The Norwegian fjords offer epic scenery coupled with a wonderful feeling of tranquility. Scenes that have changed little over millennia create a unique atmosphere best enjoyed from the decks of a superyacht. One such yacht cruising the Baltic this summer is the 149.6-ft Scintilla Maris, which was built on a recycled trawler hull.
Her seasoned yacht owner created a custom-designed, hybrid expedition yacht with a refined interior. She also boasts all the amenities required for pampered cruising, including a large beach club, multiple shaded deck areas and a large observation platform — the ideal spot to take in the dramatic fjords of southwest Norway.
[See more: Into the Ice: Onboard Ponant’s Luxury Cruise in Antarctica]
From mid-June to mid-July, there are endless days in the land of the midnight sun, punctuated by just a few hours of darkness, and while the climate and weather are very much influenced by Atlantic weather disturbances, the recommended time for cruising is from early May until late August. Springtime sees the snow line retreat to the mountaintops, leaving meadows and forests scattered with waterfalls and streams that flow to the fjords.
Located on the southwest coast of Norway, the waterfront city of Bergen is the gateway to Norway’s famed fjords. The deep waters provide several unique itinerary options, the most popular of which starts in the colorful harbor and winds through the deep blue fjord waters of Sognefjord, passing sheer cliffs and cascading waterfalls en route. Stretching more than 127 miles from the sea to the mountains of Jotunheimen National Park, the coastline is dotted with dozens of villages where a yacht can stop. From here it’s a leisurely cruise along Norway’s western coastline with stops at Florø, Måløy and Ålesund, before taking a detour into the Unesco World Heritage site of Geirangerfjord.
Continue via Molde, Kristiansund, Torvik and Trondheim and on up to the northern part of Norway and the Lofoten Islands. Part of the Arctic Circle, the approach to the islands offers views of the Lofoten Wall — a 100-ish-mile-long mountain range. The tranquil Lofoten Islands are also a welcome contrast to the buzzing energy of the Arctic capital, Tromsø, where your Norwegian journey aboard Scintilla Maris ends and you disembark.
Sleeping up to 10 guests in five cabins, the 149.6-ft (45.6-m) Scintilla Maris is available to charter in the Baltic throughout the summer season. From $175,000 per week plus expenses, burgessyachts.com
Itinerary at a glance
Day 1: Bergen
Day 2: Bergen to Florø 64 nautical miles
Day 3: Florø to Måløy 31 nautical miles
Day 4: Måløy to Ålesund 39 nautical miles
Day 5: Ålesund to Molde 35 nautical miles
Day 6: Molde to Kristiansund 35 nautical miles
Day 7: Kristiansund to Trondheim 73 nautical miles
Day 8 & 9: Trondheim overnight to Lofoten Islands 276 nautical miles
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Day 10: Lofoten Islands
Day 11: Lofoten Islands to Tromsø 75 nautical miles
