North Cape (Nordkapp) is not only Norway's northernmost point, but also home to some of the least explored, yet most beautiful parts of Scandinavia. It is also known locally as Honningsvåg and marks the start and end point of two summer sailing voyages above Norway's Arctic Circle.  These voyages take us further North than the majority of Alaska and journey through the ever changing and dramatic landscapes of the Norwegian wilderness, past coastal glaciers and into narrow fjords.

We also sail past the Alpine Mountains of Lyngen and rolling hills of Finnmark, which are safe havens for 1000s of birds, such as sea eagles, puffins, little auks and black guillemots. Throughout these voyages we will also have eyes on the water and the horizon, looking out for dolphins, harbour porpoises and other marine life.

The 'Midnight Sun' provides 24 hours of daylight and a rigid inflatable boat (zodiac) enables us explore remote islands, picturesque settlements, and make landings for excellent short treks. These voyages are very much about a shared adventure rather than a precisely planned natural history itinerary. Your friendly onboard crew have an intimate knowledge of the area which will help make this a wilderness sailing experience you are never likely to forget.
 
The vessel itself makes for a fantastic vantage point from which to survey the surrounding mountainous landscapes and waters below.  The highest point is the crow's nest at 21 metres. We make use of sail power whenever possible and also welcome any passengers to get hands on with the sailing if they choose.  To enrich this hands on experience even further, there are also opportunities for fishing and then cooking up you catch later on for supper.

After a day of adventure and discovery in the remote Norweigen wilderness, passengers can relax and unwind in the comfort of this cosy wooden sailing vessel.  The crew are on hand to share their experiences and knowledge.  In recent years the vessel has been completely reconstructed, offering passengers comfortable accommodation in a welcoming atmosphere. By night we anchor in a variety of diverse locations, from hidden coves, peaceful fjords or quaint quays of nearby settlements. 

Arctic Natural History Sailing Voyages - Tallship & Classic Yacht holidays and travel - Norway - Spitsbergen - Greenland - Lyngen Alps - Finnmark - Lofoten Islands - Tromso - Bodo

These voyages are very much about a shared adventure rather than a precisely planned natural history itinerary. What we can say is that you would travel between Tromsø and Honningsvåg and your route would make best use of wind to accommodate the combinations of interests of those onboard. Your onboard crew have an intimate knowledge of the area which will hep make this a wilderness sailing experience you are never likely to forget.

Itinerary 1:
Departure from Tromsø 7^th July, 2012
Arrival in Alta 15^th July, 2012

A trip for those of you who are more interested in spending lazy days on board just watching the scenery pass by, watching the fantastic birdlife this area can offer, partake in non-guided  hikes from the beautiful anchorages, fish and more. We start in Tromsø, the largest city in Northern Norway, the gateway to the Arctic and also called "The Paris of the North". We sail between islands and islets and through narrow sounds, enter smaller fjords with small waterfalls and mountains up to 1000 m, we  visit Hammerfest, the Northernmost city in the world, and then sail another route in the direction of Alta. Alta is famous for the Alta river, one of the best rivers in the world for Atlantic salmon fishing, it's ancient rock carvings and more. And in between these city-destinations we have all the pearls that need to be found and explored.......

Itinerary 2:
Departure from Alta 16^th July, 2012 
Arrival in Alta 26^th July, 2012

This is a trip for those of you who are more interested in spending lazy days on board just waching the scenery pass by. However, this trip will take you even further North and inside the Arctic circle. If the weather conditions allow, we'll sail north of North Cape at 71.11N/25.40E and visit the huge bird sanctuary at Gjessværstappan a little bit South West of North Cape. This bird sanctuary has hundred thousands of birds of different species: pffins, white tailed sea eagles, cormorants, ocean gannets, kittiwakes, eider ducks and many more. And in between Alta and North Cape: small fishing villages, abandoned settlements, beautiful fjords and hidden coves, maybe dolphins and seals and much more.

Itinerary 3:
Departure from Alta 28^th July, 2012 
Arrival in Tromsø 5^th August, 2012

This is the voyage for those of you who would like a holiday that is a bit of the more active kind. The duration of this voyage will have emphasis on moderate hiking trips in areas where we'll be more or less all by ourselves. The daily trips will not be too long and nor too difficult, max 10 kms per day and up to 7-800 metre altitude. We'll do traverses as well as trips that start and end at the same place. If the weather is on our side, one of the hikes will be planned so that we will reach the peak around midnight - with a beautiful view to the Arctic Ocean and the Midnight Sun. On our daytrips we'll bring gear and food so that we can take breaks where we make a fire and prepare coffee, tea and food. If conditions allow, we'll get out our fishing rods in the hope of catching trout or red char.