Southern Scandinavia: Between Norwegian Fjords and Swedish Isles (Southbound)

Surrounded by mountains and sparkling fjords, the waterside city of Bergen has a spectacular setting. There has been a settlement here since medieval times and the colourful waterfront buildings of the Hanseatic wharf, known as Bryggen, are testament to its fascinating history of trade. As Norway’s best known medieval settlement, the Bryggen is listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Our comprehensive selection of excursions allows you to discover the many sides of Bergen, such as the fish market and narrow cobbled streets, as well as stunning views of the city from the summit of Mt Fløyen. Alternatively, those who have visited the city previously may like to experience one of the tours that travel further afield. Just 300 yards from the main piers, you will find the Fortress Museum (Fesningsmuseum), which has an interesting collection of objects related to World War II.

Gateway to the fjords

Welcome to beautiful Bergen, one of Norway’s most historic maritime cities. For centuries, Bergen has stood at the crossroads of trade and exploration. Now it’s your turn to voyage through ancient northern sea routes once sailed by the Vikings.

Before embarking your ship, take some time to explore. At Bryggen wharf, the historic harbour district, you can stand alongside mustard-coloured houses and wander through narrow alleyways. Or for a panoramic view of the city, ride up the Fløibanen funicular.

MS Spitsbergen is waiting for you. Get familiar with your ship and its crew as anticipation builds for the adventure ahead.

Explore Norway’s most lush fjord system

Over two days we’ll be taking in the lush glacial landscapes of one of the world’s most famous fjord systems. Head to the deck as we glide past apple orchards, pretty villages, and towering mountains descending into the waters below. Enjoy the chance to appreciate the autumnal colours, with mist-cloaked valleys and slopes of deep green and fiery red.

We’ll explore this remarkable region in true expedition style, perhaps heading out to explore on water level in Zodiacs or kayaks. Our aim is to reach Eidfjord, a breathtaking village surrounded by slate-grey peaks and tumbling waterfalls.

Throughout the voyage, the Expedition Team will share insights into the fascinating geology, culture, and wildlife. As the scenery drifts by, why not try a local Hardanger cider, raising a glass to the exciting adventure.

Step back in time

As we sail through Norway, we’ll head for the rugged region of Haugesund, known as the ‘Homeland of Viking Kings’. This is a storied region where you can delve deep into maritime lore. It’s said that it was here that King Harald Fairhair first united Norway into a single kingdom. From this royal seat, Norway’s kings controlled the renowned shipping route of Nordvegen: ‘the way to the north’, from which the country takes its name.

We’ll be heading to a Viking settlement on the small island of Bukkøya, getting a sense of what daily life was like by these remote waters. On Karmøy, you can learn about Norway’s Viking and maritime history at the Nordvegen History Centre.

Welcome to the Norwegian fjords

With a backdrop of cloud-shrouded mountains and tumbling waterfalls, of small farms and jade-green waters, we'll explore one of the world's most breathtaking fjords. Wind, rain, or shine, head to the deck to take it all in: glide past narrow passages and soak in dramatic scenery that reveals itself from every angle. In autumn, drifting mist and shifting light create an especially memorable atmosphere.

If conditions allow, you may also have the chance to hike to Preikestolen, 'The Pulpit Rock’, one of Norway's most iconic natural landmarks. Rising high above the fjord below, it's worth every step of the climb.

Cosy cafés and historic houses in a picturesque port

In Farsund, maritime trading flourished for centuries, shaping a coastal culture with deep historical ties to the Netherlands and Germany. Today, it’s a beautiful place to explore at your own pace, strolling past wooden houses and exploring the quiet streets that are lined with cosy cafés.

The autumnal atmosphere makes the town feel particularly special, with windows aglow with soft lighting and flickering candles. For something more active, join the Expedition Team to discover the surrounding region.

Discover Sweden’s first marine national park

The Koster Islands is a breathtaking archipelago dotted across Sweden’s first marine national park. This is an area that’s best explored by Zodiac, where we can skim past the pink-grey granite islands, appreciating the rich marine life that thrives in the cold-water coral.

As we go, you’ll learn about the people who have inhabited these shores for thousands of years, with a legacy stretching back to the Stone Age. Those who lived here learned to endure political and natural challenges, creating a distinctive maritime culture of resilience.

Over the course of the day we’ll explore this natural paradise, appreciating rocky coasts lined with heather and juniper and watching for playful seals peeping out of the water.

Don't tell the residents of Göteborg that they live in Sweden's "second city," but not because they will get upset (people here are known for their amiability and good humor). They just may not understand what you are talking about. People who call Göteborg (pronounced YOO-teh-bor; most visitors stick with the simpler "Gothenburg") home seem to forget that the city is diminutive in size and status compared to Stockholm.Spend a couple of days here and you'll forget, too. You'll find it's easier to ask what Göteborg hasn't got to offer rather than what it has. Culturally it is superb, boasting a fine opera house and theater, one of the country's best art museums, as well as a fantastic applied-arts museum. There's plenty of history to soak up, from the ancient port that gave the city its start to the 19th-century factory buildings and workers' houses that helped put it on the commercial map. For those looking for nature, the wild-west coast and tame green fields are both within striking distance. And don't forget the food. Since its inception in 1983, more than half of the "Swedish Chef of the Year" competition winners were cooking in Göteborg.

Explore the wild islands beyond Gothenburg

Today we venture into the Gothenburg archipelago, a wild cluster of close to 8,000 islands.

The landscape here remains deeply connected to maritime traditions, and life here remains tied to the sea, with small harbours, red and white wooden houses, and isolated island communities that feel far removed from the busy streets of Gothenburg city.

If the weather conditions allow, we’ll explore some of the lesser-visited islands, narrow sounds, granite skerries, and fishing communities by Zodiac. With the golden autumn light settling over the Nordic coast, this is a particularly peaceful time of year.

By the 11th century, Copenhagen was already an important trading and fishing centre and today you will find an attractive city which, although the largest in Scandinavia, has managed to retain its low-level skyline. Discover some of the famous attractions including Gefion Fountain and Amalienborg Palace, perhaps cruise the city’s waterways, visit Rosenborg Castle or explore the medieval fishing village of Dragoer. Once the home of Hans Christian Andersen, Copenhagen features many reminders of its fairytale heritage and lives up to the reputation immortalised in the famous song ‘Wonderful Copenhagen’.

Discover the ‘city of spires’

Enjoy a relaxed morning at sea, embracing the Scandinavian way of life by making full use of the ship’s sauna and hot tubs.

Appreciate the views from the deck looking out for the city skyline of Copenhagen, where you’ll spend a laid-back afternoon exploring. Known as the ‘city of spires’ thanks to its impressive architecture, the capital of Denmark is a compact and easy city to explore. Gaze up at grand urban palaces and royal residences, visit its numerous museums, or get lost in the medieval alleyways.

We'll be introducing another way to uncover the city: by Zodiac. We’ll lower the boats into the water and give you a perspective of the city that few experience.

Known for the Kiel Canal and Kiel Week, the city boasts an important maritime history. Kiel is also a great place to sight-see, do some shopping and take part in one of the many festivals taking place there.

Gateway to the Baltic seas

Your expedition ends in Kiel, a true maritime hub on the Northern coast of Germany. For generations, it's been the start point for voyages to the North Atlantic, Baltic Sea, and beyond. Today, it’s your end point, a fitting finale for an incredible adventure at sea. Bid farewell to your fellow passengers, with the exciting possibility of shared journeys, elsewhere in the world, ahead of you.

Before you head home, take some time to stroll along the wide promenades of Kiel, appreciating the unique German and Scandinavian culture that's been carved out over countless generations of maritime travel.