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 Swedish Lapland.

Experience the tradition and close relationship with nature of the Sami* in snowy Lulea, an ideal starting point for discovering Swedish Lapland on a variety of tours. During a winter experience with huskies* or a ride on a fat bike* across the ice and snow, the city’s surroundings become a real winter adventure for you. Explore the Gammelstad Church Town UNESCO World Heritage Site* on a guided tour with insights into the northern Scandinavian past. Alternatively, winter hiking and ice fishing* provide a taste of adventure. In clear weather, you will have a good chance of observing the Northern Lights from the deck of your ship.

Kemi welcomes you not far from the Arctic Circle, and the sense of winter exploration is palpable everywhere – whether you go snowshoe hiking* in the snowy spruce forest or ride a dog sleigh pulled by huskies*. A visit to the Arktikum museum in Rovaniemi* paints an interesting picture of life in Lapland. Looking around the SnowCastle*, a hotel and restaurant that are rebuilt each year, is like something straight out of a fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen.

Oulu too is popular among outdoor enthusiasts. How about an example? Then take a ride in a reindeer sleigh* and on a snowmobile* or go cross-country skiing* 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.