Viking Magazine - Jan/Feb 2025 - 14

A Maritime Marvel:
The MS Polarlys
The modern, Arctic-inspired MS
Polarlys is named after the Norwegian
word for " polar light, " a natural
phenomenon that frequently paints
the northern sky throughout the
ship's winter voyages. Refurbished in
2016, the Polarlys refl ects a state of
convenience and luxury that makes
it hard to believe you're coursing
through the open sea. Passengers
can choose from four diff erent dining
experiences, enjoy cocktails at the
panoramic lounge and bar, sweat at
the fi tness center and sauna, relax
in the two outdoor hot tubs and take
in sweeping Arctic views from the
360-degree outdoor observation deck.
All the while, the coastal experience
team maintains a constant presence,
off ering insightful lectures and
presentations that immerse guests
deeper into the wonder of Norway.
HAMMERFEST KIRKE
MUSEUM OF
RECONSTRUCTION
70°39'N - THE TOP OF EUROPE
Royal and Ancient Polar Bear Society. Why polar bear
tracks? Th e city, while devoid of any real polar bears, long
ago adopted the great white bear as its offi cial mascot and
heraldic crest, an ode to its reputation as the world's northernmost
town. Visitors to the town can commemorate
their experience by joining the Polar Bear Society, which
will grant them a certifi cate, a polar bear pin and a lifetime
membership providing access to the club's yearly
meetings. Th is solidarity with the polar bear is not just a
charming symbol, but a vivid metaphor-mirroring the
strength and willpower needed to thrive in Arctic climates.
I followed the life-size tracks to the tall, triangular
ON BOARD-A HOME AWAY FROM HOME When I
entered my cozy cabin on the fi ſt h fl oor of the Polarlys,
I was delighted to fi nd an expansive window on the far
wall, off ering a glimpse of the mountainous fj ord we were
sailing through. On my bed, I also found a sign outlining
Hurtigruten's Green Stay concept, which gives guests the
choice to reuse their towels and bedsheets in order to
conserve energy, water and detergents. Guests can hang
the sign on their door to signal they wish to opt into this
initiative, and in return, Hurtigruten will donate 5 NOK
(about 50¢) to partnering sustainable projects for every
sign seen. Th is is just one small example of Hurtigruten's
daily commitment to environmental sustainability, a
central value of its business model. In perhaps its most
ambitious mission, titled Sea Zero, Hurtigruten aims to
develop a ship with zero-emission propulsion by 2030.
HAMMERFEST, 11 A.M. It is diffi cult to lose your way
in the northern town of Hammerfest, as a linear trail of
polar bear tracks paint the pedestrian walkways, guiding
visitors to notable sites in town, including the towering
Mount Salen, the UNESCO-listed Geodetic Arc and the
14
Jan/Feb 2025
church in Hammerfest's city center, which was designed
to look like a fi sh drying rack, and later to the rocky
beach where the Fuglenes lighthouse lies. On the remote
shoreline, two historic buildings are now preserved as
museums-a small barracks and red boathouse erected
during World War II reconstruction. In tandem, the three
structures combine to tell the story of Norway's tumultuous
yet steady recovery from the war years-a story
that has been well-preserved among the small Arctic
towns of northern Norway.
ON BOARD-THE TASTE OF SÁMI TRADITION
Th e menus at Hurtigruten's main on-board restaurant
Torget are not just curated by expertly trained chefs, but
also refl ect the culinary traditions of each new region the
ship sails through. Preceding our visit to Hammerfest, our
dinner menu off ered an authentic dive into traditional
Arctic ingredients and cuisine, from cured reindeer to
oven-baked trout to cloudberry cheesecake. Perhaps
the most adventurous off ering was a starter dish called
Bidos, a traditional stew of Scandinavia's Indigenous Sámi
people, prepared by boiling reindeer meat and bones for
several hours to create a nutritious broth.
sonsofnorway.com
http://www.sonsofnorway.com
Viking Magazine - Jan/Feb 2025

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Viking Magazine - Jan/Feb 2025
