8 Day North Norway, Aurora Borealis - Hike & Sail , Experience the shores, seas, and lights of the Norwegian Arctic.

Your adventure begins in Tromsø, nicknamed the “Paris of the North,” located in an area rich with Norse and Sámi history.

Enjoy exploring this sub-Arctic Norwegian town, said to have been inhabited since the last ice age.

In the morning you depart from Tromsø, sailing through the Grøtsundet and Ullsfjorden, toward the northeast.

You arrive in the Nord-Lenangen Fjord that afternoon, just under the Lyngsfjella, or the Lyngen Alps, and stay there for the night.

If conditions permit, you may also make a walk along the coast of the fjord, after which evening glimpses of the northern lights may appear if the sky is clear enough.

You then sail along the base of the Lyngen Alps, across the Lyngen fjord, and may stay for the night in Hamnnes, on the island of Uløya. Hamnnes is an ancient trade and fishing settlement originating from the 17th century, with typical wooden warehouses to store the dried cod the town still exports for the traditional Mediterranean dish, Bacalhau. Uløya offers good hiking, often on snowshoes.

From Hamnnes you sail farther northeast into the Kvaenangen Fjord. Part of the day you sail through the fjords, and in the afternoon you find a harbor for the night in one of the scenic fishing villages, such as Skjervøy, Seglvik, Reinfjord, or Burfjord. There are good hiking possibilities in the area, for example on the Island of Spildra, where we might climb the 240-meter-high (788 feet) Staurhammaren, with expansive views over the fjord. Also in Burfjord, just 50 km (31 miles) from the northerly town of Alta, good hikes can be made.

During the evenings and nights, with a clear sky, there are fine opportunities to see auroras.

The next objective is to sail back toward the southwest, staying for the night in Finnkroken, a tiny hamlet that gives you a solid chance of seeing the northern lights. In the morning you embark on a final hike, hopefully with snowshoes, to the 315-meter-high (1,033 feet) Småvasshaugen.

That afternoon you sail back to Tromsø, where you spend the last night of the voyage, returning home the next day with memories that will accompany you wherever your next adventure lies.

At the beginning of the season there is still snow along the coastline, in the valleys, on the hills and mountains in the interior. During this trip, hikes are offered (with snowshoes if needed). Snowshoeing is easy and for anyone with good health and good physical condition. It requires no technical knowledge. With the use of snowshoes you can move faster and safer on the snow surface. Snowshoes are available on board (free of charge), they fit on all shoe sizes.

As a rule, daily hikes of 2-3 hours are planned, in the morning and / or in the afternoon. Approximately  100-200 meters of altitude need to be climbed per day (more or less, depending on the hike). At lunchtime, hikers will return back to the ship for lunch on board. However, in case a full day hike will be scheduled, participants will receive a packed lunch. The guests (max 33) can be split into two groups under the guidance of experienced guides. The allocation of hiking groups takes place on site and takes into account the interest and condition of the guests. The hikes can not be determined in advance, because prevailing conditions influence the final program interpretation. The map outlines a possible (but not final) itinerary.

Route

The daily programs and the route as described here serve as a rough guide. The overall program, i.e. the hiking program (on land) and the itinerary of the ship (at sea) will adapt to the prevailing local weather, sea and snow conditions, and the daily program may vary considerably from the route shown. Availability of landing sites also plays a role in the selection of the program. The program is adapted in the case of interesting wildlife observations (e.g. whales). The final decision on where and in which way the hikes will be implemented will be made by the expedition leader on board. For the hiking program, it is recommended to bring ankle-high and sturdy hiking boots and gaiters. Hiking poles with deep snow plates are required (see detailed equipment list).

Contoured with rugged mountains and cavernous fjords, Norway is renowned for its natural beauty. Its immense coastline has twice been voted by National Geographic as the best travel destination in the world. And it’s not just during the summer months that Norway shows off its splendors, but also the winter: The mountains are capped with snow, the sun hangs heavy on the skyline, and everything is embraced in a lustrous coat of frost. In the far north, about 500 km (310 miles) northeast of the Arctic Circle, the Lyngen and Kvaenangen fjords can be found. Between these two magnificent fjords, we find steep mountain ridges, remote islands, and a wealth of hiking opportunities. These areas define the rugged wilderness, ideal for exploration by foot or by sail.

The itinerary depends largely on weather conditions and the amount of daylight during the voyage. These conditions dictate the route, sailing hours, and the harbors for the night. We intend to explore the fjords and islands by sail and also on foot. In case of heavier snow, we will use our onboard snowshoes.

In winter the amount of daylight is limited, with about 10 hours of light at the end of February. The dramatic landscape under the low sun and long sunrise/sunset offers great opportunities for photography enthusiasts, but the dark hours will also not be wasted. Northern Norway is known to be one of the best areas in the world to see the northern lights, also known as the aurora borealis. This amazing phenomenon can only be seen when it is dark and the sky is clear, with not much light pollution. In good weather conditions, this voyage offers ample opportunities to admire and photograph the northern lights from the remote fishing villages and bays where we stay the night. During the voyage you may also see white-tailed eagles, one of the largest birds of prey in Europe, and the more-skittish fish otters, both year-round residents of the Norwegian fjords.

• Voyage aboard the indicated vessel as indicated in the itinerary
• All meals throughout the voyage aboard the ship including snacks, coffee and tea.
• All shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by Zodiac.
• Program of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced expedition staff.
• Free use of snow shoes.
• All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the programme.
• AECO fees and governmental taxes.
• Comprehensive pre-departure material.

• Any airfare, whether on scheduled or charter flights
• Pre- and post- land arrangements.
• Transfers to / from the vessel outside Spitsbergen.
• Passport and visa expenses.
• Government arrival and departure taxes.
• Meals ashore.
• Baggage, cancellation and personal insurance (which is mandatory).
• Excess baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar, beverage charges and telecommunication charges.
• The customary gratuity at the end of the voyages for stewards and other service personnel aboard (guidelines will be provided).

S/V ‘Rembrandt Van Rijn’ was built as a herring lugger early last century. The vessel was rebuilt as a three-mast passenger sailing schooner in he Netherlands in 1994 and sailed in Spitsbergen (1994 – 1996) and in Galápagos (1998 - 2001). The vessel underwent a complete rebuilding and refurbishment program until 2011. The communication and navigation equipment has been completely renewed according to the latest SOLAS regulations.

Perfect for expedition cruising among small islands

The ship is well suited for expedition cruising among small islands and offer good open deck viewing areas, also when under sail. The 2 inflatable rubber crafts (zodiacs) enable landing and wildlife viewing opportunities in otherwise inaccessible areas. 

Comfort and Character

The Rembrandt van Rijn measures 49,50 meters in length, 7 meters in width and has a draft of 2,8 meters. The average cruising speed on engines is 6,5 knots. It has an experienced crew of 12 persons on board including 2 tour guides. The ship can accommodate a maximum of 33 passengers in 16 cabins. 1 Triple Private cabin (with shower and toilet and porthole), 6 Twin Private Inside cabins (with shower and toilet, no porthole), 9 Twin Private cabins (with shower and toilet and porthole).

Age range & Nationality onboard

Passengers on a typical voyage range from their 30s to their 80s - with a majority usually from 45 - 65, but a little younger on the Rembrandt van Rijn, between 30 - 55. Our expeditions attract independent-minded travellers from around the world. They are characterised by a strong interest in exploring remote regions. The camaraderie and spirit that develops aboard is an important part of the expedition experience. Many departures have several nationalities on board.

Catering

Three simple but good meals of international cuisine per day are served buffet style in the restaurant and is prepared by our cook.

Dress code

In keeping with our expeditions atmosphere, dress on board is informal. Bring casual and comfortable clothing for all activities. Keep in mind that much of the spectacular scenery can be appreciated from deck, which can be slippery. Bring sturdy shoes with no-slip soles and make sure the parka is never far away in case of the call "Whales!" comes over the loudspeaker and you have to dash outside. Wear layers since it is comfortably warm aboard the ship - and often cold on deck.

Electric Current

The electrical supply aboard the ship is 220 volt 50hz. Electrical outlets are standard European with two thick round pins. U.S. passengers may need a 220v/110v converter.

Excursions & Landings

Every day there will be excursions on land, weather and ice permitting. The landings will take three to six hours per day over untracked area. According to circumstances (the weather, the ice-situation or the passengers´ wishes) the program can sometimes be adjusted. Ample time will be devoted to wildlife, vegetation, geography and history.

Gratuities

The customary gratuity to the ship's crew and expedition leader is made as a blanket contribution at the end of the voyage. Tipping is a very personal matter and the amount you wish to give is at your discretion. We suggest to give cash in Euros, US Dollars or Danish kroner.

Non-smoking policy

On board our vessels we have a non-smoking policy. It is prohibited to smoke inside the ship. You can smoke in designated ares. Please respect the wishes of non-smokers.

The crew

The crew of the ´Rembrandt van Rijn´ consists of  9 experienced crew and 2 expedition guides and a cook. The sailors are in charge during sailing and will bring us ashore. 

Your physical condition

You must be in good general health and you should be able to walk several hours per day. The expedition is ship-based and physically not very demanding. Although we spend as much time as possible ashore, you are welcome to remain aboard the ship if you like. To join most excursions, you must be able to get up and down the ladder from the ship to the water level to board the Zodiacs. Staff will assist you in and out of the boats. This will become progressively easier with practice. Ashore it can be slippery and rocky. You are travelling in remote areas without access to sophisticated medical facilities, so you must not join this expedition if you have a life-threatening condition, or need daily medical treatment.