In Search of the Northern Lights

Ålesund promises a captivating blend of history, nature, and adventure. After ascending the 418 steps to Mount Aksla’s summit, which reveals panoramic views of snow-speckled islands and fjords, you could be enjoying a winter stroll in the charming city centre, with its colourful Art Nouveau buildings and eateries serving fresh seafood and local dishes like bacalao. Meanwhile, the nearby islands of Giske and Godøy, with their quaint villages and unspoilt scenery, offer opportunities to partake in outdoor pursuits such as hiking and wildlife spotting.

Embarking on the maritime tradition of crossing the Arctic Circle is a cherished experience for guests and crew alike. This momentous occasion, often announced by our Captain, invites you to venture out on deck and celebrate. You may choose to participate in a ceremonial ritual, complete with optional 'baptisms', where ice-cold water is poured down your back, or simply delight in the atmosphere of excitement and anticipation.

Located far north of the Arctic Circle, and set at the tip of a peninsula between the Rombak fjord and Beisfjord, Narvik’s city Harbour remains ice-free, and is used year round for iron ore exports. A relatively new city, Narvik was established in 1902, when the Ofoten Railway was completed, although it has been inhabited since Prehistoric times. The church here is a fine example of Scandinavian architecture, and the indigenous Sámi culture thrives alongside the modern world.

Slicing through the rugged landscapes of Troms og Finnmark, separating the islands of Hinnøya and Tjeldøya from the mainland, the Tjeldsundet Strait has long been one of Norway’s most important waterways, serving as a vital route between the country’s northern and southern regions. The beauty and peace of Tjeldsundet is surrounded by mountains and dramatic rock faces; and the impressive Tjeldsund Suspension Bridge connects the islands of Lofoten and Vesterålen with the mainland.

Harstad is located on the largest coastal island in Norway, Hinnøya, north of the Arctic Circle. Serving as the gateway to Vesterålen, Norway’s year-round destination to see various species of whale; and the quite unique Lofoten Islands; Harstad offers natural phenomena which can be experienced all year with 24 hours of sunlight in summer, and the enigmatic Northern Lights in winter.

Known as ‘Blue Town’, the unique town of Sortland was given its nickname due to its buildings being almost entirely painted in varying shades of blue, chosen by local artist Bjorn Elvenes, to represent Sortland's maritime and fishing heritage. The surrounding waters of the town are teeming with various species of fish, seabirds, seals and whales; and rugged, unspoilt landscapes are the town's backdrop.

Norway’s first capital city, Trondheim, was established in 997 by Viking King Olav, who returned from England to spread Christianity to Norway, thus ridding it of the existing paganism. He was posthumously declared a saint in 1070, due to the widespread adoption of Christianity in Scandinavia. Trondheim has colourful buildings and wooded hills, and is home to the largest university in Norway, the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, where and one in seven inhabitants work within the knowledge and innovation sectors, focussing on green technology.

A picturesque town, known for its love of jazz, Molde is located alongside the Romsdalsfjord. From here, the Atlantic Ocean Road, linking Molde with Kristiansund stretches for eight kilometres through beautiful rocky coastlines, over the sea and through the surrounding mountains, featuring incredible bridges and architecture.