Scandinavian terra incognita in winter: an insider tip, adventure and expedition region in one. What wondrous worlds did the Ice Age leave behind around the Gulf of Bothnia? How traditionally do the people of Lapland still live? Where is the best place to enjoy the typical Scandinavian sense of hygge? Only the HANSEATIC spirit can provide the answers. Draw on the wealth of experience of the experts on board: they will provide commentary on the day passage through the Kiel Canal and their presentations will turn the entire route into a journey of discovery.

You will be in the perfect frame of mind to enjoy cruising through the Stockholm Archipelago. The deck is the ideal vantage point to see 24,000 islands, a unique piece of natural heritage. There is no trace of the hustle and bustle of the high season in winter and you will have a special opportunity to explore Stockholm at a relaxed pace, whether you choose to walk through the fabulous old town or visit the open-air museum Skansen*. Even when you go cross-country skiing* around Lake Kalltorp, the only people you encounter will be locals. Afterwards, we will head north to the Bothnian Sea.

The spirit of adventure will hang in the clear air as you press on into the northern extension of the Baltic Sea. Situated between Sweden and Finland, the Gulf of Bothnia attracted settlers such as the ancestors of the people of Lapland as if by magic. To this day, the settlements on the banks are living proof of the people’s tradition and their relationship with nature. Sundsvall is one charming example. Marvel at the 19th-century brick architecture as you explore the city at your own pace.

Cruising through the Kvarken Archipelago reveals how black guillemots and red-throated divers spend the winter. With more than 5,000 islands, the paradisiacal skerry landscape is split into a Swedish part and a Finnish part. The group of islands in the Gulf of Bothnia marks the border between Bothnian Bay to the north and the Bothnian Sea to the south.

Situated at the northern end of Bothnian Bay, Lulea is your gateway to Swedish Lapland. From this point on, your days will be full of adventure and outdoor winter activities ranging from active and sporty to relaxed and comfortable – be it on a hovercraft tour* in the Lulea archipelago or riding a fat bike* over the ice and snow. Gammelstad Church Town* is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and attests to the lives and beliefs of people in northern Scandinavia. Shed light on the history of this snowy church town on an atmospheric guided tour with torches. Alternatively, get in the mood for adventure near the Arctic Circle by going hiking and ice fishing* on frozen lakes. Would you like even more Nordic highlights? Relax with a warm drink and wait for the aurora borealis as you observe the Northern Lights* in a camp.

The Finnish town of Kemi is situated 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 sled pulled by huskies*. The Arktikum museum in Rovaniemi* paints an interesting picture of life in Lapland. An evening visit to 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. Whatever activity you choose, exhilarating winter experiences are guaranteed!

Experiences that are only possible with a small expedition ship that is suitable for polar regions like the HANSEATIC spirit await you on the flexible expedition day in Bothnian Bay. Depending on the ice and weather conditions, the spirit Walk and glass balconies will become your front-row seats. You might even be able to ride out in a Zodiac.

With bobbin lace and picturesque wooden houses, Rauma is a living example of Finnish craftsmanship. They are almost completely on their own at this time of year. Wind your way through the charming old town which 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.