Norwegian Border to the Arctic Capital
Overview
Itinerary
Your voyage begins in the Arctic in the town of Kirkenes, just a few miles from the Norwegian border, but further east than St. Petersburg and Istanbul.
WWII history
For those interested in history, the Varanger Museum in Kirkenes has exhibits about the town's ordeal during WWII; bombed a total of 328 times in four years, making it the most bombed place during the war after Malta.
For more insights into this sombre period, visit the Andersgrotta WWII Bomb Shelter which can house up to 2,500 people underground.
Norway's northern frontier
In the port of Vardø, you'll find the star-shaped Vardøhus Fortress , built in 1737. The northernmost fortification of any kind, it remains a part of the military to this day.
We cruise Norway's coastline to arrive in the small port of Båtsfjord in the evening and then on to Berlevåg. You might be able to make out Mount Tanahorn to the west, or see Kjølnes Lighthouse blinking atop a cliff overlooking the Barents Sea.
We make stops at Mehamn and Kjøllefjord during the night before early morning visits to Honningsvåg and Havøysund.
Almost the northernmost
In the early afternoon, you'll spend time in Hammerfest, which has the largest population on a list of the world's northernmost settlements.
See the UNESCO-listed Meridian Column , shop for souvenirs at the Polar Bear Society , or take the path behind the town to the viewpoint atop Mount Salen .
Mountains and marine mammals
We continue cruising Norway's coastline south to Øksfjord and then to Skjervøy, surrounded by mountain peaks. We've been docking at this vital fishing port since 1896.
If you're visiting in winter, you might spot orcas and humpback whales that gather here to feed on herring.
As we make our way to Tromsø, you might also glimpse views of the Lyngen Alps which boast some of the highest peaks in all of Norway.
Capital of the Arctic
We dock at the historic city of Tromsø just before midnight. This is where your short voyage with us concludes. In the summer months, you can stroll around the still busy city in glorious 24-hour daylight.
Life On Board
Refurbished in 2019 with décor inspired by the Northern Lights and ample facilities for education and recreation. Read more
Your Guide Team bring the Norwegian experience to life with edutainment in the Activity Centre and out on deck. Read more
Hurtigruten cruises are famously relaxed and guests are invited to dress casually throughout their voyage. Read more
Dine in the main restaurant or order a la carte at Kysten. Enjoy menus featuring produced sourced daily from local suppliers. Read more
Immerse yourself in the culture and local life as you cruise on a working vessel connecting Norway's coastal communities. Read more
Hurtigruten always take the scenic route, and ships are perfectly designed to showcase the spellbinding surrounds. Read more
Dates & Pricing
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Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct 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 the cruise-line and 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.
