Join the small ship M/S Stockholm on an extraordinary adventure, exploring some of Norway’s most exciting and scenic locations. Our stops along the Norwegian coast include the majestic Storfjord, the charming town of Ålesund and the picturesque fishing village of Nusfjord, included on UNESCO’s World Heritage list. We continue towards the seldom visited Bear Island, located in the middle of Barents Sea and home to hundreds of thousands of seabirds. The adventure culminates in one of the world’s most magnificent wildernesses – Svalbard. This early in the season, Svalbard is characterised by a wonderful purity, pastel coloured skies and breathtaking sceneries. Here we keep our eyes open for polar bears, walrus and other Arctic animals, but above all we enjoy the stunning nature that surrounds us – ice formations and snow covered mountains, glistering glaciers and fjord ice.
The great journey begins in the city of Bergen, beautifully surrounded by high mountains and deep fjords. We stay the night at a centrally located hotel.
We embark the beautiful M/S Stockholm and head towards the beautiful passage of Alversund. During our adventure along the Norwegian coast we hope to visit some of the following places: Ålesund Upon reaching Ålesund we explore this small town, built in a true Art Nouveau style, enjoying its delightfully decorated facades, towers and pinnacles. Geirangerfjorden We get to know the majestic Storfjorden and pay a visit to the UNESCO-protected Geirangerfjorden, which is characterised by deep blue water and lush mountain plains with beautiful waterfalls. Grip This deserted fishing village is now popular with summer guests. Its original and colourful wooden buildings are well preserved. We visit the beautiful church and we also pass by the small and very dramatically situated lighthouse. Torghatten On our way north we sail past famous natural attractions like the mountain peaks known as the Seven Sisters, followed by Torghatten – a rock with a big hole, that the ice sheet once created, or according to the legend; the hole a giant created in despair from a broken heart. Kerringøy Kjerringøy is a real gem on the Norwegian coast. Here we encounter a diverse landscape of mountains, white sandy beaches and small farming communities, but the island is most famous for its old trading post. This is a unique heritage consisting of 15 well-preserved houses, which gives the visitor a great insight into what it was like to live in this northern trading town in the 1800s. Reine We hope to visit the picturesque fishing village of Reine. This charming village, with characteristic wooden houses overlook Kirkefjord with high mountain tops in the background. It is not difficult to see why it was once voted Norway’s most beautiful place. Nusfjord Nusfjord is a well-preserved and authentic fishing community with focus on cod fishing. The village is part of UNESCO’s World Heritage list of unique wooden houses with a charming old fashioned shop well worth a visit. We sail further along what is known as the Lofoten wall. In the evening we enter magical Trollfjorden and later set course towards Tromsø. Tromsø In Tromsø we visit the prestigious Polar Museum and learn more about the first polar explorers, who went north to seek fame and fortune. The city is known as Paris of the North, which derives from its vast cultural offerings.
We set sail towards the remote Bear Island, situated in the middle of the Barents Sea. On the 400-meter high cliffs, hundreds of thousands of seabirds are nesting – puffins, guillemots, razorbills and kittiwakes among others. As well as a spectacular Zodiac cruise along the impressive bird cliffs we aim to make a landing on this rarely visited island. We then continue our journey and sail over night. Our next destination is Svalbard – one of the world’s most magnificent wildernesses. It is spring in the Arctic and it is a powerfulexperience to witness the archipelago spring to life. We enjoy the stunning nature that surrounds us – sparkling ice formations, snow covered mountains and glistering glaciers. We start by exploring parts of Storfjorden and constantly keeping our eyes peeled for the Arctic wildlife. How far in we reach depends on the drift ice that often accumulates here this time of year. We continue towards majestic Hornsund, consisting of several fjords, which glaciers calve out shimmering blue icebergs. It is also a favourite haunt for polar bears. In Bellsund we hope to reach Vårsolbukta, where the little auks nest in tens of thousands.
We disembark in Longyearbyen and begin our journey home.
The places mentioned are just examples of some of the many sites we have the chance to visit during this unique trip. Our exact route will depend on ice, weather conditions and wildlife. We always strive to maximise your experience. Please remember that flexibility is the key to a successful expedition!
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Vessel Type: Small Ship
Length: 195 m
Passenger Capacity: 12
Built / refurbished: 1953 / 1999
The M/S Stockholm is a classic ship built in 1953 for the Swedish National Maritime Administration. In 1999 she was totally refitted and started her career as a comfortable polar passenger ship. The M/S Stockholm carries a maximum of 12 passengers in twin cabins with bunk beds. All cabins have private facilities and small windows (portholes).
M/S Stockholm is a marvellous piece of maritime history with beautiful brass details and wooden decks. It is no wonder she is loved by so many! On board the ship you will enjoy delicious meals in the company of likeminded travellers, who are all fascinated by the Arctic nature, wildlife and history.
The food on board is of high standard and all beverages are included in the price. With such a small party on board, this is like travelling on a private yacht. The crew on board M/S Stockholm are also great enthusiasts of the unique wildlife and unspoiled nature. Their genuine curiosity is a prerequisite for expedition cruises of this kind. A trip on board M/S Stockholm in these northern waters, with its unique wildlife and pristine nature, is an experience of a lifetime!