The Cruise South: Kirkenes to Bergen

  • CAD $1,505

  • 6 days / 5 nights

The world’s most beautiful sea voyage

Experience the natural wonders of Lofoten. Explore the beautiful and exciting Norwegian coastline. Search for the northern lights in winter, and the midnight sun in summer. Join exciting sea- and land-based activities.

Itinerary

Start your Classic Voyage South in the far northern town of Kirkenes (which, surprisingly, lies further east than Istanbul).

The region has many wintertime activities, including snowshoeingdog-sledging and snowmobiling. You can also visit an Arctic Ice Dome.

Interested in history? Kirkenes has many small museums detailing the region’s rich heritage.

Southbound and down

After departing Kirkenes, we head due north, arriving at Vardø in the afternoon. Weather permitting, the brave may want to take a dip in the icy Arctic Ocean (strictly optional of course!).

We now head due west, cruising along the Varanger peninsula to Båtsfjord and Berlevåg, home to Norway’s most famous male choir, made up of local fishermen.

Around midnight, we dock at Mehamn with the option to join in winter a snowmobile trip to hunt the aurora.

North Cape breakfast

We again dock at Honningsvåg, where you can join an excursion that includes eating breakfast at the North Cape. The ship continues to Hammerfest, where you can see the UNESCO-listed Meridian Column. You can also join a mini-mountain expedition and learn about local polar hero Adolf Lindstrøm.

We continue south to Øksfjord with a brief stop at the old trading post of Skjervøy.

Midnight adventures

We then dock at Tromsø, just in time to enjoy a midnight concert at the Arctic Cathedral. You can also explore Tromsø under the midnight sun by boat in summer. You may want to drop by Ølhallen, a classic pub for a friendly beer.

History and culture

This morning, we arrive at Harstad, where you can join one of our classic excursions – A Taste of Vesterålen. Discover history, beautiful scenery, and cultural heritage sites on this tour that rejoins the ship at Sortland.

Those who stay on the ship experience our passage through the Risøyrenna, a shallow channel made for Hurtigruten in the 1920s.

Lofoten and Trollfjord

Get ready now for some amazing scenery as we sail through the world-famous islands of Lofoten and Vesterålen. Lofoten is known for its natural beauty, steep mountains, wild nature and picturesque fishing villages. Our daylight sailing route through the region is the voyage highlight for many.

After a short stop at the tiny village of Risøyhamn, we continue to Stokmarknes – where Hurtigruten began more than 125 years ago. You can visit the Hurtigruten Museum here.

Continuing south, it will look like we’re headed into a mountain wall, but don’t worry. We are in fact sailing through a passage into the narrow Raftsund, flanked by peaks rising 1,000 m out of the sea.

We now arrive at amazing Trollfjord. If conditions allow, we will sail between sheer cliffs that seem close enough to reach out and touch. It’s an unforgettable experience!

Next we arrive in Svolvær, where you can choose from several excursion options. Go horseback riding along a beach at sunset, head out on spectacular hikes, join a fast-boat tour on the fjord, or relax in town at one of many cafés, pubs and restaurants.

Trolls and mountains

Crossing the Arctic Circle is an important ‘rite of passage’. Today we celebrate the occasion on deck with a taste of Arctic tradition – a spoonful of cod liver oil.

Sailing along the Helgeland coast, you see the strange mountain, Torghatten (258 m above sea level), famous for the distinctive hole through its centre. The hole is 160 m long, 35 m high and 20 m wide, and was formed during the ice age. Participate on a hike up the mountain.

Another highlight is sailing past the Seven Sisters mountain range. It is easy to see how the peaks influenced ancient legend. The story goes that seven beautiful troll sisters were caught out at sunrise and turned to stone, thus creating the seven beautiful mountaintops.

From ducks to salmon

Next, we briefly stop at the idyllic trading post of Nesna before moving on to Sandnessjøen. From here, you can join an optional excursion to a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Vega Islands. The UNESCO status is due to the unique centuries-old interaction between the islanders and eider ducks. Learn how the locals sustain a livelihood of making down-filled duvets.

In Brønnøysund, join an excursion to the Norwegian Aquaculture Centre for an informative tour and taste of fresh salmon, from April through October.

Even though we’re south of the Arctic Circle, there are still good chances to see the Northern Lights in winter. The Midnight Sun may not shine, but you still experience seemingly endless daylight during late spring and summer.

Trondheim

Today you have a chance to explore the wooden city of history: Trondheim. Be sure to visit the majestic Nidaros Cathedral, built over the burial site of King Olav II who reigned from 1015 to 1028.

Spectacular scenery and life of the sea

As we sail along the coast, you will realize the importance of fishing to Norway’s coastal communities.

Kristiansund is regarded as Norway’s ‘dried cod capital’ because of its long-time export of salted dry fish. Here you can join an excursion along the Atlantic Road, a National Scenic Route. The 8 km stretch of highway spans eight bridges, crosses picturesque landscapes and is surrounded by open sea.

Another interesting excursion is to the Bergtatt marble mine, which takes you inside a mountain and across an illuminated subterranean lake before serving you a meal in the mine´s ‘Grand Hall’.

Norwegian alps

Those who remain aboard at Kristiansund will experience the ship´s open sea crossing towards Molde – Norway´s ‘City of Roses’. From there, you can see the distant pointed peaks of the Romsdal Alps across the fjord, called ‘the Molde panorama’.

Night-time stops

During the night, the ship calls at Ålesund, Torvik and Måløy, as our voyage draws to a close. Before docking in Bergen, there is fascinating scenery to see, including picturesque Nordfjord beneath Jostedal Glacier. Here the fjord widens to the east and forges 90 km inland.

Approaching Bergen

In the morning, we dock at Florø, Norway’s westernmost community.

A few nautical miles south of Florø, we cross the mouth of the mighty Sognefjord, taking in superb views of the magnificent island-studded coastline en route. Finally, you disembark in the Hanseatic city of Bergen with unforgettable memories of a truly unique part of the world. We hope to see you on board again in the very near future!

More adventures in Norway

If you would like to see more of Norway, we highly recommend our Bergen City Sightseeing excursion (only sold on board), or various Post-programmes to experience more Norwegian cuisine, culture and scenery.

Dates & Prices

Start/EndNightsSailing ScheduleStarting From
Kirkenes / Bergen (The Cruise South)5Regular Departures, All Year$1,505

*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.

Ship Information

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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.

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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).

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MS Polarlys

Polarlys is Norwegian for ‘polar light,’ the special Arctic phenomenon we chase in our winter programme “Hunting the Light”.

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