Ultimate Norway at New Year’s - Arctic Expedition under the Northern Lights

With its centre located on the island of Tromsø, the municipality of Tromsø is more than five times the size of Norway’s capital, Oslo, and is the world’s northernmost university city. Lying 200 miles inside the Arctic Circle, it is known as the 'Gateway to the Arctic' because it was used as a starting point for hunters looking for Arctic foxes, polar bears and seals. In the 19th century it was a base for explorers on Arctic expeditions – a history that is remembered in the city’s Polar Museum, which you can visit on an excursion. Also commemorated in the area is the history of Norway’s indigenous people, the Sami. Visitors can learn about the traditions, heritage and modern preservation of the Sami culture at the Tromsø Museum. Nowadays, Tromsø is a charming mix of old and new, with wooden buildings sitting alongside contemporary architecture such as the impressive glacier-like Arctic Cathedral, which features one of the largest stained glass windows in Europe. Looking down on the city is Mount Storsteinen, and a cable car runs to the top, giving wonderful views over the surrounding countryside of forested peaks and reindeer pastures.

Discover the gateway to the Arctic 

Tromsø was the base for many historic Arctic expeditions, including those of Roald Amundsen, and its situation 250 miles north of the Polar Circle has led to it being called the ‘Gateway to the Arctic’. Just like the legendary explorers, now it is your turn to set a course for the High Arctic. 

If you arrive early in Tromsø, take the opportunity to ride the Fjellheisen cable car for wide views over this city, located some 200 miles north of the Arctic Circle. Stroll past the modernist Arctic Cathedral, duck into cosy cafés glowing with festive lights, and keep one eye on the water: whales are sometimes spotted offshore. 

Approaching the scenic Lyngen Alps via the Lyngenfjord 

For the next twelve days we’ll be exploring four distinct regions in depth, each with its own outstanding features and unique beauty. The first such region we’re likely to visit is Lyngen. 

The scenic Lyngen area is a landscape of jagged, snowy mountains, and a magnet for winter activities. Lyngenfjord is over a hundred miles long, and we’ll spend our time here going on nature landings, hiking, snowshoeing, kayaking and, if conditions allow, spotting whales from our small expedition boats or the ship’s deck. 

Later, it’s time for a real treat. Inspired by Norway’s friluftsliv, or deep love for the great outdoors, we’ll gather on the beach and enjoy the warmth of a bonfire on our Day to Dusk – Flames and Flavours experience. With hot drinks in hand and Norwegian treats cooked by our onboard chefs, you’ll really feel at one with nature. If we’re lucky, perhaps the Northern Lights will put on a display for us.

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. 

We 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, we’ll sometimes be sailing in the dark and at dusk during the day – but this will only enhance our experience, with glittering snowscapes illuminated by the low sun and the starlight.   

Experience dramatic panoramas and ring in the New Year

In winter, the Lofoten Islands transform into a snow-covered wonderland. Approaching the dramatically steep mountains of Lofoten by ship is an experience that’s unforgettable. You’ll be in awe of the landscapes as we sail through 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. Narrow fjords, hidden beaches between towering mountains and picturesque fish villages are all ideal to visit with a small ship like MS Spitsbergen. 

You’ll be immersed in the natural beauty of Lofoten as you ring in the New Year. What better place to commit to your New Year’s resolutions than the edge of the world, where old meets new in every way. Perhaps the Northern Lights may even appear to mark the occasion. 

During your time in Lofoten, the Expedition Team will seek out the best places for nature landings and exploration, perhaps at one of the many fine beaches likely covered in pristine snow. We may head out in our small expedition boats to explore between remote islands or get out the kayaks.  

We also hope to visit the fishing port of Svolvaer, where you can discover how Lofoten’s fisheries have shaped the culture here. 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. 

At 68 degrees North, Narvik lies 140 miles inside the Arctic Circle. Its history as a settlement began in the Stone Age, and Vikings are also known to have lived in the area. The modern town came into existence in the 1870s to serve the needs of the iron industry. Iron ore is mined in neighbouring Sweden and, as an ice-free port, Narvik was chosen as the ideal export location. The LKAB mining corporation is still a major employer and landowner in the area, shipping some 25,000,000 tons of iron ore from the port annually. This industrial heritage has shaped the town and now forms the basis of some of its most popular tourist attractions. In 1883 a co-owned British-Swedish company was given permission to build a railway connecting the Swedish iron mines in Kiruna to Narvik. It opened in 1902 and the town, then christened Victoriahavn, grew up around it. Unfortunately much of Narvik was destroyed in World War II. Invaded by the Nazis on 9 April 1940, it was later retaken by the Allies, representing the first military defeat of Hitler’s troops, but was evacuated as part of Operation Alphabet when it came under German occupation again. The local war museum documents the turbulent history of this period.

Where history meets Arctic wilderness 

Narvik has a spectacular setting, perched on a peninsula surrounded by three striking fjords: Ofotfjord, Rombaken, and Beisfjord. Despite sitting some 135 miles within the Arctic Circle, the town’s popular ski slopes are sheltered from strong coastal winds by the surrounding mountains, and it enjoys a milder climate than you might expect thanks to the North Atlantic Current. 

Closely linked to the Swedish iron mines and WWII, Narvik traces its history back to the Vikings and beyond. While here, you can wander the local museums and see this colourful past brought to life, or explore the town’s many galleries, shops and cafés serving locally sourced food. Or you can join an optional excursion to explore the region further.  

Navigating the waterways of the north

As we head towards Vesterålen, your Captain and Expedition Leader will chart the day’s route based on conditions and opportunities, ensuring we make the most of what the region has to offer. 

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

Enjoy an exclusive adventure

Vesterålen awaits us with its beautiful snow-covered landscapes, ideal for expedition activities such as snowshoe hiking, expedition boat cruising and kayaking. We plan to spend two days in this region. 

It’s here that we have our 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 legendary ship, MS Finnmarken. 

Enjoy an exclusive adventure

Vesterålen awaits us with its beautiful snow-covered landscapes, ideal for expedition activities such as snowshoe hiking, expedition boat cruising and kayaking. We plan to spend two days in this region. 

It’s here that we have our 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 legendary ship, MS Finnmarken. 

Experience a final day on expedition 

We’ll stay sheltered in the deep fjords as we make our way back towards Tromsø – at each turn there will be a new island or mountain. Along the way, we have plenty of time to scout out landing sites in our small expedition boats, and to go on nature walks and take part in other activities.  

The scenery continues to be stunning as we pass through these inner waters, with the winter sun illuminating the landscapes and mountains or enjoy the magic of the polar night. We also pass through areas where we’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 Centre. 

With its centre located on the island of Tromsø, the municipality of Tromsø is more than five times the size of Norway’s capital, Oslo, and is the world’s northernmost university city. Lying 200 miles inside the Arctic Circle, it is known as the 'Gateway to the Arctic' because it was used as a starting point for hunters looking for Arctic foxes, polar bears and seals. In the 19th century it was a base for explorers on Arctic expeditions – a history that is remembered in the city’s Polar Museum, which you can visit on an excursion. Also commemorated in the area is the history of Norway’s indigenous people, the Sami. Visitors can learn about the traditions, heritage and modern preservation of the Sami culture at the Tromsø Museum. Nowadays, Tromsø is a charming mix of old and new, with wooden buildings sitting alongside contemporary architecture such as the impressive glacier-like Arctic Cathedral, which features one of the largest stained glass windows in Europe. Looking down on the city is Mount Storsteinen, and a cable car runs to the top, giving wonderful views over the surrounding countryside of forested peaks and reindeer pastures.

Another opportunity to explore Tromsø 

Your New Year expedition cruise ends back in Tromsø. 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. 

After days immersed in the stillness of the season and the quiet power of the north’s midwinter light, you’ll return renewed, with fresh energy, new perspectives, and a deeper sense of clarity for the year ahead.