14-day expedition cruise along the Lofoten Islands and Norwegian fjords

Day 1: Embarkation in Narvik

You embark in Narvik between 4:00 pm and 5:00 pm. The city lies above the Arctic Circle, on the Ofotfjord and between mountains that come close to the water. After embarkation, you get to know Le Commandant Charcot. You settle into your cabin, explore the ship and start the cruise along the Norwegian coast.

Day 2: Narvik and the Arctic Railway

Today, you stay in Narvik, a city with an important port and a fascinating railway history. You travel on the Arctic Railway, the historic line between Narvik and Sweden. This railway once transported iron ore from Kiruna to Narvik’s ice-free port. Along the way, you see how the train makes its way past mountains, fjords and railway bridges.

You can also visit Polar Park, where you learn more about animals from the far north. Those who would like to add a more active experience can choose the optional husky excursion.

Day 3: Svolvær in the Lofoten Islands

In the early morning, you arrive in Svolvær, on the island of Austvågøy. This town is an important gateway to the Lofoten Islands and has lived from fishing for generations. Cod plays a major role here, both in the harbour and on restaurant menus.

During the walk through Svolvær and Svinøya, you see fishermen’s houses, drying racks, small quays and boats that still head out to sea every day. Above the town rises Svolværgeita, the rock formation with two peaks that resemble goat horns. Those who want to head out to sea can choose the optional sea eagle safari to Trollfjorden.

Day 4: Leknes and the Lofoten Islands

Today, you dock in Leknes, in the heart of the Lofoten Islands. From here, you visit Henningsvær and the Lofotr Viking Museum. Henningsvær is spread across small islands and has a harbour, old fishermen’s houses and studios with a strong connection to the sea.

At the Lofotr Viking Museum, you step inside a reconstructed longhouse. You learn how Viking families lived, worked and traded here. The day gives a good insight into the history of the Lofoten Islands and daily life in this northern archipelago. A RIB boat trip or a horse-riding excursion is among the optional possibilities.

Day 5: Brønnøysund

You continue to Brønnøysund, on the Torget peninsula. Nearby lies Torghatten, the granite mountain with a large hole through the rock. The hole was formed by sea erosion and is now one of the most striking natural landmarks along this coast.

Not far from Brønnøysund lies the Vega Archipelago. This group of islands is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and consists of thousands of small islands. For centuries, the inhabitants lived from fishing and from caring for eider ducks, whose down was carefully collected.

Day 6: Day at sea on board

Today, you spend the day on board Le Commandant Charcot. The ship continues along the Norwegian coast and you have time to attend lectures and talks with the expedition team. Topics include polar regions, ocean research, climate and navigation in cold waters.

Day 7: Geirangerfjord

Today, you sail through the Geirangerfjord, one of Norway’s most famous fjords. The fjord is part of the West Norwegian Fjords and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From the ship, you see high rock walls, waterfalls and old farms clinging to the mountainsides.

This day is mainly about observing from the water. The ship takes you deep into the fjord, giving you a special perspective on the narrow passages, waterfalls and abandoned farms.

Day 8: Ålesund

You arrive in Ålesund, a coastal city rebuilt in Art Nouveau style after the great fire of 1904. During a city walk, you see façades with turrets, ornaments and colourful details. The Art Nouveau Museum gives more insight into the city’s reconstruction and the architects who shaped its new look.

You can also visit the islands of Giske and Godøy. Giske has a strong connection to Viking history and Godøy takes you to Alnes, a village on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean.

Day 9: Nordfjordeid

Today, you sail to Nordfjordeid, on an arm of the Nordfjord. The town lies in an area where archaeologists have found many Viking graves. This makes it an interesting stop for anyone who wants to understand more about Nordic history.

At Sagastad, you discover exhibitions about the Viking Age and see the Myklebust, one of the largest Viking ships in the world. The ship is around thirty metres long and shows how refined shipbuilding already was in that period. Those who prefer to explore the surroundings can choose the panoramic excursion around Nordfjordeid.

Day 10: Flåm

In the early morning, you reach Flåm, deep in the fjord region. The village lies at the end of a fjord arm and is best known for the Flåm Railway. This railway climbs twenty kilometres through a mountain area with waterfalls, ravines and small settlements.

During the included excursion, you visit Njardarheimr, a Viking village where guides explain crafts, clothing, trade and daily life in the Viking Age. Afterwards, you go to Ægir Bryggeripub, a brewery and pub with an interior that refers to old Norse halls.

Days 11 and 12: Days at sea on board

The next two days are spent at sea, the perfect pause to relax while the ship sails towards Bergen. On board, you decide how to spend your time. Listen to engaging lectures from the expedition team about the Norwegian coast and the fjords, ask the specialists your questions or find a quiet spot in the lounge.

Day 13: Bergen

You arrive early in Bergen, the former capital of Norway. During the walk through Bryggen, you see the wooden trading houses that recall the Hanseatic period. The narrow alleys, small shops and studios make this part of the city interesting to explore on foot.

Those who want to go higher can head to Mount Fløyen. From there, you look out over the harbour, the city and the surrounding fjords. Bergen also has museums, fish restaurants and old neighbourhoods that make a fitting end to this cruise.

Day 14: Disembarkation in Bergen

After breakfast, your cruise ends in Bergen. Disembarkation takes place at 8:00 am. From here, you travel home or extend your journey with a few days in the city.