Ultimate Norway at Christmas Arctic Expedition

Begin your Arctic adventure in Tromso, located 250 miles north of the Polar Circle. If you arrive early, explore the city before joining your cruise. Visit the local Christmas markets, stop at cafes serving hot mulled wine (glogg), and take the Fjellheisen cable car for views over the snowy city. You can also visit the Arctic Cathedral to view its large stained-glass window before setting course for the Arctic.

Begin your exploration in the Lyngen region by navigating the 100-mile-long Lyngenfjord. Surrounded by snowy mountains, you have the opportunity to participate in winter activities such as nature landings, hiking, snowshoeing, and kayaking. If conditions permit, spot whales from small expedition boats or the ship's deck. Later in the day, gather on the beach for a bonfire during the Day to Dusk – Flames and Flavors experience. Enjoy hot drinks and Norwegian treats prepared by onboard chefs, and watch the sky for a potential appearance of the Northern Lights.

Discover Norway in miniature

Senja is Norway’s second-largest island, and it’s sometimes called Norway-in-miniature. With its rugged mountains, sandy beaches, dark forests, and idyllic fishing villages, you can see how it earned this name. Free-roaming reindeer wander around the island, so keep an eye out for them. 

You plan to visit the historic settlement of Tranoya for a unique experience with some warm Scandinavian hospitality. Learn about ancient Viking culture and modern life in the remote villages of Arctic Norway during the winter months.

In December and January, you’ll sometimes be sailing in the dark and at dusk during the day – but this will only enhance your experience, with glittering snowscapes illuminated by the low sun and the starlight.

Enjoy an exclusive adventure

Vesteralen awaits you with its beautiful snow-covered landscapes, ideal for expedition activities such as snowshoe hiking, small boat cruising, and kayaking. The plan is to spend two days in this region.   

It’s here that you have your special Into the Night – Dinner at the Museum experience at Hurtigrutemuseet, the Hurtigruten Museum. You’ll enjoy an exclusive opening of this heritage setting and dine amid historical artefacts in the old dining room of the ship, MS Finnmarken.

Get to know Lofoten in more detail

Sailing from Vesterålen to Svolvær, your Captain and Expedition Leader will chart the day’s route based on conditions and opportunities, ensuring you make the most of what the region has to offer. 

If conditions allow, you venture into Trollfjord, where narrow waters are framed by sheer-sided cliffs. Or you cruise between rugged peaks through the Raftsundet Strait. Whatever route you take, you’ll be immersed in striking scenery. And as you navigate dramatic fjords, the mountains rise so close to the ship you’ll feel like you could reach out and touch them.

In winter, the Lofoten Islands transform into a snow-covered wonderland. Narrow fjords, hidden beaches between towering mountains, and picturesque fishing communities are all ideal to visit with a small ship like MS Spitsbergen.  

One such community is Svolvær. As Christmas nears, the streets and homes are decorated with beautiful lights – wander around and simply soak up the festive atmosphere. 

To top it off, you’ll also get to enjoy your second special experience, _a Nordic Sauna and Polar Plunge. Embrace a revitalising Norwegian tradition as you relax in the warmth of a sauna before taking a thrilling polar plunge.

A Jul to remember

 In Norway, Christmas Eve is the first day of Christmas – or Jul, as the Norwegians say. You’ll enjoy a lovely day as you sail around the Lofoten Islands, seeking out landings to get closer to nature – perhaps it will be a beach covered in snow! You may head out in small expedition boats to explore between remote islands or you may even get out the kayaks. 

Later, on board, you’ll feel the Christmas spirit all around you. Decorations, Christmas singing, storytelling, hot chocolate and gløgg - could there be a better place to be at this special time of year? In the evening you’ll enjoy a special Norwegian-themed dinner – or julebord – and afterwards the celebrations will continue.

Enjoy Christmas Day in serene Norwegian beauty

Today is Christmas Day, and you’ll continue to enjoy the uniquely festive onboard atmosphere, but with added adventure. You’ll stay sheltered in the deep fjords as you make your way back toward Tromsø – at each turn there will be a new island or mountain. Along the way, you have plenty of time to scout out landing sites in small expedition boats, and to go on nature walks and take part in other activities. 

The scenery continues to be stunning as you pass through these inner waters, with the magical winter light playing softly on the sea and mountains.  You also pass through areas where you’re likely to see whales. While on board, enjoy the Arctic scenery from the ship, warm up in the sauna or join the Expedition Team to listen to talks and attend discovery sessions in the Science Center.

Another opportunity to explore Tromso

Your Christmas expedition cruise ends back in Tromso. If you didn’t have an opportunity to explore this beautiful town before the cruise, make sure you do now. There’s so much to see and do here.