Norway’s Arctic Islands & Mountainous Vistas

Some of the best moments of cruising are the days spent at sea where you can relax and enjoy the wonderful programme of events and activities we have planned for you.

The Arctic Circle crosses mainland Norway at Saltfjellet at roughly 66°33’ North Latitude. During the summer months, the wonderful midnight sun lights up the sky. This natural phenomena gives the sky a hue of red and yellow, akin to an extended sunset and sunrise combined, and best viewed from the decks of your smaller sized ship.

The natural phenomenon of the Midnight Sun occurs north of the Arctic Circle where the sun remains above the horizon, and is therefore visible at midnight, meaning that it never sets in this part of the world during the summer months. Many towns and cities in Northern Norway experience the Midnight Sun casting a yellow glow onto their coastlines and mountain peaks, as the sunlight dapples like in early evening, before brightening again for the following day.

Reine, situated on the southeast coast of Moskenesøya Island in the remote Lofoten Archipelago, is one of Norway’s most spectacular locations, surrounded by breathtaking mountain peaks, flower-covered meadows and bathed in silken Arctic light. Aboard your smaller Fred. Olsen cruise ship you’ll pass slowly by Reine, taking in remarkable scenes that have inspired artists and photographers for centuries, and in the summer months you can enjoy the lovely long days and Midnight Sun.

One of the first destinations inside the Arctic Circle, Leknes in the Lofoten Islands, is full of Viking history and Arctic nature. The striking landscapes are full of variety – wild marshes, green fields, serene lakes, soaring mountains and sandy beaches all unite to ensure the area is one of the most picturesque in Norway. The area around Leknes is also home to many Arctic bird species, including Velvet Scooters, Eider ducks and Whooper Gulls.

Svolvær, capital of Norway’s rugged Lofoten archipelago, is a small, yet vibrant town situated on the picturesque southern coast of Austvågøya Island. The harbour overlooks the beautiful Vestfjord, and with spectacular scenes of steep mountains and sheltered bays, Svolvær is a haven for visitors seeking hiking and climbing adventures, as well as artists attracted to the town’s picture-perfect location. The town itself plays a major role in the success of Lofoten’s thriving fishing industry, and is developing at a rapid rate. In contrast to the landscapes surrounding the town, the centre of Svolvær has plenty of shops, cafés, restaurants and interesting museums including the Lofoten War Museum, and galleries such as the Foto Galleri and Nordnorsk Kunstnersenter, that exhibit works from artists inspired by the scenic delights of Svolvær and Lofoten.

Slicing through the rugged landscapes of Troms og Finnmark, separating the islands of Hinnøya and Tjeldøya from the mainland, the Tjeldsundet Strait has long been one of Norway’s most important waterways, serving as a vital route between the country’s northern and southern regions. The beauty and peace of Tjeldsundet is surrounded by mountains and dramatic rock faces; and the impressive Tjeldsund Suspension Bridge connects the islands of Lofoten and Vesterålen with the mainland.

Situated 350 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle and the largest city in northern Norway, Tromsø is known as the ‘Gateway to the Arctic’ as it was used a starting point for Arctic expeditions in the early 1900’s. It is famed for its viewing potential of the Aurora Borealis, and features the recognisable Arctic Cathedral as its centrepiece. Designed as an iceberg shape in 1965, and inspired by local landscapes, it has a striking stained glass window.

Some of the best moments of cruising are the days spent at sea where you can relax and enjoy the wonderful programme of events and activities we have planned for you.

Known as ‘Blue Town’, the unique town of Sortland was given its nickname due to its buildings being almost entirely painted in varying shades of blue, chosen by local artist Bjorn Elvenes, to represent Sortland’s maritime and fishing heritage. The surrounding waters of the town are teeming with various species of fish, seabirds, seals and whales; and rugged, unspoilt landscapes are the town’s backdrop.

Forming a majestic chain of peaks overlooking the shipping channel, the Seven Sisters mountain range is an awe-inspring backdrop to a myriad of islands and Norwegian landscapes. Standing 1,000 feet above the shoreline, these striking peaks are perhaps best observed in all their glory from your cruise ship. It is possible to climb them, and to learn the legend of the trolls who were turned to stone!

Located on the island of Torget, Torghatten Mountain is one of Norway’s most astonishing natural wonders. Known affectionately as ‘the mountain with the hole’, Torghatten is famous for the huge hole which strikes right through the middle of it. Formed during the Scandinavian Ice Age, looser sediment and rock were eroded, but the harder rock at the top of the mountain remained, creating the distinctive hole. There are also one or two folklore tales about how the hole was formed!

Often referred to as the Atlantic City, due to its close proximity to one of the world’s most scenic roadways, the Atlantic Road, Kristiansund is home to much of Norway’s most iconic modern architecture. The Atlantic Road is a true feat of engineering, offering breath-taking scenery and culture at every point, as it snakes over a series of small islands, spanned by a total of eight bridges.

Some of the best moments of cruising are the days spent at sea where you can relax and enjoy the wonderful programme of events and activities we have planned for you.