Norway's Fjords and Arctic Svalbard

Explore Norway’s iconic fjords & go north to ice bear country
Follow Norway’s fjord-carved coast, from the charming town of Bergen, past the North Cape to the ice and wildness of the Svalbard archipelago, for a perfect balance between the charmingly scenic and the spectacularly wild. Explore Tromso and Bear Island on the way to Svalbard in the high Arctic, where polar bears prowl and walruses haul out on rocky shores.

“The land divides us, the sea unites” Norwegians have said for centuries. The sea here carves a 1,100-mile-long coastline (longer than the U.S. west coast) and on this expedition, we’ll explore almost the full-length of its varied contours––from the jaw-droppingly lovely Norwegian fjordlands to the heart-pounding icescapes of Svalbard. On our Norway Fjord itinerary, we venture far off the beaten track plied by big cruise ships, our nimble ships enable us to:

• Explore the rare northern fjords, threading the ice-carved narrows and standing on the bow as the captain noses up to glacier termini
• Actively explore: hike, walk, and kayak through stunning scenery
• Follow the bucket-list-worthy glacially-carved coast
• Make for the wilder wilds of Svalbard to see ice, bears, and Arctic wildlife
• Enjoy superlative photos ops and on-board photo assistance

Incomparable natural beauty plus wildlife
The Norwegian fjords are on the bucket list of many travelers, and this itinerary delivers the heart-stopping beauty and grandeur of the nature-carved fjords, and all the charm of the picturesque villages set like jewels amid the stone. And, it adds the opportunity to discover the polar bear capital of the planet. We’ll see polar bears in their natural habitat, and are likely to observe natural behaviors, from hunting for seals amid the floes to frolicking cubs––all viewable from the proximity and safety of our ship’s deck rail.

In addition to the bears, we’ll have the opportunity to see and observe walrus, fascinating creatures and wonderful photo subjects. Reindeer and elusive arctic foxes. Fur seals. And a glory of birds––we’ll nose up to rock wall rookeries teeming with thousands of birds, see pelagic birds from the ship’s rail when we’re underway, and may even Zodiac cruise near a cloud of feeding arctic terns.

Every day is active and engaging 
You’ll get out on adventures every day, both along Norway’s coast and in Svalbard, weather permitting. The towns and hills above the fjords are ideal for walking. The protected inlets of stunning fjords are perfect for kayaking and personal experiences of these majestic locales. In Svalbard too, we’ll get out for hiking, Zodiac cruising through the ice, or even kayaking along the face of massive glaciers. You’ll have a choice of activities, plus your choice of naturalists to join––for a moveable feast of personalities, insights, and interests. Choice also includes opting to relax, too. Enjoy the view from our ships' panoramic glass windows. Or visit the fitness center with its generous views of the ice vistas, or ease into the sauna or a massage in the wellness center. 

Travel in excellent company 
Explore under the sure guidance of an expedition leader, an assistant expedition leader, eight veteran naturalists, a National Geographic photographer, plus a Lindblad-National Geographic certified photo instructor, a Global Perspectives guest speaker, an undersea specialist, a wellness specialist and a video chronicler. Their knowledge and passion for the fascinating Arctic region is the key to your extraordinary experience.