Itinerary

Nice to know: The coasts and fjords of Norway are renowned for their beauty
In the far north of the country, about 350 km (217 miles) north of the Arctic Circle, lie the islands of Kvaløya and Senja. Enormous schools of herring gather in the fjords around these islands to live out the winter. This abundance of food creates one of the largest concentrations of biomass on Earth, which in turn attracts large numbers of whales. It is these giants of the sea that this voyage is dedicated to finding.

During winter the daylight is limited, but the nighttime hours are far from wasted: North Norway is one of the best areas in the world to see the northern lights, a magical phenomenon that can only be fully appreciated when the sky is clear and dark, with minimal light pollution. This voyage offers ample opportunities to admire the auroras from the remote bays and fishing villages where you’ll spend the night.

Polar Night in Tromsø, North Norway: Polar night is a natural phenomenon that occurs in the winter months

Polar night is a natural phenomenon that occurs in the winter months. The polar night season officially starts in Tromsø on November 27 and lasts until January 15 but technically, the sun already disappears on November 21 and doesn't come back to the city until January 21 due to the city being surrounded by high mountain ranges. In this period, there won't be any daylight but it isn't pitch black either. There is a twilight and a form of weak daylight between roughly 9am and 2pm.

“Solstice” (Latin: “solstitium”) means sun-stopping. In most locations north of Equator, the shortest day of the year is around this date. It is a very special season of the year.

Important note:
Tromsø is the base and gateway in which our voyages start and end. These voyages focus on viewing the aurora borealis and whales, and the expedition leader determines the final itinerary to be introduced during the welcome briefing on day one. The map shows two possible routes that we may take in order to raise our chances for wildlife sightings:

The main route (bold line) heads north to the Kvaenangen fjord, very likely to be visited during November to mid-January.

The alternative route (dotted line) heads south around the island of Senja, mainly in the period from mid-January till February. The expedition leader will determine the final route.

Because of the seasonal occurrence of herring and whales in these fjords, the whale safari cruises take place in winter, when the Northern Norway days are short and the nights long. Whale watching (orcas and humpbacks) is highly dependent on the variable herring stocks in the area, and this is ultimately unpredictable. Other whales (i.e., sperm whales) are not dependent on herring, which is why we have a good chance of seeing them in specific areas, such as along the south route near Andenes. The expedition leader will adapt the sailing plan to maximize your chances of seeing whales.

Other highlights of these trips: Arctic Norway (mountains and fjords) and Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis). In the winter the daylight hours are limited, but during the dark hours we have the opportunity to see the northern lights. These amazing phenomena are only visible when it is dark and the sky is clear, and without other disturbing light sources. The trip will provide ample opportunity to admire the Aurora Borealis in the remote fishing towns and bays where we spend the night at the pier or at anchor. In some places the ship will also sail at night.

Main route / North route: (Kvaenangen fjord)
The main route (bold line) heads north to the Kvaenangen fjord, very likely to be visited during November to mid-January.

Day 1: Paris of the North
Your adventure begins in Tromsø, nicknamed the “Paris of the North,” located in an area rich with Norse and Sámi history. Enjoy exploring this sub-Arctic Norwegian town, said to have been inhabited since the last ice age. All voyages with s/v Rembrandt van Rijn aim at departing from Tromsø in the evening of day one, while s/v Noorderlicht will set sail in the early morning of day two. All passengers of Rembrandt are kindly asked to board the vessel by 17:00, while passengers of Noorderlicht are welcome to board the vessel between 17:00 and 23:00.

Day 2 – 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 Uløya. 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.) Uløya 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 Skjervøy, Seglvik, Reinfjord, or Burfjord. There are good hiking possibilities in the area, for example on the Island of Spildra. 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. Our course is heading south-west again. We spend the night near the small village of Finnkroken. This small village offers good opportunities to see the Northern Lights.

Day 7: Under the northern lights
Arrival in Tromsø 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 Tromsø 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.

Alternative route: South route (around Senja)
The alternative route (dotted line) heads south around the island of Senja, mainly in the period from mid-January till February. The expedition leader will determine the final route.

Day 1: Paris of the North
Your adventure begins in Tromsø, nicknamed the “Paris of the North,” located in an area rich with Norse and Sámi history. Enjoy exploring this sub-Arctic Norwegian town, said to have been inhabited since the last ice age. All voyages with s/v Rembrandt van Rijn aim at departing from Tromsø in the evening of day one and all passengers are kindly asked to board the vessel by 17:00.

Day 2: In search of Norway’s whales
The itinerary depends largely on the weather conditions, the amount of daylight during the voyage, and the expected location of the whales. You might sail clockwise or counter-clockwise around the island of Senja.

Day 3 – 6: Whales of the shelf
You spend the next several days along the north coasts of Senja and Andfjorden, areas where many whales have been spotted in recent years. Keep a look out for sperm whales and other whale species here. Near Andenes, along the edge of the continental shelf, whales dive particularly deep to feed on giant squid. You may also see white-tailed eagles, one of the largest birds of prey in Europe, vying for their share of the herring. In the afternoon, you find a place for the night in one of the scenic fishing villages nearby, such as Skrolsvik, Andenes, Gryllefjorden, Hamn and/ or Sommarøy. Once the sun has set, you can make short hikes along the coast or in small villages – and maybe even catch sight of the aurora. On the small island of Sommarøy there are good opportunities for hiking and exploring small bays.

Day 7: Under the northern lights
Arrival in Tromsø 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 Tromsø 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.

© Rinie van Meurs

© Florian Piper

© ST