© Gian-Rico Willy

Hurtigrutens history

• 1893: The first Hurtigruten voyage departs Trondheim for Hammerfest, via 11 harbours.

• 1898: The Hurtigruten route expands southward to include Bergen, with three departures a week.

• 1908: Kirkenes, near the Russian border, becomes the northern turning point of the Hurtigruten voyage.

• 1993: A new era begins with the launch of the modern ships. The modernisation of Hurtigruten's fleet resulted in 10 new ships being added to the fleet by the end of 2007.

• 2008: Hurtigruten celebrates its 115th birthday. For more than a century, its passenger and cargo ships have connected Northern and Southern Norway.
experience and a fleet of 13 ships with daily departures along the coast of Norway

The Beginning

During the middle years of the 19th century a few steamers plied the waters along Norway’s northern coast in an attempt by the Norwegian government to unify the country.

In 1893 the government offered permission for a regular route to be opened up, an offer rejected by all but one man – Richard With.

On 2 July, 1893, Captain With and his boat the Vesterålen sailed from Trondheim, on a journey to Hammerfest that was to take 67 hours and arrived 20 minutes ahead of schedule! Realising the journey was now indeed possible, a number of other companies joined under the Hurtigruten banner.

The Artery

For 90 years the Coastal Express became the most important communication link between the north and south and it is from these pioneering voyages that the Hurtigruten tradition stems.

Translating as ‘fast route’, it was the quickest and most reliable passage into the remote lands of northern Norway, regardless of weather conditions. Indeed it was not until 1893 that the mail delivery was finally entrusted to road and air routes.

It is this heritage and experience that marks out Hurtigruten as one of the most professional and proficient expedition voyage operations on the planet.

Comfort

All the Hurtigruten ships vary depending on their size and age from the MS Finnmarken, Trollfjord & Midnatsol built in 2002 and 2003, to the traditional vessel MS Lofoten (1964), still a favourite for many returning guests. Each ship has a different style and design, from the on board art to the ship’s colours and interiors. Despite their aesthetic differences, they provide the same intimate travel experience, with their own informal Hurtigruten atmosphere.

On board our ships, large, comfortable lounges provide panoramic views as you glide silently and slowly through some of the world’s most beautiful and untouched scenery. All the ships, except for the older, smaller vessels have a small library where you can immerse yourself in a good book, and a café serving snacks and drinks 24 hours a day. Some of the newer ships have Jacuzzis and a fitness room.

New waters

Like no other polar destination, Greenland offers close social interaction with local people, unique cultural experiences and breathtaking nature. Here you are a special guest in the land of the Inuit with its mountains, glaciers and icebergs.

Spitsbergen is the kingdom of the polar bear, where frozen landscapes of the Arctic desert and towering glaciers herald a staggeringly rich diversity of natural and cultural highlights. Explore remotemining communities, research stations, spectacular fjords and icebergs. The jagged peaks that gave ‘Spitzbergen’ its name offer the most breathtaking backdrops.

Antarctica is a continent enclosed by a coldwater current circling a landmass so vast that the total area of France, Germany and Spain would fit in it – ten times. An endless white wilderness, Antarctica is nature at its most sublime and haunting.

When MS Fram sets course to Europe it is to enjoy the spring and autumn and to explore some of the richest historic settings in the northern hemisphere on a selection of sailings. The coastline of Western Europe offers the prospect of a fascinating journey through history and culture.

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