Today was quite special. We woke up already in the area of the Lofoten Islands, greeted by another beautiful winter’s day. Once MS Spitsbergen was in position, we set off on a 20-minute expedition boat cruise to reach our landing site.

Ashore, the Expedition Team had prepared two bonfires and a short walk in a stunning location, surrounded by sharp mountain silhouettes and with the sun slowly beginning its return to these northern latitudes.

We explored the surroundings at an unhurried pace, walking up to a nearby viewpoint a few hundred metres from the landing site, taking in the calm, the silence, and the soft winter light. Before heading back to the ship, we gathered around the bonfires once more, warming ourselves and enjoying a delicious stew — simple comforts that felt especially rewarding in the Arctic winter.

After lunch, as daylight faded quickly, we continued scenic sailing along the Lofoten coast, the rugged mountains glowing briefly as the sun set. The day saved one more surprise: one of the strongest Northern Lights displays of the voyage. Most of us spent long moments outside, watching intense greens ripple across the sky that lingered well into the night.

It was a day filled with winter magic — from fire and silence to mountains and an aurora — one that will stay with our guests for a long time.