Sublime Svalbard—From Dover via Norway’s Springtime Fjords

Your expedition cruise begins in Dover. If time allows before boarding MS Fram, consider a stroll along the iconic white cliffs at St. Margaret’s Bay for sweeping views of the coastline and the shimmering English Channel below.

After collecting your expedition jacket and settling into your cabin, meet your Expedition Team—your knowledgeable guides and welcoming hosts for the journey ahead. Later, enjoy your first dinner on board as your Arctic adventure officially gets underway.

Harlingen sits on the edge of the UNESCO-listed Wadden Sea and is home to the last remaining traditional pottery factory in the Netherlands.

This charming city, defined by canals and picturesque harbors, is easily explored on foot or by bike. If weather permits, you may also navigate its canals aboard the small expedition boats.

Around the historic Noorderhaven and Zuiderhaven, discover traditional sailing ships and restored warehouses. Be sure to visit the Harlingen Aardewerkmuseum to view fine examples of unique Frisian pottery.

Just off the German mainland, tiny Heligoland was once a base for pirates and the strategic prize for a string of warring nations. Now this peaceful, traffic-free island is better known for its stunning nature and, at certain times of the year, its birdlife.  

If conditions allow, local boats will take you ashore to explore both of Heligoland’s distinctive islands. On one island, you can walk the scenic trails along the red cliffs to look out for nesting birdlife, such as northern gannets and common guillemots. On the other, you can stroll along the fine white sands heaped with dunes in search of seals lounging around the shores.

Arrive in Hamburg, the second-largest city in Germany and one of the greenest urban areas in Europe.   

There’s a lot to see and do in Hamburg, which is sometimes called the “Venice of the North” due to its picturesque canals between Lake Alster and the Elbe River. You can find many attractions in the old town district of Altstadt, like the St. Nikolai Memorial and the historic street of Deichstraße. Hamburg is also home to UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Chilehaus and the world's largest historic warehouse complex in Speicherstadt. Join a tour or discover the city at your own pace.

The first stop on your journey to the Arctic is Esbjerg on the west coast of Denmark’s Jutland peninsula. As you approach, look out for the giant “Man Meets the Sea” statues sitting by the shore.  

Esbjerg is a blend of historic charm and modern Scandinavian chic, and it’s easy to get around on foot. A shuttle bus will take you into the center to explore at your leisure. Treat yourself to a typical smørrebrød for lunch. You can find Denmark’s famous open-faced rye bread sandwiches irresistibly displayed in many bakery windows. 

After lunch, it’s time to say goodbye to Denmark as you set sail for Norway. Enjoy an afternoon at sea making the most of your ship’s facilities. You can relax in the hot tubs or watch the world go by from the Explorer Lounge & Bar.

As you reach Norway, head for the region of Haugesund. It’s known for its Viking connections, and it was here that King Harald Fairhair first united Norway into a single kingdom. From this royal seat, Norway’s kings long controlled the renowned shipping route called Nordvegen, or “the way to the north,” from which the country takes its name. 

Today, this Viking past lives on in the area’s many historic sites. If conditions allow, visit a recreated Viking settlement on the small island of Bukkøya, and on nearby Karmøy, you can delve deeper into Norway’s Viking and maritime history at the Nordvegen History Center.

In the morning, you plan to cruise deep into Sognefjorden, the longest and deepest fjord in Norway, to the tiny hamlet of Fjærland. Only 300 people live in this idyllic village, which has many charming old buildings and its own weaving traditions. This is also the place where Sognefjorden meets Jostedalsbreen, the largest glacier on the European continent. 

A visit to the Norwegian Glacier Museum is the included activity of the day. Learn why glacier ice is blue and how the fjords were formed. You can even perform a few experiments with 1,000-year-old glacier ice and watch a panoramic film about Europe’s largest glacier.

Nestled at the end of the Romsdalsfjord, Åndalsnes is surrounded by soaring mountains, deep valleys, and dramatic fjords. The scenery around this alpine town is simply awe-inspiring. 

To take it all in, hop on the gondola from the town center for the five-minute scenic journey up Mount Nesaksla, some 2,300 ft above sea level. Here you can revel in 360-degree views of the town and the towering mountains of Romsdalshorn and Venjetinden beyond. 

To truly immerse yourself in this incredible landscape, join an exhilarating hike or, if conditions allow, you can enjoy a peaceful kayak paddle in the fjord.

As you sail toward the wild beauty of the Lofoten archipelago, enjoy a day at sea. 

Continue your discovery on board with your Expedition Team by joining a talk or workshop, and deepen your understanding with a visit to the Science Center. Relax in the panoramic Explorer Lounge & Bar, and as you pass Helgeland, watch for the silhouette of the Seven Sisters mountain range. This impressive coastal range is home to the Torghatten mountain, which is recognizable by its distinctive hole through the middle. 

Later in the day, cross the Arctic Circle as you venture further north and into the Arctic.

Approaching the dramatically steep mountains of Lofoten by ship is an unforgettable experience. Be in awe of the landscapes as you sail toward this region of windswept islands, sheltered bays, and some of the most beautiful fjords in the world. Look out for sea eagles as you admire the exceptional beauty of this stretch of coastline.

Today, you aim to explore the famed Lofoten Islands from the fishing port of Svolvaer. Learn how the rugged landscapes and a history of fishing have influenced life in Lofoten, or explore the soul-stirring landscape up close on a hike with your Expedition Team.

Set in a majestic landscape, this small, cosmopolitan city has an exciting past and plenty of fascinating sights to discover. 

It was the base for many a historic Arctic expedition, including those of Roald Amundsen, and its position 250 miles north of the Polar Circle has led to it being called the “Gateway to the Arctic.” At the Polar Museum, discover the city’s exploration heritage and see the Arctic Cathedral—with its huge stained-glass window, it’s one of the most striking landmarks in Tromsø. You can also take the Fjellheisen cable car to the top of Storsteinen for incredible views.

The captivating North Cape marks mainland Europe’s northernmost point. This rugged promontory on the north of Magerøya island truly feels like the end of the Earth. 

Venture across the wild Arctic landscape here toward the cape’s towering cliff edge, which sits around a thousand feet above the Barents Sea. Feel a sense of awe as you drink in the panoramas, and as you gaze toward the horizon, think of the adventures yet to come as your voyage heads even further north.  

Discover more about the history of this remarkable site at the North Cape Hall.

Spend the day at your leisure as you sail across the Barents Sea and deeper into the Arctic toward the Svalbard archipelago. Savor the quiet moments, simply appreciating the peaceful feeling of being at sea. This is a rare opportunity to disconnect and take a break from the modern world.

Feeling active? You can enjoy a workout in the gym or simply relax in the panoramic sauna while gazing out at the view. Like always, the Expedition Team will be on hand to answer any questions you may have and offer insights into these Arctic islands.

Svalbard’s largest island, Spitsbergen, showcases Arctic beauty in its untouched glory; it’s a wilderness of steep mountains, stark glaciers, and eerily beautiful islands. Over the next three days, visit some of the world’s most dramatic fjords and see glaciers preparing to calve icebergs into the sea.  

Each day will be different. From landings to kayaking, be ready for anything as your captain and Expedition Team decide on the best landing sites and activities based on the day’s conditions. Perhaps, head to the snowcapped peaks of Hornsund or visit Ny-Ålesund, the starting point for Roald Amundsen’s expeditions north with the airship “Norge.” Now, the town is a hub for global science and climate research, and you can still see remnants of its history. 

If you're lucky, you might even see the elusive polar bear in its natural environment, so keep your binoculars close at hand.

Your Norway and Svalbard adventure draws to a close in Longyearbyen. A transfer will take you to the airport for your flight home. Return with a wealth of knowledge about Arctic animals, geology, history, polar ice, and climate change—and memories of an incredible experience that will last a lifetime.