Hurtigruten Expeditions Sublime Svalbard - From Hamburg via Norway's Springtime Fjords

14-day itinerary

Day 1: Germany’s second city

Your expedition cruise will begin in Hamburg – Germany’s Hanseatic treasure.

There’s so much to see and do in one of Europe’s greenest urban areas. Visit the Aldstadt district which includes attractions such as the St Nikolai memorial and the historic street of Deichstrasse.

If you have enough time, there are also plenty of UNESCO recognised Heritage Sites while in Hamburg. Be sure to visit Chilehaus, the world’s largest historic warehouse complex in Speicherstadt, along with Kunsthalle, the nation’s prominent art museum.

Day 2: Relaxed Esbjerg

The perfect blend of historic charm and modern Scandinavian chic, Esbjerg is the ideal destination to kick-start your expedition cruise journey. After arriving in Denmark’s west coast, a shuttle bus will take you into the centre so you can explore at your own pace. Why not visit one of Esbjerg’s many bakeries to try the famous rye bread sandwiches?

Following this, re-board your cruise ship and take advantage of MS Fram’s excellent facilities, with the remainder of the day being at sea.

Day 3: Historic Haugesund

The journey continues from Denmark to Norway as you reach the region of Haugesund – an area well-known for its connections to the Vikings. The area is now home to many historic sites which display its Viking heritage. Weather permitting, you’ll have the opportunity to visit a recreated Viking settlement on the small island of Bukkøya, as well as the Nordvegen History Centre to gain intriguing insights into the Viking and maritime history of Haugesund.

Day 4: Sognefjord

Immerse yourself in the wonderful, panoramic views as the cruise sails towards the charming hamlet of Fjærland, located deep into Sognefjorden. While here, experience Europe’s largest glacier as you explore where Sognefjorden meets Jostedalsbreen.

Embark on a visit to the Norwegian Glacier Museum to learn about how the glaciers were formed, with there being an opportunity to perform experiments on the 1,000-year-old glacier ice.

Day 5: Alpine Åndalsnes

The next destination on your journey will be the idyllic fjord side town of Andalsnes. Take in the breath-taking surrounding scenery of the striking mountains, deep valleys and daramtic fjords, while on a gondola ride up Mount Nesaksla.

To fully immerse in the region’s sheer natural beauty, join the expedition team for a guided hike or a kayak paddle in the fjord, to get up close and personal with Andalsnes’ wonders.

Day 6: Toward the Arctic Circle

Make the most of the onboard facilities as you sail towards Lofoten. Be sure to visit the science centre to deepen your understanding of the upcoming regions, or simply relax and prepare yourself for the experiences ahead.

Day 7: Lofoten

As the expedition approaches the strikingly steep mountains of Lofoten, take time to fully immerse yourself in the surreal surroundings. Witness the windswept islands, sheltered bays, and some of the most impressive fjords in the world in this beautiful region. Scan for the abundance of birdlife including sea eagles, as you drink in the sheer natural majesty of this coastline.

The Lofoten Islands will transform into a snow-covered utopia as winter approaches, with narrow fjords concealed behind looming mountains and charming fishing villages being expertly navigated by the MS Fram. Experience an authentic fishing trip from Svolvaer, or alternatively relax in a traditional Nordic sauna before taking an exhilarating polar plunge.

Day 8: Tromso

Set against a backdrop of snowy mountains, the vibrant city of Tromso is the next destination on your expedition cruise. Historically, the city has been utilised as a crucial strategic base for many previous Arctic expeditions. Many the explorer have passed through here including the legendary Roald Amundsen, with the city’s location being 250 miles North of the Polar Circle leading to many referring to it as ‘The Gateway to the Arctic’.

Day 9: The North Cape

Take advantage of the unique opportunity to explore Europe’s northernmost point on day 9, as you reach the north part of Magerøya island.

Embark on a scenic walk the cape’s towering cliff edge, immersing yourself in the incredible panoramic views of ‘world’s end’. You can also gain more historical insights into the region during a visit to North Cape Hall.

Day 10: Another day at sea

Take time to disconnect from the modern world as the cruise sails deeper into the Arctic towards the Svalbard archipelago. Immerse yourself in the peace and serenity of being at sea. Enjoy a workout in the onboard gym facilities, or kick back in the explorer lounge and bar with a refreshing drink.

As ever, gather more insights about the Arctic Islands by speaking to the Expedition Team, leaning on their wealth of knowledge to prepare yourself for the visit to Spitsbergen.

Day 11-13: Spitsbergen

During the next three days, you’ll be exploring the natural beauty and wondrous ecosystem of the Northwest Spitsbergen National Park. In this deserted and tranquil wilderness, steep mountains, stark glaciers, and stunning offshore Islands’ make up most of this unique region’s landscape. Use these areas to look out for exciting wildlife, including seals, whales, walruses, and potentially even the elusive polar bear hunting for its next meal.

Get ready to explore; your Expedition Team will be on-hand to seize any opportunity to launch kayaks or to go ashore to hike or participate in a beach clean-up.

Sailing south towards the southernmost tip of Spitsbergen, you may visit one of Svalbard’s most stunning fjords, Hornsund. The sheer contrast between the vibrant vegetation and the looming mountains provides a breathtaking backdrop as you make your way along the idyllic waterway. Alternatively, the team may take you to Ny Alesund, the world’s northernmost settlement and a significant climate research station.

As the expedition journeys towards the northwestern corner of Spitsbergen, you’ll cruise through Sørgattet, the southern entrance to Smeerenburgfjord. Absorb the region’s scenic views which are illuminated by the soft midnights sun, with a trip across the 80^th parallel north to discover the ever-changing ice age potentially being on the cards.

Day 14: Longyearbyen: A final day at the top of the world

Your exhilarating expedition reaches its conclusion after you arrive in Longyearbyen.

Take time to reflect on this incredible experience, whilst holding on to your now extensive knowledge of the Arctic’s history, the region’s landscape and ecosystem, as well as the effect that climate change can have on areas of outstanding natural beauty such as this.

Discover more of what Longyearbyen before a transfer takes you home, doing a spot of souvenir shopping to remember your experience by.

MS Fram