A different kind of spring with unique adventures in the icy, unknown north of the Baltic Sea
Active winter experiences1: snowshoe hikes, snowmobile safaris, dog sled rides and more
The HANSEATIC nature in its element: an expedition in the icy northern extension of the Baltic Sea
With luck, Northern Lights sightings from the deck
Stockholm and Copenhagen outside of peak season
1 The shore activities are not included in the cruise price and are in the planning stage. Subject to change.
A real winter with snow and lots of light on long days – simply wishful thinking? Not at the end of March in Swedish and Finnish Lapland. Because while spring is almost upon us at home, the northern Baltic Sea is still icy and snowy. But life is awakening here too, in the middle of a wintry world where the days, which are longer again, are particularly eventful. And on starry nights, there is a good chance of admiring the magical Northern Lights in the sky. Draw on the wealth of experience of the experts on board: they will provide commentary while cruising off the chalk cliffs of Mon, their presentations turning the entire route into a journey of discovery.
When cruising through the Stockholm Archipelago, you will find yourself in the middle of a network of 24,000 islands. The deck provides the best views. At this time of year, away from the peak season, you will feel a serenity that makes you see Stockholm with different eyes: take a relaxed stroll through the dreamy old town, explore Stockholm on a city tour1 or visit the open-air museum Skansen1.
What awaits you in the northern extension of the Baltic Sea, which is iced over until the end of April? Only a small expedition ship like the HANSEATIC nature, which is suitable for polar regions, can navigate this area. Depending on the weather and ice conditions, a flexible expedition day in the Bothnian Sea and Bothnian Bay lies ahead of you. Enjoy your exclusive front-row seat on the many open deck areas and look forward to spectacular views of the shores of Swedish Lapland.
Experience the tradition and close relationship with nature of the Sami1 in snowy Lulea, an ideal starting point for discovering Swedish Lapland on a variety of tours. During a winter experience with huskies1 or a ride on a fat bike1 across the ice and snow, the city’s surroundings become a real winter adventure for you. Explore the Gammelstad Church Town1 UNESCO World Heritage Site on a guided tour with insights into the northern Scandinavian past. Alternatively, winter hiking and ice fishing1 provide a taste of adventure. In clear weather, you will have a good chance of observing the Northern Lights from the deck of your ship.
The Finnish town of Kemi is situated not far from the Arctic Circle. You can experience for yourself how the locals get around on a snowmobile safari1, on a dog sleigh ride1 or on a snowshoe hike1 through deep snow-covered forests and along frozen lakes and rivers. Perhaps you would also like to try your hand at ice fishing1? Extend your knowledge about life in northern Europe in Rovaniemi1 on a visit to the Arktikum museum. You will also be amazed by the SnowCastle, a hotel and restaurant that are rebuilt every year.
Oulu is also popular among outdoor enthusiasts. How about an example? Then take a ride in a reindeer sleigh1 and on a snowmobile1 or go cross-country skiing1 through Finnish Lapland.
On the second flexible expedition day in Bothnian Bay and the Bothnian Sea, nature keeps enticing you with new views that are only possible with a small expedition ship like the HANSEATIC nature.
With bobbin lace and picturesque wooden houses, Rauma is a living example of Finnish craftsmanship. You will have the place almost completely to yourself at this time of year. Wind your way through the charming old town that 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.
Reflect on your many unforgettable impressions and experiences during the daytime passage through the Kiel Canal with the best views from the many open deck areas of marshes, forests and meadows.
1 The shore activities are not included in the cruise price and are in the planning stage. Subject to change.
At anchor
When the ship is anchored, there is no pier and the ship anchors in open water. The transfer to land is carried out using tender boats or zodiacs.
Golf
You head for the best and most beautiful greens in the world and are looked after by a PGA golf professional
Zodiac
Where even our small and few ships can't get any further, you can continue your adventures safely in robust inflatable boats (weather permitting).
Music
In an almost private atmosphere you can experience artists up close on the high seas or in front of the most beautiful places in the world.
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.
Levels of difficulty
The organized land activities that we have planned for you place different demands on your physical fitness. So that you can see at a glance whether the requirement profile of your desired excursion matches your expectations, we have classified the activities in our excursion program into three levels:
easy
These programmes do not place any particular demands on your physical condition. Walks or tours take you along easy footpaths and any stairs are easy to negotiate.
moderat
These programmes place moderate demands on your physical condition. Walking for up to 2 hours (including on cobblestones) and climbing stairs should not cause you any problems. Programmes that include off-road vehicle rides on partially uneven and bumpy roads are not recommended for guests with back problems.
demanding
These programmes require a good level of physical fitness, dexterity and sure-footedness, e.g. for extended tours or city walks (sometimes on uneven surfaces and with many steps) or sporty, active hikes and kayak tours.
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Along wintry coasts, with many outdoor activities in the glistening snow in Swedish and Finnish Lapland and while exploring enchantingly illuminated cities, you will experience unique moments of wonder. 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
*Save 15 % on all fares
Get 15 % discount on the GOLD and SILVER fares in the avalaible categories as well as on the PLATINUM fare in categories 1-9 (cruise only, double occupancy).
Valid only for new bookings until 31 July 2025; cannot be combined with other offers or discounts. Limited allotment. Our website shows the starting prices with the reduction applied already.
Special offer for solo travellers
Solo travellers get attractive conditions on this cruise (cruise only, Categories 1-8, applies to the PLATINUM fare).
Note: The reduced starting prices are already shown on our website. Offer cannot be combined with other discounts.
Attractive combination discount
Extend your stay with the previous cruise NAT2605 and get a discount up to 35 % on cruise NAT2605 (applies to PLATINUM fare, double occupancy).
Please note: These combinations cannot be booked online, please contact our customer service by e-mail at service@hl-cruises.com or by telephone on +49 40 3070 3070 (Mon - Fri 9.00 - 18.30, Sat 9.00 - 14.00) or your travel agency.
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)
