Fairy-tale festive days in the midst of Nordic nature with New Year’s Eve in Stockholm
Unique and highly personal: Christmas on board in the northern extension of the Baltic Sea
Active winter experiences1: snowshoe hikes, snowmobile safaris, dog sled rides and more
With luck, Northern Lights sightings from the deck
Visit Santa Claus in Rovaniemi1 in Finland, right on the Arctic Circle
1 The shore activities are not included in the cruise price and are in the planning stage. Subject to change without notice
Travel information
Sat, 20.12.2025
Individual travel arrangements to Hamburg, departure 18.00 hrs Evening cruise on the Elbe
Treat all your senses to an exceptional winter cruise on the HANSEATIC nature to welcome in the New Year. Glittering landscapes and illuminated cities, shimmering stars and maybe even the magical Northern Lights: this route is packed with the very best that Swedish and Finnish Lapland have to offer. The festivities for real explorers begin with views of marshes, forests and hills on the daytime passage through the Kiel Canal.
Mon, 22.12.2025
Relaxation at sea
On Gotland, you will be welcomed with “God Jul” – merry Christmas! The Swedish summer destination also has a special appeal in winter. In Visby, you can enjoy the Nordic Christmas spirit as you stroll through the narrow streets with their Christmas decorations.
Today you will celebrate Christmas Eve as never before: in a cosy, personal and maritime atmosphere on board the HANSEATIC nature, with views over the wide expanse of the northern extension of the Baltic Sea, the Gulf of Bothnia. Your best present will be time to yourself, perhaps to go on a culinary voyage of discovery, visit the OCEAN SPA or attend fascinating expert presentations. With a little luck, you will also be able to see the Northern Lights in the clear northern sky.
On Boxing Day, you will leave Kemi in Finland and head for Rovaniemi1 to visit Santa Claus in his official home town. Lit up with Christmas lights, the town on the Arctic Circle is enchanting with its arts and crafts and “Elves Forest”. Activities like snowshoe hiking1 in the snowy spruce forest or a snowmobile safari1 through Finnish Lapland are a gift for nature lovers.
There is also plenty to do and see in Lulea. Winter hike or ice trail? Frozen waters make it easy to make the transition. If you’re looking for a sense of pure adventure, go for a ride on a fat bike1 across the ice and snow or a winter experience with huskies1. Perhaps here you will get another chance to see the mysterious Northern Lights. Shed light on the Gammelstad Church Town1 UNESCO World Heritage Site on an atmospheric guided tour with torches.
A winter wonderland also awaits around Umea, the cultural capital of northern Sweden, surrounded by wild nature. Cross-country skiing1 in snowy Tavelsjo or a dog sled ride1 – where will the mood take you today?
The centre of Sundsvall is a well-preserved district from the late 19th century. Explore the “Stone City” at your leisure or, if you’re feeling energetic, climb the local hill.
Experience Stockholm in a special way: on a winter walk1 through the magical old town or on a winter visit to the Skansen open-air museum1 with its traditional Christmas and arts and craft market. Your travel concierge will arrange your individual activities and cultural programmes in the Swedish capital in advance on request.
Celebrate New Year's Eve on deck in front of the old town illuminated by fireworks. Excellent front-row seats in Stockholm for a particularly stylish end to the year.
It’s all about “New Year, new impressions” as you cruise through the Stockholm Archipelago – with knowledgeable commentary from your team of experts. Enjoy the clear air on the open deck areas of the ship.
Impressive views also await you when cruising through the archipelago off Karlskrona. Afterwards, as you walk through the picturesque baroque city, you will find the perfect balance between culture and relaxation – in accordance with the Swedish lagom way of life.
A cosy atmosphere, glogg and pastries will accompany your visit to Copenhagen. Take a relaxed stroll through the city, empty of all the hordes of summer visitors, or visit Zeeland’s fairy-tale castles1. This hygge feeling and your many wintry impressions will stay with you for a long time to come. What a great start to the New Year!
Sun, 04.01.2026
Relaxation at sea/Evening and night passage through the Kiel Canal
Mon, 05.01.2026
Hamburg, arrival 7.00 hrs Individual travel arrangements from cruise arrival point
The itinerary depends on the weather conditions. The natural experiences and Northern Lights sightings described are possibilities on this cruise and are not guaranteed.
1 The shore activities are not included in the cruise price and are in the planning stage. Subject to change.
Extend your trip
Our travel concierge will be happy to put together tailor-made travel arrangements for you according to your wishes. From design hotels to luxurious beach resorts to ticket reservations for theater visits or restaurant recommendations for the most exciting cities. The Travel Concierge is available to you before your trip and of course on board.
Winter in Scandinavia
An dieser Stelle finden Sie ein Video von Youtube, das den Artikel ergänzt. Mit einem Klick können Sie dieses anzeigen lassen. Ich bin damit einverstanden, dass mir externe Inhalte angezeigt werden. Damit können personenbezogene Daten an Drittplatformen übermittelt werden. Mehr dazu finden Sie in unseren Datenschutzbestimmungen.
Winter in Scandinavia
In winter, explore enchanting destinations across Scandinavia on various cruises with the expedition fleet of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises. Follow snow-covered coastlines into the icy northern extension of the Baltic Sea on the "Winter Adventures in Lapland" itineraries. Here, outdoor activities in the glistening snow await you – from dog sledding to snowshoe hikes. Off-season, you’ll discover new perspectives on Copenhagen and Stockholm, far from the usual crowds. During the relaxed exploration of enchantingly illuminated cities, you will experience unique moments of wonder on the "Northern Lights Adventure in Norway" cruises. In the narrow archipelago and fjord landscapes of Norway, your small expedition ship shows off its strengths to perfection, while you marvel at the mystical Northern Lights from the many open deck areas.
Price special
Attractive combination discount
Extend your stay with the previous cruise NAT2524 or the subsequent cruise NAT2601 and save € 900 per person (applies to Categories 1 – 10).
Included Services
Expedition and knowledge
All landings and rides in the ship’s own Zodiacs (Use of the Zodiacs depends on the destination and on official permits)
Experienced experts from various disciplines accompany every cruise, give presentations and multimedia lectures, provide well-informed answers to questions about the cruising area and take part in the Zodiac landings/rides and hikes from/to ship
Use of the interactive Ocean Academy with individual knowledge formats
Comprehensive information before the cruise – for example about the Arctic, Antarctic, the South Seas and the Amazon, as well as expedition maps
Cabin
In every cabin: champagne to welcome you, mini bar restocked daily with non-alcoholic beverages (additional selection in Grand Suites and Junior Suites), coffee machine (tea on request), 24-hour cabin service
Equipment for loan: one pair of binoculars and two sets of Nordic Walking poles in the cabin itself, furthermore warm parkas, rubber boots, snorkelling equipment
Flat-screen TV with information and entertainment programme, personal email account and Internet access via Wi-Fi (free of charge for one hour per guest and day, satellite-dependent especially in polar areas)
Information about harbours and destinations (where available) in the cabin
Restaurants
International gourmet cuisine – full board: breakfast (early-bird and late riser breakfast), bouillon, afternoon coffee/tea time, lunch and dinner (three restaurants to choose from in the evening with flexible opening hours)
For all cases
German ship and expedition management as well as a mostly German-speaking service crew
Harbour and airport fees
Cancellation fee insurance (20% excess) in the PLATINUM and GOLD fares
Spa and fitness
Extensive sports programme: fitness area with ocean view, course programme, additional sports activities on shore depending on the destination (Personal training for an additional charge)
OCEAN SPA with Finnish sauna with an ocean view, steam sauna, indoor and outdoor relaxation area (spa treatments and hairdresser at a surcharge)
