Port information & tips for Svartisen (Holandsfjord)
Svartisen in the picturesque Holandsfjord is a spectacular natural wonder of Northern Norway and home to the country's second-largest glacier. The region impresses with its untouched Arctic wilderness as well as the fascinating backdrop of deep blue fjord waters and massive, blue-shimmering ice. Absolute highlights include the imposing Engabreen glacier tongue, the idyllically situated Lake Svartisvatnet, and the Brestua visitor center, which offers a fantastic panoramic view of the mountain world. Cruise ships usually use the Engen pier directly on the shores of the fjord, from where the hiking trails to the glacier can be reached in just a few minutes thanks to the prime location, while simultaneously providing direct access to the unspoiled nature.
The picturesque Holandsfjord in the heart of Norway, with the imposing Svartisen Glacier as its highlight, is a fascinating destination for cruises. Getting to the starting point for glacier expeditions, the tranquil Holandsvika, requires careful planning due to its natural location, but thanks to the infrastructure along the coast, it is a comfortable journey.
Airplane
The most convenient way to arrive from the DACH region is by plane to the nearest major airport, Bodø (BOO). Bodø is located about 2.5 hours' drive north of Holandsvika and offers regular connections, often with a layover in Oslo (OSL). For a relaxed onward journey, a rental car or a pre-arranged transfer is recommended.
Auto
For travelers exploring Norway with their own vehicle or using a rental car, the scenic coastal road Fv17 (Kystriksveien) leads directly to Holandsvika. This section of the route offers breathtaking views of fjords and islands. In Holandsvika itself, parking is available for short-term and long-term stays. From here, the crossing takes place via a shuttle boat across the Holandsfjord to the Svartisen Kai (Engen Brygge) pier, the starting point for glacier excursions.
Onward Travel & Pre-Cruise Hotel
Due to the somewhat remote location and potentially long travel times, an overnight stay in the region before the start of the cruise or the planned glacier expedition is recommended. Cities such as Bodø or Mo i Rana offer suitable hotels for this purpose. From there, the onward journey to Holandsvika can be organized the following day in a relaxed manner by rental car or public bus (Line 200 to Halsa, then potentially local Line 432 or a taxi to the Brasetvik/Holandsvika pier). Please note that the shuttle boats to Svartisen operate seasonally, usually from late May to September, and pre-booking tickets can be advisable, especially for the first and last trips of the day.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port accordingly and take into account that the latest embarkation time—depending on the cruise line and destination area—is generally scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The following also applies during the trip: For shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and the notices on board, as mooring and departure times may change at short notice.
The picturesque Holandsfjord in the heart of Norway, with the imposing Svartisen Glacier as its highlight, is a fascinating destination for cruises. Getting to the starting point for glacier expeditions, the tranquil Holandsvika, requires careful planning due to its natural location, but thanks to the infrastructure along the coast, it is a comfortable journey.
Airplane
The most convenient way to arrive from the DACH region is by plane to the nearest major airport, Bodø (BOO). Bodø is located about 2.5 hours' drive north of Holandsvika and offers regular connections, often with a layover in Oslo (OSL). For a relaxed onward journey, a rental car or a pre-arranged transfer is recommended.
Auto
For travelers exploring Norway with their own vehicle or using a rental car, the scenic coastal road Fv17 (Kystriksveien) leads directly to Holandsvika. This section of the route offers breathtaking views of fjords and islands. In Holandsvika itself, parking is available for short-term and long-term stays. From here, the crossing takes place via a shuttle boat across the Holandsfjord to the Svartisen Kai (Engen Brygge) pier, the starting point for glacier excursions.
Onward Travel & Pre-Cruise Hotel
Due to the somewhat remote location and potentially long travel times, an overnight stay in the region before the start of the cruise or the planned glacier expedition is recommended. Cities such as Bodø or Mo i Rana offer suitable hotels for this purpose. From there, the onward journey to Holandsvika can be organized the following day in a relaxed manner by rental car or public bus (Line 200 to Halsa, then potentially local Line 432 or a taxi to the Brasetvik/Holandsvika pier). Please note that the shuttle boats to Svartisen operate seasonally, usually from late May to September, and pre-booking tickets can be advisable, especially for the first and last trips of the day.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port accordingly and take into account that the latest embarkation time—depending on the cruise line and destination area—is generally scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The following also applies during the trip: For shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and the notices on board, as mooring and departure times may change at short notice.
The pier in Holandsfjord serves as an ideal starting point for exploring the Arctic nature and provides comfortable access to the Svartisen glacier.
On Foot
Most visitors choose the well-maintained hiking trail that leads directly from the pier towards the glacier. In about 20 to 30 minutes, you can easily reach the glacier lake and enjoy the pure mountain air and the impressive landscape.
Bicycle Rental
Rental bicycles are often available directly at the tourist information point, allowing you to cover the distance to the Svartisen glacier particularly quickly. The flat paths along the fjord and the lake can be wonderfully explored on two wheels and also offer a lot of flexibility in terms of timing.
Svartisenskyssen Boat Shuttle
The local ferry Svartisenskyssen connects the various landing points in Holandsfjord and takes guests safely across the water. This service enables an uncomplicated crossing of the fjord and, thanks to the regular departure times, ensures a convenient transfer to the hiking trails of the Engenbreen glacier arm.
To make the most of your stay at Svartisen, we recommend focusing on the impressive natural scenery around the Holandsfjord, which can be explored directly from the pier thanks to short distances.
The Engenbreen Glacier
This spectacular branch of the Svartisen reaches almost to the shore and, thanks to well-marked paths, allows for an up-close experience of the eternal ice in the midst of an untouched mountain landscape.
Brestua Panorama Café
Located directly on the edge of the glacier lake, this destination is perfect for a relaxed break while offering a fantastic view of the blue-shimmering ice masses through its large window fronts.
The coastal landscape of the Holandsfjord
The journey through this deep fjord offers ideal conditions for observing Arctic flora and fauna, and the combination of steep rock faces and crystal-clear water creates an incomparable atmosphere during your shore excursion.
Engenbreen at the Svartisen Glacier
From the pier in Holandsfjord, a level, easy-to-walk path leads in about twenty minutes directly to the picturesque glacier lake Engenvatnet, from where there is a spectacular view of Engenbreen, an arm of the Svartisen Glacier. This natural wonder is ideal for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts, as the bright blue ice here comes impressively close to the fjord, creating a unique arctic atmosphere. The cozy "Brestua" station directly on the lakeshore also invites you to relax with an inviting terrace and local specialties such as freshly baked waffles. Ideally, take one of the first tender boats in the morning to experience the majestic silence of the glacier landscape before the larger groups of visitors arrive, and plan your return trip to the ship about sixty minutes before departure.
The return journey from the Svartisen glacier to the pier in Holandsfjord is straightforward and safe thanks to clear signage and reliable boat traffic.
Shuttle Boat Isprins
The local ferry Isprins runs regularly between the pier below Brestua and the Holandsvika landing stage on the mainland. Thanks to the fixed departure times, you can easily plan your return journey to the ship and also enjoy the short crossing over the clear fjord waters.
On Foot
From the edge of the glacier, a well-maintained and marked gravel path leads directly back to the pier. Thanks to the flat terrain, the path is easy to walk and offers you the opportunity to relax and take in the impressive natural scenery as well as the view of the Holandsfjord.
Taxi and Local Transfer
At the Holandsvika landing stage on the mainland side, there is a central parking lot directly on the Fv17 coastal road, where spaces for taxis and local minibuses are provided. The staff at the visitor center there will be happy to assist you with a pre-booking to ensure a direct and punctual transfer back to the port.
