NEW! From Iberia to the Northern Lights

Experience a close-up encounter with Arctic wolves and other wildlife. Leave Narvik behind as your motor coach crosses the Rombaksfjord via the Hålogaland Bridge, Norway’s second-longest suspension bridge at more than 5,000 feet in length. This region saw some of the fiercest fighting for the strategically placed harbor of Narvik during World War II. Along Herjangsfjord and through the Gratangen valley you will reach Polar Park, the northernmost wildlife park in the world. Home to predators such as wolves, lynx and bears, and prey animals such as musk oxen and reindeer, the facility allows for unusually close encounters with these denizens of the north. Spend time in the wolf enclosure with a trained wildlife biologist to meet members of the pack. The wolves have been accustomed to humans from birth, allowing for truly memorable interaction.

Gain an in depth understanding of Narvik’s role in World War II during a visit to the War Museum and city cemetery. This northern port city was strategically important to the Germans and the Allies during the early days of the conflict. This culminated in the Battle of Narvik in April 1940—and the eventual 5-year Nazi occupation of the city. Take a short drive to the museum for a guided tour of the exhibits and view a model of the Beisfjord Prisoner of War camp. Then, make a solemn visit to the city’s cemetery, the final resting spot for the soldiers who died during the Narvik campaign of 1940. Cap your excursion with a stop in Beisfjord and pause to view its memorial that commemorates the Beisfjords massacre, which saw 287 Yugoslav prisoners executed here in 1942. After time to reflect, you will return to your awaiting ship.

Travel across Norway’s scenic winter landscape for a visit to the expansive Polar Park. Located at 69° northern latitude, this reserve is the northernmost wildlife park in the world. It is home to a variety of Arctic mammals including wolves, lynx, wolverines, musk oxen, elk, reindeer and mountain foxes. Take a picturesque journey by motor coach from Narvik to the park. You will cross the Rombak Bridge and continue along the Herjansfjord before heading inland through the birch tree forests of the Gratangs Valley. At Polar Park, you will walk along a 2½-mile-long path that will allow you to observe the animals in their enclosures. The living spaces are large—the park boasts the world’s biggest area-per-animal ratio—so be patient and keep watch for the inhabitants. Enjoy a snack at the park before making the return journey to your ship.

Feel the wind in your face as you race across Arctic trails on a dogsled. Embark on a scenic drive by motor coach through a beautiful winter landscape while your guide will regale you with stories of the “navvies” who built the Arctic railway in harsh conditions and point out its route through the mountain. Upon arrival at the base in Sweden, you will be welcomed by a team of excitable four-legged friends and enjoy free time to get to know them better. Ensure that you are wrapped up warmly against the elements and, after a short safety briefing, climb on board your sled. Breathe in the fresh air as you journey along the snow trails on an invigorating ride. Upon your return to base, you will enjoy refreshments before returning to your ship.

Hold on tight as you join an exciting snowmobile tour through the Arctic tundra. Embark on a scenic drive by motor coach along the historic route that connects the ore-rich mines of Kiruna in Sweden to the port of Narvik. Along the way, enjoy sweeping views of frozen lakes and snowcapped mountains as your guide regales you with stories of the “navvies” who built the Arctic railway. Witness the sites of World War II battles and learn about the heroic efforts of local residents. Arrive in Riksgränsen, where you will don your snowsuit, gloves and helmet before receiving a short safety briefing with instructions on how to handle your vehicle. Then, climb on board and set off with your partner through the wintry landscape. Speed along the snow trails and admire the picturesque views surrounding you. Afterward, board your coach and return to your ship.

Learn about a historically important railway and gain insight into those who built it. The Ofoten Railway has been integral for the hauling of iron ore from the mines of Kiruna in Swedish Lapland to the ice-free port of Narvik since it opened in 1902. At the railway station in Narvik, board your private train car for the picturesque roundtrip journey to Bjørnfjell Station and back. During the construction of the railroad, this heritage trail was the “road to work” for the navvy, the itinerant workers who labored under extreme conditions to build the railway. Learn more about their lives and work, and the role of the railway during World War II, as you wind along a path of picturesque forests, small streams and mountain views. During the return portion of your journey, enjoy a cup of coffee and a cinnamon bun while en route back to your awaiting ship.

Ascend high above Narvik and revel in stunning views on a snowshoe hike through the Arctic wilderness. Your excursion begins with a panoramic drive by motor coach to Minikraftverket, a small hydroelectric power station overlooking Narvik, established during the mid-1980s. Pause to take in the sweeping views of the town below you before strapping on your snowshoes and beginning your hike. Along the way, breathe in the fresh winter air and gaze upon the unspoiled natural setting. Your route offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and fjords as you trek through the Tøtta Valley. At the end of your hike, relax and unwind with a warm beverage. You will also enjoy free time to explore your surroundings further and take photographs of the picturesque landscapes. After, return to your coach for the journey back to your awaiting ship.

Scan the night sky during a snowshoe trek in search of the ethereal aurora borealis. Meet your guide and depart for Minikraftverket, a small hydroelectric power station overlooking Narvik. Here, you will strap on your snowshoes and begin your hike. Along the way, cast your gaze to the twilight sky in search of the dancing northern lights. Ideal conditions to catch a glimpse of the auroras include clear nighttime skies and sufficient solar activity, as the phenomenon occurs when electrically charged solar particles in the atmosphere interact with Earth’s magnetic field. You will be joined by local experts with knowledge of how to look for this magnificent natural display. At the end of your trek, relax with a warm beverage and enjoy free time to take in your surroundings and capture photographs. Then, return to your coach for the journey back to your ship.

Enjoy a wealth of winter experiences as you scan the night sky for the mysterious aurora borealis. Journey through a remote landscape of frozen lakes and granite rock walls to an outdoor camp amid natural surroundings. Located far from city lights, the wide‑open skies offer the best chance to see this natural wonder. Upon arrival, set out to enjoy a range of experiences that will allow you to immerse yourself in the wilderness of this spectacular setting. Join fellow guests with your guide around a campfire as you listen to tales of the northern lights and learn about Narvik’s Arctic wildlife. You will also enjoy a steaming bowl of soup in a traditional tent, or lavvu. With any luck, amid the starry Arctic skies the ethereal aurora borealis will make an appearance and display her dancing lights. Afterward, you will return to your ship.

Set out on an exciting dogsled ride in search of the majestic aurora borealis. Drive by motor coach through the wintry landscape while your guide explains the natural phenomenon of light that dances across the winter skies, known more commonly as the northern lights. Upon arrival at the base in Sweden, you will be welcomed by a team of excitable four-legged friends and enjoy free time to get to know them better. Ensure that you are wrapped up warmly against the elements and, after a short safety briefing, climb on board your sled. Breathe in the fresh air as you journey along the snow trails on an invigorating ride and gaze up to the night skies to try and catch a glimpse of the ethereal aurora borealis. Upon your return to base, you will enjoy refreshments before returning to your ship.

Set out into the remote reaches of Norway in search of the elusive northern lights. Board your Arctic train for a journey on the historic Ofoten Railway to Katterat Station. Along the way, hear stories about the navvy, the itinerant workers who labored under extreme conditions to build the railway, and the important role it played during World War II. Upon arrival at the station, sip on warm drinks accompanied by snacks as you scan the night sky for the northern lights. On a clear night, the auroras may manifest themselves as faint wisps of color or shimmering curtains of light over the landscape. While you wait, participate in winter activities; perhaps try snowshoeing or enjoy a chat around the bonfire. With any luck, you will see her dancing lights grace the night sky before returning to Narvik and your awaiting ship.

Delve into Sami culture and traditions while searching the night sky for the unpredictable northern lights. Listen to tales of local life as you travel to the Fjellkysten Mountain Guest House,  a hotel located in the quiet Lavangen fjord and far away from urban light pollution. Upon arrival, enjoy a warm welcome from your host as you are ushered inside the cozy hall. Then, sit back and immerse yourself in a cultural experience as a Sami performer sings songs, tells stories and offers insight into this unique culture. You will also have an opportunity to savor several local snacks. During your stay, your hosts will be scanning the sky for signs of the northern lights, which may manifest themselves as faint wisps of color or shimmering curtains of light over the boreal forests and tundra. With any luck, you will see her dancing lights grace the night sky before returning to Narvik.

Uncover Narvik’s iron mining origins and rich history during a narrated fjord cruise. After a short stroll to the pier, board your vessel and set out on a journey through Narvik’s storied past, guided by your skipper, the former curator of the Narvik Museum. As you cruise past the LKAB iron ore port—one of the world’s most advanced—you will learn how this Arctic town grew around the mineral-rich mountains. Hear tales of Rombaksbotn, once a bustling construction village, and gain insight into Narvik’s pivotal role in World War II. Your skipper will also share personal stories about life in the north. From your seat on the viewing deck, take in the views of the rugged coastline while a large screen displays live footage from an underwater drone that offers a glimpse into the world beneath the fjord. Later, return to shore and walk back to your ship.