There is a reason famous travel routes are ‘famous.’ Each offers epic landscapes and the distinctive ability to transport the traveller through time and turn fleeting moments into life-long memories. The Hurtigruten Route along Norway’s coastline rightly earns its place in the hall of fame of iconic traveller routes along with other classics like the Orient Express, Europe’s Danube, and the revered Route 66. On this trip you get nothing but spectacular experiences. Visit cities like Bergen, Ålesund and Trondheim, before crossing the Polar Circle and sailing into Tromsø. Southbound you get to see Lofoten and Trollfjorden in broad daylight, before sailing along the Helgeland coast, passing the Seven Sisters mountains. Let yourself admire the overwhelmingly beautiful west coast on the way to the final destination, Bergen.

Art Nouveau in Norway

If you wake up early today, you have the chance to enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the Nordfjord. As you sail past the West Cape, you experience a rare venture into open sea. Then the ship navigates through skerries and islands before reaching Ålesund. An early arrival at this Art Nouveau town gives you an opportunity to go ashore and explore.

Explore Trondheim

Today you wake up in beautiful Trondheim. The architecture and surroundings in Trondheim create a beautiful and almost mythical setting for any outing, whether you prefer a guided tour of the Nidaros Cathedral or a casual walk through the Bakkland district. In autumn you can join the trip out to Munkholmen. Originally an ancient place of execution, it became a Benedictine monastery around the year 1000. In 1658 it was made into a fortress and prison, and later a customs station. In the afternoon the ship sets a northwesterly course, passing the beautiful Kjeungskjær lighthouse and numerous charming islets and rocky outcrops. In autumn you can learn more about navigation and lighthouses along the Noryougian coast during the Captain’s talk. After passing through the narrow Stoksund, the ship arrives at charming Rørvik.

Arctic Circle

The Arctic Circle marks the entry into the Arctic region. During autumn and winter, being above this degree of latitude gives you the best chances of experiencing the Northern Lights. You continue sailing along the beautiful coast of Helgeland up to Bodø. Later this afternoon the sight of the 1,000m high Lofoten Wall will appear on the horizon. 

Stokmarknes – Northern Lights Knowledge

The ship continues to Tromsø for a prolonged stay. In winter you can complete our stay in Tromsø with a thrilling husky dog sled ride. After an exhilarating day in Tromsø, you continue our northbound journey. In winter the Captain invites guests to taste stockfish on deck. The ship is now sailing into the area along the coast where you have the best chance of seeing the Northern Lights between September and March, and you gather on deck to search for this breathtaking phenomenon.

Honningsvåg – The Northern Lights and the North Cape

Enjoy the magnificent sub-Arctic landscape as you cross the 71st parallel on your journey towards the North Cape, the northernmost point on the continent. After brief early stops in Hammerfest and Havøysund you arrive in Honningsvåg, the gateway to the spectacular North Cape. Close to the North Cape you find one of the world’s most exciting nature reserves, Gjesværstappan. Your ship continues north, sailing in the heartland of the indigenous Sámi people. You pass their ancient sacred site, the rock formation Finnkirka. As you approach your next stop, the fishing village Kjøllefjord, local fishermen every so often visit the ship during winter and spring to share their catch of the day out on deck, usually King Crab and Cod. Here you have the opportunity to learn more about the Sámi people, as you explore the wonderful scenery. In winter you can join an unforgettable snowmobile trip to one of Europe’s most extreme and exciting natural areas.

Disembark in Kirkenes

After breakfast you arrive in Kirkenes,  at 30° East, further east than Istanbul and St. Petersburg. The Russian border is close by, and you may find it intriguing that the road signs are written in both Norwegian and Russian. You can choose to explore the Arctic winter on a snowmobile, driving over a frozen fjord. Or take a husky dogsled adventure – the huskies eagerly transport you across the frozen landscape, taking you through the arctic wilderness. You can also visit the Snow Hotel and meet the reindeer living on the grounds.

The one-way, northbound Norwegian coastal voyage ends in Kirkenes. We can arrange for you to stay on in Kirkenes for the night or for airfare to fly to Oslo, depending on your continuing travel plans.