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. Stavanger with its historic harbour welcomes you to the northern world. The small HANSEATIC nature easily masters Norway’s Inside Passage as it cruises in the Lysefjord surrounded by peaks up to 1,000 m (3,281 ft) high. The ship will take you from one highlight to the next on your route along the coast.

In Bergen, old merchant houses recall the historical significance of the port city. Set against a remarkable wintry mountain backdrop, take a gentle stroll through the Hanseatic quarter of Bryggen, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to see its colourful houses and narrow streets. Follow in the footsteps of the merchants and visit the popular fish market.

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

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. Maybe you will also spot whales. When thick fog slowly enshrouds the striking mountains, 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”?

With 370 km² (143 mi.²), the Svartisen glacier is the second-largest glacier in Norway – a true work of art created by nature. Enjoy the unique scenery with glacial lake and mountains as well as the clear winter air. You will also have the opportunity to hike to the tongue of ice.

Wondrous skerry landscape, stockfish archipelago or expeditionary territory – however you choose to describe the Lofoten Islands, they form a contrast of dramatic landscapes and idyllic fishing villages with the main town of Svolvaer. On starry winter nights, there is a good chance of admiring the Northern Lights in the sky. Will the mystical celestial phenomenon make an appearance?

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.

The maritime centre of the North Cape region, Honningsvag, offers a picturesque contrast between colourful houses and rugged landscape. A particular highlight is the ambience at the North Cape*, the most northerly point on the European mainland. The term winter sports will take on a whole new meaning – on an exciting quad bike tour* or a snowmobile safari*.

The remotely located old mining town of Kirkenes lies on the wide Pasvik river, forming the border between Norway and Russia, and it will be your starting point for further fabulous winter experiences. Embark on a king crab safari* via 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.

At the end of the cruise, you can reflect on your adventure while cruising off the North Cape, enjoying the many open deck areas and spectacular views of Norway’s winter landscape one last time.