The Polar Travel Company

Experience the shores, seas, and lights of the Norwegian Arctic. No surcharge for the kayak program (limited space available)

OEX � Jurriaan Hodzelmans

Duration: 8 days
Starts: Troms�, Norway
Ends: Troms�, Norway
Language: English Speaking Voyage

*Kayaking is optional. No surcharge for the kayak program (limited space available)

Included

Optional

PLEASE NOTE: Twin activity: Hiking & kayaking in one trip. This is a new twin-activity concept: Up to four guests will kayak near shore, while up to 29 (or fewer) guests will hike on shore. It is aimed to swap activities over lunch break. All itineraries are for guidance only. Programs may vary depending on local ice, weather, and wildlife conditions. Landings are subject to site availabilities, permissions, and environmental concerns per AECO regulations. Official sailing plans and landing slots are scheduled with AECO prior to the start of the season, but the expedition leader determines the final plan. Flexibility is paramount for expedition cruises, and willingness to compromise on comfort is a basic requirement on board a historic sailing vessel. Important information about the use of sails: The vessel is equipped with sails to be used in good conditions (based on open sea, water depth, wind, and time allowance), but the use of sails is not guaranteed. The captain decides whether to use the sails or the engine. If sails are used, the crew will operate them. Guests must follow the safety instructions of the team. The average cruising speed for s/v Rembrandt van Rijn is 6.5 knots.

During this trip, hikes (with snowshoes if needed) and kayak outings with TRAK kayaks are offered. Snowshoeing is easy and for anyone with good health and good physical condition. Basic kayaking experience is of advantage, but it is not a requirement. Physical fitness is essential.

North route: The programs and routes described here serve only as a rough guide
The overall program, such as the hiking program on land and the itinerary of the ship at sea, will adapt to the local weather, sea, and snow conditions, and may vary considerably from the route shown. Availability of landing sites also plays a role in the selection of the program. The program may also be changed in response to interesting wildlife observations (e.g., whale sightings). The final decision as to where and in what way the hikes will be implemented is ultimately made by the expedition leader on board. For the hiking program, it is recommended that you bring ankle-high, sturdy boots with gaiters. For wet shore landings via our Zodiac boats, please bring insulated rubber boots with anti-slip soles. Hiking poles with deep snow plates are also required. See our equipment list for more details.

The Northern Norway coastline is renowned for its beauty, a forested terrain contoured with rugged mountains and vast fjords that has twice been voted the best travel destination in the world by National Geographic. And it�s not just during the summer months that Norway shows off its splendors, but the winter as well: The mountains are capped with snow, the sun hangs heavy on the skyline, and everything is embraced in a lustrous coat of frost. In the far north, about 500 km (310 miles) northeast of the Arctic Circle, the Lyngen and Kvaenangen fjords can be found, between which we find steep mountain ridges, remote islands, and a wealth of hiking opportunities. These areas provide the ultimate wilderness experience, as ideal for exploration by foot as by sail.

The itinerary depends largely on weather conditions and the amount of daylight during the voyage. These conditions dictate the route, sailing hours, and our harbors for the night. It is intended to explore the fjords and islands by sail and also on foot. In case of heavier snow, onboard snowshoes will be provided.

In winter the amount of daylight is limited, providing about 10 hours of light by the end of February. The dramatic landscape under the low sun and long sunrise / sunset offers great opportunities for photography enthusiasts, but the dark hours will not be wasted: Northern Norway is one of the best areas in the world to see the northern lights, also known as the aurora borealis. This amazing phenomenon can only be seen when the sky is dark and clear. In good weather conditions, this voyage offers ample opportunities to admire and photograph the northern lights from the remote fishing villages and bays where we stay the night. During the voyage you may also see white-tailed eagles, one of the largest birds of prey in Europe, and the more-skittish fish otters. Both species are year-round residents of the Norwegian fjords.

Additional note: -
At the beginning of the season, there is still snow on the coastline, valleys, and in the mountains. For this reason, the option of snowshoes is offered during the hikes on this voyage.

Snowshoeing is easy for anyone in good physical condition and requires no technical knowledge. With the use of snowshoes, you can move faster and safer on the snow. Snowshoes are available on board (free of charge) and fit all shoe sizes.

As a rule, daily hikes of two to three hours are planned, in the morning and / or afternoon. Approximately 100 to 200 meters (330 to 660 feet) of altitude may be climbed per day, depending on the hike.

At midday hikers return for lunch aboard the vessel, but in the event of a full-day hike, participants receive a packed lunch.

For all hikes, guests (maximum of 33) are split into two groups under the guidance of experienced guides who take into account the interests and physical fitness of the participants. Hiking routes cannot be determined in advance, because local conditions (ice, weather, etc.) influence the final program. The map outlines a possible but not final itinerary, as all itineraries are subject to change.

NEW: Kayak Skills Progression Camp in cooperation with TRAK
Ever wanted to join a course that teaches useful and effective kayaking skills? Now you can learn from the experts, and all in a fantastic Arctic environment. We�re offering our new Kayak Skills Progression Camp, in cooperation with TRAK, to an exclusive group of four to eight kayakers. Participants will be split into two groups of four people, and each group will be offered one outing per day (morning or afternoon) of one to two hours. We hope for five activity days from Sunday to Thursday, depending on local conditions.

The supplemental fee for this activity covers your use of industry-leading TRAK single-seater kayaks and dry suits for the duration of your trip, but if you have your own dry suit, we recommend using that instead. For kayakers who bring their own TRAK kayak and dry suit, no supplemental fee will be charged. Basic kayaking experience is helpful but not a requirement.

Physical fitness, however, is essential. Since it can be breezy and cool in the early season (Arctic spring time), please bring your own thermal layers for additional warmth. This course is aimed to beginners and intermediate kayakers who want to kayak in sheltered fjords, bays, and small secluded harbors. It�s a fun activity in a leisurely format, focusing on education and skills progression. Morning kayakers will return for lunch aboard the vessel at midday, after which they�ll swap activities with morning hikers.

All kayak outings will operate under the guidance of seasoned kayak guides who will take into account the experience and physical fitness levels of the participants. Kayak groups will also be escorted by one Zodiac boat for added safety. Kayaking routes cannot be determined in advance, because local conditions will have an influence on the final program.

The map therefore outlines a possible but not final itinerary, as all itineraries are subject to change.

� Hans Trupp

� Jurriaan Hodzelmans

Day 1: Paris of the North
Your adventure begins in Troms�, nicknamed the �Paris of the North,� located in an area rich with Norse and S�mi history. Enjoy exploring this sub-Arctic Norwegian town, said to have been inhabited since the last ice age. The aim is departing from Troms� in the evening, sailing through Gr�tsundet and Ullsfjorden toward the northeast. All passengers are kindly asked to board the vessel by 17:00.

Day 2: Lighting out toward Lyngen
You arrive in the Nord-Lenangen fjord, just under Lyngsfjella (Lyngen Alps), and the ship may stay there for the night. If conditions permit, you may also make a walk along the coast of the fjord, after which evening glimpses of the northern lights may appear, if the sky is clear enough.

Day 3 � 6: Into the Nordic fjords
You then sail along the base of the Lyngen Alps, across the Lyngen fjord, and may stay for the night in Hamnnes, on the island of Ul�ya. Hamnnes is an ancient trade and fishing settlement originating in the 17th century, with typical wooden warehouses where residents store dried cod. (In fact, the town still exports this cod for the traditional Mediterranean dish, Bacalhau.) Ul�ya offers good hiking, often on snowshoes.

From Hamnnes, you sail farther northeast into the Kvaenangen Fjord. Part of the day you sail through the fjords, and in the afternoon you find a harbor to spend the night in one of the scenic fishing villages, such as Skjerv�y, Seglvik, Reinfjord, or Burfjord. There are good hiking possibilities in the area, for example on the Island of Spildra, where we might climb the 240-meter-high (788 feet) Staurhammaren, with expansive views over the fjord. Great hikes can also be made in Burfjord, just 50 km (31 miles) from the northerly town of Alta. During the evenings and nights, there are fine opportunities to see auroras if the sky is clear enough. The course will be heading south-west again. Night is spent near the small village of Finnkroken, a tiny hamlet that gives you a solid chance of seeing the northern lights. In the morning you embark on a final hike, hopefully with snowshoes, to the 315-meter-high (1,033 feet) Sm�vasshaugen.

Day 7: Under the northern lights
Arrival in Troms� around midday. In the afternoon you enjoy free time to shop for souvenirs in town, visit a museum, or simply take a walk in the fresh winter air. After spending the last night on board, you disembark on day eight (Saturday) with memories that will accompany you wherever your next adventure lies.

Day 8: Goodbye Northern Norway!
Disembarkation in the port of Troms� at 9:00 a.m. at the latest. Transfer to the airport on your own (not included). Individual journey home with scheduled flight via Oslo back home (flights not included in the cabin price).

All itineraries are subject to change and vary according to weather conditions.

� Hans Trupp

� Jurriaan Hodzelmans

Norway

Norway

Arctic TRIPS | Norway View all programs

North Norway, Aurora Borealis: Hike & Kayak & Sail.

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