Winter in Scandinavia

Ice, light and quiet vastness. Between November and March, a series of special voyages head into the far north, tracing Norway’s wintry fjord coast and venturing into the icy world of Lapland, in search of the Northern Lights. With numerous departures from Hamburg, Kiel and Tromso, these cruises are easy to plan around, and the aurora borealis is the focus of every one of them.

Routes vary across the season, taking in the Geirangerfjord and the Lofoten Islands, the northern town of Alta, and the rarely visited Kirkenes, a starting point for outdoor adventure. In the Baltic Sea, ships track through the seldom-travelled Gulf of Bothnia with stops in Sweden and Finland, ideal for a more active winter expedition.

Highlights

• Aurora viewing on deck
• The chance of whale watching in the Arctic Ocean
• Winter activities such as dog or reindeer sledding, snowmobile tours, snowshoeing and ice fishing (at a surcharge)
• A visit to the ice hotel in Alta (at a surcharge)
• Rovaniemi, the official home of Father Christmas (at a surcharge)
• Historic cities such as Bergen, Stockholm and Copenhagen, seen away from the crowds of peak season

Why cruise Scandinavia in winter with Hapag-Lloyd Cruises

Lapland and the Gulf of Bothnia

At this time of year, no other cruise ships sail this region. Guests get to know Nordic cities away from the main season, with a genuine chance of polar light sightings. Outdoor activities such as snowshoeing, ice fishing, and dog and reindeer sledding can be booked at a surcharge, snow conditions permitting. Sailing through sea ice, sometimes with icebreaker support, is part of the adventure, and overnight moorings in Lulea and Kemi mean the ship stays still through the night for a quieter sleep.

Norway

The size of the ship allows passage through narrow fjords and the sheltered Inside Passage, a calmer route than the open sea, with fewer days spent away from land. Expect islands, fjords and auroras along the way, along with a culinary focus on local, regional ingredients. Dog and reindeer sledding, winter kayaking, biking and hiking can all be booked at a surcharge.

What sets these voyages apart

• Routes into remote regions that larger ships have to turn back from
• Small groups of no more than 230 guests, with respect for nature and wildlife built into every voyage
• An exceptional amount of open deck space, for a closer connection to the surroundings
• The highest ice class for passenger ships (PC6), for safety in some of the most remote waters on earth
• Captains and crews with decades of expertise, supported by onboard experts who help guests see and understand more

Cruise recommendations

The SILVER fare is available on many of these sailings.

Winter Adventure in Lapland 2026/27 Hamburg to Hamburg, aboard HANSEATIC nature

• 10 to 20 December 2026, 10 days
• 20 December 2026 to 5 January 2027, 16 days
• 5 to 20 January 2027, 15 days
• 20 January to 4 February 2027, 15 days

Northern Lights Adventure in Norway 2026/27 Hamburg to Hamburg, aboard HANSEATIC nature

• 11 to 26 October 2026, 15 days
• 26 October to 10 November 2026, 15 days
• 10 to 25 November 2026, 15 days
• 25 November to 10 December 2026, 15 days
• 4 to 19 February 2027, 15 days
• 19 February to 6 March 2027, 15 days
• 6 to 21 March 2027, 15 days

Scandinavia and the Baltic States, Easter 2027 Hamburg to Hamburg, aboard HANSEATIC nature

• 21 March to 5 April 2027, 15 days

Ready to plan your Scandinavian winter?

Speak with one of our recommended cruise experts to check availability, talk through the SILVER fare and find the sailing that suits you.

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