Up Norway has announced Norway Beyond the Porthole, a 15-day sea-and-land itinerary that pairs Hurtigruten’s Svalbard Line cruise with curated land experiences.
Designed to offer a more complete view of the destination, the journey encourages travelers to move beyond shipboard sightseeing and engage more meaningfully with Norway on shore. Available from May through October, the itinerary reflects a growing shift toward more immersive travel experiences in Norway.
“No one knows Norway like Up Norway and Hurtigruten, so we are proud to join forces to ensure travelers will experience the very best of what the country has to offer, both along the coast and across land, from north to south. Our premium itinerary, the Svalbard Line, combined perfectly with Up Norway‘s bespoke services, offers an unforgettable journey throughout one of the world’s most stunningly beautiful and exciting countries,” said Carly Biggart, Head of Hurtigruten Americas.
The 15-day experience begins in Oslo before flying north to Longyearbyen, Svalbard, where travelers explore the High Arctic’s expedition history and hike to the Global Seed Vault carved deep into the permafrost. From there, guests embark on Hurtigruten’s southbound premium 8-day Svalbard Line, traveling aboard MS Trollfjord or MS Midnatsol, which carry a maximum of 500 guests. The journey carries them from Svalbard’s remote research station of Ny-Ålesund, which only a few thousand people get to visit each year, southward along Norway’s coastline, passing towering glaciers with opportunities to spot Arctic wildlife including whales, dolphins, porpoises and seabirds, with stops in the Lofoten Islands and scenic sailing into Hjørundfjord. Throughout the voyage, travelers witness majestic fjords, mountains, coastal settlements and isolated hamlets as they journey from the High Arctic to Western Norway’s lush landscapes.
In the Sognefjord region—Norway’s longest and deepest fjord—guests then embark on land experiences curated by Up Norway. They’ll hang out with locals at boutique accommodations, explore the remote mountain village of Veitastrond with its UNESCO-protected pastures and visit the architectural treasure of Urnes Stave Church by e-bike. The itinerary culminates with rides on two of Norway‘s most spectacular railways—the Flåm Railway, one of the world’s steepest standard gauge lines, and the Bergen Railway, which crosses Europe’s largest high mountain plateau. There are also visits to the Kistefos Museum, a contemporary art museum and sculpture park, and an ecological Norwegian farm.
Polar Bear Partnership
Basecamp Explorer Norway has entered into a collaboration with Polar Bears International (PBI) to strengthen Arctic research and conservation in Svalbard. The partnership focuses on field-based logistics, data sharing and support to help expand scientific knowledge of polar bear populations and their dependence on sea ice.
Starting in 2026, the two organizations will integrate PBI’s scientific insight into field programs, offering guests opportunities to engage with real-time research while contributing to conservation work. The collaboration also includes expert-led sessions and guide training based on the latest findings on climate change impacts in the High Arctic.
A key element will be the 10-day expedition scheduled for July 16–26, 2026, combining 4 days at Isfjord Radio with an expedition cruise aboard Northern Expeditions’ Kinfish vessel. The trip is open to PBI supporters and the public, connecting travelers to polar bear habitat through science-centered exploration.
Throughout the year, Basecamp Explorer’s 4–8-day programs in Svalbard—featuring dog sledding across frozen fjords, glacier treks, kayaking among ice formations and wildlife observation at remote lodges such as Isfjord Radio and Nordenskiold—will continue to merge adventure with education. Programming will align with initiatives, including International Polar Bear Day on Feb. 27 and Arctic Sea Ice Day on July 15, 2026
For more information, visit basecampexplorer.com.
