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Art nouveau coastal cities, Arctic landscapes and authentic experiences await along Norway’s rugged coastline
HURTIGRUTEN’S most iconic route, the Norwegian Coastal Express has provided a vital lifeline to the region’s remote communities since 1893. Today, a modern fleet of eight ships offers multiple itineraries between Bergen and Kirkenes, stopping at 34 picturesque ports along the way. Join for a leg of the trip or the complete voyage, and experience this historic route at first hand.
THE SIGNATURE VOYAGE
This Classic Roundtrip voyage is a 12-day, 2,500-nautical-mile odyssey up into the realm of huskies, sea eagles, and creaking glaciers – and back again. Starting and ending in Bergen, you’ll dip into charming nooks along the coast before crossing into the Arctic Circle on the fourth day.
On board your relaxed and informal ship, you’ll enjoy lectures and presentations about your stunning surrounds and swap stories with like-minded guests at the daily gatherings. The Coastal Experience Team will show points of interest from the deck, answer your questions and enhance your journey with their expertise and personal stories.
When you’re not exploring, relax in on-deck hot tubs, enjoy a traditional sauna, and soak up the vistas from the sun deck or panorama lounge. Dine at three different restaurants, enjoy snacks at the Multe bakery and ice cream bar or head to the cosy bar for a drink.
You’ll sail past more than 100 dramatic fjords and 1,000 mountains, and if you set sail in winter, with so much time spent in the Arctic Circle the chances of witnessing the Northern Lights are sky-high. During the summer, expect cascading waterfalls, flower-laden valleys and 24 hours of sunlight.
PICTURESQUE PORTS
With 34 ports of call, dip into smaller communities and in ports join one of the 70-plus excursions, offered at an extra cost, which celebrate the Norwegian idea that life is better lived outdoors, known as friluftsliv.
Setting sail from the gateway to the fjords, Bergen, explore the Art Nouveau delight of Ålesund and admire the iconic Seven Sisters waterfall in Unesco-listed Geirangerfjord. Admire thousandyear-old farms in Hjørundfjord before a short visit to the City of Roses, Molde.
You’ll explore the legacy of Viking kings in Trondheim, visiting gothicstyle Nidaros Cathedral and the Archbishop’s Palace to catch a glimpse of Norway’s crown jewels. Crossing the Arctic Circle, you’ll witness the second-largest glacier in Norway, Svartisen and the enchanting Lofoten Archipelago, home to immense fishing fleets and the Lofotr Viking Museum.
In Tromsø, grab a hot drink and a cinnamon bun in one of the trendy cafés before passing the Lyngen Alps on the way to Skjervøy.
Then step on the top of continental Europe at Honningsvåg, the portal to the North Cape marked by an impressive globe monument. On your excursions, you can meet indigenous Sami people and learn about their reindeer herding past in Kjøllefjord, and step into the Russian markets of Kirkenes.
Heading back southbound, you can spot orca and humpback whales feasting on herring at Skjervøy, enjoy a midnight concert in the Arctic Cathedral and explore the scenic archipelagos of Lofoten and Vesteralen.
CHOOSE YOUR ITINERARY
You can climb aboard for the complete voyage, or pick a leg of this coastal odyssey. From two days to 12, choose your itinerary, duration, and starting point.
On a five-day cruise from charming Bergen to Tromsø, you’ll pass by Unesco-listed wharves, picturesque mountain ranges and mesmerising fjords. You can explore picturesque Geirangerfjord or Hjørundfjord, and savour spectacular seafood at the Bryggen fish market in Bergen.
On a three-day Kirkenes to Solvaer itinerary, you’ll breakfast at the North Cape and admire the famous Meridian Column at Hammerfest (which claims to be the northernmost town in continental Europe), as well as exploring the medieval history of Harstad, and spotting sea eagles in tiny Trollfjord.
Whichever itinerary you choose, there is no better way to explore the Norwegian coastline. So sail back in time to discover beautiful remote communities, breathtaking scenery and Viking history.
Find out more and book your voyage at hurtigruten.co.uk