Have questions? We're here.
Glass-still waters around Spitsbergen

Norway's Fjords and Arctic Svalbard (Northbound)

Northbound - Example 16 Day Cruise aboard National Geographic Resolution
Talk with an expert
Build your ideal Arctic trip. Call 1.406.541.2677
Start Planning My Trip
Board National Geographic Resolution on this 16-day cruise and explore Norway’s fjord-carved coast, from the charming town of Bergen, past the North Cape to the ice and wildness of the Svalbard archipelago, for a perfect balance between the charmingly scenic and the spectacularly wild. Explore Tromsø and Bear Island on the way to Svalbard in the high Arctic, where polar bears prowl and walruses haul out on rocky shores.
Bearded seal in Svalbard, NorwayColorful houses of SvalbardExplore the charming coastal city of BergenDrying stockfish on Lofoten, NorwayKayaking toward an icebergPolar bears in the ArcticIncredible ice in SvalbardGlass-still waters around Spitsbergen
Highlights
  • Explore the stunning ice-carved northern fjords
  • Paddle in a deep fjord surrounded by cascading waterfalls
  • Explore Lofoten Islands and view seabirds such as puffins and guillemots
  • Visit the Polar Museum and the Arctic Cathedral in Tromso
Places Visited
Activity Level: Variable
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
0

Full Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Bergen, Norway | Embark

Arrive in the charming port town of Bergen, the gateway to Norway's fjords. Ringed by 7 hills, this beautiful city was once an important Hanseatic trading center. Discover Bergen’s maritime history on a guided walk of Bryggen, the town’s colorful old wharf and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the afternoon, settle into your accommodations aboard an ice-class expedition ship from the National Geographic-Lindblad fleet.

Day 2: Nordfjord

This morning, begin your exploration of Norway's dramatic waterways with the little-known but breathtaking Nordfjord. Hike overland to see the jagged peaks and turquoise lake of Loen Valley. Alternatively, take a tranquil boat ride across Kjenndal Lake to marvel at its retreating glacier and the surrounding mountains. In the afternoon, return to the ship and enjoy the striking countryside from the comfort of the lounge as you sail toward the coastline.

Day 3-5: Exploring the Fjords of Norway

Spend three days exploring the central Norway coast, revered by travelers worldwide for its mountainous islands and steep-walled fjords. Your expedition leader and captain will consult local Norwegian pilots on landing spots offering optimal adventure options. Zodiac under vertical rock faces, paddle serenely in a deep fjord surrounded by cascading waterfalls or venture ashore for hikes with a naturalist staff. Visit local island communities protecting their cultural and natural heritage and walk with resident guides who have grown up surrounded by the ocean and these remote coastal islands.

Day 6: Lofoten Islands

The Lofoten Archipelago is a captivating region of charming coastal villages nestled amidst rugged peaks. You can enjoy watching nesting seabirds such as Atlantic puffins, razorbills, and guillemots from a Zodiac. Later, you can disembark on the island of Vaeroy, where cod fishing still plays an important role in the local economy. As you cruise into one of Norway's most famous fjords, the short yet dramatic Trollfjord, be sure to watch the cliffs for Norway's mythical creatures, the trolls.

Day 7: Tysfjorden

Your ship enters Tysfjorden, where mile after mile of near-vertical walls ascend above us and a scant few villages manage to cling to the rocky shores. Enjoy a Zodiac cruise or kayak within this magical place alive with birch forests and tumbling waterfalls. Explore a hiking trail through Hellemobotn Valley that reaches almost to the Swedish border.

Day 8: Tromso

Arrive in Tromso, known as the “gateway to the Arctic” for numerous Arctic expeditions that originated from here. Explore this charming coastal city and its surrounding area: choose a visit to a local husky farm—known for its beautiful setting, friendly dogs, and world-caliber dog musher—or choose to stay in town and visit the waterfront museums, which offer a range of local food tastings and historical insights into the variable aspects of this dynamic region.

Day 9: Bear Island

Sitting at the confluence of the Norwegian and Barents Seas, Bear Island is ironically known as a birdwatcher's paradise. The island also houses one remote meteorological station. With conditions permitting, enjoy a Zodiac cruise around the southernmost member of the Svalbard archipelago and revel at the bird cliffs, home to countless thousands of fulmars, kittiwakes, and guillemots.

Day 10-14: Exploring Svalbard

Discover the polar wonders of Svalbard, which lies north of the Arctic Circle, where the summer sun never sets. Extended daylight hours and a flexible itinerary will allow you to make the most of your time here in the far north. With a fully stabilized, ice-class ship, you’ll probe the floes in search of wildlife. Join spotters on the bridge, scanning the edges of the pack ice for massive walruses, bearded and ringed seals, arctic foxes, reindeer and polar bears. Or venture ashore with naturalists to hike tundra abloom with wildflowers. Sail deep into beautiful fjords to kayak quiet coves surrounded by sparkling icebergs or board Zodiacs to view tidewater glaciers and ice formations up close. Enjoy nightly talks from a National Geographic Expert and review underwater video footage taken some 1,000 ft (305 m) below the ice’s surface by a remotely operated vehicle (ROV).

Day 15: Disembark in Longyearbyen | Fly to Oslo

  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Disembark in Longyearbyen for one more taste of civilization in this northern frontier. Join the recommended group flight to Oslo; transfers will be provided to the nearby hotel and luggage assistance.* Upon arrival, enjoy dinner with fellow guests, and overnight at the Radisson Blu Airport Hotel.

*If you are not purchasing the recommended flight, please get in touch to confirm your arrangements.

Day 16: Depart for Home

  • 1 Breakfast
Disembark in Bergen and transfer to the airport for flights home.

Ship/Hotel

National Geographic Resolution

National Geographic Resolution ship
A guest relaxing in the Infinity Edge Pool while soaking in the breathtaking views of the wild Patagonia
A photographer taking stunning views of Patagonia aboard the ship National Geographic Resolution

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

This itinerary is no longer available. For other trip ideas, please visit Arctic Cruises & Tours.
Rates are subject to change without notice. Book early to get the best rate.
Category 1
Category 1
Fore Deck #404, 406, 408, 411, 413, 415 — Cabin with two large windows, two singles that can convert to a queen, writing desk and chair, two bedside tables, window sofa, coffee table, and a closet.
Category 2
Category 2
Fore Deck #410, 412, 414, 416-419, 421-427 — Cabin with two large windows, two single beds that can convert to a queen, window sofa, two seat sofa, coffee table, writing desk with an office chair, two bedside tables, coffee table, and a closet.
Category 3
Category 3
Main Deck—#512, 514-524 — Cabin with balcony that features two balcony chairs, hammock, and a table, two single beds that convert to a queen, convertible sleeper sofa, writing desk with a chair, two bedside tables, coffee table, and a closet.
Category 4
Category 4
Lounge Deck—#608, 610, 612, 613-623 — Cabin with balcony that features two balcony chairs, hammock and a table, two single beds that can convert to a queen, pull-out sofa, coffee table, writing desk with chair, two bedside tables, and a closet.
Category 5
Category 5
Bridge Deck—#700-707, 712, 713, 715, 717 — Cabin with balcony that features two balcony chairs, hammock, and a table, two single beds that convert to a queen, pull-out sofa, coffee table, writing desk with chair, two bedside tables, and a closet.
Category 6
Category 6
Bridge Deck—#714 — Junior suite with balcony that features two balcony chairs, hammock, and table, two single beds that convert to a queen, pull-out sofa, writing desk with chair, two bedside tables, coffee table, espresso maker and a closet. Guests receive priority access to one spa treatment and one igloo reservation and complimentary laundry per departure.
Category 7
Category 7
Bridge Deck #708-711, 716, 718, 719, 721 — These large balcony suites feature two balcony chairs, hammock, and table, two single beds that can convert to a queen, pull-out sofa, coffee table, writing desk and chair, espresso maker, and a large walk-in closet with full length mirror. Expanded bathroom has a double vanity, bathtub, towel warmer and rain shower. Guests receive priority access to one spa treatment and one igloo reservation and complimentary laundry per departure.
Category A Solo
Category A Solo
Main Deck #504, 506-511, 513 — Cabin with balcony that features two balcony chairs, hammock, and a table, single bed, writing desk with an office chair, and a closet.
Category B Solo
Category B Solo
Lounge Deck#604-607, 609, 611 — Cabin with balcony that features two balcony chairs, hammock, and a table, single bed, writing desk with chair, hammock, and a closet.
Included
  • 15 Breakfasts, 15 Lunches, 15 Dinners
  • 15 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Complimentary Parka - available only for the duration of the voyage.
  • Assistance by the onboard National Geographic Photography Expert
  • Access to the OM System Photo Gear Locker with the latest gear to try out on loan (aboard Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic fleet) 
  • Beer, wine, cocktails, and spirits are available aboard the ship. Additionally, a selection of super premium wines and liquors is offered for purchase.
  • Crew gratuities
  • Complimentary Starlink-enabled Wi-Fi internet is available to all guests aboard Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic fleet, enabling email, messaging, and social media.
  • Park and site entrance fees, special access permits, and port taxes
  • Excursions and airport transfers to and from flights arriving and departing within recommended window, as indicated in the itinerary
  • Exploration tools such as snorkeling equipment, wetsuits, kayaks, stand-up paddleboard, cross-country skis, and snowshoes (where applicable)
  • Guidance and company of leading expedition staff
  • All meals as indicated in the itinerary, both aboard and onshore.
  • Presentations by expedition staff and expert guest speakers
  • Onboard physician consultations (where available)
  • 24-hour access to exercise equipment (where applicable)
  • All accommodations aboard ship or in hotels per itinerary
  • Complimentary reusable water bottle
  • 24-hour access to lounges, observation decks, library, and other shared spaces
  • One hotel night in Oslo
Excluded
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Laundry, spa treatments, scuba diving, and phone services (except when indicated as included)
  • We strongly recommend our guests to take Travel Protection Plan. A Plan with comprehensive coverage to protect you from cancellation fees, costs incurred due to trip delays/interruption, damaged or lost baggage, medical assistance, and evacuation during your travels
  • Airfare (except flights when indicated as included); charter airfare (where applicable, except when indicated as included); pre- and post-expedition extensions (except flights when indicated as included); additional hotel nights (except when indicated as included)
  • Travel protection plans and passport, visa, and immigration fees 
  • Enhanced and premium Wi-Fi plans
  • Additional costs associated with medical services outside onboard physician consultation (where available)
  • Private transfers (except when indicated as included)

Map

Inquire

* By providing your phone number, you consent to receive direct phone calls or SMS messages from our Trip Planners to get the process started. We do not share your information with third-parties.
Change & customize to make it yours.
Travel Agents

We Love to Talk Travel

Call 1.800.344.6118
or
Chat Now
The trip was terrific with great planning on your part. Most of the adventures were not mainstream and somewhat off the beaten path which made it especially enjoyable!! We felt taken care of and you all were readily available to respond to questions and issues. I would highly recommend your company and friends have already expressed interest based on our pictures and excitement.
Gale Cantor
More Reasons

Why Travel With Adventure Life

All News

Recognized By

Arctic Travel Guide

Top Arctic Travel Destinations

Arctic Trips by Departure Date

Top Experiences in Arctic

Arctic Trips by Duration

Arctic Trips by Activity