Otto Sverdrup)
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WHITE WINTER EXPEDITION: BERGEN - NORTH CAPE - BERGEN (OTTO SVERDRUP) Experience an early spring Norwegian Arctic expedition to lovely Honningsvåg and the legendary North Cape. Enjoy exciting winter activities under snow-clad peaks and skies that shift from brilliant blue to all colours of the rainbow. As we sail south to Bergen, enjoy the melting snow, powerful waterfalls, and the season’s first wildflowers on this unforgettable journey. ITINERARY Day 1 Bergen The Gateway to the Fjords Your winter expedition cruise starts in Bergen - a beautiful city surrounded by seven mountains. The ideal way to explore this cultural gateway to the fjords is by foot. Bergen was founded in 1070 AD, and retains much of its character, charm and history. Stroll in the historic UNESCO-listed Bryggen district with colourful wharfs dating back to the 14th century. Take the funicular to the top of Mount Fløyen to soak in the sweeping views of the city, fjords, islands and distant North Sea. Back in town, spend some time in one of many cafés and restaurants, or visit the famous fish market. After embarkation, sit down to a tasty dinner buffet featuring fresh coastal produce. We sail north along the Hjeltefjord, the same route the Vikings once plied. Spend the rest of the evening getting to know the Expedition Team and fellow passengers, relaxing in the lounge, or soaking in the hot tub on deck. Day 2 Ålesund - Half day Art Nouveau City Today we dock in Ålesund, renowned for its Art Nouveau architecture. A devastating fire in 1904 burned most of the town down and it was rebuilt in the fashionable style of the time, Art Nouveau. Feel like an invigorating hike? Climb the 412 steps to the top of Mount Aksla. Along the way, see two statues, one of Kaiser Wilhelm, and the other of the Viking Gange-Rolv, or Rollo, who is reputedly the forefather of William the Conqueror. At the summit, take in great views of Ålesund’s charming city centre and surrounding islands 0800 945 3327 (within New Zealand) | +64 (0) 3 365 1355 | 1800 107 715 (within Australia) [email protected] | wildearth-travel.com stretching into the Norwegian Sea. Today’s included activity is visiting the If you’re looking for a winter wonderland with plenty of adventure, Tromsø is Norwegian Aquarium. Built directly into the rocky coastline, the aquarium is the perfect destination. Tromsø’s many winter activities include dog-sledging, another of Ålesund’s architectural wonders. Observe native fish species, skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling. You can also explore the city’s octopus, seals and penguins. You can also join other interesting optional fascinating history, culture and bold architecture. The Arctic Cathedral is a excursions. definite highlight, featuring an enormous stained-glass mosaic and late-night Northern Lights concerts until the end of March. Your included activity in Day 3 Brønnøysund - Half day Home of the Famed Torghatten Tromsø is a ride in the sky on the Fjellheisen Cable Car, taking in breathtaking views across the city, mountains and fjords, and possibly, the Northern Lights. Brønnøysund is a pretty little town of 5,000 that marks the halfway point You also can join in other optional excursions like nature hikes with our along Norway’s long coastline and is known for the dramatic Torghatten – a Expedition Team, fjord boat trips and scenic bus rides. mountain with a huge natural tunnel in its centre. You can join local guides here on an included walk around town, visiting the fishing boat docks and the Day 6 Honningsvåg - Full day Edge of the World beautiful parish church from the 19th century. Brønnøysund is also known as the gateway to Vega Islands – a treasured UNESCO-listed archipelago. Join an Today we dock at the small fishing town of Honningsvåg - the gateway to optional excursion here to explore how generations of fishermen and farmers spectacular North Cape. This is also where the ship turns around and heads have maintained a sustainable way of life for centuries based on tradition of back south. You start your day with a scenic bus ride from Honningsvåg, eider duck farming. As we leave Brønnøysund, we will sail up along the coast passing small bays and tiny villages, and crossing a mountain plateau before of Helgeland – passing the Seven Sisters mountain range. Legend has it that arriving at North Cape. At 71°10’21´N, North Cape is just 2,100 km away seven beautiful troll sisters were caught out at sunrise and turned to stone, from the Geographic North Pole. Stand at the edge of the 300 m high cliff thus creating the seven beautiful peaks. In the evening, we sail past the small gaze across the Barents Sea. Only the Svalbard Islands separate you from the islet of Vikingen, through which the Arctic Circle passes. North Pole. The views here surpass the horizon and feel like the end of the world. It’s a great place to take stunning photos. Enjoy an informative short Day 4 Reine and Svolvær - Full day Magical Lofoten Archipelago film and exhibits at the North Cape Hall. Back at Honningsvåg, you take a stroll past charming houses, stop into nice shops and see a church that was Lofoten´s dramatic snowy peaks, hidden coves and pristine beaches are the only building left standing at the end of World War II. world famous. It is also is known for excellent fishing and picturesque villages. You will never forget your first approach to Lofoten, seeing the massive wall of Day 7 Alta - Half day Adventure in Aurora City mountains rising out of the sea. We dock at idyllic Reine in the morning. Red and white fishermen’s huts dot the shoreline and surrounding snow-capped This is a perfect outdoor adventure destination, combining a wide range of peaks shoot out of the sea here. It’s no wonder Reine is one of Norway’s most winter activities with a personal, non-touristy vibe. You may join several frequently photographed landscapes. Care to discover the region’s history and optional excursions, like visiting a Sami family and an ice hotel or going culture? Join us on an included excursion to the time-honoured fishing village dog-sledging. Alta started out as a small Sami settlement some 500 years of Å to visit the Norwegian Fishing Village Museum and Lofoten Stockfish ago and is now the largest city in this part of Norway. Did you know that Alta Museum. You can also join other optional excursions in Lofoten. After a lovely is the epicentre for groundbreaking research on the Northern Lights? This morning in Reine, we sail along the Lofoten wall to Svolvær, where age-old amazing phenomenon has amazed and frightened people for thousands of seagoing traditions are preserved. The surrounding islands, steep mountains, years. Alta lies directly under the Northern Lights oval and stable weather beautiful beaches and sheltered bays offer many exciting winter activity creates good viewing conditions. The Aurora is frequently seen here during opportunities like snowshoeing, skiing and even surfing (at Unstad). Solvær’s winter. Norwegian scientist Kristian Birkeland even built an observatory near shops, galleries, cafés and restaurants provide a number of in-town activities. Alta, which led to his discovery of what causes the natural phenomenon. After departing Lofoten, we sail to incredibly beautiful and narrow Trollfjord, Hurtigruten invites you to learn about this mystical light show during today’s where mountain walls rise right out of the sea. In winter, it’s not possible to included activity - an interactive exhibition revealing the truth about the Aurora sail into the fjord, so we will marvel at this unique natural wonder from its Borealis at the Northern Lights Cathedral. Alta is also a big dog-sledging town. entrance. Many of the dog-sledge teams competing in the annual Finnmark Race are located here, and some of those kennels can be visited. Day 5 Tromsø - Full day Arctic Winter Adventures 0800 945 3327 (within New Zealand) | +64 (0) 3 365 1355 | 1800 107 715 (within Australia) [email protected] | wildearth-travel.com Day 8 Narvik - Half day Snow-covered Wilderness and History Museum. In Fjærland, you will also find Norwegian Book Town with several picturesque second-hand book shops housed in unlikely places. Book Town Exciting winter activity options in Narvik include a cable car to a mountain opened in 1996 as the eighth in the world and the first in Scandinavia. summit for breathtaking views and good alpine and cross-country skiing! Another option is spending the day at the world’s northernmost wildlife park, Day 12 Bergen Final Chapter of the Fairy Tale which is home to bears, foxes, lynx, wolves, moose, muskox and other Arctic animals. Flanked by islands to the west and surrounded by mountains in every In the early morning, we arrive back in Bergen. When you disembark, take with other direction, Narvik is as rich in nature as it is in history. A fierce naval you the memories of a unique Norway winter expedition cruise filled with battle was fought here in 1940. Today we invite you to learn about it at the unforgettable experiences and encounters with wildlife, stunning nature and Narvik War Museum – a modern facility with architectonic and interactive local people. Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end, but we experiences. You can also take a trip on the Ofoten Railway. hope to see you on board for new adventures in the very near future. Day 9 Sandnessjøen - Half day The Seven Sisters in White Please Note: As we approach Sandnessjøen, you get a marvellous view of the snow-covered Itineraries are subject to change.