Northern Europe: Iceland, Norway & Svalbard

As the largest town in Iceland’s remote Westfjords’s region, Ísafjörður is a magnet for outdoor enthusiasts. Boasting an enchanting fjord ideal for watersports and a mountainous landscape brimming with opportunities for hiking, biking, horseback riding and more, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Originally a church site and a 16th century trading post, the town of Ísafjörður is home to wonderful museums and historic sites for those wishing to learn about the region’s rich heritage and local culture.

Nestled along the shores of one of the most breathtaking fjords in Iceland, Akureyri is the nation’s second largest urban area and a center of Icelandic folk culture. Visit the museums, hike along the extraordinary vistas or explore the botanical gardens. Shop in one of the charming boutiques and then catch a glimpse of the most northerly 18-hole golf course in the world. After you’ve worked up an appetite, feast on some Nordic specialties like smoked lamb and fresh fish and then indulge in an Icelandic fried pastry.

High up in the Arctic Circle, wrapped around the dramatic Isfjorden is the island of Spitsbergen. Here you’ll stop in the world’s northernmost city, Longyearbyen, which is also one of the world’s best birdwatching destinations. This enchanting town is characterized by its rich natural splendor, abundant wildlife and fascinating history. From late April to August, you can enjoy daylight 24/7 with the Midnight Sun. Savor extra time admiring the spectrum of colors that pour over Svalbard’s longest fjord at the Indre Wijdefjorden National Park. Visit the museums or the famous Global Seed Vault. See mountainsides decorated in tens of thousands of exotic birds and spectacular marine life in the surrounding waters. Experience the Northern Hemisphere’s true beauty on this one-of-a-kind magical arctic desert adventure!

High up in the Arctic Circle, wrapped around the dramatic Isfjorden is the island of Spitsbergen. Here you’ll stop in the world’s northernmost city, Longyearbyen, which is also one of the world’s best birdwatching destinations. This enchanting town is characterized by its rich natural splendor, abundant wildlife and fascinating history. From late April to August, you can enjoy daylight 24/7 with the Midnight Sun. Savor extra time admiring the spectrum of colors that pour over Svalbard’s longest fjord at the Indre Wijdefjorden National Park. Visit the museums or the famous Global Seed Vault. See mountainsides decorated in tens of thousands of exotic birds and spectacular marine life in the surrounding waters. Experience the Northern Hemisphere’s true beauty on this one-of-a-kind magical arctic desert adventure!

Honningsvåg is Norway’s third largest harbor and the last port of call before heading eastward to the Arctic Ocean. This is one of the best towns in northern Norway to experience the beauty of continuous daylight. Rebuilt in the 50’s after being destroyed during World War II, Honningsvåg has colorful, modern buildings dotting its landscape. Situated in the Island of Mageroya - with a population of 2,600 - Honningsvåg has a cosmopolitan flair and yet retains the charm of a small enclave. Fishing is the main industry of this Arctic Circle town and the port is always brimming with activity.

One of Norway's most beautiful towns, renowned for its Jugend-style architecture and art nouveau style. Cruise visitors will immediately notice Alesund's unique layout, as it is built on islands extending to the sea, and offers scenic views of fjords and the Sunnmore Alps. Alesund is the fishing capital of Norway.

View this lovely and charming Norwegian city from your cruise ship and you'll see how the city is nestled between seven mountains, seven fjords and the North Sea. The Norwegian King resided here, and many historical events took place in this busy port. These events come alive when you amble down the old streets of Bryggen, past picturesque, wooden buildings and the Romanesque-style St. Mary's church. Explore more of Bergen on a European cruise!

Norwegians head to Kristiansand during the summer for the agreeable weather, plenty of attractions and a popular city beach. Stroll through the Posebyen old quarter and its grid pattern of historic streets, looking out for a former post office dating back to 1695. Don’t miss the Kristiansand Zoo, featuring moose, wolves, lynx, wolverines and so much more. And be sure to visit the Agder Museum of Natural History and Botanical Gardens, with its 19th-century rose garden and extensive collection of succulents.

The capital of Denmark, Copenhagen, is filled with canals, cobbled squares and copper spires. But don't let the historic appearance fool you. This is also Scandinavia's most cosmopolitan city. Certainly you can relive medieval times in The Latin Quarter, but you can also enjoy some of Europe's finest shopping, museums, cafes and nightlife prior to your cruise around the Baltics. Explore more of Copenhagen on a European cruise!

The capital of Denmark, Copenhagen, is filled with canals, cobbled squares and copper spires. But don't let the historic appearance fool you. This is also Scandinavia's most cosmopolitan city. Certainly you can relive medieval times in The Latin Quarter, but you can also enjoy some of Europe's finest shopping, museums, cafes and nightlife prior to your cruise around the Baltics. Explore more of Copenhagen on a European cruise!