Beyond The North Cape: Norway's Fjords & Arctic Svalbard

Few places remain in the world where you can be assured that nature will provide highlight after unexpected highlight. The majestic fjords of Norway and the stunning glaciers of Arctic Svalbard are just such a wilderness.

As National Geographic Endeavour sails north among the thousands of islands and skerries of Norway, the scenery suddenly becomes overpoweringly dramatic. This is the fjordlands—a region that stretches 1,000 miles. Each fjord is different from its neighbor and one could go on and on listening to the roar of waterfalls, gazing at flocks of auks in the fairytale light, and marveling at tiny villages that cling to the steep sides of the fjord walls.

Then high above coastal Norway just 600 miles from the North Pole lies the archipelago of Svalbard, a wilderness region that few Americans know: towering ice caps, deep fjords mountains and massive sheets of ice—and the masters of the Arctic, polar bears. We have been exploring the region for eighteen years and the 117 bears sighted last season alone—a record—ensures that you'll "catch" several, too.

Itinerary

DAY 1 — U.S./Bergen, Norway
Fly overnight from Newark to Bergen, Norway (via Copenhagen) aboard SAS Scandinavian Airlines.

DAY 2 — Bergen, Norway/Embark Ship
Arrive this morning in Bergen, the gateway to the fjordlands, and embark National Geographic Endeavour. Beautiful Bergen is set on a fjord and known as the city of seven hills. Once an important Hanseatic town, its maritime history is still evident at the exceptional Bryggens Wharf, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After lunch, we have a guided walk of Bryggen before embarking our ship. (L,D)

DAY 3 — Nordfjord
Today we enter lovely Nordfjord, included on our itinerary since it is less touristed. We spend the morning at the end of the fjord, where we're transported up the Loen Valley via coach through some incredibly beautiful scenes: a turquoise-colored lake on one side and breathtaking mountains all around. A number of relatively flat trails lead along valleys shaped by massive glaciers (more strenuous hikes are also an option). And, we walk to a tongue of the large Jostedals Glacier. This afternoon be on deck as our ship sails back out of the fjord amid high peaks. (B,L,D)

DAY 4-5 — Exploring the Fjords of Norway
The coast of Central Norway is rugged with mountainous islands and steep-walled fjords. The Expedition Leader and Captain will discuss with the local Norwegian pilots the many landing possibilities where options are many: Zodiac along vertical rock faces, paddle serenely in a deep fjord surrounded by cascading waterfalls, or venture ashore for a hike with our naturalist staff. Over the years, we’ve discovered a number of special places, including Melfjord. This narrow channel is surrounded by high granite cliffs polished smooth by massive glaciers, and is one of the most spectacular spots on our voyage. (B,L,D)

DAY 6 — Lofoten Islands
The Lofoten Archipelago is an enchanting area of picturesque villages by the sea backed with jagged peaks. By Zodiac, we view nesting seabirds: Atlantic puffins, razorbills and guillemots. Later, we go ashore on the island of Aa, where cod fishing is still a major part of the economy, and we stop at two unusual cod museums. Be on deck as we cruise into one of the most famous fjords in Norway, the short yet dramatic Trollfjord, and search the cliffs for Norway's mythical beings: trolls. (B,L,D)

DAY 7 — Tysfjorden
Today we enter Tysfjorden, a long fjord indenting the mainland of Norway so deeply it stretches inland almost to Sweden. This is an area devoid of roads where a few small villages cling along the shore. We explore splendid Hellemobotn by Zodiac, kayak or on foot. The Tysfjord area has numerous side channels, which we explore later. (B,L,D)

DAY 8 — Tromso
Tromso, the capital of northern Norway, is known as the "Gateway to the Arctic" since so many arctic expeditions originated here. We visit the Arctic Cathedral, whose unique architecture is evocative of snow and icebergs. Its stained glass windows are among the largest in Europe. And we visit the Polar Museum, with excellent exhibits on arctic nature and environment.

DAY 9 — Finnmark
We spend our last day in coastal Norway at the extreme northeastern tip of Finland in the county of Finnmark. Finnmark is also part of the Lapland region, which spans four counties. Most of the coastal area is above the treeline, giving us opportunities for hikes of different lengths and difficulties and the chance to photograph majestic vistas of rolling inland tundra.

DAY 10 — Bear Island
Zodiac cruises take us around mist-shrouded Bear Island, populated by thousands of fulmars, kittiwakes, guillemost and gulls; this is a birdwatcher's paradise. (B,L,D)

DAY 11-14 — Exploring Svalbard
Svalbard is an archipelago of deep fjords, mountains and massive ice sheets. Our focus during our days here is the search for walruses, seals, reindeer, arctic foxes and, of course, polar bears. Our flexible itinerary and years of experience here allow us to take the best advantage of ice and weather conditions. Each season we are discovering new landing sites to explore, giving meaning to being on an expedition. Shore walks, Zodiac and kayaking adventures bring us up close to mystical landscapes and passing icebergs. (B,L,D)

DAY 15 — Longyearbyen/Disembark/Oslo
Disembark our ship in Longyearbyen and explore the Svalbard Art Gallery and Museum. Then proceed to the airport for our charter flight to Oslo. Check in to the SAS Radisson Airport Hotel for overnight. (B,L)

DAY 16 — Oslo/Home
After breakfast, proceed to the airport for a flight to Newark aboard SAS Scandinavian Airlines, or on to other adventures. (B)

What's Included:

All accommodations aboard ships or in hotels per itinerary or similar, all meals and nonalcoholic beverages aboard ship, meals on land as indicated, air transportation where indicated as included, shore excursions, sightseeing and entrance fees, special access permits, transfers to and from group flights, use of snorkeling equipment and wet suits, use of kayaks (where available), tips (except to Egyptologists and ship’s crew), taxes and service charges, services of a ship physician on most voyages, and services of our expedition staff.

What's Not Included:

Air transportation (except where shown as included), extensions, passport, visa, immigration fees, scuba diving (where available), meals not indicated, baggage/accident/travel protection plan, items of a personal nature, such as alcoholic beverages, e-mail, laundry. Gratuities to Egyptologists and ship’s crew at your discretion.

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