Kiel - Hamburg Diverse Norway with a course set for Svalbard

Nestled between picturesque fjords and steep hillsides, Norway’s second-largest city, Bergen, exudes the charm of a lively coastal city. The Hanseatic quarter of Bryggen, with its colourful wooden houses as a reminder of the city’s trading and seafaring history, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and gives Bergen its unique character. A walk along the harbour, where fishing boats moor up in the mornings, leads you to the busy fish market – a place full of aromas where fresh specialities are sold straight off the boats. The city brings visitors under its spell with its harmonious blend of history, liveliness and breathtaking natural scenery.

Svartisen, the second-biggest glacier in Norway, covers a surface area of around 370 km² (143 mi.²) in the north-west of the country. The area is a real paradise for nature-lovers and adventure seekers, who come to see the remote icy landscapes of the Arctic in all their glory. The glacier is composed of two parts, the Ostisen and the Vestisen, which are separated by a valley and offer a stunning scene of steep mountain peaks and deep-blue ice fields. A visit to Svartisen is a journey into the silent and sublime beauty of a world of ice.

Often called the “Gateway to the Arctic”, Tromso is the largest city in northern Norway. Nestled between fjords and mountains, it is a perfect place to see the Northern Lights, as well as enjoy polar nights and the midnight sun. Tromso’s charming old town is on the island of Tromsoya, which is connected to the mainland by the impressive Tromsobrua bridge. A cable car provides an easy way up the Storsteinen, the local mountain, and from here you can enjoy breathtaking views of the impressive Arctic Cathedral featuring one of Europe’s largest stained-glass windows and the surrounding Arctic landscapes.

Massive glaciers, deep fjords and untouched wilderness: welcome to Svalbard. The habitat of polar bears, Arctic foxes, whales and walruses awakens true feelings of discovery while the EUROPA 2 cruises through the Arctic world of ice. The flexible itinerary of the daily routes will be decided by the weather and ice.

In the north of Norway on the island of Mageroya lies Honningsvag, the gateway to the legendary North Cape. With a population of around 2,300, Honningsvag is the administrative centre of the Nordkapp municipality and is known for its fishing industry and tourism. The town was rebuilt after the Second World War and is now a mix of tradition and modernity. Around 30 km (19 mi.) away, the globe monument at the North Cape is the symbol of the northernmost point of the European continent. Impressive slate cliffs reach far out into the Arctic Ocean, forming a spectacular backdrop especially in late summer, when the sun stays over the horizon for two and a half months. Honningsvag is a meeting point between the raw Nordic climate and the forces of nature.

Majestic mountains, deep-blue fjords, green valleys and idyllic beaches – the Lofoten Islands are a unique scenic location in the north of Norway. The 80 or so islands north of the Arctic Circle stretch for over a hundred kilometres along the west coast and are a paradise for adventure seekers and hikers. Leknes lies in the heart of the archipelago. Here you can enjoy the view and some regional specialities in the cosy cafes and restaurants or look for hand-made souvenirs in the little shops.

Rorvik is considered the gateway to the picturesque islands of the Vikna archipelago. This small town thrives and lives off the sea, fishing and coastal trade – you can learn exciting details about the 10,000-year cultural history of the coast at the Coastal Museum Norveg. Stroll through Rorvik past traditional wooden houses and discover the lively harbour, small shops and cafes where the connection to seafaring is very much evident.

Trondheim, with its idyllic location on a peninsula in the Trondheimfjord, combines over 1,000 years of history with modern urban life. In the centre of the city is the Torget marketplace, surrounded by historic streets and the Art Museum. A particularly impressive landmark of the city is Nidaros Cathedral, one of the largest Gothic buildings in Scandinavia and once the burial site of kings. North of the marketplace is the Stiftsgarden, a magnificent 18th-century wooden palace, which is now used as a royal residence. A walk over the old town bridge, also known as the “Portal of Happiness” due to its decorative red portals, leads visitors into the Bakklandet district with its little cafes and colourful wooden houses.

The EUROPA 2 will also take you to the famous Geirangerfjord as it hugs the coastline. The UNESCO World Heritage Site seems unreal and will draw you under its spell with its majestic mountains and cliffs rising up to 1,000 m (3,280 ft) out of the water. Numerous waterfalls plunge into the fjord, including the “Seven Sisters” with a drop of 250 m (820 ft). Legend has it that the “Suitor” waterfall on the opposite bank had its eye on the beautiful sisters, but its desires remained unfulfilled because of the fjord that kept them apart. Out of frustration, it took to the bottle, which is now apparently reflected in its shape like a liquor bottle. You too will be intoxicated by the sight of this natural wonder, which will stay in your memory forever.

From impressive fjords, such as the Lysefjord with its steep cliffs, to idyllic sandy beaches along the coast – there is plenty for nature lovers to explore here. Explore the Lysefjord by excursion boat or speedy RIB. You can explore the charming old town of Stavanger on foot, by Nordic Walking or by Segway – Stavanger is a real treasure trove of possibilities.