Hamburg - Tromso Norway’s Fjord World with Lofoten and Vesteralen islands: under the spell of the wild Norwegian Sea islands

Bergen welcomes you to a Scandinavian gem. Over the years, the city’s wealth has been built on seafaring, trade and fishing. Today, the city’s past is reflected in the Hanseatic quarter of Bryggen with its narrow streets: with its colourful, historic merchants’ houses lined up next to one another on the quayside, the area has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The picturesque fish market is also worth a visit. Mount Floyen, one of the city’s seven hills, rises up to 300 m (984 ft) above the centre – on a walk you will see from the top why Bergen is known as the “gateway to the fjords”.

Alesund nestles in a picturesque location on the Norwegian coastline, spread over several islands and surrounded by fjords. You can see the harmony between people and nature here from the top of Mount Aksla: after the effort of climbing up around 400 steps, you will be rewarded with amazing panoramic views. Are you interested in getting to know the city in more detail? Take a stroll through the charming streets and lanes of the city centre and discover the hidden gems of its impressive architecture: the entire city was rebuilt in the art nouveau style after a devastating fire in 1904. More than 400 listed buildings invite you to take the time to discover the many interesting architects’ quotes on the facades.

Norway is legendary in the truest sense of the word. Many of its impressive landscapes are closely linked with legends and Norwegian mythology. A particularly fascinating story comes to life when your ship cruises off Torghatten, the striking mountain with a hole in the middle. According to legend, this hole was created when the King of the Somna’s hat was pierced by an arrow fired by a wild troll prince. See it for yourself when your ship cruises off the island of Torget, offering a perfect view of the rock. Your team of experts on board will explain the actual story behind the special geological feature.

Covering a surface area of 370 km² (143 mi.²), Svartisen is Norway’s second-biggest glacier. No other mainland glacier comes this close to sea level. Its name is derived from the old Norwegian “svartis” meaning “black ice”, although the glacier reveals amazingly bright blue tones rather than black. When less air is trapped in the ice, it will appear darker and more blue in colour. Your experts will be at your side to tell you more about this and other background information. Take a hike to the tongue of ice to admire this work of nature or enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views of the glacier from the glacial lake.

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 around 175 km (108 mi.) 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 relax as you look for hand-made souvenirs in the charming shops. Leknes also has a lot to offer culturally, including small galleries, local craft markets and historical sites that provide an insight into traditional fishing and life in the Lofoten Islands in the past. The city is also an ideal starting point for exploring the spectacular natural surroundings: outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to enjoy here, while photographers can capture the dramatic landscape.

The main town of Svolvaer on the main island of Austvagoya reveals what life on the Lofoten Islands is like. Once the ship has docked, take a stroll around the little town. Everywhere you go, you will see frames for drying stockfish, which is exported all over the world from the archipelago. Rather than the town itself, it’s the symbiosis with the surrounding mountains that makes this place so appealing. Its main landmark is the mountain of the same name, Svolvaer, with two rocky peaks standing a good 1.5 m (5 ft) tall at the top. The extraordinary light and colour here have attracted many artists to settle in the town. Experience the spectacle of this centre of art and light – as creative as the Northern Lights which will perhaps also put on a show for you in the night sky.

Surrounded by steep mountains that rise up to 1,100 m (3,609 ft) into the sky, cruising through the Trollfjord reveals one of Norway’s hidden gems. Waterfalls cascade down from the peaks into the fjord, while the ship navigates carefully through the entrance to the fjord, which is only 100 m (328 ft) wide – a unique spectacle that only small ships can experience. It is understandable that, in addition to painters and photographers, German Emperor Wilhelm II was already enchanted by the Trollfjord in 1889. On this passage, you will feel the power of the landscape up close and experience Norway’s fjords at their most dramatic.

Your ship will head for Stockmarknes on the Vesteralen, a gem of Norway. Enjoy a relaxing evening in the historic centre of the region.

Stokmarknes, the charming heart of Vesteralen, combines historic fishing traditions with impressive natural surroundings. The town has been a maritime centre since the 19th century: from the trade in stockfish to the founding of Vesteraalens Dampskibsselskab (Vesteralen Steamship Company), every building tells stories from an eventful past. Take a relaxed stroll along winding alleyways, historic houses and cosy cafes. If you are an active explorer, then climb Storheia, the town’s local mountain, which is around 500 m (1,640 ft) high. From the top, you can enjoy a breathtaking 360-degree view of the islands, fjords and open sea. Whether history, culture or nature – Stockmarknes offers a great mix for anyone who wants to experience the authentic north of Norway.