Classic Voyage Southbound | Kirkenes to Bergen
Classic Voyage Southbound | Kirkenes to Bergen
- Be treated to some of the best scenery of the Norwegian coast, including Senja, the Vesterålen archipelago, the stunning Lofoten Islands, and the Helgeland Coast
- Keep on the lookout for whales and a range of Arctic birds, including the white-tailed sea eagle as well as many migratory species
- The ship may also visit Trollfjord between May and October on this voyage, entering the narrow fjord and performing a 180-degree manoeuvre
- Join optional hikes and available optional seasonal excursions to enhance your coastal experience
Included in your voyage
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Choice of cabinChoose the category of your cabin
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Food and drinkFull board (breakfast, lunch and dinner) from Norway's Coastal Kitchen
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Tour LeaderEnglish-speaking Tour Leader on board
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Onboard activities and lecturesOnboard presentations on history, biology, geography, geology and culture to help you understand the destinations you will experience
Current offers on this cruise:
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Black Friday: Up to 50% off
Book before 8 December for up to 50% off selected voyages along Norway’s coast in 2024.Terms and conditions apply.See Special Offer
Itinerary
Start this Norway scenic route with an Arctic tour of Norway, near the Russian border. You’ll go from the dramatic landscapes of Northern Norway to views of Senja, one of Norway’s most beautiful islands. We’ll then pass through the jaw-dropping Vesterålen and Lofoten islands, and along the Helgeland Coast with its mountain ranges and maze of islands.
DAY 1 : Kirkenes
All Aboard!
Your voyage begins in the Arctic in the town of Kirkenes, just a few miles from the Norwegian border, but further east than St. Petersburg and Istanbul.
WWII history
For those interested in history, the Varanger Museum in Kirkenes has exhibits about the town’s ordeal during WWII; bombed a total of 328 times in four years, making it the most bombed place during the war after Malta.
For more insights into this sombre period, visit the Andersgrotta WWII Bomb Shelter which can house up to 2,500 people underground.
Norway’s northern frontier
In the port of Vardø, you’ll find the star-shaped Vardøhus Fortress, built in 1737. The northernmost fortification of any kind, it remains a part of the military to this day.
We cruise Norway’s coastline to arrive in the small port of Båtsfjord in the evening and then on to Berlevåg. You might be able to make out Mount Tanahorn to the west, or see Kjølnes Lighthouse blinking atop a cliff overlooking the Barents Sea.
Time in port:
- Kirkenes: 09:00 - 12:30
- Vardø: 16:05 - 17:00
- Båtsfjord: 20:00 - 20:30
- Berlevåg: 22:25 - 22:35
DAY 2 : Mehamn - Tromsø
From the Top of Europe
We make stops at Mehamn and Kjøllefjord during the night before early morning visits to Honningsvåg and Havøysund.
Almost the northernmost
In the early afternoon, you’ll spend time in Hammerfest, which has the largest population on a list of the world’s northernmost settlements.
See the UNESCO-listed Meridian Column, shop for souvenirs at the Polar Bear Society, or take the path behind the town to the viewpoint atop Mount Salen.
Mountains and marine mammals
We continue cruising Norway’s coastline south to Øksfjord and then to Skjervøy, surrounded by mountain peaks. We’ve been docking at this vital fishing port since 1896.
If you’re visiting in winter, you might spot orcas and humpback whales that gather here to feed on herring.
As we make our way to Tromsø, you might also glimpse views of the Lyngen Alps which boast some of the highest peaks in all of Norway.
Midnight magic
We dock at Tromsø just before midnight. In the summer months, you can stroll around the still busy city in glorious 24-hour daylight.
Time in port:
- Mehamn: 01:20 - 01:30
- Kjøllefjord: 03:25 - 03:35
- Honningsvåg: 05:45 - 06:00
- Havøysund: 08:00 - 08:15
- Hammerfest: 11:00 - 12:45
- Øksfjord: 15:50 - 16:05
- Skjervøy: 19:30 - 19:45
- Tromsø: 23:45 - 01:30
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Breakfast at the North CapeImagine having breakfast at the top of Europe. You enjoy breakfast and more on this scenic coach tour from the town of Honningsvåg to North Cape, one of the northernmost points in Europe.
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The Northernmost Town In The WorldJoin us on a coach tour that explores and explains the events that have shaped Hammerfest, a town at the top of Europe.
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Mountain Hike In HammerfestEnjoy an exhilarating hike up Mount Salen, passing through Hammerfest’s only forest on your way up to the peak for panoramic views.
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Snowmobile Trip in the Polar NightJoin us on an unforgettable snowmobile tour into the polar night across one of Europe’s most extreme and exciting natural environments.
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Midnight Concert in Tromsø CathedralJoin us for a unique musical experience at a memorable midnight concert in one of the region’s most beautiful churches.
DAY 3 : Tromsø - Stamsund
High Peaks and Idyllic Islands
Today, you’ll be exploring the archipelagos of Lofoten and Vesterålen, real highlights of our Norway scenic route.
After Finnsnes early in the morning, the ship calls at Harstad where the white-washed Trondenes Church, the world’s northernmost medieval stone church, sits on the peninsula.
Next is our smallest port of call Risøyhamn and then Sortland where the landscape slowly transforms from hills to 1,000-metre-high mountains.
Our birthplace
Stokmarknes is where Captain Richard With began The Coastal Express in 1893. Visit Hurtigrutemuseet, a ship-in-a-bottle building that chronicles our legacy, centred around retired ship MS Finnmarken from 1956.
A ship-size fjord
Sailing along Raftsund, the Captain may choose to take the ship into tiny Trollfjord if the weather allows. The mountain walls will look so close you’ll think you can reach out and brush them! To exit the fjord, the ship will rotate 180 degrees on the spot, then sail back out. Remember to look out for sea eagles here too.
Leaving Lofoten
We reach Svolvær in the evening. The huge mountain that sits above the town is named the Svolvær Goat due to its supposed resemblance. See if you agree!
The ship then sails for Stamsund, eventually passing the giant granite cliffs of the Lofoten Wall.
Time in port:
- Tromsø: 23:45 - 01:30
- Finnsnes: 04:20 - 04:40
- Harstad: 08:00 - 08:30
- Risøyhamn: 10:45 - 11:00
- Sortland: 12:30 - 13:00
- Stokmarknes: 14:15 - 15:15
- Svolvær: 18:30 - 20:30
- Stamsund: 22:15 - 22:30
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A Taste of VesterålenThis popular, classic excursion takes you on a sightseeing tour of Harstad and historic Trondenes. Enjoy the beautiful fjord landscape along Kvæfjord before boarding a ferry across the Gullesfjord.
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Lofoten IslandsDiscover the beauty of the Lofoten Islands by visiting one of its fishing villages. Learn more about island life, as well as the nature and history of the area.
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Lofotpils BreweryIf you’re a beer enthusiast, you won’t want to miss this tour of Lofoten’s first craft brewery. Meet the owner of Lofotpils and learn how they brew the perfect beer.
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Sea Eagle SafariBirdwatchers won’t want to miss this excursion. Travel by boat to Trollfjord for a chance to see sea eagles and gulls up close as they dive for fish.
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Lofoten by HorseDiscover the coastline of Gimsøy on horseback. These Icelandic horses are suitable for beginners or experienced riders.
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RIB Adventure in LofotenJoin us for a thrilling boat ride in the Lofoten islands. Stop for a snack at a fishing village on the island of Skrova, known for its beautiful weather and views.
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Discover a Fishing VillageJoin us on a guided walk through the fishing village of Svinøya. Visit an original rorbu hut to learn about life as a fisherman, and taste locally produced stockfish.
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The Hurtigruten MuseumEnjoy a guided tour of Hurtigrutemusset in Stokmarknes to explore our history, housed in a full-sized ship: MS Finnmarken from 1956.
DAY 4 : Bodø - Rørvik
A Landscape of Trolls
The ship calls at Bodø in the small hours of the morning and then Ørnes at 7am. We then cross over the Arctic Circle just after breakfast. Commemorate the moment with a tradition of tasting a spoonful of good ol’ Norwegian cod liver oil!
We make a short stop at Nesna before sailing on to Sandnessjøen, gateway to the magnificent Helgeland Coast.
Legend has it…
Admire the stunning landscape of the Seven Sisters mountain range, with peaks up to 1,100m high. The tale goes that seven beautiful troll princesses, fleeing from an unwanted suitor, got caught out as the sun rose, turning them into the seven beautiful mountains you see today.
You’ll also not want to miss views of Torghatten Mountain, with the distinctive hole in it. There is a local legend as to why and how this mountain came to have such a hole. Make sure you ask your Coastal Experience Team about it!
We reach Brønnøysund mid-afternoon. Explore the bustling marina on a walk along Havnegata. In the centre of town is Brønnøy Church: a stone church in the Neo-Gothic style dating back to 1870.
Our last stop of the day is the cosy fishing port of Rørvik in the picturesque Vikna archipelago.
Time in port:
- Bodø: 02:30 - 03:30
- Ørnes: 06:25 - 06:35
- Nesna: 10:25 - 10:35
- Sandnessjøen: 11:45 - 12:15
- Brønnøysund: 15:00 - 17:25
- Rørvik: 21:00 - 21:30
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UNESCO Vega ArchipelagoGo on a boat tour of the UNESCO-protected Vega Islands and learn about the islands’ unique industry of eider duck down harvesting.
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Visit the SalmonLearn about the salmon lifecycle, as well as salmon fishing and farming in this hands-on tour of the Norwegian Aquaculture Centre in Toft.
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Hike to Torghatten MountainWalk up to and through the distinctive hole in legendary Torghatten Mountain and enjoy the stunning panoramic views.
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Sea Adventure by RIBExplore the landscape around Brønnøysund from water level on a thrilling RIB ride.
DAY 5 : Trondheim - Ålesund
Coastal Communities and Klippfisk
Spend the morning in Trondheim, then sail past beautiful island scenery and some of Norway’s smallest communities before exploring Kristiansund and Molde.
Capital of the Viking Age
Stroll around Trondheim in the early morning as the city wakes. Visit the sacred Nidaros Cathedral, resting place of St. Olav. Then, walk to Gamle Bybro bridge for a photo opportunity over Nid River.
Treat yourself to quality coffee and a Nordic patisserie in one of the Bakklandet district’s many chic cafés then walk up to Kristiansten Fort for great views of Norway’s third largest city.
Dealing in dried cod
We dock at Kristiansund’s harbour in the late afternoon. The town is spread over three islands and known for being Norway’s “Bacalao Capital” for the salted cod that’s dried on the surrounding cliffs, called klippfisk in Norwegian.
Take a walk around the cobblestone streets of the old town and tour the lively port. You can also head up to the old watchtower at Varden viewpoint for a lovely panorama.
Peaks and petals
The penultimate port of the day is Molde where you can spot the tops of the Romsdal Alps. Nicknamed “The City of Roses”, flowers should be in bloom between mid-June and late August.
Time in port:
- Trondheim: 06:30 - 09:30
- Kristiansund: 16:30 - 17:30
- Molde: 21:15 - 21:45
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Trondheim With Nidaros CathedralTake a bus tour of Trondheim, an ancient city rich in history and culture that also serves as one of Norway’s major academic and research centres
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The Atlantic RoadEnjoy one of the world’s most beautiful drives as we follow the scenic Atlantic Road on this relaxing journey along the majestic coastline.
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Bergtatt – Magnificent Marble MineJourney down into Bergtatt, a marble and limestone mine deep inside the mountain and take a raft ride onto the illuminated subterranean lake.
DAY 6 : Ålesund - Bergen
Until Next Time
Our Norwegian coastal cruise together, at least this time, will reach its end later today. During the previous night, we’ll call at Ålesund and Torvik. On our approach to Måløy, you might catch a glimpse of the northbound Coastal Express if you’re up early enough.
Morning highlights
You’ll have a chance to glimpse Nordfjord, under the enormous Jostedal Glacier, mainland Europe’s largest.
The ship then docks at Florø in the morning where you can take in the harbour and marina.
The home stretch
Leaving Florø, you’ll spot Stabben Lighthouse, a favourite subject for photographers. There’s also stunning views to enjoy as we cross the mouth of Sognefjord, the longest and widest fjord in the whole of Norway.
As we reach our final port in the afternoon, the ship will navigate through the last islands and skerries of our Norway scenic route, and sail down Hjeltefjord to arrive into Bergen.
Explore more of Norway
Sadly, it’s time to say farewell to the Captain, crew, and fellow guests.
But your journey doesn’t have to stop after disembarkation. We offer a Bergen sightseeing tour as well as a range of post-voyage programmes that you can add to your trip, including seeing Sognefjord by train or a tour of Oslo.
Time in port:
- Ålesund: 00:30 - 01:20
- Torvik: 02:35 - 02:45
- Måløy: 05:45 - 06:00
- Florø: 08:15 - 08:30
- Bergen: 14:45
What's included
- 6-day voyage in cabin category of your choice
- Full board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) from Norway's Coastal Kitchen
- Norwegian- and English-speaking Coastal Experience Team on board
Engaging onboard activities and lectures:
- Onboard lectures and presentations on Norway’s history, biology, geography, geology, and culture
- Introductory photo presentation, camera adjustment and tips and tricks, photo and film footage from the voyage
- A welcome event, and daily gatherings to recap the day and prepare for the day to come
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Presentations about the ports we visit
- Excursion presentations
- Point of interest presentations out on deck
- Captain’s dinner and a farewell event
Not included in your voyage
- Flights and transfers
- Travel insurance
- Optional seasonal excursions
- Luggage handling
- Optional with our Coastal Experience Team
Notes
- Prices are in GBP per person based on two people travelling together sharing a cabin
- Not all categories are available for all departures
- Single cabin pricing available on request
- Hurtigruten has a flexible pricing system and all prices are capacity controlled and subject to availability.
