Scandinavia By Sea - Denmark, Sweden & Norway

Arrive in Copenhagen. Enjoy a boat tour of the city’s canals and see its historic waterfront before embarking the National Geographic Explorer. Cast off this afternoon, sailing north toward the Kattegat strait. 

Dotted with yellow and red clapboard houses, Skagen is perched along windswept dunes at the northern tip of Denmark. Explore this charming fishing village, discover rich birdlife with our naturalists, 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. Cap off the day with a taste of the famous “Skagen sild,” a local herring dish best enjoyed with a cold Danish beer. 

Today, 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, and explore the islands’ stunning vistas on foot.

Sail 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 spend time with our National Geographic photographer at Vigeland Park, training your lens on more than two hundred life-size human figures by native sculptor Gustav Vigeland. Alternatively, tour a gourmet food market to learn about—and taste—Norwegian culinary specialties.

Sail back down the Oslofjorden and anchor outside the coastal town of Risǿr, adorned with white wooden houses. Enjoy a walk through the quaint center, viewing historic 17th-century buildings that were once home to merchants and sailors. Later, take a short Zodiac ride to nearby Stangholmen skerry for a walk to its lighthouse. Conditions permitting, perhaps go kayaking near one of the island’s ancient “potholes”—small lagoons formed over the centuries by waves.

Arrive early this morning on the shores of Flekkefjorden and join our naturalists for a 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.

Spend two days exploring Norway’s stunning fjords, considered one of Europe’s greatest natural attractions. Our explorations may take us deep in the Hardangerfjorden—the fourth-longest fjord in the world—where we’ll cruise beneath staggering cliffs, snow-dusted mountains, and rolling valleys dotted with tiny settlements. From our quiet anchorage, head out with naturalists to explore the area on a variety of Zodiac, kayak, and hiking excursions

Arrive in beautiful Bergen, perched on a fjord and ringed by seven hills. After breakfast, disembark our ship and transfer to the airport for your flight home.