Norway's Arctic Islands & Mountainous Vistas - 17 June 2025

17 June 2025 Rosyth, Scotland

19 June 2025 Crossing the Arctic Circle

The Arctic Circle crosses mainland Norway at Saltfjellet at roughly 66°33’ North Latitude. During the winter, the sun stays below the horizon for most of the day, and in the winter months, light is provided by the moon and stars in addition to the elusive Northern Lights.

19 June 2025 Midnight Sun

The natural phenomenon of the Midnight Sun occurs north of the Arctic Circle where the sun remains above the horizon, and is therefore visible at midnight, meaning that it never sets in this part of the world during the summer months. Many towns and cities in Northern Norway experience the Midnight Sun casting a yellow glow onto their coastlines and mountain peaks, as the sunlight dapples like in early evening, before brightening again for the following day.

20 June 2025 Pass Reine

Reine, situated on the southeast coast of Moskenesøya Island in the remote Lofoten Archipelago, is one of Norway's most spectacular locations, surrounded by breathtaking, snow-capped granite peaks, flower-covered meadows and bathed in silken Arctic light. Aboard your smaller Fred. Olsen cruise ship you'll pass slowly by Reine, taking in remarkable scenes that have inspired artists and photographers for centuries. Be sure to have your camera to hand to capture this unmissable photo opportunity.

21 June 2025 Svolvær

Svolvær, the de facto capital of Norway’s rugged Lofoten archipelago, is a small, yet vibrant town situated on the picturesque southern coast of Austvågøya Island.

With its pretty harbour, overlooking the beautiful Vestfjord, and spectacular scenes of steep mountains, gorgeous beaches and sheltered bays, Svolvær is a haven for visitors seeking exciting hiking and climbing adventures, as well as artists attracted to the town’s picture-perfect location.

The town itself, which plays a major role in the success of Lofoten’s thriving fishing industry, is developing at a rapid rate. In contrast to the unspoilt landscapes surrounding the town, the centre of Svolvær is a jumble of modern buildings and attractions. There are plenty of shops, trendy cafés, restaurants and a collection of interesting museums including the Lofoten War Museum, and galleries such as the Foto Galleri and Nordnorsk Kunstnersenter, that exhibit works from artists inspired by the scenic delights of Svolvær and Lofoten.

22 June 2025 Tromso, Norway

During winter, the ice-covered seas around Tromso are filled with hundreds of whales, as they go in search of food and breeding grounds. One of the main reasons they visit this area is for the abundance of herring in the waters. Tromso is also well-known for its husky sledding, where these magnificent creatures pull sleds through the snowy countryside. It's also possible to see the other-wordly Northern Lights as they dance and flicker in the skies above northern Norway's largest city.

23 June 2025 Sortland, Norway

Known as ‘Blue Town’, the unique town of Sortland was given its nickname due to its buildings being almost entirely painted in varying shades of blue, chosen by local artist Bjorn Elvenes, to represent Sortland's maritime and fishing heritage. The surrounding waters of the town are teeming with various species of fish, seabirds, seals and whales; and rugged, unspoilt landscapes are the town's backdrop.

24 June 2025 Seven Sisters mountain range

Forming a majestic chain of peaks overlooking the shipping channel, the Seven Sisters mountain range is an awe-inspring backdrop to a myriad of islands and Norwegian landscapes. Standing 1,000 feet above the shoreline, these striking peaks are perhaps best observed in all their glory from your cruise ship. It is possible to climb them, and to learn the legend of the trolls who were turned to stone!

25 June 2025 Kristiansund, Norway

Often referred to as the Atlantic City, due to its close proximity to one of the world's most scenic roadways, the Atlantic Road, Kristiansund is home to much of Norway’s most iconic modern architecture. The Atlantic Road is a true feat of engineering, offering breath-taking scenery and culture at every point, as it snakes over a series of small islands, spanned by a total of eight bridges.

27 June 2025 Rosyth, Scotland