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Ponant invites adventurers aboard Le Champlain for an 11-day expedition, from 01 Jan 2023 14:30 to 12 Jan 2023 09:00, exploring the spellbinding winter landscapes of Norway. Setting sail from Tromsø, described as the 'Gateway to the Arctic', the journey leads voyagers deep into Arctic territories marked by snow-laden summits and rich cultural histories. Guests will have the opportunity to embark on bespoke excursions at each port, ensuring diverse explorations from historical landmarks to breathtaking natural wonders. The expedition navigates through the enchanting Lofoten Islands, offering awe-inspiring panoramas of fjords and vibrant traditional villages.
The voyage continues southward, inviting guests to immerse themselves in the rich traditions of the Sami people amidst the stunning backdrop of Narvik and its storied past. As Le Champlain reaches Hammerfest, the northernmost town in the world, explorers can traverse the iconic Struve Geodetic Arc. From Bear Island's jagged cliffs to the northern reaches of Honningsvåg, where the symbolic Milestone monument stands at the North Cape, each destination presents unique natural and historical insights. Culminating in the captivating scenes of Alta, the probability of witnessing the mesmerizing Northern Lights heightens as the expedition loops back to Tromsø, ensuring a rich tapestry of Arctic encounters and unforgettable scenic vistas.
Tromsø, Norway: Tromsø, with its centre on an island, is five times the size of Oslo and is the world's northernmost university city. Situated 200 miles inside the Arctic Circle, it is famed as the 'Gateway to the Arctic.' The city, once a base for hunters and explorers, is remembered in the Polar Museum and celebrates the Sami culture at the Tromsø Museum. A harmonious mix of historic wooden buildings and modern architecture, highlighted by the Arctic Cathedral with its grand stained glass window, defines the city. Take the cable car to Mount Storsteinen for breathtaking views.
Narvik, Norway: Nestled 140 miles within the Arctic Circle, Narvik's history stretches back to Stone Age settlements. Vikings once thrived here as well. The town gained prominence with the iron industry in the 1870s, facilitated by its ice-free port crucial for exporting Swedish iron ore. Built by a British-Swedish partnership, the railway linked Kiruna mines to Narvik in 1902, shaping the town, then known as Victoriahavn. WWII left scars; occupied in 1940, retaken, and then lost again, the war museum chronicles these times.
Reine, Lofoten Archipelago, Norway: The Lofoten Islands offer a surreal escape with sharp alpine peaks, sandy shores, verdant fields, and wondrous fjords. Some fjords are UNESCO-listed, and Reine itself is a picturesque village with blue seas, lush countryside, and quaint fishermen's cottages. Embrace hiking, whale-watching, and birdwatching amid this gorgeous landscape.
Hammerfest, Norway: Situated over 600 miles north of the Arctic Circle, Hammerfest is the northernmost town worldwide, steeped in history and welcoming travellers for centuries. The town, synonymous with 'mooring place,' is set around a natural harbour. Once a hunting outpost, it prides itself as the first European city with electric street lamps, powered by Edison's generator in 1891. Among Hammerfest's charms are two museums and a market selling souvenirs and local wares.
Bear Island, Norway: Bear Island, halfway between Tromsø and Svalbard, stands as the southernmost isle of the Svalbard Archipelago. This unglaciated wilderness, marked by soaring cliffs, is a haven for seabirds, recognised as an Important Bird Area. With a legacy of whaling and mining, and once home to polar bears, it's now largely untouched except for a meteorological station in the north.
Honningsvåg, Norway: In 1553, British explorer Richard Chancellor encountered the North Cape, a cliff stand 307 metres above the Barents Sea, now a pilgrimage for visitors. From the fishing hub of Honningsvåg, you can journey to Nordkapp, Europe’s northernmost point, through arctic tundra and reindeer grounds. This region beckons with rugged beauty and rich Sami culture, offering a unique blend of natural wonder and heritage.
Alta, Norway: Alta, home to prehistoric carvings discovered in 1973, offers a glimpse into human attraction to this hospitable enclave for millennia. Nestled at Altafjord's head, it provides a green refuge within challenging terrain. Alta’s fame extends to its winter nights, illuminated by the Northern Lights, and its historical firsts, including the earliest Northern Lights Observatory, pivotal to geophysical research in past centuries.
Alta, Norway: Rich with history, Alta has captivated visitors for ages with its prehistoric rock art, visible at the Alta Museum. Set at the head of Altafjord amid green landscapes, Alta charms with its relative warmth and striking vistas, serving as a perfect entryway to explore Norway's wilderness and witness the mesmerising Northern Lights during clear, dark winter nights.
Tromsø, Norway: Tromsø stands as a hub of history and breathtaking landscape. Whether exploring the legacy of Arctic explorers through the Polar Museum or immersing in the Sami culture at the local museum, every aspect tells a story. Admire the modern Arctic Cathedral, ascend Mount Storsteinen for marvellous vistas, and relive the vibrancy as this northern city captivates anew.
Tromsø, Norway: Experience Tromsø's unique blend of history and vibrant culture on your return. Walk through its streets lined with wooden and modern architecture, explore its museums dedicated to polar exploration and Sami culture, and enjoy stunning panoramic views from Mount Storsteinen. Its iconic Arctic Cathedral leaves a lasting impression as you bid farewell to this Arctic jewel of a city.
We endeavour to ensure that the information provided on our website regarding itineraries and schedules is accurate and up-to-date. Please be aware, however, that this information is offered in good faith and may be subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances or events beyond our control. We appreciate your understanding and flexibility in this regard.
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