A real winter with snow and lots of light on long days – simply wishful thinking? Not at the end of March in Swedish and Finnish Lapland. Because while spring is almost upon us at home, the northern Baltic Sea is still icy and snowy. But life is awakening here too, in the middle of a wintry world where the days, which are longer again, are particularly eventful. And on starry nights, there is a good chance of admiring the magical Northern Lights in the sky. Draw on the wealth of experience of the experts on board: they will provide commentary while cruising off the chalk cliffs of Mon, their presentations turning the entire route into a journey of discovery.

When cruising through the Stockholm Archipelago, you will find yourself in the middle of a network of 24,000 islands. The deck provides the best views. At this time of year, away from the peak season, you will feel a serenity that makes you see Stockholm with different eyes: take a relaxed stroll through the dreamy old town or visit the open-air museum Skansen*. A winter walk in the Tyresta National Park* is also invigorating.

What awaits you in the northern extension of the Baltic Sea, which is iced over until the end of April? Only a small expedition ship like the HANSEATIC nature, which is suitable for polar regions, can navigate this area. Depending on the weather and ice conditions, a flexible expedition day in the Bothnian Sea and Bothnian Bay lies ahead of you. Enjoy your exclusive front-row seat on the many open deck areas and look forward to spectacular views of the shores of Finnish Lapland.

Not far from the Arctic Circle, Kemi in Finnish Lapland welcomes you after an exciting trip through the ice of the northern Baltic Sea, where winter feelings of discovery are tangible everywhere with a variety of outdoor activities. Whether snowshoeing* in the snow-covered spruce forest, exciting sled dog rides* or snowmobile or snowshoe safaris*. Kemi is also the starting point for discoveries in Swedish Lapland, where you can visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site Gammelstad Kyrkstad* and gain an insight into Sami culture. A visit to the Arktikum in Rovaniemi* provides interesting background information about life in Finnish Lapland. A visit to the snow castle in Kemi, which is rebuilt every year as a hotel and restaurant, makes you think it could have come straight out of a Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale. Look forward to fabulous days in the wintry countryside, where you might even be lucky enough to see the Northern Lights.

Oulu too is popular among outdoor enthusiasts. How about an example? Then take a ride in a reindeer sleigh* and on a snowmobile* through Finnish Lapland. 

On the second flexible expedition day in Bothnian Bay and the Bothnian Sea, nature keeps enticing you with new views that are only possible with a small expedition ship like the HANSEATIC nature.

With bobbin lace and picturesque wooden houses, Rauma is a living example of Finnish craftsmanship. You will have the place almost completely to yourself at this time of year. Wind your way through the charming old town that is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

In keeping with the contented feeling of hygge, explore the Danish capital of Copenhagen on foot with glogg and a pastry. Use the long lay time into the evening to stroll through the charming streets on your own and pay flying visits to the Little Mermaid and Amalienborg Palace.

Back in Hamburg, your winter adventures as well as the typical Nordic cosiness are sure to stay with you for a long time to come.