Viking Oceans Cruises – Iceland & Norway’s Arctic Explorer (Norway, Iceland) 15 Days

Bergen, Norway
Embark your ship and settle into your stateroom. Bergen is home to the Hanseatic League’s only kontor (trading enclave) still in existence. Bryggen wharf, a row of timbered Hanseatic warehouses along a quaint quay, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Narrow wooden walkways are flanked by parallel rows of small, vibrantly painted buildings overlooking the picturesque Vågen Harbor. This is perhaps the most charming district of Bergen and a delight to explore, from its tight-knit community of workshops where artisans sell their wares to its cafés where freshly prepared smørbrød, or open-faced sandwiches, are on the menu.

Bergen’s Bryggen has come to serve as an important window into both Norway’s maritime legacy and architectural traditions. Totaling more than 60 buildings, with the earliest dating to the 18th century, these distinct structures are all that remain after the numerous fires that have ravaged Bergen. They were largely reconstructed within their original property lines, with their restoration and continual preservation staying true to medieval Norwegian building techniques, materials and tools. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is a delight to explore.

Shore Excursions – Panoramic Bergen
Duration: 2 hours
Discover the main sights of Bergen during a panoramic drive and a leisurely walk. Founded in 1070 AD, Bergen features many historic sites, including the medieval King Haakon’s Hall, the Rosenkrantz Tower, the bustling fish market and the Nordnes Peninsula, with its 19th-century white painted wooden houses. During a scenic drive, see these and more, pausing to take a photo stop at Nordnes to admire the views over Bergen Harbor. At the National Stage, disembark your motor coach and walk downhill to Festplassen, passing the statue of Ole Bull before arriving in Bryggen. Hear interesting stories from your guide about Bergen’s colorful past as you admire the picturesque wooden buildings, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Afterward, you may return to your ship via motor coach, or explore the district and return independently on your own.

Shore Excursions – Bergen on Foot
Duration: 2 hours
Explore Bergen’s historic sights during an invigorating walking excursion. Meet your guide at the pier and set off on foot to Bergenhus Fortress, one of Norway’s best-preserved fortifications. Pass the Rosenkrantz Tower and arrive at Bryygen to admire its picturesque wooden buildings, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hear interesting stories from your guide about Bergen’s colorful past as you get acquainted with this Hanseatic town. Formerly the capital of Norway, Norwegian kings once resided here. Bergen owed its wealth and prominence to the fish export trade, which has been at the heart of the town since the Middle Ages. Head to Festplassen to its music pavilion, and continue your walk, pausing to see the old telegraph, the historic post office and to admire the quaint residences. Afterward, walk back to your ship.

Geiranger, Norway
Geiranger is the gateway to some of coastal Norway’s most magnificent natural treasures. Nearby, the Seven Sisters Waterfall tumbles 1,000 feet into the fjord’s water, while directly across the fjord, the Suitor Waterfall also plunges down a steep face. The overlook known as Eagle’s Bend towers 2,000 feet above the village, accessed via a winding mountain road with 11 hairpin turns. The Norwegian Fjord Center puts all this natural splendor into perspective with fascinating exhibits.

Shore Excursions – Eagle’s Bend Overlook & Panoramic Drive
Duration: 3 hours
Witness Geiranger’s pristine majesty as you ascend to the heights of Geirangerfjord on a magnificent drive. You will meet your guide at the berth and drive up a winding road to Eagle’s Bend viewpoint, passing through 11 breathtaking hairpin turns. At the road’s pinnacle, you will witness the spectacular scenery that has earned Geirangerfjord status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Later, you will drive to Flydalsjuvet viewpoint for more impressive views. After a photo stop, continue into the green Flydal Valley to the high mountain plateau at Djupvatn Lake. Its gorgeous waters shimmer in the Norwegian sun. Afterward, you will return to your ship.

Sail the Norwegian Sea
Journey to what was once believed to be the “end of the world,” where sea monsters lurked and ships were lost on treacherous waters. Meet fellow guests and listen to the soothing sounds of classical music in the Living Room, an ideal setting for relaxation. Enjoy a cup of coffee or sip on a refreshing cocktail. 

Narvik, Norway
Narvik is situated on the innermost shores of the Ofotfjorden, within the Arctic Circle. The small town enjoys a dramatic backdrop, encircled by mountains and a glacier that spills right to the water’s edge. The town served as a port city for the early Viking settlers. Much later, the discovery of iron ore in the nearby Swedish town of Kiruna forever shaped Narvik. Kiruna needed a year-round ice-free port from which to ship its new discovery, and so a rail link was built directly to the water. Still today, Narvik is a major exporter.

Shore Excursions – Panoramic Skjomen
Duration: 2 hours 15 minutes
Gaze upon the stunning sights of Skjomen during a panoramic drive to see some of its most dramatic landscapes. Meet your guide, board your motor coach and set off to trace the scenic coastline of the vast Ofotfjord, admiring its impressive mountains. The calm waters of the fjord, framed by lush green slopes, were the location for many of the naval conflicts during the Battles of Narvik in World War II; some of the sunken ships remain on its seabed. Next, turn into Skjomen, an inlet that hosts towering mountains—reaching up to 5,600 feet—and the imposing Frostisen glacier; popular with skiers and hikers, it is renowned for its beautiful yet challenging environment. Drive up to Reinneset, an outlook that allows for a breathtaking view of the sweeping landscapes that surround you. After time for photos, reboard your coach and return to your awaiting ship.

Shore Excursions – Narvik’s Industrial Past & Present
Duration: 2 hours
Learn about Narvik’s industrial heritage and the navigational engineers that transformed the city. With your guide, set off on a city drive, admiring the views of the Arctic Ofot Fjord. See some of Norway’s most majestic scenery as you listen to tales of this stunning Arctic region and its history, culture and strategic position for trade. At the train station, you will hear the story of the construction of the Ofoten railway line, built in 1902 to transport iron ore from Kiruna in Swedish Lapland, to Narvik’s year-round, ice-free harbor. Continue your journey to the Ankenes church, where you will be greeted by members of a local choir, who will perform an array of navvy songs. Admire its wooden exterior and learn more about life in Narvik as you gaze over the LKAB complex. From here, an impressive 20 million tons of iron ore are transported each year.

Lofoten (Leknes), Norway
The Lofoten Islands stretch 118 miles into the Norwegian Sea from Norway’s coast. Ships in the archipelago’s cozy fishing harbors are dwarfed by the hulking massifs rising from the waters. The setting was ideal for Norse settlements in the early Viking Age. Cod has long been harvested from these waters as they come here to spawn. More recently, the fish have been caught from traditional rorbus, charming cottages that hover above the waters on stilts. The Lofoten Islands are beautiful any time of year, but the summertime midnight sun illuminates their magnificent glory.

Shore Excursions – Scenic Lofoten & Seafood Visitor Center
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Learn about modern fishing practices with Lofoten’s stunning mountains as a backdrop. Travel through this beautiful landscape of towering mountains and fishing villages to arrive at the Lofoten Seafood Center. Meet your guide and walk to the Stockfish house to learn about this ancient food preservation technique and see how the fish are dried using only cold air and wind. Stroll by the drying racks to get an up-close look at the final product before returning to the center, where you will enjoy free time to explore the main exhibit that focuses on salmon farming, from the hatchery to the supermarket. After, return to your motor coach and drive to Haukland Beach, where you can admire the stunning views of the mountains that rise up out of the sea before returning to your awaiting ship.

Tromsø, Norway
Tromsø is Norway’s most northerly city and has long been considered the gateway to the Arctic. During the summer months, pretty wooden houses exude an air of sophistication as they bask beneath the glow of the midnight sun. Winter brings pristine landscapes surrounded by snowcapped peaks and the aurora borealis, whose magical lights dance across the nighttime skies. World-renowned explorers have set sail from Tromsø’s shores; Roald Amundsen, Norway’s first son and the first explorer to reach both poles, is commemorated with a bronze statue in the city.

Shore Excursions – Panoramic Tromsø
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Witness the unique structures and natural beauty of Tromsø amid its stunning island setting and winter landscapes. Meet your local guide and drive through the city known as the “Gateway to the Arctic”—a starting point for many Arctic expeditions. Tromsø boasts the largest concentration of wooden houses in northern Norway, built here until 1904 at which point wood construction was banned for fear of fire. Throughout the city, you will see classic architecture mingling with modern buildings, including the stunning Arctic Cathedral. With its soaring white roofline, it has been compared to the Sydney Opera House. Admire its triangular interior, a stunning vision in white and icy blue, then continue to the Science Centre of Northern Norway. Here, in the darkened planetarium, marvel at the northern lights during a breathtaking documentary. Afterward, return to your ship via the Tromsø Bridge.

Honningsvåg, Norway
Honningsvåg overlooks a pristine bay of the Barents Sea on Magerøya Island. This unassuming enclave grew mainly on the fishing industry, like so many in this remote region. Honningsvåg has ample charms, including a rich Sami culture and a deep love of the birdlife that lives here. But it is the surrounding beauty that draws visitors: starkly beautiful tundra dotted with mountain birch trees, distant rocky islands and rolling slopes that ascend into mountains. One of Europe’s most stunning natural sights, Nordkapp, or North Cape, rises on the island’s rugged northern coast.

Shore Excursions – Drive to North Cape
Duration: 2 hours 45 minutes
Take in glorious vistas along Europe’s far northern shores and enjoy an independent visit at Nordkapp (North Cape). You will meet your motor coach at our berth and transfer approximately one hour to one of Europe’s most stunning natural sights. Located on the reaches of Magerøya Island where the Norwegian and Barents Seas meet, the cliffs of Nordkapp rise more than 1,000 feet from the sea waters and are topped by a large, flat plateau. Upon arrival, you will have time to take in its spectacular vista of barren tundra. You will have a chance to visit the North Cape Hall, which chronicles the history of the region. Spend time on your own, perhaps visiting the small ecumenical St. John’s Chapel. An excellent film at the visitors’ center depicts the region through the seasons. If you prefer, simply find yourself the perfect overlook and ponder your journey.

Sail the Barents Sea
Named for 16th-century Dutch navigator and polar explorer Willem Barentsz, the Barents Sea is the gateway to the Arctic from the northernmost shores of Europe and home to an astonishing diversity of marine life. Renew your body, mind and spirit in our Scandinavian-inspired Spa, a Nordic sanctuary of holistic wellness, today while at sea. Whether you unwind in the Sauna, refresh in the Snow Grotto or take a dip in the Thermal Pool, you will feel recharged and revitalized.

Longyearbyen, Svalbard and Jan Mayen Islands
Svalbard’s setting is marked by stunning fjords, mountain peaks and thick glaciers that have formed over millennia, while Alkhornet mountain and its looming cliffs date back more than one billion years. Wildlife flock to this stark landscape during the summer—puffins, polar guillemot and kittiwake descend en masse each year. The Svalbard Museum showcases the vast array of special plant and animal life that reside here, as well as everyday life for its human residents, from the arrival of the whalers during the 17th century to present-day miners.

Shore Excursions – Highlights of Longyearbyen
Duration: 2 hours
Discover what life in the Arctic is like during a drive through Longyearbyen and a visit to the Svalbard Museum. Founded by American businessman John Longyear as a mining town, the capital city of the Svalbard archipelago is now home to approximately 1,800 residents—many of whom are still employed by the mining industry. Get an impression of everyday life in this unforgiving environment as you travel past residential homes, schools and the hospital en route to the museum. Dedicated to showcasing the interplay between people and nature in the Arctic, the museum is a repository of natural and cultural history. Through models, reconstructed environments and authentic artifacts, gain insight into the story of Svalbard, from 17th-century whalers to present-day mining, research and tourism. After time to view the exhibits you will return to your ship.

Shore Excursions – Husky Dogs of Camp Barentz
Duration: 2 hours
Journey to Camp Barentz in the remote Advent Valley and meet its lovable husky dogs and their musher. Board your motor coach for a scenic drive, pausing for photos at the famous polar bear sign which warns visitors of their possible presence. Upon arrival, meet the adorable huskies and enjoy a presentation about the lives of local mushers and the town’s history. Canines have long been a valued mode of transportation in northern climes, with sled dog teams capable of pulling heavy loads over long distances. Afterward, see Barentz Hus—a replica of the house that William Barentz and his crew built to shield themselves during the winter after discovering Svalbard. Then, step inside the gamme, a traditional Norwegian dwelling centered around an open fire, where you will enjoy a warming beverage and snack as you listen to tales of the “King of the Arctic”—the polar bear.

Longyearbyen, Svalbard and Jan Mayen Islands
Explore the stunning beauty of the Svalbard archipelago, hundreds of Norwegian islands halfway between Norway and the North Pole. Stunning panoramas unfold here—dramatic fjords lead into glimmering bays surrounded by massive glaciers and rugged peaks cloaked in snow. The austere tundra unfolds to an Arctic desert where polar bear, Arctic fox and reindeer roam. Many regions have been designated Important Bird Areas by BirdLife International for the countless winged creatures that breed and hunt along the coast. Its endless wonders can be explored by zodiac, kayak and land.

Sail the Norwegian Sea
The Norwegian Sea is known for the bounty of seafood it has provided since medieval times. Norwegians still catch cod here and serve it fresh and flaky—far more delicious than the dried and preserved fish made by their ancestors. As you sail today, savor a range of international cuisine on board. Choose from a variety of international flavors at the World Café, enjoy al fresco dining on the Aquavit Terrace, or regional specialties in The Restaurant.

ĺsafjördur, Iceland
ĺsafjördur was founded in the 9th century by the Viking Helgi Magri Hrólfsson. Foreign merchants arrived in the 16th century and set up trading posts here. Today, ĺsafjördur is home to one of the largest fisheries in Iceland and, despite its remote locale, boasts a cultural scene rich in music and drama. The oldest house in Iceland is here, built in 1734, as is the country’s largest concentration of old timber-frame homes. Many visitors explore farther afield, delving into the surrounding wilderness of Hornstrandir or discover the fishing heritage of charming coastal towns.

Shore Excursions – Ísafjördur & Bolungarvík Village
Duration: 2 hours
Discover the wild beauty of Iceland’s northwest corner, and the culture and history of the region’s small towns. Embark on a scenic drive around Ísafjördur, the principal town of the Westfjords peninsula. Surrounded by mountains that offer endless opportunities to enjoy nature and wilderness during all seasons of the year, the town is also known throughout the country for its rich cultural life. The fishing industry, however, has traditionally been the mainstay of the town and surrounding municipality, known as Ísafjardarbaer. Visit the Ósvör Maritime Museum, a fascinating replica of an old fishing outpost that offers a glimpse of how life treated the Icelandic fishermen until the beginning of the 20th century. Continue to Bolungarvík and enjoy a guided tour of the village before returning to Ísafjördur.

Reykjavík, Iceland
Bid farewell to your fellow guests and journey home. Or spend more time exploring, perhaps joining one of our extensions.