the maritime spirit of this Hanseatic, vibrant city during a guided city-tour.

We hope you’ll join us for new adventures soon!