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North Norway, Aurora Borealis, Hike & Kayak & Sail

An Enchanting Adventure in Tromso & the Arctic

 

Prepare to be spellbound in this thrilling adventure across Arctic Norway, embarking on exploratory hikes with snowshoes and kayaking through dramatic fjords, chasing the northern lights at nighttime. Set sail on a small expedition vessel to chart polar waters and their natural surroundings, keeping an eye out for whales, arctic foxes, reindeers and white-tailed eagles. Begin and end your journey in the historic hub of Tromsø.

Note: This cruise is not privately chartered for MT Sobek travelers. In order to offer the widest selection of travel dates and flexibility for our guests, MT Sobek works directly with the ship owner to book MT Sobek travelers on scheduled departures throughout the year, and we are pleased to offer our in-house expertise and services to assist you every step of the way.

  • Venture out on forays by land and sea in search of the northern lights

  • Hike, snowshoe or kayak to get up-close with arctic nature and wildlife

  • Sail through fjords on a ship in northern Norway visiting remote fishing villages

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Download Detailed Itinerary

Click here to download the Detailed Itinerary.

  • Arrive to Norway's "Paris of the North"

    Day 1

    Begin your journey in Tromsø, Norway's "Paris of the North," a rich cultural hub located above the Arctic Circle, also a renowned destination for viewing the Northern Lights. Immerse yourself in Norse and Sámi history, exploring its historic city center and centuries-old homes. Board your expedition vessel in the evening and set sail through Grøtsundet and Ullsfjorden towards the northeast.

    Accommodation: s/v Rembrandt van Rijn

    Built as a herring lugger early last century, s/v Rembrandt van Rijn was rebuilt in The Netherlands in 1994, sailing to Spitsbergen and the Galapágos, before undergoing a complete refurbishment in 2011. Able to undertake expedition cruising to small islands, the ship is well-equipped to land and explore wildlife in remote areas with an open viewing deck and two zodiacs. 16 cabins, including 1 triple cabin, 6 twin inside cabins and 9 twin cabins, all ensuite, may accommodate a maximum of 33 guests.

    Meals: Dinner

  • Set out for Lyngen

    Day 2

    Arrive in the Nord-Lenangen fjord, just under the Lyngen Alps. Weather permitting, walk along the scenic coast of the fjord, where nighttime glimpses of the Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, may appear. A natural phenomenon caused by eruptions on the sun, the Aurora Borealis may only be seen during nightfall in the northern hemisphere

    Accommodation: s/v Rembrandt van Rijn

    Built as a herring lugger early last century, s/v Rembrandt van Rijn was rebuilt in The Netherlands in 1994, sailing to Spitsbergen and the Galapágos, before undergoing a complete refurbishment in 2011. Able to undertake expedition cruising to small islands, the ship is well-equipped to land and explore wildlife in remote areas with an open viewing deck and two zodiacs. 16 cabins, including 1 triple cabin, 6 twin inside cabins and 9 twin cabins, all ensuite, may accommodate a maximum of 33 guests.

    Activity: 1-3 hours walking, snowshoeing, or kayaking

    Transportation: 4-6 hours cruising

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Sail into the Nordic Fjords

    Day 3

    Cruise along the base of the Lyngen Alps and discover Hamnnes, an ancient trade and fishing settlement dating back to the 17th century, notable for its dried cod. During the night, scan the sky overhead for potential sightings of the auroras.

    Accommodation: s/v Rembrandt van Rijn

    Built as a herring lugger early last century, s/v Rembrandt van Rijn was rebuilt in The Netherlands in 1994, sailing to Spitsbergen and the Galapágos, before undergoing a complete refurbishment in 2011. Able to undertake expedition cruising to small islands, the ship is well-equipped to land and explore wildlife in remote areas with an open viewing deck and two zodiacs. 16 cabins, including 1 triple cabin, 6 twin inside cabins and 9 twin cabins, all ensuite, may accommodate a maximum of 33 guests.

    Activity: 1-3 hours walking, snowshoeing, or kayaking

    Transportation: 4-6 hours cruising

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Chase the Northern Lights

    Day 4

    Sail farther northeast venturing into the 45-mile long Kvaenangen Fjord. Cross the fjords to spot local flaura and fauna, seeking harbor in any of the region's idyllic fishing villages, including Skjervøy, Seglvik, Reinfjord, or Burfjord for the evening. Continue watch for the Northern Lights as dusk descends.

    Accommodation: s/v Rembrandt van Rijn

    Built as a herring lugger early last century, s/v Rembrandt van Rijn was rebuilt in The Netherlands in 1994, sailing to Spitsbergen and the Galapágos, before undergoing a complete refurbishment in 2011. Able to undertake expedition cruising to small islands, the ship is well-equipped to land and explore wildlife in remote areas with an open viewing deck and two zodiacs. 16 cabins, including 1 triple cabin, 6 twin inside cabins and 9 twin cabins, all ensuite, may accommodate a maximum of 33 guests.

    Activity: 1-3 hours walking, snowshoeing, or kayaking

    Transportation: 4-6 hours cruising

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Explore the Kvaenangen Fjord

    Day 5

    Embark on a hike of the Kvaenangen Fjord, or kayak its icy waters while taking in stunning sights of the Norwegian Sea and its surrounding islands and wildlife. Walk Spildra Island, inhabited by 26 people, climbing 788 feet to Staurhammaren for awe-inspiring, panoramic views.

    Accommodation: s/v Rembrandt van Rijn

    Built as a herring lugger early last century, s/v Rembrandt van Rijn was rebuilt in The Netherlands in 1994, sailing to Spitsbergen and the Galapágos, before undergoing a complete refurbishment in 2011. Able to undertake expedition cruising to small islands, the ship is well-equipped to land and explore wildlife in remote areas with an open viewing deck and two zodiacs. 16 cabins, including 1 triple cabin, 6 twin inside cabins and 9 twin cabins, all ensuite, may accommodate a maximum of 33 guests.

    Activity: 1-3 hours walking, snowshoeing, or kayaking

    Transportation: 4-6 hours cruising

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Hike the Burfjord & Head Southwest to Finnkroken

    Day 6

    Continue sailing southwest, stopping to hike or kayak the Burfjord enveloped by pristine nature, 31 miles from the northern town of Alta. Overnight at Finnkroken, a tiny hamlet, for another opportunity to spot the Northern Lights.

    Accommodation: s/v Rembrandt van Rijn

    Built as a herring lugger early last century, s/v Rembrandt van Rijn was rebuilt in The Netherlands in 1994, sailing to Spitsbergen and the Galapágos, before undergoing a complete refurbishment in 2011. Able to undertake expedition cruising to small islands, the ship is well-equipped to land and explore wildlife in remote areas with an open viewing deck and two zodiacs. 16 cabins, including 1 triple cabin, 6 twin inside cabins and 9 twin cabins, all ensuite, may accommodate a maximum of 33 guests.

    Activity: 1-3 hours walking or snowshoeing, kayaking is available on select departures

    Transportation: 4-6 hours cruising

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Snowshoe & Return to Tromsø

    Day 7

    Set off on a morning hike with snowshoes to Småvasshaugen (1,033'). Sail back to Tromsø and choose your own leisurely adventure, whether visiting the Arctic Cathedral, Arctic aquarium Polaria, or any of the town's sights before boarding for a final night on your expedition vessel.

    Accommodation: s/v Rembrandt van Rijn

    Built as a herring lugger early last century, s/v Rembrandt van Rijn was rebuilt in The Netherlands in 1994, sailing to Spitsbergen and the Galapágos, before undergoing a complete refurbishment in 2011. Able to undertake expedition cruising to small islands, the ship is well-equipped to land and explore wildlife in remote areas with an open viewing deck and two zodiacs. 16 cabins, including 1 triple cabin, 6 twin inside cabins and 9 twin cabins, all ensuite, may accommodate a maximum of 33 guests.

    Activity: 1-3 hours walking, snowshoeing, or kayaking

    Transportation: 4-6 hours cruising

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Depart

    Day 8

    After breakfast, disembark with indelible Arctic memories from Northern Norway and depart.

    Meals: Breakfast

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North Norway, Aurora Borealis, Hike & Kayak & Sail

Download Detailed Itinerary

Click here to download the Detailed Itinerary.

What to Expect

 

Why take this trip with us?

Reason #01

True to MT Sobek style, this trip incorporates kayaking, hiking, snowshoeing and cruising for the ultimate Arctic adventure.

Reason #02

This MT Sobek itinerary features the world's best spots to seek out the iconic Northern Lights by land and sea.

Reason #03

Experience the very best of arctic Norway's great outdoors with expert guides on this specially crafted winter adventure.

Meet your guides

Arjen Drost

Arjen Drost

Arjen was born in the Netherlands and grew up birdwatching in his local neighborhood. It came as no surprise that he would go on to study biology and ecology in Spitsbergen, where he fell in love with the Arctic. Arjen spent three summers researching Barnacle Geese in Ny Alesund before becoming a guide on small expedition cruise ships. For 10 years, Arjen combined guiding in the Arctic with a full-time biology teacher job at a secondary school in the Netherlands. Now that he is a full-time expedition guide, his new classrooms include Spitsbergen, Greenland, the Antarctic Peninsula, and the Weddell and Ross Seas. In his spare time Arjen is a keen nature and wildlife photographer, giving photo workshops and lectures, and is co-author of several Dutch books on nature photography.

Eduardo Rubio Herrera

Eduardo Rubio Herrera

Eduardo describes himself as an astronomer by profession with a passion for the sea, mountains, sunrises, and sunsets. He graduated from the University of Amsterdam in 2010 with a PhD in Astronomy and decided to split his time between lecture halls and ships. At any part of the year, you will find him lecturing on physics and astronomy-whether on land or sea. Eduardo always aims to raise the enthusiasm of guests towards science, and their awareness towards the unique and fragile planet where we live. 

Activities

Cruising the Nordic fjords, wildlife watching, kayaking, hiking, snowshoeing, chasing the Northern Lights and touring historical towns.

Lodging

Stay aboard a small expedition vessel specially designed to tour remote islands and navigate arctic waters.

Climate

Northern Norway extends above the Arctic Circle. Temps can drop down to -40°F. Expect cold and snowy conditions and pack accordingly.

FAQ

When is the best time to see the Northern Lights?

While there are never any guarantees, the best time to see the Northern Lights is from November through March. During this time, there will be longer stretches of darkness to increase the chances of seeing the aurora.

Will there be opportunities to snowshoe and kayak?

All activities are dependent upon the weather and snow levels.

You will have the opportunity to go snowshoeing at no additional charge. The gear will be provided and it requires no previous experience.

A special Kayak Skills Progression Camp program is offered on select departures for an additional fee. Participants will be split into two groups of four people, and each group will have one 1-2 hour outing per day for up to five days. Check with our Regional Specialists to inquire about kayaking availability.

Are transfers and pre-/post- arrangements included?

No, transfers to/from the airport and vessel and pre-/post- arrangements are not included with the trip.

You'll need to make your way to the vessel on Day 1 for a 5:00 pm embarkation. You will disembark on Day 8 at approximately 9:00 am.

Instructions to reach the ship will be provided to you by our Adventure Coordinating team.

What cabin types are available?

The s/v Rembrandt van Rijn rooms are configured in a triple twin layout with both upper and lower beds, private showers and toilet, and ample storage space. Voyage pricing varies based on cabin type.

lake - North Norway, Aurora Borealis, Hike & Kayak & Sail
northern lights - North Norway, Aurora Borealis, Hike & Kayak & Sail
arctic fox - North Norway, Aurora Borealis, Hike & Kayak & Sail
bones - North Norway, Aurora Borealis, Hike & Kayak & Sail
birds - North Norway, Aurora Borealis, Hike & Kayak & Sail

Testimonials

"I have traveled extensively around the world. The experience with MT Sobek was by far the best I have ever had. Thank you for such excellence."

Marianne W.
MT Sobek Guest

"Traveling with MT Sobek is like gaining a new set of close friends that have shared an incredible experience together."

Mark N.
MT Sobek Guest

Trustpilot
  • Go Custom

Go Custom

Create Your Very Own Adventure

Dreaming of an adventure designed exclusively for you? With insider access and decades of experience, our travel experts create custom tailored adventures that are perfect for families, couples, and large groups. MT Sobek's custom adventures are designed to our exacting standards and led by our award-winning adventure guides.

When to start planning? Earlier is always better when designing a custom trip. More time allows for better availability of preferred accommodations, guides and your desired activities. Ideally, start the conversation with us at least 6 months before you want to travel. If you are looking for a custom trip that departs within three months, chances are greatly diminished in securing requested accommodations and the best guides.

*Custom trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit once an itinerary is agreed upon.

Start Planning

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