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Classic Voyage North

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 Cruise Length
7 Days
 Cruise Starts
Bergen
 Cruise Finishes
Kirkenes
7 Day Classic Voyage North Itinerary (Hurtigruten)
Countries Explored: Norway
Ship
Passengers
590
Crew
70
Launched
1993
Refurbished
2018
Cruise Code
CVN.6

Overview

If you’ve only got a week and like wandering around cities, galleries, and museums, this is the Norwegian coastal cruise for you. Starting from Bergen and disembarking in Kirkenes in the north, you’ll be able to spend hours exploring the Norwegian coast’s finest cities like Trondheim and Tromsø, and charming towns like Ålesund and Bodø.

Itinerary

Your voyage starts in Bergen, the second largest city in Norway and gateway to the fjords. Founded in 1070 AD, Bergen boasts architecture influenced by prosperous 14th century German trading organisation, the Hanseatic League.

If you’ve time before your ship departs, visit the UNESCO-listed wharfs of the colourful Bryggen district, now an artisan quarter complete with cobblestone streets. Just across the street is the famous Fish Market which serves delicious seafood. There’s also the Fløibanen funicular which whisks you up Mount Fløyen for lovely views of the city.

To get the most out of your visit to Norway, don’t forget that we can also help you to arrange tours before or after your voyage, such as the Norway in a Nutshell programme.

Your voyage begins

Before boarding, you can relax in our comfortable guest lounge at the terminal. Once aboard, enjoy the first of many delicious meals made from fresh coastal produce as we depart Bergen and sail the old Viking route along Hjeltefjord.

You’ll also meet your ship’s Coastal Experts who will be your guides as we cruise Norway’s coastline, organising lectures, onboard activities, and optional hikes.

TIME IN PORT:
  • Bergen: 14:45 - 20:30

Enjoy early morning in the breathtaking Nordfjord near Torvik. We then sail past West Cape for our approach to Ålesund.

Art Nouveau city

Ålesund is renowned for its beautiful Art Nouveau architecture and Atlanterhavsparken, one of Northern Europe’s largest saltwater aquariums. If you’re travelling with us in spring or winter, you’ll have most of the day to explore this picturesque town.

Into the fjords

In the summer, we set our course for the spectacular UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord, passing some of the most magnificent scenery Norway has to offer. Once in the fjord, you might get to see the famous Seven Sisters waterfalls cascading down the cliffs.

In autumn, we explore Hjørundfjord, hidden away in the Sunnmøre Alps. There’ll also be a call at the scenic village of Urke to gaze at the view of thousand-year-old farms, the fjord, and the lush mountainsides.

Mountains and roses

The last port of the day is Molde. In summer, there might just be enough daylight to see the amazing view of 222 mountain peaks across the fjord, called ‘the Molde Panorama ’.

From mid-June to late August, the streets and gardens here will be adorned with the sight and scent of roses of all shades, living up to Molde’s nickname as ‘ The City of Roses ’.

TIME IN PORT
  • Florø: 02:45 - 03:00
  • Måløy: 05:15 - 05:30
  • Torvik: 08:20 - 08:30
  • Ålesund (01.11-31.05): 09:45 - 20:00
    • Ålesund (01.06-31.10): 09:45 - 10:00
    • Geiranger (01.06-31.08): 14:25 - 14:45
    • Ålesund (01.06-31.08): 19:00 - 20:00
    • Urke (01.09-31.10): 12:15 - 15:45
    • Ålesund (01.09-31.10): 18:00 - 20:00
  • Molde: 22:35 - 23:05

This section of the voyage lets us enter the Trøndelag region of Norway, marked by crumpled hills, fields dotted with farmsteads, and low-loying coastal settlements.

Magical, medieval, and modern

Founded by Viking king Olav Tryggvason in 997, Trondheim today is Norway’s third largest city and a mix of historic buildings and a buzzing student population.

You’ll have three hours to explore Trondheim and its array of highlights, either by yourself or on one of the optional excursions we offer.

A must-see site of the city is Nidaros Cathedral, nicknamed “Norway’s Notre Dame” for its Gothic style and considered the most sacred building in all of Norway. Next door to the cathedral is the Archbishop’s Palace where Norway’s crown jewels are on display.

Nearby, the old city bridge Gamle Bybro sits over Nid River, marking the entrance to the old Hanseatic district of Bakklandet. The neighbourhood’s colourful wooden wharves propped up on stilts by the river’s edge now house trendy eateries. Up from Bakklandet is Kristiansten Fort which affords beautiful panoramas of the city and fjord.

Back on board

In the afternoon, the ship sails northwest, passing the ochre-coloured Kjeungskjær Lighthouse, islets, and rocky reefs. After that, we head towards charming Rørvik.

TIME IN PORT
  • Kristiansund: 02:45 - 03:00
  • Trondheim: 09:45 - 12:45
  • Rørvik: 21:40 - 22:00

We cross the Arctic Circle early in the morning, beginning your Arctic tour of Norway. We mark the moment with a traditional ceremony that’s sure to wake you up!

Above the Arctic Circle, you can see the sun 24 hours a day in summer, while in winter, your chances of seeing the Northern Lights greatly improve.

Forces of nature

At 10am, we call into Ørnes, near to Norway’s second-largest glacier, Svartisen. The pier here is popular for the Love Bench where sweethearts have declared their lasting romance with a padlock.

We then sail to Bodø, the second largest city in Northern Norway, overlooked by the Børvass peaks. Admire fabulous street art or join an optional boat excursion to Saltstraumen, the world’s most powerful maelstrom.

Welcome to Lofoten

That afternoon, the ship enters the Lofoten archipelago. The 1,000 metre-high Lofoten Wall is a stunning sight on the horizon, as if there to welcome us.

Stamsund is home to one of the largest fishing fleets in the islands and busiest between January and April when Arctic cod, known locally as skrei, swim from the Barents Sea in the north down to Vestfjord to spawn.

Come evening, when you see rows of traditional fisherman’s huts on stilts, known as rorbuer, you’ve arrived in the pretty harbour of Svolvær, the main town of the Lofoten Islands.

TIME IN PORT
  • Brønnøysund: 01:35 - 01:45
  • Sandnessjøen: 04:35 - 04:50
  • Nesna: 06:00 - 06:10
  • Ørnes: 10:00 - 10:10
  • Bodø: 13:05 - 15:20
  • Stamsund: 19:15 - 19:40
  • Svolvær: 21:20 - 22:15

We dock into Harstad just after 7am. You can go for a peaceful early morning stroll around town.

The ship will then continue to Finnsnes which connects the beautiful island of Senja via the impressive Gisund Bridge.

Keep on the lookout for a variety of seabirds with several colonies nearby, including puffins. Whales can also be spotted in the waters here, especially during the winter season.

Gateway to the Arctic

We then sail to the historic Arctic exploration capital of Tromsø where you’ll have four hours to explore the city or join an optional excursion.

You’ll find Polaria, the world’s northernmost aquarium, o the waterfront. Take your pick from the many shops and restaurants in the city centre, including Mack Brewery and favourite local watering hole Ølhallen pub. There are also trendy cafés plying delicious cinnamon buns and where baristas create innovative coffee art. Across the fjord from where the ship docks, you should be able to see the iconic Arctic Cathedral with its beautiful stained-glass mosaic.

Leaving Tromsø in the early evening, we head north for the trading post of Skjervøy, founded in 1622. On our way, we’ll pass the Lyngen Alps which rise majestically from the sea.

TIME IN PORT:
  • Stokmarknes: 01:30 - 01:40
  • Sortland: 02:55 - 03:10
  • Risøyhamn: 04:35 - 04:50
  • Harstad: 07:10 - 07:45
  • Finnsnes: 11:00 - 11:30
  • Tromsø: 14:15 - 18:15
  • Skjervøy: 22:10 - 22:25

The ship reaches the town of Hammerfest on the island of Kvaløya early in the morning. In summer, the island has herds of reindeer migrating here in their thousands.

You’ll know we’ve reached Havøysund when you see the wind turbines of the landmark Havøyglaven wind farm which produces enough electricity to power 6,000 local homes.

At the top of Europe

We arrive at Honningsvåg mid-morning, portal to the North Cape where a globe monument marks the top of continental Europe. The optional excursion up to the dramatic promontory is very popular, so you’ll want to book early.

Sámi heartlands

Near the entrance of Kjøllefjord village, look out for the striking, building-like rock formation Finnkirka, an ancient sacrificial site once used by the indigenous Sámi. You can join an optional excursion to meet local Sámi, learn about their life reindeer herding, and listen to joik folk songs.

Continuing north

We reach our northernmost port of call, Mehamn, in the evening. If visiting in the months of February and March, you might spot tons of cod drying on outdoor wooden racks called hjell, mainly destined for export.

The ship then sets off for Berlevåg. On the way, we pass the tall Slettnes Lighthouse, the northernmost mainland lighthouse on Earth.

TIME IN PORT:
  • Øksfjord: 01:50 - 02:00
  • Hammerfest: 05:05 - 05:45
  • Havøysund: 08:30 - 08:45
  • Honningsvåg: 10:55 - 14:30
  • Kjøllefjord: 16:40 - 17:00
  • Mehamn: 18:55 - 19:15
  • Berlevåg: 22:00 - 22:10

We call at Båtsfjord and Vardø in the night, before docking at Vadsø early in the morning.

Looking to the skies

The area around Vadsø is one of the most scenic and popular birdwatching spots in the Arctic, lying directly under the migration path of birds flying from east to west. Watch for hooded crows and sea eagles.

Next door neighbours

Kirkenes is just a few miles from the Russian border and has many influences from Norway’s neighbour; from road signs in both Norwegian and Russian, a monthly Russian market, or the WWII Russian Monument.

This is where your Norwegian coastal cruise ends and you’ll have travelled further east than St. Petersburg and Istanbul. We look forward to seeing you again, maybe for the Classic Voyage South next time!

TIME IN PORT
  • Båtsfjord: 00:00 - 00:30
  • Vardø: 03:30 - 03:45
  • Vadsø: 06:55 - 07:10
  • Kirkenes: 09:00

Life Onboard MS Richard With

MS Richard With
MS Richard With

Home to a beautiful collection of art and designed with viewing spaces to showcase the spectacular surrounds. Read more

Guide Team HQ
Guide Team HQ

The Activity Centre serves as Guide Team HQ where this dedicated group provide edutainment to enrich your voyage. Read more

Relaxed Atmosphere
Relaxed Atmosphere

Enjoy the informal atmosphere on board, dress casually, and learn why guests love Hurtigruten's famously relaxed feel. Read more

Norway's Coastal Kitchen
Norway's Coastal Kitchen

Dine on the freshest ingredients, sourced daily from local suppliers in port each day. A delight for your tastebuds. Read more

Live the Local Life
Live the Local Life

Delve into the local life as your ship ferries goods and passengers between the remote communities of Norway's coast. Read more

A Front Row Seat
A Front Row Seat

Keep watch for the Northern Lights in winter, summer's Midnight Sun, or simply the impressive scenery year round. Read more

Brochure

Norwegian Coastal Express

Hurtigruten Norwegian Coastal Express (2023-24)

Our signature voyage along the Norwegian coast travels from Bergen in the south, across the Arctic Circle, up to Kirkenes, and back. It’s 12 days and 2,500 nautical miles of some of the most stunning scenery you’ve ever seen. Along the way, your ship stops at 34 coastal communities, day and night. This is the everyday Norwegian coast; an authentic experience...more in the making since 1893.

Availability Click on prices below to view cabin upgrades and details

Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Hurtigruten. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Hurtigruten. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

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