Pure adventure in a winter wonderland
The spirit of exploration thrives in Norway. Here, where we launched our first expedition in 1896, there’s a unique energy amidst the crystal-clear fjords, snow-frosted mountains and charming fishing villages. Norwegian culture is rooted in the concept of friluftsliv – a deeply-held love of the great outdoors – and Norway cruises with HX capture all this and more.
During your stay on MS Spitsbergen, you'll experience the glacial majesty of the Lyngen Alps, the dramatic beauty of the Lofoten Islands, the forested mountains of Vesterålen and the serenity of Senja. You’ll spend your days hiking, kayaking and visiting local communities, and spend your nights stargazing under the glow of the Northern Lights. Wildlife-lovers will be on the lookout for whales, Arctic Foxes and the elusive Polar Bear, with birders kept busy spotting over 500 species of bird recorded across Norway. To experience all this and more, explore our Ultimate Cruise to Norway.
Exhilarating in its beauty, Lyngen is landscape of jagged, snowy mountains, sheltered bays and pristine beaches, ideal for snowshoe walks, hikes and kayaking.
A miniature Norway in itself, this island is dazzling with natural beauty. Rugged mountains, sandy beaches, dark forests and idyllic fishing villages are all there and ready to explore.
Famous for its year-round whale watching, Vesterålen's islands also boast white sandy beaches, colourful fishing villages and a thriving arts scene against a backdrop of rugged mountains.
These islands will take your breath away. Here you’ll find some of the world’s most enchanting fjords, dotted with windswept islands and calm bays, with Sea Eagles soaring overhead.
A glimpse of the wild
As you gaze across the stunning landscapes of Norway, you’ll begin to see that this frozen horizon is teeming with life. From the rugged fjords to the Arctic tundra, you’ll have the opportunity to spot diverse species such as reindeer, moose and the elusive lynx. As we skim the coastline, we’ll catch sight of whales, puffins, and seals – just a hint at rich biodiversity of this astonishing land and its surrounding waters.
Watching for whales
The pristine waters of Norway are ideal for whale watching. From the deck of our ship, our expedition boats and the land, you’ll have the opportunity to spot majestic Humpback, Minke and Fin Whales, as well as orca, breaching the waves as they feed, hunt and play through the fjords. You may even catch sight of the colossal Blue Whale – the largest animal ever known to have existed, reaching up to 100ft long and weighing as much as 200 tons.
Skies full of life
Norway’s diverse habitats are rich in avian life, with around 400 species to spot during your voyage. Birders will be keen to catch sight of the majestic white-tailed Sea Eagle, admired for its impressive wingspan and keen hunting skills. Along the coast we’ll see vibrant colonies of puffins and guillemots and, in the Arctic regions, you’ll have the opportunity to observe rare species like the Brunnich Guillemot and the sought-after Arctic Tern.
An iconic local resident
In Norway, reindeer roam freely all year long. In summer, you’ll see them grazing amidst wildflowers in grassy pastures and, in winter, spotting a herd against a backdrop of snowy mountains is an unforgettable sight. The indigenous Sámi people retain a deep connection to reindeer, traditionally herding them for food and materials, which you’ll see in the northern counties of Norway, such as Finnmark and Troms.
The best time to travel
Northern lights
The best time to see the Northern Lights in Norway is between late September and late March, with a particularly good view from December to March. With our unparalleled vantage point on the water, away from light pollution, and time spent on different parts of the Norwegian coast, you’ll have a very good chance of seeing the aurora not just once but multiple times. Of course, with HX you’ll also have our Northern Lights Promise
Experience Norway with HX
At HX, we have a long history of sailing Norway’s coast that stretches back to the nineteenth century. Since then, we’ve been taking curious travellers on mindful expeditions to the most remote and awe-inspiring places on the planet. An expedition with HX offers the best of both worlds – expedition expertise and luxurious comfort, with the opportunity to change the way you see the world. We’ll show you our country’s rugged and beautiful nature, introduce you to its culture and traditions, and make sure you see this extraordinary land at its very best.
Explore on foot
One of the best ways to explore the diverse landscapes of Norway is showshoeing and hiking. You’ll enjoy breathtaking views from the lush valleys and rugged mountains, and get closer to the wildlife and people of this extraordinary country.
Take to the water
The crystal-clear fjords and quiet coves of Norway are perfect for kayaking. Paddle through serene waters surrounded by towering cliffs and majestic mountains, looking out for puffins and whales as sea birds soar over you and your fellow expeditioners.
Discover Sámi culture
On our expedition, we’ll visit a local community and experience some warm Norwegian hospitality with the Sámi people of northern Norway, discovering a time-honoured culture rooted in reindeer herding, traditional crafts and music.
Expedition boat cruising
Our smaller, nimbler expedition boats are perfect for exploring the coastline, spotting whales and landing in remote areas to explore on foot. Then return to your stylish and comfortable expedition ship to relax and refuel before your next adventure.
Once-in-a-lifetime experiences
Spend your time in Norway making memories. Kayak and hike under the stars before sampling Norwegian delicacies round a campfire, try a Nordic sauna and polar plunge in a fjord, and even dine in a famous museum after hours.
Adventure is All-Inclusive
A cruise to the Norway with HX includes everything from daily excursions and activities to our onboard Science Centre, meals, gratuities, drinks and more. All designed to give you the expedition experience of a lifetime.
Food
Enjoy daily culinary adventures in our onboard restaurants. Here you’ll be served beautifully prepared meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner, starting with a generous morning buffet and ending with an exquisite dinner, prepared with fresh ingredients by our onboard chefs.
Drinks
Your day begins with freshly brewed coffee and tea, followed by a selection of hot and cold drinks available at all times. After a day on the ice, relax with a glass of wine or beer, or toast your voyage with an expertly mixed cocktail. Drinks are served all day and evening at no additional cost (excluding premium drinks).
Activities
Every day, you’ll be joined by our Expedition Team. Our guides are carefully chosen experts in fields like natural history and climate science, and they’ll lead you on hikes, community visits and small boat trips, offering vital information and insight all the way. They’ll also deliver fascinating talks in our onboard lecture hall, accompany you in our Science Centre and brief you on the next day’s schedule.
Life Onboard
A stay onboard MS Spitsbergen is unforgettable. Named after the crown jewel of Arctic Norway – the Svalbard archipelago’s biggest island, Spitsbergen – this beautiful ship is designed to give you the very best expedition experience, as sustainably as we can. With almost 130 years of experience in expeditions, we’re perfectly placed to offer you a balance of intrepid adventure, luxurious comfort and mindful travel that makes a holiday unlike any other. Start the day sipping freshly brewed coffee on the terrace, watching the sun rise over a landscape you’re about to visit. Jump into one of our smaller, nimbler expedition boats for a day of extraordinary exploration. Then spend the evening dining in style at Restaurant Aune, toasting the day and then lounging under a canopy of stars in the hot tub
Comfort and style
With HX, you’ll enjoy a taste of luxury every time you step on board. Our spacious suites include private balconies, walk-in closets, unlimited access to fine dining and complimentary laundry. All designed to envelop you in comfort and relaxation, allowing you to reflect peacefully on the day’s discoveries and gather your energy for the next.
Culinary exploration
Restaurant Aune offers a wide range of delicious modern dishes, all prepared onboard using fresh ingredients. Our expert chefs bring their passion for food and travel to the table, incorporating local additions where possible, and working to keep their kitchens and creations sustainable.
Rest and relaxation
After hours of exploring in chilly climes, thawing out in our sauna is the perfect way to celebrate a day well spent. [MS Spitsbergen] also includes outdoor hot tubs and a fitness room - all well-deserved and welcome before the next day’s adventures.
A deeper understanding
The heart of an HX expedition lies in our onboard Science Centre. Packed with state-of-the-art technology, it offers plenty of opportunities to gain a deeper understanding of everything you’ve seen on land and sea. There are lecture spaces, a small library and specialty areas for workshops in photography, biology and more. It’s also where you'll find our Expedition Team.
Feed your curiosity
Curiosity is the key to an extraordinary expedition with HX. As you explore, you’ll find yourself drawn to find out more about the natural wonders you see and explore, and our Science & Education Program is there to enhance your knowledge and understanding. It’s an immersive learning experience, allowing you to find out more about landscapes, plants and wildlife across the land, supported by experts along the way. You’ll even have the opportunity to support real-time research and collect valuable data that will contribute to the conservation and understanding of our planet.
Active learning
The Science Centre is where guests and crew meet to create a deeper understanding of the areas you explore. You’ll use advanced microscopes to analyse sea water, fossils and biological samples collected earlier in the field, and there are lecture spaces, a small library and speciality areas for workshops in photography, biology and more.
Expert guidance
Our onboard Expedition Team is here to share their wealth of knowledge with you and help you make good use of the ship’s state-of-the-art Science Centre. The team also includes guest scientists conducting their own research while on board, and will only be too happy to share their findings with you.
Get involved
We‘re proud to support many vital Citizen Science projects on board our ships, including NASA cloud research, seaweed biodiversity, studies into Phytoplankton communities and many more. You're welcome to get involved in any projects that spark your interest, contributing valuable data to long-term research and playing your part in expanding our understanding of this extraordinary continent.
The HX Foundation
HX Foundation is a collaboration between HX Hurtigruten Expeditions, our employees and our guests. Together, we unite in our commitment to fight climate change, strengthen local communities and stop unsustainable mass tourism.
