Trondheim to Longyearbyen

Trondheim is one of the oldest of Norway’s major cities. With wide streets that are largely pedestrian-friendly, it’s a simply lovely city with a long history. Visit the magnificent Nidaros Cathedral, the largest medieval building in Scandinavia. Kristiansten Fortress consists of a central square tower for cannons, which has come to be known as the Donjon, a relic filled with history for the curious to discover. Stiftsgarden Palace, the royal residence, is one of the largest wooden buildings in Northern Europe, offering an intriguing story to entice the mind. The publicly accessible garden around the east side is one of Trondheim’s loveliest corners.

Set just south of the Arctic Circle along Norway’s rugged Helgeland coast, the Vega Archipelago is a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its timeless cultural landscape shaped by fishermen and farmers over the past 1,500 years. Here, a mosaic of more than 6,500 islands, islets and skerries bears witness to an extraordinary way of life built around fishing, farming and the unique tradition of tending wild eider ducks — a practice that once made the islands a vital source of prized eider down and honored the contributions of local women to this labor-rich craft. Visitors are drawn to the serene fishing villages, historic quays and traditional eider houses, as well as the Vega World Heritage Centre, where the story of human resilience and sustainable living unfolds against the backdrop of sweeping seascapes and abundant birdlife. A journey to Vega reveals both Norway’s deep cultural roots and its enduring connection to the sea and sky.

The stunning Norwegian coastline has to be seen to be believed-especially the remote places that are located above the Arctic Circle. On your crossing, view the soaring, craggy mountains to tranquil fjords, glaciers and quiet seaside villages that comprise the Lofoten archipelago.

Between the Arctic Ocean and the majestic Lofoten peaks, Reine will leave you speechless. Its beauty is limitless and so are the endless ways you can take in its natural wonders, from cycling to hiking to kayaking. With 24 hours of daylight, this is also an amazing destination to photograph and capture that unique Arctic light. What makes Reine so famous is the access to Reinebringen, a verdant mountain that offers an incredible viewpoint of Reine and her neighboring villages, Sakrisøy and Hamnøy.

Grab your camera and binoculars and find your favorite spot on board, because you are in for an unforgettable scenic navigation of this less-traveled fjord. While the western fjords are known for their size, Trollfjord is only a mile long and extremely narrow, especially at its entrance. Your captain will expertly position the ship at the perfect angles to maximize your viewing pleasure. Perhaps even close enough to the waterfalls for you to feel the mist. Look up and you may catch sight of the white-tailed eagles soaring overhead. In addition to the feathered variety of wildlife, you might also see various species of whales, porpoises, basking sharks and seals in the water.

Not only will you witness magnificent fjords and glaciers throughout Tromsø, Norway, but you will also immerse yourself in a sophisticated cultural life and architectural delights. A superb example of blending the built environment with the natural setting is the Arctic Cathedral, an architectural marvel made up of aluminum-coated concrete panels, making it a stunning façade resembling an iceberg. To see the real icebergs, all you have to do is take the Fjellheisen cable car 1,525 feet above sea level for incredible views of the Norwegian fjords. You can also stroll around the Arctic-Alpine Botanical Garden, visit the Science Centre of Northern Norway or gain new knowledge at the city’s museums including the Polar Museum, Tromsø University Museum, and Perspektivet Museum.

This village in North Cape on the island of Magerøya claims the distinction of being the northernmost fishing village in the world. Rolling hills of green, magnificent arctic fjords and an untamed natural beauty make it a stunning stop off the beaten path. Rugged cliffs are home to thousands of cormorants, puffins and gannets. While there are few people who inhabit the village, you are likely to come across wild reindeer that may venture close to town. Within the village of Skarsvåg sits the Christmas and Winter House, a cozy visitors’ attraction where you can experience the holiday year-round with a hot drink and slice of cake as you peruse the local wares and handicrafts and enjoy an atmosphere of dazzling decorations and festive music.

For being one of the oldest towns in Norway, Hammerfest feels modern. This micro-metropolis has a breathtaking backdrop of steep mountains leading to glaciers and ice fields. For the best panoramic view, walk up the winding trail of Salen Mountain and look out at the islands of Hoja and Hjelmenout. Venture to the Sami camp of Mikkelgammen, the indigenous locals who will welcome you to share an open fire. Discover the Meridian Column, a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognized as the place where the Earth’s size was first calculated. Claim membership to the exclusive Royal and Ancient Polar Bear Society, an honor bestowed on those who visit the world’s northernmost town.

A destination that embodies the ultimate expedition experience, Bear Island is a testament to the raw beauty and untamed wilderness that makes the High Arctic so captivating. As you approach the island, you’re greeted by sheer cliffs that stand as silent sentinels, touched by the relentless caress of icy winds. These dramatic landscapes form the backdrop to an exhilarating adventure – a place where the thrill of discovery is matched only by the awe of nature’s grand design. As your yacht glides along its rugged coastline, keep your eyes peeled for the playful antics of curious seals, and marvel at the majestic flight of seabirds that call this domain home. The air is alive with the promise of the unexpected, as expedition landings invite you to walk paths forged by explorers past. Here, you are not just observing nature; you are a part of it.

Even in one of the most isolated regions of the Arctic, there is still the captivating history of a pioneering past. The expedition leaders, along with the captain and onboard pilot, will determine possible landings each day for all-out explorations. Wildlife abounds throughout the archipelago of Svalbard, such as puffins, reindeer, Arctic terns and foxes. An expert photographer will help you look out for the perfect photo opportunity of these animals, but especially for the elusive polar bear. As Zodiac cruises may bring you closer to glaciers, keep your eyes on the water for whale fins.

Longyearbyen is in a valley on the shores of the idyllic Adventfjord, surrounded by steep mountains and several glaciers. You will disembark here and transfer to the airport for your return charter flight to Oslo, marking the end of your expedition.