CAD $TBA
7 days / 6 nights
Embark on a coastal exploration of Norway's charming cities, towns, and villages, offering a diverse experience. From June to August, sail to the renowned Geirangerfjord or opt for the Hjørundfjord from September to October. Venture beyond the Arctic Circle for thrilling winter trips, hunting the mesmerizing Northern Lights, or relish the enchanting Midnight Sun during summer voyages. Customize your journey with six optional hikes and a wide range of 50 seasonal excursions to add an extra touch of adventure. Norway's breathtaking landscapes and captivating activities await to create unforgettable memories on your voyage.
Itinerary
Your voyage starts in Bergen, Norway’s second-largest city and a gateway to the fjords. Founded in 1070 A.D., Bergen boasts architecture influenced by the prosperous 14th-century German trading organization, the Hanseatic League.
If you have time before your ship departs, visit the UNESCO-listed wharfs in the colorful Bryggen district, now a neighborhood with artisan’s shops, complete with cobblestone streets. Just across the street is the famous fish market, which serves delicious seafood. The Fløibanen funicular can also whisk you up Mount Fløyen for lovely views of the city.
To get the most out of your visit to Norway, we can help you arrange tours before or after your voyage, such as the Norway in a Nutshell program.
Your voyage begins
Before boarding, 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 the Hjeltefjord.
You’ll also meet your ship’s Coastal Experts, who will be your guides as we sail Norway’s coastline. They’ll organize lectures, onboard activities, and optional hikes.
Iconic architecture and fantastic fjords
Enjoy early morning in the breathtaking Nordfjord, near Torvik. Then we’ll sail past the 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 traveling 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 in Norway. Once in the fjord, you may see the famous Seven Sisters waterfalls cascading down the cliffs.
In autumn, we explore Hjørundfjord, hidden away in the Sunnmøre Alps. We’ll also call at the scenic village of Urke. Here, you can admire 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 enough daylight to see the amazing view of the 222 mountain peaks across the fjord, called the ‘Molde Panorama’.
And from mid-June to late August, the streets and gardens are adorned with roses of all shades and scents, all solidify Molde’s nickname as the ‘City of Roses’.
This section of the voyage brings us to the Trøndelag region of Norway, marked by crumpled hills, fields dotted with farmsteads, and low-lying coastal settlements.
Magical, medieval, and modern
Trondheim was founded by Viking King Olav Tryggvason in 997 A.D. and is now Norway’s third-largest city. It features a mix of historic buildings and a lively student population.
You’ll have three hours to explore Trondheim and its various highlights, either on your own or on one of our optional excursions.
A must-see site of the city is Nidaros Cathedral, nicknamed ‘Norway’s Notre Dame’ for its Gothic architectural style. It is 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 neighborhood’s colorful wooden wharves, which are propped up on stilts by the river’s edge, now house trendy restaurants. Up from Bakklandet is Kristiansten Fort, which features beautiful panoramic views of the city and fjord.
Back on board
In the afternoon, the ship will sail northwest, passing the ochre-colored Kjeungskjær Lighthouse, islets, and rocky reefs. After that, we’ll head towards charming Rørvik.
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 in summer, you can enjoy the sun 24 hours a day, while in winter, your chances of seeing the Northern Lights greatly improve.
Forces of nature
At 10 a.m., we’ll dock in Ørnes, near Norway’s second-largest glacier, Svartisen. The pier here is popular for the ‘Love Bench’, where sweethearts declare their lasting romance with a padlock.
Then we’ll sail to Bodø, Northern Norway’s second-largest city, 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
The ship enters the Lofoten Archipelago in the afternoon. The Lofoten Wall, standing over 3,200 feet tall, is a stunning sight on the horizon.
Stamsund is home to one of the largest fishing fleets in the islands, which is busiest between January and April, when the Arctic cod—known locally as skrei—swim from the Barents Sea in the north down to Vestfjord to spawn.
This evening, you’ll know you’ve arrived in the pretty harbor of Svolvær when you see rows of traditional fisherman’s huts on stilts, known as rorbuer. This is the main town of the Lofoten Islands.
We dock in Harstad just after 7 a.m. Feel free to have 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 your eyes peeled for a variety of seabirds, including puffins, as there are several colonies nearby. You may also spot whales in the waters here, especially during the winter season.
Gateway to the Arctic
Then we’ll 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) and the nice waterfront. Pop in to one of the many shops and restaurants in the city center, including Mack Brewery and the Ølhallen pub, a favorite local watering hole. There are also trendy cafés offering delicious cinnamon buns and where baristas create innovative coffee-foam art. Across the fjord from where the ship docks, check out the iconic Arctic Cathedral, with its beautiful stained-glass mosaic.
Leaving Tromsø in the early evening, we’ll 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.
The ship reaches the town of Hammerfest on the island of Kvaløya early in the morning. In the summer, herds of reindeer migrate to the island by the thousands.
You’ll know we’ve reached Havøysund when you see the wind turbines of the landmark Havøygavlen wind farm, which produces enough electricity to power 6,000 local homes.
At the top of Europe
In the mid-morning, we’ll arrive at Honningsvåg, the 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 the 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 reindeer-herding life, and listen to joik folk songs.
Continuing north
We’ll reach our northernmost port of call, Mehamn, in the evening. If you’re visiting during the months of February and March, you might spot cod drying on outdoor wooden racks, called hjell, mainly destined for export.
The ship then sets off for Berlevåg. On the way, we’ll pass the tall Slettnes Lighthouse, the planet’s northernmost mainland lighthouse.
We call at Båtsfjord and Vardø during the night, before docking at Vadsø early in the morning.
Look 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 neighbors
By the time we reach Kirkenes after breakfast, you’ll have traveled farther east than St. Petersburg and Istanbul! You’ll have many optional excursions to choose from to explore the area.
Kirkenes is just a few miles from the Russian border. This neighbor has had many influences on Norway, from road signs in both Norwegian and Russian to a monthly Russian market and the World War II Russian Monument.
The journey’s turning point
Kirkenes is where the Norwegian Coastal Express changes direction and the ship heads south. Several of the places we stopped at during the night we’ll now see during the day.
Back in Vardø, visit the solemn Witches’ Monument and the star-shaped Vardøhus Fortress, built in 1737. The northernmost fortification of any kind, it remains in use by the military to this day.
We’ll return to the small, bustling port of Båtsfjord and then make for Berlevåg in the late evening, crossing paths with the northbound ship.
Dates & Prices
Start/End | Nights | Sailing Schedule | Starting From |
---|---|---|---|
Bergen / Kirkenes | 6 | All year, regular departures | $1,885 |
*Price per person based on double occupancy. Due to the dynamic nature of availability and pricing, please click here to contact us directly for sailing schedule and full pricing.
Featured Inclusions
Voyage in the cabin category of your choice, on a full-board basis
English-speaking tour leader on board
Ship Information
MS Kong Harald
Our dedicated Expedition Teams has one mission: to enhance your experience by engaging you and interpreting the nature, wildlife, and culture you encounter during the cruise. MS Kong Harald was refurbished in 2016 and now features a modern, Arctic-inspired interior. Onboard are three different restaurants, the Multe bakery and ice cream bar, a sauna and a fitness room. Out on deck you can enjoy the view from one of our two hot tubs. Fancy a drink? Visit our comfortable bar at the front of the ship. The vessel also has a large compass area with reception, the Expedition Team, a tour guide, conference room and shop.
MS Nordkapp
MS Nordkapp is named after one of the highlights of the Hurtigruten voyage, the northernmost point of mainland Europe, the North Cape (71ºN).
MS Polarlys
Polarlys is Norwegian for ‘polar light,’ the special Arctic phenomenon we chase in our winter programme “Hunting the Light”.