Journey Beyond the Circle: Discover the Wonders of the Arctic

Day 1 - Portsmouth

Portsmouth, England: Portsmouth is one of the most densely populated cities in Southern England, unique in that much of its built-up area is on Portsea Island, connected to the mainland by road and rail. Although a Roman fort existed at nearby Portchester, there was no settlement where Portsmouth now stands during the time of the Domesday Book in 1086. The town developed in medieval times, receiving its first charter in 1194 from King Richard I, and soon after became a major naval base. It boasts the world’s oldest dry dock and is home to historic ships like HMS Victory. Dominating its waterfront is the 560 feet high Spinnaker Tower. Explore the birthplace of Charles Dickens and the City Museum with an exhibition on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

Day 4 - Bergen

Bergen, Norway: Encircled by mountains and sparkling fjords, Bergen boasts a striking natural setting. A settlement has existed here since medieval times. The colourful buildings of the Hanseatic wharf, or Bryggen, highlight its trading history and earn it a UNESCO World Heritage Site designation. Visitors can explore the bustling fish market and historic cobbled streets or enjoy panoramic city vistas from Mt Fløyen. For those familiar with the city, excursions further afield offer insights into local history. Close to the main piers, the Fortress Museum presents intriguing wartime artefacts from World War II.

Day 6 - Narvik

Narvik, Norway: Located 140 miles within the Arctic Circle at 68 degrees North, Narvik's history begins in the Stone Age. Notably inhabited by Vikings, its development surged in the 1870s with the iron industry, utilising its ice-free port for Swedish iron ore exports. Narvik's industrial heritage remains central, with the LKAB mining corporation's ongoing operations. The Narvik Railway, established in 1902, facilitated its growth. Despite its WWII devastation, where the Nazis invaded in 1940, marking their first defeat by the Allies, the local war museum offers an informative narrative of the period.

Day 7 - Narvik

Narvik, Norway: Narvik continues to captivate with its fascinating history, from its origins in the Stone Age to its pivotal role in iron ore exportation. The presence of the LKAB mining corporation underscores its industrial importance. Post-WWII, the town has rebuilt, with its war museum offering a comprehensive account of the local wartime experiences. Attractions highlight both the town's cultural and historic significance.

Day 9 - Tromsø

Tromsø, Norway: Tromsø, situated on its namesake island, is not only the world’s northernmost university city but also five times the size of Oslo. Known as the 'Gateway to the Arctic,' it was historically a base for Arctic explorers and hunters. Today, its Polar Museum recounts these explorations. The city is also immersed in Sami culture, showcased at the Tromsø Museum. Tromsø's unique blend of antiquated wooden buildings and modern architecture, such as the Arctic Cathedral, offers visual charm. The cable car to Mount Storsteinen rewards visitors with stunning views of the surrounding landscapes.

Day 10 - Honningsvåg

Honningsvåg, Norway: In 1553, Richard Chancellor discovered the majestic North Cape, now a bucket-list destination for Scandinavians. Honningsvåg, a fishing village on Magerøya Island, is where most begin their journey to this remote point. Traverse a rugged landscape dotted with reindeer herded by the Sami, across to Nordkapp, marked by vast tundra and breathtaking views. Winter access is limited, requiring a Sno-Cat ride for visitors eager for this unique Arctic experience.

Day 11 - Alta

Alta, Norway: Alta’s allure has persevered for millennia, visible in its prehistoric rock carvings at the Alta Museum. Nestled amid the lush Altafjord, the area offers hospitable respite from the harsh Finnmark climate. Known for its Northern Lights, Alta also houses the world’s first Northern Lights Observatory, significantly contributing to geophysical research. High atop Haldde Mountain, the observatory overlooks Kafjord, historically significant as a WWII battleship base.

Day 14 - Ålesund

Ålesund, Norway: Renowned for its stunning Art Nouveau architecture, Ålesund is the Møre og Romsdal district's commercial hub. Following a massive 1904 fire that left thousands homeless, Ålesund's reconstruction by young architects resulted in a beautiful blend of architectural styles. Its distinctive turrets and ornate façades continue to charm visitors, while its preserved Art Nouveau design garnered the Houens National Memorial Prize in 1998.

Day 17 - Portsmouth

Portsmouth, England: Portsmouth revisits its maritime origins on Day 17, returning to its historic naval roots. The city's medieval development, marked by King Richard I’s charter in 1194, laid the foundation for a major naval base. With attractions like its historic ships, Spinnaker Tower, and connections to literary figures like Charles Dickens and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Portsmouth is a city rich in culture and history.