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The fertile farmland surrounding Hardangerfjord

Scandinavia by Sea: Denmark, Sweden, and Norway

Example 8 Day Cruise aboard National Geographic Orion
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Fjords, fortresses and fabulous food; Scandinavia has it all! On this 8-day voyage, sail past Denmark’s famed Elsinore Castle, hike to Hågasån Fort, explore Sweden’s Weather Islands by kayak or Zodiac and take in Hidra Island’s Tanum UNESCO World Heritage site to view the Vitlycle Rock Carvings and a Bronze Age farm. Use all of your senses in Oslo: join a National Geographic photographer at Frogner Park, perhaps ski jump at Holmenkollen, and sample local produce and delicacies at Mathallen market. Your Scandinavian voyage is as active or leisurely as you choose; maybe you just want to do as the natives do in summertime—slow down and enjoy the long daylight hours with pub visits, waterfront strolls, guided walks, and magnificent views.
The small town of Skagen, DenmarkKronborg CastleExplore the charming coastal city of BergenA market in Bryggen, Bergen, NorwayThe fertile farmland surrounding Hardangerfjord
Highlights
  • Explore old fishing villages, rock carvings, and World War II fortresses
  • Bike along the beaches in Denmark, and discover the artistic traditions
  • Kayak into the coves of Sweden’s Weather Islands to seek out marine life
  • Glide along the waters of Norway’s mountain-framed Hardangerfjord
Places Visited
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Bergen, Norway | Embark

  • Ship
  • 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Your first port of call is the lovely city of Bergen, perched on a fjord and ringed by seven hills. After embarking the National Geographic Orion and having lunch onboard, take a guided city walk to explore the city a bit before sailing to one of Norway's most spectacular fjords.

Day 2: Hardangerfjorden

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Awaken this morning in the heart of Norway's western fjordlands, considered one of Europe's greatest natural attractions. Deep in the Hardangerfjorden—the fourth-longest fjord in the world—cruise beneath staggering cliffs, snow-dusted mountains, and rolling valleys dotted with tiny settlements. From your quiet anchorage, head out with naturalists to explore the area on a variety of Zodiac, kayak, and hiking excursions. 

Day 3: Hidra Island

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Enjoy a leisurely morning at sea as you sail along Norway's southern fjords Arrive on the shores of Flekkefjorden, and go for a afternoon hike on Hidra—a lush island steeped in a rich maritime history dating back to before the Vikings. Visit the World War II-era Hågasån Fort, stroll past quaint wooden houses, and cruise in a Zodiac through the scenic channel that splits the island in two. 

Day 4: Risør

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Sail back down the Oslofjorden and anchor outside the attractive coastal town of Risør to experience the "town of wooden houses," protected on Norway's heritage list. Risør has not only preserved its old wooden buildings, but it has also taken care of the archipelago. Zodiacs ferry you over to Stangholmen skerry for a walk to the lighthouse—and perhaps a unique experience kayaking near one of the "potholes" or small lagoons. Enjoy a relaxing outdoor seafood lunch on Stangholmen, with a Norwegian folk revival musical performance.

Day 5: Oslo

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Cruise up the epic Oslofjorden to discover the delights of Norway's cosmopolitan capital. Visit the Fram Museum and learn about the early Norwegian polar expeditions, or take a private, backstage tour of Oslo's newest landmark, the Opera House, with its white sloping marble roof which rises directly from the fjord. Spend the afternoon with your team and a National Geographic photographer at Vigeland Park, training your lens on more than two hundred life-sized human figures by native sculptor Gustav Vigeland. For further insight into the Norwegian consciousness, hear a talk from Thor Heyerdahl, Jr. the son of the Norwegian explorer and ethnographer of the same name. Since food is at the core of any culture, opt to join a cooking class at the Mathallen Gourmet Food Market to learn to cook Norwegian style.

Day 6: Weather Islands, Sweden

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Journey across the Skagerrak Strait to Sweden's westernmost archipelago: the Väderöarna, or Weather Islands. This seascape of rugged islets, skerries, and picture-perfect villages boasts some of the most stunning scenery in Scandinavia. Set out by kayak or Zodiac to encounter seal colonies and an array of seabirds. Dock at Grebbestad where you can bike or be driven to the evocative Bronze Age rock carvings in Tanum, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Summer in Sweden is a special time, so a traditional Swedish dinner on shore has been arranged to savor the long hours of daylight.

Day 7: Skagen, Denmark

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Dotted with yellow and red clapboard houses, Skagen is perched along windswept dunes at the northern tip of Denmark. Explore this charming fishing village, and delve into the history of the Skagen Painters—a community of Scandinavian artists who settled here beginning in the late 19th century, drawn by the town’s magnificent landscapes and remarkable light. Discover rich birdlife with naturalists, or bike along the peninsula's white beaches. Cap off the day with a taste of the famous "Skagen Sild," a special herring dish that can only be enjoyed with a cold Danish beer. Skagen is perfect for a cycling jaunt. Grab a bike and head out along the beaches.

Day 8: Copenhagen | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
Arrive in Copenhagen and take a short drive through the city on your way to the airport, or extend your stay at a post-stay hotel in Copenhagen.

Ship/Hotel

National Geographic Orion

Keep in shape in the exercise room aboard the National Geographic Orion
The National Geographic Orion is sleek and at your service
The lovely National Geographic Orion

Dates & Prices

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Per person starting at
$7,990
National Geographic Orion's Category 1 Cabin.
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Category 1
Cat 1 #316, 318-321. Cabins feature a luminous oval window and configurable beds: two single beds, two beds converted to a queen-size bed, or a queen size bed. An armchair, reading lamps, a flat screen TV, and climate controls complete the amenities. Marble bathrooms are generously sized and include a spacious shower stall with a glass door.
Your  Category B Stateroom on the National Geographic Orion
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Category 1 Single
Cat 1S #301, 322, 323. These solo cabins feature a window or two portholes, a queen-size bed, except for #301 which has a double bed, writing desk and chair, climate controls, reading lamps, and a TV. Marble bathrooms are generously sized and include a roomy shower stall with a glass door.
A Category A Stateroom on the National Geographic Orion
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Category 2
Cat 2 #302-312, 314, 315, 317. Cabins feature a luminous oval window and configurable beds: two single beds, two beds converted to a queen-size bed, or a queen size bed. An armchair, reading lamps, a flat screen TV, and climate controls complete the amenities. Marble bathrooms are generously sized, and include a spacious shower stall with a glass door.
A lovely category 3 suite on the National Geographic Oion
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Category 3
Cat 3 Suite with Window #401-412, 414-419. These suites feature a sitting area with a large window, a sofa–except slightly smaller #401 & #402–an armchair or two, writing/laptop desk, reading lamps, flat screen TV, & climate controls. Beds are configurable (call for details). Marble bathrooms include a spacious shower stall with a glass door.
National Geographic Orion's Category 3 Cabin.
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Category 3 Single
Cat 3S Suite with Window #512. This solo suite features two beds and two large windows, plus two armchairs and small table, reading lamps, a flat screen TV, and climate controls. The marble bathroom is generously sized and includes a spacious shower stall with a glass door.
National Geographic Orion's Category 4 Cabin.
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Category 4
Cat 4 Deluxe Suite with Window #511, 515. These two suites feature separate sleeping and sitting areas, with a chair and armchair and a two-cushion sofa facing an expansive window. Beds are configurable (call for details). Ample storage, reading lamps, a flat screen TV, and climate controls complete the amenities.
National Geographic Orion's Category 5 Cabin.
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Category 5
Cat 5 Suite with French Balcony #501, 503-506, 508. These spacious suites feature open living areas and sliding glass doors opening to a shared French balcony. Beds are configurable (call for details.) A sitting area with arm chairs and a sofa, a writing/laptop desk, well-placed reading lamps, a flat screen TV, and climate controls complete the decor.
National Geographic Orion's Category 6 Cabin.
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Category 6
Cat 6 Owner’s Suite with French Balcony #502, 507, 509*, 510. These large, elegant suites feature a French balcony, with the exception of #509 which has double windows. Each provides a separate living area with a sofa and two arm chairs, except for #502, which uniquely offers a 'soaking tub with a view' in addition to a shower stall and expansive vanity.

Notes

Single supplement varies by itinerary. A solo traveler matching program may be available but is subject to availability.
Included
  • 7 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches, 7 Dinners

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Everything was amazing! The planning with Adventure Life went smoothly. The actual trip was fantastic! One of the best trips I have experienced. The cruise staff members were knowledgeable and attentive. I will be writing more about this on the blog!
Justin Chappelle
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