Find the perfect trip

12 days from

Contact us

* Current p/p indicative rate.

Overview
Highlights
Dates & Prices
Itinerary
Map
Ships

Highlights

Highlights

Capacity: 525, Type: Expedition
keyboard_arrow_left
keyboard_arrow_right

NB. This cruise departs every day of the year, please contact us for details of departures not listed.


This voyage is described by Lonely Planet as “The World’s Most Beautiful Voyage”. We take you from Bergen to Kirkenes and back in 12 days. See 34 ports and cover over 2,500 nautical miles, which allows you to explore every inch of the coastal magic Norway has to offer. Any time of year, it’s a voyage like no other. The drama of the scenery and the wildlife will stir the explorer in you. 22 of the ports lie north of the Polar Circle – and you will be given the opportunity to join excursions tailor-made to match your exploration level. Whatever you miss on the northbound sailing during night, you are able to see in daylight on the southbound sailing.

In the classics league

There is a reason famous travel routes are ‘famous.’ Each offers epic landscapes and the distinctive ability to transport the traveller through time and turn fleeting moments into life-long memories. This Route rightly earns its place in the hall of fame of iconic traveller routes along with other classics like the Orient Express, Europe’s Danube, and the revered Route 66. On this trip you get nothing but spectacular experiences. Visit cities like Bergen, Ålesund and Trondheim, before we cross the Polar Circle and sail into Tromsø. Southbound you get to see Lofoten and Trollfjorden in broad daylight, before we sail along the Helgeland coast, passing the Seven Sisters mountains. Let yourself admire the overwhelmingly beautiful west coast on our way to our final destination, Bergen.

Spectacular seasons

No matter what time of the year you travel with us, you will be surrounded by beautiful nature wherever you turn. Still, every season has its own charm.

With spring comes the return of the warmth and daylight, which is like an infusion of vitamins, kick-starting life along the Norwegian coast. The migratory birds return, meaning the coast is teeming with life. Spring is also a time of celebration and May witnesses the festivities of Norwegian National Day (17 May), when the coastal communities become a blaze of colour and tradition. We also visit the beautiful Lyngenfjord, with its majestic mountain backdrop and unique nature.

Summer is the most popular time of year for exploring Norway’s coast. The long, light days during the summer months seem to energise both nature and people. Even as far south as Bergen, you can experience 19 hours of daylight. Flowers bloom, rivers fill with fish and giant waterfalls cascade towards the ocean, creating a picture-perfect setting for a summer holiday. North of the Arctic Circle you can experience the Midnight Sun – a natural phenomenon. Daylight in the middle of the night is an intense experience, and you may have to force yourself to go to bed.



Make it your own

Exactly how you want to explore the Midnight Sun, the delicious local food, and the natural beauty is entirely up to you. On a roundtrip voyage with us, you will not only feel like an explorer. You will be one.



Please note: additional excursions are available, please inquire for more details.

There are no future departures for this trip at this stage.

show reverse itinerary
Day 1: Bergen
Our expedition start in Bergen, a city surrounded by its famed seven mountains. Before departure you may wish to explore this cultural gateway to the fjords. After embarkation we invite you to enjoy our tasty dinner buffet, based on the best ingredients from the coast. We sail north from Bergen along the Hjeltefjord, the same route the Vikings once sailed to the Shetland Islands and beyond – we are heading to the high north. Spend the rest of the evening relaxing as you take in the spectacular landscapes, either from deck or in our panorama lounges.
Day 2: Florø - Molde
If you wake up early the next day you have the chance to enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the Nordfjord, followed by a delicious breakfast. As we sail past the West Cape, we experience a rare venture into open sea. Then the ship navigates through skerries and islands before reaching Ålesund. In the summer months we set course for the spectacular UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord passing sheer, 800m cliffs and impressive waterfalls en route. In autumn we explore Hjørundfjord, situated amidst the majestic Sunnmøre Alps. In addition to the excursion “A taste of Norway”, we offer two new mountain hikes here. Its seclusion and unspoiled natural landscape give this fjord its special character. In winter you can enjoy a colourful and enlightening presentation about the Aurora Borealis on board.
Day 3: Kristiansund - Rørvik
Today you wake up in beautiful Trondheim. The architecture and surroundings in Trondheim create a beautiful and almost mythical setting for any outing, whether you prefer a guided tour of the Nidaros Cathedral, kayaking on the river Nid and into the city’s smaller channels, or a casual walk or by bicycle through the Bakkland district. In autumn you can join the trip out to Munkholmen. Originally this was an ancient place of execution, before becoming a Benedictine monastery around the year 1000. In 1658 it was made into a fortress and prison, and later a customs station. In the afternoon the ship sets a northwest course, passing the beautiful Kjeungskjær lighthouse and numerous charming islets and rocky outcrops. In autumn you can learn more about navigation and lighthouses along the Norwegian coast during the Captain’s talk. After passing through the narrow Stoksund, the ship arrives at charming Rørvik.
Day 4: Brønnøysund - Svolvær
The Arctic Circle marks the border to the Arctic region. In summer this means 24-hour daylight - often referred to as the ‘Midnight Sun’. We continue sailing along the beautiful coast of Helgeland up to Bodø. In spring there will be a presentation on board where your can learn more about the millions of migrating birds returning to the Arctic Coast during the nesting period. Later this afternoon the sight of the 1,000m high Lofoten Wall will appear on the horizon. The charms of the Lofoten Islands are revealed in all the small, picturesque fishing villages with their bohemian atmosphere. In winter, crossing the Arctic Circle is when the hunt for the Arctic light begins. We celebrate this with a presentation of ‘The Magic Light, Aurora Borealis’, where you can experience this phenomenon via pictures, words and music. After sailing through the narrow Raftsund, we stop at the entrance to the enthralling Trollfjord. Here we serve freshly made fish cakes out on deck. You will also hear the story of ‘The battle of Trollfjord’, which took place here in the winter of 1890.
Day 5: Stokmarknes - Skjervøy
In summer, early birds can go ashore in Risøyhamn for our whale-watching excursion. The ship continues to Tromsø for a prolonged stay. If you want to experience the peace and tranquillity of the sea in summer, why not join us on a kayaking excursion, or participate on a mountain hike on one of the mountains close to the city. The air up here is fresh and clear, and we get a beautiful view of the city and the impressive mountain chains around it. After an exhilarating day in Tromsø, we continue our northbound journey. In winter the Captain invites guests to taste stockfish on deck.
Day 6: Øksfjord - Berlevåg
Enjoy the magnificent sub-Arctic landscape as we cross the 71st parallel on our journey towards the North Cape, the northernmost point on the continent. In summer, you might see herds of grazing reindeer and small camps belonging to the indigenous Sámi people. After brief early stops in Hammerfest and Havøysund we arrive in Honningsvåg, the gateway to the spectacular North Cape. Close to the North Cape you find one of the world’s most exciting nature reserves, Gjesværstappan. Join the bird-watching safari during spring and summer to experience Finnmark’s largest flock of puffins, together with large numbers of kittiwakes. The ship continues north, sailing in the heartland of the indigenous Sámi people. We pass their ancient sacred site, the rock formation Finnkirka, and as we approach our next stop, the fishing village Kjøllefjord. Here you have the opportunity to learn more about the Sámi people, as well as exploring the wonderful scenery all year round on our different excursions.
Day 7: Båtsfjord - Kirkenes - Berlevåg
Early birds can see Vadsø and just after breakfast we arrive in Kirkenes, putting us at 30° East, further east than Istanbul and St. Petersburg. The Russian border is close by, and you may find it intriguing that the road signs are written in both Norwegian and Russian. Depending on the season, there are several ways to make a visit to the Russian border. Our Arctic bush craft excursion in autumn provides you with an insight into this season; how people have harvested, stored, hunted and fished for centuries. As the ship starts its voyage south, you can first enjoy a wonderful lunch followed by views of arctic wilderness from deck or the panorama lounge. The ports previously visited by night on the northbound journey are now seen by day. In the afternoon the ship docks in Vardø again, Norway’s easternmost port. Weather permitting, we may invite you to experience ice bathing in the Arctic Ocean during winter season. On board there will also be a presentation of "Life in the sea" in spring, and in winter local Arctic divers will bring displays and give a lecture out on deck about life in the ocean. We continue along the Varanger peninsula to Båtsfjord before reaching Berlevåg in the evening.
Day 8: Mehamn - Tromsø
In the middle of the night we dock at Mehamn, In Honningsvåg you can enjoy an excursion and breakfast at the North Cape while discovering hidden parts of Finnmark. Before stopping in Hammerfest, you can enjoy an ‘Energy coffee’ and a short introduction to ‘Melkøya - The northernmost natural gas terminal’ on board. In autumn we invite you to taste dried reindeer meat on deck. In Hammerfest you can participate on a mountain hike or join a city guiding and see the UNESCO-listed Meridian Column, erected in 1854 to commemorate the first precise measurement of the globe. We continue south to Øksfjord. After crossing open water, we will make a brief stop at the old trading post of Skjervøy before sailing through the beautiful Lyngenfjord in spring. Surrounded by the snowy peaks of the Lyngen Alps, we may be visited by a local fisherman and enjoy a taste of local freshly caught prawns. We dock in Tromsø known as “the gateway to the Arctic” just in time to enjoy a Midnight Concert at the Arctic Cathedral. Alternatively a walk around town will give you the chance to enjoy a local brew in one of the many friendly pubs.
Day 9: Tromsø - Stamsund
We arrive at Harstad this morning, where you have the opportunity to participate in one of the classics in Hurtigruten’s excursion programme: A taste of Vesterålen. The Risøyrenna channel is just 7m deep, and was made especially for Hurtigruten in the 1920s, providing an "inside route" between Harstad and Sortland. The sand banks are visible through the clear, green water. Risøyhamn is a small village with only 200 inhabitants, and we make a short stop here to deliver passengers, groceries and mail. From this port you can also join in on a spectacular whale watching experience during wintertime. Then we continue via Sortland to Stokmarknes, where Hurtigruten was founded more than 120 years ago. Continuing south it looks like we are sailing straight into the mountain wall, but the captain finds an opening and sails through the narrow Raftsund. As a tribute to the fishing history in this region, our chef shows how to fillet the catch of the day on deck in winter. Now we reach the spectacular Trollfjord, only 2km long and 100m wide, with majestic mountains surrounding it. If the weather and time permits it – the captain will take a detour in here. Join a sea eagle excursion to see the king of birds up close. Reaching Svolvær, you can choose from several excursion options in summer. From Svolvær we continue on to Stamsund, where the majestic peaks of the huge Lofoten wall can be viewed. We leave the islands during the evening and set course for the mainland.
Day 10: Bodø - Rørvik
Crossing the Arctic Circle at 66°33’N is an important ‘rite of passage’ today. We celebrate this with a taste of our Arctic traditions out on deck. Another highlight is sailing past the Seven Sisters mountain range. All seven mountains are between 900 and 1,100 m high, and it is easy to understand how these ‘ladies’ have inspired ancient myths. We take a short stop at Nesna, an idyllic old trading post before moving on to Sandnessjøen. The UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Vega Islands is close to our call in Sandnessjøen and can be visited on an optional excursion during summer. In Brønnøysund we offer an excursion to the Norwegian Aquaculture Centre.
Day 11: Trondheim - Ålesund
Today gives you another opportunity to explore the city of Trondheim. The city walk through Trondheim is a journey through its 1,000-year history. Back on board, the ship heads out of the majestic Trondheimsfjord, which is 170km long and up to 25km wide. Like all other Norwegian fjords it is deep, 577m at most. As we sail along the coast you’ll realise the importance of fish to Norwegian coastal communities. Kristiansund’s location has provided the town with a wealth of opportunities in the fishing, shipbuilding and oil industries. This town is now regarded as Norway’s ‘cured cod capital’ because of its long time export of salted dry fish. Here you can join a trip to the Atlantic Road, one of Norway’s most visited tourist destinations. As we cross the open sea to Molde, known as the ‘city of roses’, you will notice the steep, grey, pointed peaks of the Romsdal Alps.
Day 12: Ålesund - Bergen
During the night, the ship will call at Ålesund, Torvik, Måløy as the world’s most beautiful voyage is drawing to a close. But before we dock in Bergen there are still a few nautical miles of fascinating scenery ahead of us, such as the picturesque Nordfjord below the enormous Jostedals glacier. We will make a call at Florø, a modern town which is the oldest in Sogn og Fjordane county and the westernmost in Norway. A few nautical miles south of Florø we navigate the estuary of the mighty Sognefjord. You also get the best views of the archipelago en route. And finally you disembark in Bergen.
Hurtigruten Ships
All of our ships include large lounges and deck space affording perfect views to the changing scenery, creating a proximity to nature throughout the ship. This atmosphere give you the energy to parti…

Hurtigruten Ships

All of our ships include large lounges and deck space affording perfect views to the changing scenery, creating a proximity to nature throughout the ship. This atmosphere give you the energy to participate on our on board activities and excursions, that take you even closer to the coast.

On all our ships you will find a wide range of comfortable cabins, from exclusive suites with their own balcony and extras, to cosy inside cabins. We have devided them into four categories; Expedition Suite, Arctic Superior, Polar Outside and Polar Inside with different amenities and extras. 

MS MIDNATSOL The name Midnatsol (Midnight Sun) is something to live up to, and this ship is dedicated to the Norwegian summer. The interior’s bright, colourful décor is inspired by the warm sunny climate, a motif also reflected in the many pieces of Norwegian modern art on display. SPECIAL FEATURES: • Two-story panorama lounge • 3 bars • Café • Library • Restaurant • Separate À la Carte dining room • Playroom • Sauna • Jacuzzi • Fitness room

MS TROLLFJORD The ship is named after the famous Trollfjord, and has a comfortable interior, with an extensive use of Norwegian wood and stone. SPECIAL FEATURES: • Two-story panorama lounge • 3 bars • Café • Library • Restaurant • Separate À la Carte dining room • Playroom • Sauna • Jacuzzi • Fitness room 

MS FINNMARKEN On board MS Finnmarken you find the relaxed Hurtigruten atmosphere combined with a bit of luxury. The ship is beautifully appointed and decorated in the Art Deco style. She is the only ship with both a swimming pool and Jacuzzi on deck. A special feature on the MS Finnmarken is the bow; from deck 5 you can actually go all the way to the tip. SPECIAL FEATURES: • Top deck features a panorama lounge • Fitness room • Sauna with a view • Deck 8 has a café with sitting space both inside and outside Bar • Playroom • Café • Restaurant on deck 5 and separate À la Carte dining room

MS NORDNORGE Nord-Norge means the northern part of Norway, mostly situated north of the Arctic Circle. The interior décor reflects an Art Nouveau and Art Deco influence. MS Nordnorge is one of our three expeditions ships, meaning she take guest on more active voyages along the coast. SPECIAL FEATURES: • Sun deck • Expedition ship • Expedition team • Extra lectures • Extra activities • Extra excursions • Large panorama and observation lounge with great views • Restaurant • Café • Library

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). She is one of our expedition ships. There will be interesting lectures inside the ship, and out on the sun deck. Topic will depend on season and waters we sail in. SPECIAL FEATURES: • Sun deck • Expedition ship • Expedition team • Extra lectures • Extra activities • Extra excursions • Large panorama and observation lounge with great views • Restaurant • Café • Library

MS POLARLYS Polarlys is the Norwegian word for polar light. MS Polarlys is a stylish and furnished with mahogany panelling, polished brass, and a selection of Norwegian contemporary art. SPECIAL FEATURES: • Sun deck • Large panorama and observation lounge with great views • Restaurant • Café • Library

MS NORDLYS Expedition ship MS Nordlys is named after spectacular natural phenomena; the Northern Lights (or Aurora Borealis). The ships art, décor and colours are all inspired by the Northern Lights phenomenon. SPECIAL FEATURES: • Expedition ship • Expedition team • Extra lectures • Extra activities • Extra excursions • Large panorama and observation lounge with great views • Restaurant • Café • Library

MS RICHARD WITH MS Richard With is named after Captain Richard With. His establishment of the Norwegian Coastal Express back in 1893 had an enormous impact on life along the Norwegian coast. SPECIAL FEATURES: • Sun deck • Large panorama and observation lounge with great views • Restaurant • Café • Bar • Fitness room

MS KONG HARALD Although this ship is named after King Harald of Norway, you will find other famous Norwegians on board as well: The bar is named after the Norwegian polar pioneer Fridtjof Nansen and the café is named after explorer Roald Amundsen. SPECIAL FEATURES: • Sun deck • Large panorama and observation lounge with great views • Fitness room • Restaurant • Café • Library

MS VESTERÅLEN MS Vesterålen is characterised by her bright, cheerful public areas and lounges. SPECIAL FEATURES: • Panorama lounge • Smaller lounges in the front and back of the ship • Café • Restaurant

MS LOFOTEN MS Lofoten, our old time favourite, was launched in Oslo in 1964, and provides you a voyage of real nostalgia and intimate informal atmosphere. SPECIAL FEATURES: • Special programme that enhances the heritage of Hurtigruten and the feeling of the 60s • Four-course special made dinners • Activities specially made for voyages with MS Lofoten • Two sun decks • Panorama lounge • Bar and Café • Extra lounge in the aft.

Please Note : the deckplap below is the Nordcapp and the deckplans vary.

Cabin layout for Hurtigruten Ships
Overview
Highlights
Dates & Prices
Itinerary
Map
Ship

12 days from Contact us

Find your favorite region