All photos: GLP Worldwide
#1: Rewind for a Viking Adventure
Hurtigruten’s seven-day ‘Viking Coast Trip’, which sails from Bergen to Kirkenes on September 2, will examine the stories of these famed seafaring explorers and the coastal areas where they once lived. Featuring a series of excursions and lectures led by Dr Terje L Leiren, the professor of Scandinavian Studies and History at the University of Washington, passengers will hear captivating tales about these famed seafaring explorers and the coastal areas where they once lived.
With Dr Leiren at the helm, travellers will tour Trondheim, Norway’s first capital city, which was founded by King Olav Tryggvason in 997, and have the option to participate in a traditional Viking feast inside a reconstructed longhouse with a chieftain and his family.
On-board ‘Who Were the Vikings’ and ‘Viking Religion and Society’ lectures and documentary films, including The History Channel's Vikings: Fury from the North, will give travellers a deeper understanding of this often misunderstood group.
#2: Rewind for World War II Heroes
Timed to coincide with the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II, Hurtigruten’s eight-day ‘Heroes of World War II’ sailing from Kirkenes to Bergen on September 7 will offer travellers the chance to learn more about the brave people who fought for their country’s freedom. Also led by Dr Terje L Leiren, this is a great opportunity to witness the Arctic World War II fortresses where Norwegian Resistance Fighters battled German occupation.
The Heroes of WWII tour includes a walking tour of Kirkenes, where travellers will get to see two intact anti-aircraft bunkers (one of them is now a private home) and visit the Borderland Museum, which houses rare Russian bomber planes.
During a private tour of the Lofoten Museum, travellers will gain a better understanding of the personal sacrifices and courage that mark the dark period of German occupation for Norway. Through ‘Norway, Neutral and Invaded’ and ‘The Norwegian Resistance to German Occupation’ lectures, as well as a selection of on-board films, Dr Lieren will educate travellers about this crucial, but lesser-known, chapter in Norwegian history.
#3 Fast Forward to the Implications of Climate Change
Greenland and the Arctic are the last frontier for many travellers. It is also a destination where leading scientists from around the world seek information about the effects of climate change—and the future implications for the rest of the planet.
Hurtigruten’s new 12-day ‘Greenland: Climate and Ice’ voyage explores northwest Greenland and the Arctic as part of a scientific expedition with Professor Jason Box, a world renowned expert on climate change.
Passengers will fly from Reykjavik, Iceland, to the main gateway in Greenland, Kangerlussuaq on June 23, where they will have the opportunity to participate in the collection of scientific data from an operating weather station. Dr Box will explain Arctic climate change, analyze the results of the group’s data collection and engage travellers with lectures such as ‘Nature’s Thermometer’.
Showcasing the Disko Bay area, travellers will learn first-hand how global warming is effecting Greenland—and how it will affect the rest of the world. They will discover the pristine land and spectacular scenery of northwest Greenland, enjoy hikes and craft demonstrations and visit Qasigiannguit, Illorsuit, Upernavik and Qullisat.
Win a Trip:
GLP Worldwide Expedition Travel and Tours is the Canadian representative for Hurtigruten. The company is currently running a competition to win a seven-day ‘Coastal Voyage’ of Norway on Hurtigruten. Simply visit http://glpworldwide.com/contest/ to enter. All Canadian residents (except in Quebec) aged 18 and over are eligible to enter the contest. The entry period is March 1, 2015 to December 31, 2015. Entries may also be received by email. Limit of one entry per person and per e-mail address, regardless of method of entry. No purchase is required.