Christmas in the magic of the northern lights 2023, 2024

General Notes
The focus of our northern Norway cruises with the „Cape Race“ is the experience of the northern lights (Aurora Borealis) and the observation of whales of different species. From mid-November to mid-January there is polar night in Northern Norway. The sun does not rise above the horizon at this time and a fascinating twilight envelops the fjords and small settlements. And on clear nights, the magical veil of northern lights often appears. From the beginning of November, killer whales and humpback whales are often sighted in the waters around Tromsø, following the large schools of herring. Based on the observations of recent years, it is expected that the best chances for sightings of marine mammals are in the Kvaenangen Fjord region northeast of Tromsø. Ultimately, however, the occurrence of humpback and killer whales is highly dependent on the herring stocks (which vary greatly in size), so the expedition leader will react flexibly to the situation. An alternative route could also lead you south to the island of Senja and near Andenes. Here, whales of other species (e.g. sperm whales) have often been sighted in recent years, which are not dependent on the occurrence of the herring shoals.

Day 1 and 2: Tromsø
After our arrival, 350 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle, you will explore Tromsø, the „Paris of the North“, with its famous Arctic Ocean Cathedral, the exciting Polar Museum, which documents the history of the expeditions into the ice, or on a trip with the cable car on the Fjellheisen with breathtaking views over the icy fjord landscape. You will spend the first night in an upscale middle-class hotel (Radisson Blu or similar). In the afternoon of the following day we welcome you aboard the „Cape Race“. We will introduce you to the ship and the crew, you will refresh yourself in your cabin or enjoy the comfortable saloon, and depending on the weather, the captain will already give the signal for departure.

Day 3 – 9:
Fjords of Northern Norway
The course of the coming days and nights follows the guidelines of nature. The weather and especially the migration of the whales determine the route of our expedition ship. Due to its small size and a maximum of only 12 guests, the captain together with the expedition leader can spontaneously and individually determine the perfect course of the journey.
We follow humpback or fin whales as well as schools of orcas in the fjords on their hunt for shoals of herring. Their blowing guides us, similar to the rainy sound of the herring swarms in calm weather. Accompanied by the dancing aurora borealis over the snow-covered mountains, we glide through the fjords, anchor or, depending on the route, lie by picturesque places like Andfjord, Senja, Andenes, Gryllefjord, Skrolsvik, Sommarøy, Burfjord, Hamnes, Uløya or Nord-Lenangen. The silence on deck, exciting visits on the bridge, the evenings in the oven-heated saloon with the sound of the well-tuned piano, a visit to the on-board sauna, small evening walks along the coast or an excellent meal will become unforgettable moments.

Day 10: Tromsø
Back in Tromsø. Return flight or transfer to „Arctic Panorama Lodge“.

Optional follow-up program (4 days / 3 nights) at the „Arctic Panorama Lodge“

The comfortable and family-run „Arctic Panorama Lodge“ is located on the island of Uløya in the northern part of the Lyngenfjord. The secluded location of the lodge and the lounge area with large panorama windows are unique. From the lodge there is a fantastic view over the fjord and the mountains, and often you can observe the arctic animal life or the aurora borealis directly from here.

Experience the nature of Northern Norway during various winter activities, relax by the fireplace after your return and enjoy the excellent cuisine of the lodge.

The planned itinerary

1st day: Tromsø – Uløya
(Friday) After disembarkation on the „Cape Race“ you will be transferred to Uløya to the “Arctic Panorama Lodge”. Rest of the day to relax or for walks on the lodge grounds.
Board and lodging: Breakfast (at the „Cape Race“), dinner.

2nd day: Snowshoe hike
(Saturday) Today you will go on an easy snowshoe tour in the morning, where you will also learn a lot of interesting facts about the Sami, the aboriginal people of Scandinavia. Afterwards lunch at the lodge and time at leisure. Alternatively you can take part in a whale safari today (optional). After dinner you will go for a walk and look out for northern lights and sit around the open campfire in the rag tent. Return to the lodge after about 3 hours.
Board and lodge: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Day 3: Dog sled tour
(Sunday) Experience the fantastic winter landscape during a ride with a dog sled. Let yourself be infected by the joy of the dogs when you go out into the snowy winter landscape. Afterwards lunch at the lodge and time at leisure.
Catering: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Day 4: Uløya – Tromsø
(Monday) After breakfast the transfer back to Tromsø takes place at 9:00 am (duration approx. 3 hours). In the afternoon you can take your return flight to your home airport.

Important note about the travel program
Our exact route depends on the ice, weather conditions and wildlife. The places mentioned above are just some of the many attractions this trip has to offer. Please remember that flexibility is the key to a successful expedition!