Copenhagen to Longyearbyen

Copenhagen captivates with its blend of royal history and modern Scandinavian cool. Visit the 17th-century Rosenborg Castle, home to Denmark’s crown jewels, or stroll through the picturesque Nyhavn harbor with its colorful townhouses and lively cafés.

The iconic Little Mermaid statue sits serenely by the waterfront, while Tivoli Gardens, one of the world’s oldest amusement parks, offers charming rides and lush gardens in the heart of the city. Your ship will dock at the Port of Copenhagen, which is a 30 minute drive to Copenhagen Airport and a 15 minute drive into the city centre.

Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind and catch up with what you’ve been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale watching, catching up on your reading or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shore side.

Explore the coastal town of Bronnoysund, with its charming Old Town and timeless wooden houses, and spot the iconic Bronnoysund Bridge that leads to the tranquil Alsten Island.

Indulge in the local cuisine at quayside restaurants, savouring seafood delicacies, and visit the Norwegian Aquaculture Center for a deeper understanding of the region's fishing heritage.

Discover the natural wonder of the nearby Torghatten rock formation, and experience the lush beauty of the Vega Archipelago, a UNESCO World Heritage Area of cultural richness and stunning island scenery.

Bronnoysund's unique character and the pristine Nordic landscape makes it an irresistible destination for cruise travellers.

Way beyond the Arctic Circle, Lofoten Islands are truly considered to be in 'another world'. A jewel of nature in its most pristine state, this archipelago with its jagged coastline offers you majestic settings of high alpine summits, sandy beaches, green prairies and fjords of a deep blue, where countless bird colonies make their nests.

Top Things to Do on the Lofoten Islands:

• visit the Svolvaer Magic Ice Bar and Gallery
• explore the preserved Nusfjord fishing village
• take a boat tour among the Lofoten Skerries
• visit the Gallery Lofoten House

Svolvær boasts a rich fishing heritage and stunning natural landscapes. Nestled between dramatic mountains and the pristine Vestfjord, this charming town offers a perfect blend of scenic beauty and cultural experiences. Start your exploration at the Svolvær Goat, a striking twin-peaked mountain, where adventurous travelers can climb or simply enjoy the breathtaking views.

For a taste of local culture, visit the Magic Ice Bar, an extraordinary gallery made entirely of ice, showcasing art and offering chilled drinks. Don’t miss the Lofoten War Museum, which provides a unique glimpse into World War II history with its extensive collection of artifacts and exhibits. Svolvær's picturesque harbor, bustling with fishing boats and seagulls, is ideal for a leisurely stroll, capturing the essence of this Arctic gem.

Tromsø, nestled within the Arctic Circle, is ideal if you want to see the northern lights, and offers a lovely mix of outdoor activities, cultural events, and restaurants that serve Arctic delicacies. The Arctic Cathedral, with its striking design, is a must-see. Take a cable car up Storsteinen Mountain for panoramic views of the fjords and surrounding islands.

Tromsø is also renowned for its Northern Lights, visible from September to April. The Polaria Arctic aquarium provides a unique insight into Arctic marine life, and the Polar Museum offers a fascinating look at the region's polar history. Stroll through the city center to explore charming cafes, shops, and the historic wooden houses of Skansen.

Bear Island is considered Svalbard’s southernmost island, roughly half way between Spitsbergen and Norway’s North Cape. Although the last polar bears were seen in 2004, the name goes back to Dutch explorer Willem Barentsz and his visit in 1596. The island has been used to hunt walrus, for whaling, and even coal mining has taken place. The strategic location on the border of the Norwegian Sea and the Barents Sea has led to a meteorological station being set up by Norway near Gravodden on Bear Island’s north coast. Some two thirds of the island is a relatively flat plain with shallow freshwater lakes and Ramsar Wetland, while the entire island and the surrounding waters are a Nature Reserve.

Bear Island has also been designated an Import Bird Area as it is a staging area for Pink-footed and Barnacle Geese and the steep cliffs south of Sørhamna are home to thousands of breeding seabirds. This is a specially protected area where Zodiacs are allowed to cruise along the cliffs around Kapp Kolthoff. In smaller amounts Atlantic Puffins, Northern Gannets, Glaucous Gulls and Great Skuas are found in between the large Black-legged Kittiwake, Little Auk, Common Guillemot and Brünnich’s Guillemot colonies. The constant battering of the sea has not only created impressive sea caves and tunnels, but unfortunately the Russian vessel Petrozavodsk shipwrecked near Revdalen at the base of the limestone cliffs and the waves are causing a continuous disintegration of the remains of the ship.

Svalbard’s Southern Region and specifically Spitsbergen’s west coast is less ice-clogged than the rest of Svalbard due to the moderating influence of the Gulf Stream. Several fjords cut into the west coast of Spitsbergen and remains of huts, mines and active scientific settlements can be found along these. Depending on the time of the season, glaciers can be visited on foot or by sea. Hornsund will reveal fascinating views of geological formations, craggy mountains, spectacular glaciers and a variety of seabirds and seals.

Svalbard’s northern region differs from the southern region as it is less influenced by the Norwegian Current coming through the Greenland Sea and as a result shows more ice.

The northern part of Spitsbergen Island has quite a number of impressive fjords, bays and glaciers. The east coast of the island is inlcuded in the Nordaust Svalbard Nature Reserve.

Throughout this region there are several walrus haul-outs, spectacular glaciers, bird cliffs and bird islands, as well as surprising flora in Arctic deserts and the possibility to see polar bears.