Ultimate Norway at Christmas—Arctic Expedition under the Northern Lights
7-night the Arctic expedition · 1 departure · from $4,619 per guest
- 7 nightsDuration
- MS SpitsbergenShip
- TromsøRound trip from
- Dec 19, 2026Next sailing
Arctic Expedition under the Northern Lights
8‑day all‑inclusive Norway Expedition Cruise from Tromsø
Magical white Christmas in Norway. Enjoy an all-inclusive adventure, with snow-covered landscapes, traditional Norwegian food, and onboard yuletide cheer.
A flexible-itinerary Arctic Norway expedition during the “winter wonderland” season—the best time to see the northern lights and enjoy winter activities.
Three unique and bespoke experiences: Day to Dusk—Flames and Flavors; Nordic Sauna and Polar Plunge; and Into the Night—Dinner at the Museum.
Arctic Winter Wonderland at Christmas
Setting out from Tromsø, explore four spectacular regions and experience a magical Christmas with snow-covered landscapes. As we spend an exciting week witnessing the glacial majesty of the Lyngen Alps, the dramatic beauty of the Lofoten Islands, the forested mountains of Vesterålen, and the serenity of Senja, you’ll see snow-frosted mountains, deep blue fjords, cozy villages decked with twinkling Christmas lights, and—with luck—the ethereal northern lights overhead. This time of year can be fully dark in the north, making it a magical time to enjoy an intimate Scandinavian voyage and a unique, festive onboard experience.
Set a Course for Adventure with the True Norway Experts
We’ve been sailing Norway’s coast since 1896, and nobody knows the region like we do. Using our expertise and with a flexible itinerary, we’ll head out to the best and most beautiful islands and beaches in our small expedition boats. Here you’ll enjoy activities such as snowshoeing, hiking and kayaking. What’s more, three unique and bespoke adventures mean you’ll experience a beach bonfire under the stars, a Nordic sauna and polar plunge, and an after-hours heritage dinner at a museum reserved exclusively for us.
Upcoming departures
| Sails | Ship | Nights | From (per guest) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 19, 2026 | MS Spitsbergen | 7 | $4,619 | Cabins & fares |
Day by day
As planned for the Dec 19, 2026 departure; other departures may differ.
Day 1Tromsø
Discover the gateway to the Arctic
Tromsø was the base for many historic Arctic expeditions, including those of Roald Amundsen, and its situation 250 miles north of the Polar Circle has led to it being called the ‘Gateway to the Arctic’. Just like the legendary explorers, now it is your turn to set a course for the High Arctic.
If you arrive early in Tromsø, take the opportunity to ride the Fjellheisen cable car for wide views over this city, located some 200 miles north of the Arctic Circle. Stroll past the modernist Arctic Cathedral, duck into cosy cafés glowing with festive lights, and keep one eye on the water: whales are sometimes spotted offshore.
Day 2Lyngen Alps
The scenic Lyngenfjord
Over the next week we’ll be exploring four distinct regions in depth, each with its own outstanding features and unique beauty. The first such region we’re likely to visit is Lyngen.
Stretching out to just about 50 miles long is Lyngenfjord, a region of dramatic mountains and valleys, framed by the glacier-capped Lyngen Alps. It’s an incredible place for winter activities. Conditions permitting, you can tackle a hike, try snowshoeing, kayak in the icy waters, or join nature landings where you might spot otters and potentially even orcas and humpback whales.
Later, it’s time for a real treat. Inspired by Norway’s friluftsliv, a deep love for the great outdoors, we’ll gather on the beach and enjoy the warmth of a bonfire on our Day to Dusk – Flames and Flavours experience. With hot drinks in hand and Norwegian treats cooked by our onboard chefs, you’ll really feel at one with nature. If we’re lucky, perhaps the Northern Lights will put on a display for us.
Day 3Senja Island
Discover Norway in miniature
Senja is Norway’s second-largest island, and it’s sometimes called Norway-in-miniature. With its rugged mountains, sandy beaches, dark forests and idyllic fishing villages, you can see how it earned this name. Free-roaming reindeer wander around the island, so keep an eye out for them.
We plan to visit the historic settlement of Tranoya for a unique experience with some warm Scandinavian hospitality. Learn about ancient Viking culture and modern life in the remote villages of Arctic Norway during the winter months.
Day 4Lofoten Archipelago
Enjoy an exclusive adventure
Vesterålen awaits us with its beautiful snow-covered landscapes – the perfect place for expedition activities such as snowshoe hiking, small boat cruising and morning kayaking.
In the afternoon we enjoy another bespoke adventure when we spend an evening at the Hurtigruten Museum. Here, we’ll enjoy an exclusive opening and be served a Christmas themed dinner in this very special heritage setting.
Please note, this is an exploration week and the actual route taken may vary from the text above.
Day 5Svolvær
Get to know Lofoten in more detail
Sailing from Vesterålen to Svolvær to, we aim to cruise through the Raftsunde strait to Trollfjord, passing between towering cliffs. As we do so, you’ll enjoy great views from the deck, and we sail so close to the sides it feels like you can almost touch them!
In winter, the Lofoten Islands transform into a snow-covered wonderland. Narrow fjords, hidden beached between towering mountains and picturesque fish villages are all ideal for a small ship like MS Spitsbergen. Embark on a fishing trip from Svolvær, or relax in a traditional Nordic sauna before taking a thrilling polar plunge – sure to revitalise you!
Get a taste of Svolvær when our ship stays late into the night here. It’s a small town, but it’s the biggest you’ll find in these islands, and there are a few cosy restaurants and bars here if you fancy trying a Lofoten snack or brew. As Christmas nears, the streets and homes are decorated with beautiful lights – wander around and simply soak up the festive atmosphere.
Please note, this is an exploration week and the actual route taken may vary from the text above.
Day 6Trollfjord
A Christmas Eve to remember
In Norway, Christmas Eve is the first day of Christmas – or Jul, as the Norwegians say. We’ll enjoy a lovely day as we sail around the Lofoten Islands, seeking out landings to get closer to nature – perhaps it will be a beach covered in snow! We may head out in our small expedition boats to explore between remote islands or even get out the kayaks.
Later, on board, you’ll feel the Christmas spirit all around you. Decorations, Christmas singing, storytelling, hot chocolate and gløgg - could there be a better place to be at this special time of year? In the evening you’ll enjoy a special Norwegian-themed dinner – or julebord – and afterwards the celebrations will continue.
Please note, this is an exploration week and the actual route taken may vary from the text above.
Day 6Stokmarknes
A Christmas Eve to remember
In Norway, Christmas Eve is the first day of Christmas – or Jul, as the Norwegians say. We’ll enjoy a lovely day as we sail around the Lofoten Islands, seeking out landings to get closer to nature – perhaps it will be a beach covered in snow! We may head out in our small expedition boats to explore between remote islands or even get out the kayaks.
Later, on board, you’ll feel the Christmas spirit all around you. Decorations, Christmas singing, storytelling, hot chocolate and gløgg - could there be a better place to be at this special time of year? In the evening you’ll enjoy a special Norwegian-themed dinner – or julebord – and afterwards the celebrations will continue.
Please note, this is an exploration week and the actual route taken may vary from the text above.
Day 7Lonkanfjorden Fjord
Experience a final day on expedition
We’ll stay sheltered in the deep fjords as we make our way back towards Tromsø – at each turn there will be a new island or mountain. Along the way we have plenty of time to scout out landing sites in our small expedition boats, and to go on nature walks and take part in other activities.
The scenery continues to be stunning as we pass through these inner waters, with the winter sun illuminating the landscapes and mountains or enjoy the magic of the polar night. We also pass through areas where we’re likely to see whales. While on board, enjoy the Arctic scenery from the ship, warm up in the sauna or join the Expedition Team to listen to talks and attend discovery sessions in the Science Centre.
Day 8Tromsø
Another opportunity to explore Tromsø
Your expedition cruise ends back in Tromsø. If you didn’t have an opportunity to explore this beautiful town before the cruise, make sure you do now. There’s so much to see and do here.
We hope your time in Arctic Norway has been as rewarding as it has been memorable. After days spent in the stillness of the season, surrounded by dramatic landscapes and soft winter light, you’ll return home with a deeper sense of where you’ve been and memories of a lifetime.
Gallery
Questions about this trip?
Our polar specialists can compare these departures, cabins and current offers with you.
Email explore@polaradventure.com or call toll-free 1-888-611-7688.
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