Your voyage starts in the lovely city of Bergen. Before departure, you may want to explore this colourful gateway to the fjords. Bergen was founded in 1070 AD, and retains a great deal of its character, charm and history. Visit the UNESCO-listed Bryggen district with colourful wharfs dating back to the 14th century. You may enjoy a stroll in the cobblestone alleyways, a bite at an outdoor café or restaurant, a trip on the Fløibanen funicular or a visit to the famous fish market.
Spoil your taste budsEnjoy a tasty dinner buffet made from fresh coastal produce. We sail north from Bergen along the Viking route of Hjeltefjord. Spend the rest of the evening relaxing as you admire the spectacular landscapes from the deck or in our panorama lounge. Our ships along the Norwegian Coast have Hurtigruten Guides. You are welcome to join them on hikes during many of our port stays or enjoy onboard lectures and activities. Don't forget that you can explore even more of Norway before your sea voyage starts with our pre- and post cruise programmes, like the famous Norway in a Nutshell.
Time in Port:Enjoy early morning in the breathtaking Nordfjord, followed by a delicious breakfast. We then sail past West Cape for our approach to Ålesund.
Art Nouveau cityÅlesund is renowned for its beautiful Art Nouveau architecture and famed Atlanterhavsparken aquarium. Our tour to the aquarium includes a visit to see resident penguins before we continue to nearby Mount Aksla for an amazing view.
Into the fjordsIn the summer, we set our course for the spectacular UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord, passing sheer, 800 metre-high cliffs and dramatic waterfalls. In autumn, we explore Hjørundfjord in the majestic Sunnmøre Alps. The fjord’s pristine natural landscape of steep rock walls, lush green meadows, lonely mountain farms and tiny villages is unforgettable.
Mountains and rosesMolde is known as the ‘ City of Roses ’ because of its lovely municipal gardens. This attractive coastal town has an amazing view of 222 mountain peaks across the fjord, called ‘the Molde Panorama ’.
Time in Port:Charming Trondheim is home to great history and a rich cultural life.
Magical, medieval and modernFounded by Viking king Olav Tryggvason in 997, Trondheim today is a unique mix of the ancient and modern. Join our optional excursion to the soaring Nidaros Cathedral, Norway’s only gothic cathedral and the burial place of St. Olav (Tryggvason). Marvel at the cathedral’s exquisite works of art, architectural details and medieval statues. In spring and summer, we continue to Ringve Museum of Musical History, where Norwegian music´s past is brought to life in a grand manor with a fantastic view.
Excursions for every tasteFrom September to May, experience Trondheim with a unique carriage tour on the world’s northernmost tram line. You can also explore Trondheim by kayak on the River Nid or experience the city by bicycle. Be sure to ride the world’s only bicycle lift, near the quaint Bakklandet neighbourhood, from April to September. You can also join the Hurtigruten Guides for a hike to discover more of the area.
Back on boardIn the afternoon, the ship sails northwest, passing the Kjeungskjær lighthouse, islets and rocky reefs. After that we head towards charming Rørvik.
Time in Port:Today we cross the Arctic Circle, marking your best chance to see Northern Lights in winter and experience the Midnight Sun in summer. We mark the occasion with a fun Arctic Circle ceremony on deck.
Forces of natureØrnes is the site of Norway’s second-largest glacier, Svartisen. In summer, join us for a trip to the Svartisen Tourist Centre to admire this enigmatic world of ice, and visit a moose farm. We then sail along the beautiful coast of Helgeland to Bodø, where you can experience Saltstraumen, the world’s most powerful maelstrom, by small boat.
Majestic LofotenThat afternoon, the 1,000 metre-high Lofoten Wall looms on the horizon, ushering us towards majestic granite cliffs and white sandy beaches.
Meet the VikingsAt Stamsund, visit the Lofotr Viking Museum, where you are welcomed into the chieftain’s house for a real Viking feast.
Going organicBetween Stamsund and Svolvær, you can experience life on an organic herb and cheese farm, or visit the Lofoten’s only craft brewery, in Svolvær.
Hunting the Northern LightsIn winter, crossing the Arctic Circle means an intensified hunt for the Northern Lights, and we present a multimedia show, ‘The Magic Light, Aurora Borealis’. As we sail through the narrow Raftsund, we stop at the entrance to Trollfjord, a dramatic natural wonder that should not be missed.
Time in Port:We briefly dock at Risøyhamn, Harstad and Finnsnes in the morning.
Polar history and beerWe then sail to the Arctic exploration capital of Tromsø for a prolonged stay. Join our `Polar History Walk´ in winter to learn more about explorers and Arctic hunters, and taste beer from the world’s northernmost brewery.
Beyond your imaginationIn winter and spring, you can complete your stay in Tromsø with a thrilling dog-sledge ride, as huskies pull you over the frozen landscape past stunning views of the snowy plateaus. The only light during the polar night comes from headlamps, the starry sky, and, if we’re lucky, the magical Northern Lights. Why not have some winter fun by joining a cross-country skiing or snowshoeing adventure, or go deep-sea fishing on an Arctic fjord? All year, you can join the Hurtigruten Guides for hikes and discover more of the Tromsø area.
Get close to marine wildlifeWant to experience serenity on the sea? Join us for a kayaking excursion in summer along Tromsø’s coastline - a great way to get close to marine wildlife. Sailing from Tromsø, we continue to search for the Northern Lights from September to March.
Time in Port:Enjoy magnificent landscapes as we sail to the North Cape, one of the northernmost points on the European continent. In summer, you may see herds of reindeer and small camps of indigenous Sámi people in the area.
Experience the North CapeAfter a brief stop in Hammerfest, we arrive in Havøysund. Join a small boat excursion here to see the North Cape from the sea, visit the world’s northernmost fishing village and ride by bus to North Cape plateau. The ship continues to Honningsvåg, from where you can join a bird-watching excursion to Gjesværstappan, home to millions of birds during nesting season.
Sailing northThe ship continues north into the heartland of the Sámi people. Visit Kjøllefjord, where you can learn about the Sámi way of life and hear traditional joiking (song).
Adrenaline and Northern LightsIn winter, you can join an unforgettable snowmobile trip across snowy plains and perhaps spot the Northern Lights in the starry sky.
Sámi traditions'Sámi Autumn' is a fall excursion to learn about the Arctic natural 'pantry and pharmacy', sampling dried-reindeer meat, crowberry juice, herbal tea (nettle) and roseroot tincture. You may also feel the presence of the Sámi shaman, Noaidi.
Time in Port:We arrive early today in Vadsø before docking in Kirkenes - the ship’s turning point for the return journey.
Russian frontier
There are a number of fascinating things to do and see in Kirkenes, which is located on the Russian border. You’ll notice the local road signs are written in both Norwegian and Russian. There are many ways to visit the Russian frontier, depending on the season. You can take a bus year-round, and join a riverboat safari, canoing, border hikes or ATV/quad-bike adventure in summer.
Winter and spring provide you with a wide range of classic wintertime activities to choose from, including dog-sledging, snowshoeing and snowmobiling. Like seafood? Join an excursion to catch and eat giant king crab from the Barents Sea. You may want to spend some extra time exploring this unique region at the top of Europe before returning home. Either way, we hope you will take home lifetime memories of a fascinating northbound voyage along Norway’s coastline. Welcome aboard again soon!
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