White landscapes, deep snow and frozen lakes in remote forests – in winter, nature in northern Europe can be experienced in a completely new way and particularly intensively during a wide range of outdoor activities. Come on board the HANSEATIC nature and fulfil your dream of an extraordinary cruise along Norway’s coast. The Northern Lights – which, with a bit of luck, you’ll be able to marvel at from the deck in clear weather – will be a constant reminder of the beauty of nature. The perfect prelude to your cruise is our pre-cruise programme – introducing you to Tromso as the “gateway to the Arctic Ocean” or allowing you to intensively explore the snow-filled surrounding countryside in an active way.

Kirkenes awakens real feelings of discovery – a premiere for Hapag-Lloyd Cruises and the small HANSEATIC nature at this time of year. The remotely located old mining town lies on the wide Pasvik river, forming the border between Norway and Russia, and it will be your starting point for fabulous winter experiences. On a king crab safari*, you will travel by snowmobile to the fishing baskets of these impressive animals. Alternatively, experience the beautiful nature on a snowshoe hike* or from a dog sleigh*. The nearby Snowhotel 365*, by contrast, is all about impressive snow architecture, fascinating ice sculptures and atmospheric lighting. And time and again, the many open deck areas of your expedition ship become observation platforms at night when the Northern Lights dance across the sky.

Once again, you will be captivated by the North Cape, which you will reach from Honningsvag by bus or actively by snowmobile*.

You will have plenty of time in Alta for extensive explorations of the region: discover the landscape of northern Norway, for example, on a dog sleigh ride* through enchanted forests or go on an active snowshoe hike*. A fat bike tour* across the snow and ice or a reindeer sleigh ride* are also on the programme. On a visit to the Sami*, you can immerse yourself more deeply in their tradition and way of life during a cosy get-together around the campfire. The only way of getting to know the culture even more intensively is by spending the night in a husky camp*. A winter fairy tale will come true when you check into the magical Igloo Hotel*. Incredibly, the bedrooms are carved entirely out of ice. Maybe the mysterious Northern Lights will even make an appearance in the clear night sky.

In the Lofoten Islands – wondrous skerry landscape, stockfish archipelago and expedition territory in equal measure – the idyllic main town of Svolvaer welcomes you. The colourful houses form a scenic contrast to the snow-covered island landscape. On starry winter nights, there is a good chance of admiring the magical Northern Lights in the sky.

The Svartisen glacier, which you can get very close to on an active hike to the tongue of ice, is likewise a work of art created by nature.

Today will be entirely devoted to exploring, with the HANSEATIC nature cruising nimbly through the Norwegian fjords. Be captivated by the changing series of fantastic views of the wintry landscape – from the nature Walk or the many open deck areas, for instance. When thick fog slowly enshrouds the striking mountains and the days don’t really want to get light anymore, the scenery is bathed in a particularly mystical atmosphere. Perhaps it is precisely in these moments that you can guess why Norway is also called the “land of the trolls”?

The famous Geirangerfjord is like an amphitheatre of almost vertical rock faces and countless waterfalls. What stories are hidden behind names like “Seven Sisters” and “Suitor”?

Near Stavanger, the Lysefjord* with its peaks of up to 1,000 m (3,281 ft) high makes for an unforgettable final impression on the Norwegian Inside Passage – and numerous breathtaking moments and unforgettable images of nature will be in your luggage.