You will arrive at the international airport of Tromsø, and take the shuttle to the location of the Vessel.

Tromsø, known as the “Gateway to the Arctic”, offers a range of exciting activities for visitors. Before stepping aboard Tall Ship Noorderlicht you could join one of the many possible activities in and around the city. Tromsø offers opportunities for dog sledding, snowmobiling, and reindeer sleigh rides, allowing you to immerse yourself in the Arctic wilderness. Additionally, you can explore the city’s rich cultural scene by visiting the iconic Arctic Cathedral, the Polaria aquarium, or taking a cable car ride up Mount Storsteinen for panoramic views of the surrounding fjords and mountains.

Our sailing ship Noorderlicht is waiting for you in the harbour of the centre of Tromsø, where you can embark from 16:00. After a welcome from the crew and a delicious first 3-course dinner, there is time in the evening to explore the town.

Together with our experienced crew and guide aboard you will create a fitting schedule for the coming days. The route we will sail will depend on the location of whales, wind and weather circumstances. Below you find possible destinations and ideas of the route of your voyage.

Tromso Bridge

Leaving Tromsø’s harbor, we sail beneath the impressive Tromsø Bridge, with our masts nearly touching it. The fjords we will navigate are renowned for their stunning beauty, adorned with snow-capped peaks and abundant wildlife. Outside of Tromsø, we may catch a glimpse of orcas or witness the majestic sea eagle soaring through the air. As Europe’s largest bird of prey, the sea eagle can boast a remarkable wingspan of up to 2.4 meters.

Skjervøy

The waters surrounding Skjervøy harbor thriving populations of herring and plankton, making it possible to encounter humpback whales and orcas. If we will see them, we ensure to observe them responsibly from a safe distance, respecting their hunt for food. Weather permitting, our captain may even switch off the engine, allowing the ship to harmonize with nature, creating an opportunity to hear the enchanting calls of the whales. Throughout these days, our guide will provide enlightening lectures about the whales, their behavior, and the extraordinary underwater ecosystem.

Skjervøy is a fishing community, where the primary source of income stems from fishing and seafood production. In recent years, fish farming and aquaculture have gained prominence. The town holds historical significance as the first port of call for the expedition ship ‘Fram’ upon its return from Frdtjof Nansen’s North Pole expedition in 1896.

Stockfish & Snowshoeing

Hamnes, an ancient trading and fishing town from the 17th century, offers the possibility of mooring alongside authentic wooden warehouses. The town’s landscape is dominated by wooden racks along the coast, where cod is dried to produce stockfish. The combination of sun and wind eliminates moisture from the fish, ensuring its long-term preservation. The warehouses, adjacent to the ship’s mooring spot, serve as storage for the stockfish. A small shop nearby provides insight into the stockfish and the traditional drying and preservation methods. After sunset, you can embark on picturesque walks through the mountains or along the scenic coast. Snowshoes may be necessary to enhance traction on snowy and icy surfaces, granting the opportunity to encounter moose or reindeer along the way.

Aurora Borealis in Finnkroken

Weather permitting, we can sail towards the enchanting village of Finnkroken. Nestled amidst breathtaking nature, this quaint village offers serenity and a glimpse into life in the far North. The village’s remote location ensures minimal light pollution, allowing us the chance to witness the mesmerizing dance of the Northern Lights in the sky above from the ship’s deck in the evening.

Unfortunately, our adventure through the Arctic landscape of Northern Norway has come to an end. After a hearty breakfast, you are kindly requested to disembark by 09:00. We hope that we have been able to show you the variety and beauty of Spitsbergen and that you enjoyed an unforgettable experience on board the Noorderlicht.