Bergen - Kirkenes - Trondheim

11-Day Norwegian Voyage | Bergen - Kirkenes - Trondheim

Price from

£1,741

Full board

Departures

Regular departures

Duration

11 days

Ships

Solo travelers | No single supplement
MS Richard With sailing in Raftsundet in Trollfjord

11-Day Norwegian Voyage | Bergen - Kirkenes - Trondheim

Price from

£1,741

Voyage overview

The same Norwegian coastal cruise experience as the 12-day Classic Roundtrip Voyage, except that you get to disembark a day earlier in Trondheim. This opens up a number of options, including convenient flight times home and extra time exploring Trondheim and its highlights. Another popular idea is to book the exceptionally scenic Dovre Railway down to Oslo.

  • Discover all the main sights of our Norway scenic route with almost all 34 ports visited twice, first northbound and then southbound

  • Soak in spectacular scenery any season of the year as we sail past more than 100 fjords and 1,000 mountains

  • Spend half your voyage on an Arctic tour of Norway, maximising your chances of seeing the Northern Lights in winter, or enjoying 24 hours of daylight under the Midnight Sun in summer

  • Take your pick from all optional hikes and the full list of available optional seasonal excursions to enhance your coastal experience

Itinerary

While cruising Norway’s coastline, many of the ports we visit by night northbound are revisited by day southbound, allowing you to discover various fjords, mountains, cities, towns, and villages. You also have our full range of available optional seasonal excursions to tailor each day of your journey the way you want.

A tourist takes a photo of the wooden buildings in Bryggen, Bergen

Day 1

All Aboard!

Bergen – gateway to the fjords

All Aboard!

Bergen – gateway to the fjords

Your voyage starts in Bergen, the second-largest city in Norway and gateway to the fjords. Founded in 1070 AD, Bergen boasts architecture influenced by prosperous 14th-century German trading organisation, the Hanseatic League.

If you’ve time before your ship departs, visit the UNESCO-listed wharfs of the colourful Bryggen district, now an artisan quarter complete with cobblestone streets. Just across the street is the famous Fish Market which serves delicious seafood. There’s also the Fløibanen funicular which takes you up to the top of Mount Fløyen for views of the city.

To get the most out of your visit to Norway, don’t forget that we can also help you to arrange tours before or after your voyage, such as the Norway in a Nutshell programme.

Your voyage begins

Before boarding, you can relax in our comfortable guest lounge at the terminal. Once aboard, enjoy the first of many delicious meals made from fresh coastal produce as we depart Bergen and sail the old Viking route along Hjeltefjord.

You’ll also meet your ship’s Coastal Experience Team who will be your guides as we cruise Norway’s coastline, organising lectures, onboard activities, and optional hikes.

Time in port:

MS Nordlys sailing through the Geirangerfjord in Norway

Day 2

Iconic Architecture and Fantastic Fjords

Ålesund

Iconic Architecture and Fantastic Fjords

Ålesund

Enjoy early morning in the Nordfjord near Torvik. We then sail past West Cape for our approach to Ålesund.

Art Nouveau city

Ålesund is renowned for its beautiful Art Nouveau architecture and Atlanterhavsparken, one of Northern Europe’s largest saltwater aquariums. If you’re travelling with us in spring or winter, you’ll have most of the day to explore this picturesque town.

Into the fjords

In the summer, from June to August, we set course for UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord. This is a protected and preserved piece of paradise with towering mountain cliffs and waterfalls like the famous Seven Sisters cascading into the fjord.

In spring, from April to May*, and in autumn, from September to October, your ship will sail to Hjørundfjord, hidden away in the Sunnmøre Alps. There’ll also be a call at the scenic village of Urke to gaze at the view of thousand-year-old farms, the fjord, and the lush mountainsides.

*Only on voyages departing in 2025-26. 

Mountains and roses

The last port of the day is Molde. In summer, there might just be enough daylight to see the amazing view of 222 mountain peaks across the fjord, called ‘the Molde Panorama’.

From mid-June to late August, the streets and gardens here will be adorned with the sight and scent of roses of all shades, living up to Molde’s nickname as ‘The City of Roses’.

Time in port:

  • Florø: 02:45 - 03:00

  • Måløy: 05:15 - 05:30

  • Torvik: 08:20 - 08:30

  • (01.11-31.03) Ålesund: 09:45 - 20:00

    • (01.04 – 31.05* & 01.09-31.10) Ålesund: 09:45 - 10:00 & 18:00 - 20:00

    • (01.04-31.05* & 01.09-31.10) Urke: 12:15 - 15:45 

    • (01.06-31.08) Ålesund: 09:45 - 10:00 & 19:00 - 20:00

    • (01.06-31.08) Geiranger: 14:25 - 14:45 

  • Molde: 22:35 - 23:05

Nidaros Cathedral is one of Trondheim's most famous sights

Day 3

City of Kings and Palaces

Trondheim – Norway’s capital of technology

City of Kings and Palaces

Trondheim – Norway’s capital of technology

This section of the voyage sees us enter the Trøndelag region of Norway, marked by crumpled hills, fields dotted with farmsteads, and low-lying coastal settlements.

Magical, medieval, and modern

Founded by Viking king Olav Tryggvason in 997, Trondheim today is Norway’s third largest city and a mix of historic buildings and a vibrant student population.

You’ll have three hours to explore Trondheim and its array of highlights, either by yourself or on one of the optional excursions we offer.

A must-see site of the city is Nidaros Cathedral, nicknamed “Norway’s Notre Dame” for its Gothic style and considered the most sacred building in all of Norway. Next door to the cathedral is the Archbishop’s Palace where Norway’s crown jewels are on display.

Nearby, the old city bridge Gamle Bybro sits over Nid River, marking the entrance to the old Hanseatic district of Bakklandet. The neighbourhood’s colourful wooden wharves propped up on stilts by the river’s edge now house a variety of eateries. Up from Bakklandet is Kristiansten Fort which has beautiful panoramas of the city and fjord.

Back on board

In the afternoon, the ship sails northwest, passing the ochre-coloured Kjeungskjær Lighthouse, islets, and rocky reefs. After that, we head towards charming Rørvik.

Time in port:

saltstraumen-bodoshutterstock_2500x1250

Day 4

Into the Arctic

Bodø

Into the Arctic

Bodø

We cross the Arctic Circle early in the morning, beginning your Arctic tour of Norway. We mark the moment with a traditional ceremony that’s sure to wake you up.

Above the Arctic Circle, you can see the sun 24 hours a day in summer, while in winter, your chances of seeing the Northern Lights greatly improve.

Forces of nature

At 10:00, we call into Ørnes, near to Norway’s second-largest glacier, Svartisen. The pier here is popular for the Love Bench where sweethearts have declared their lasting romance with a padlock.

We then sail to Bodø, the second largest city in Northern Norway, overlooked by the Børvass peaks. Admire fabulous street art or join an optional boat excursion to Saltstraumen, the world’s most powerful maelstrom. 

Welcome to Lofoten

That afternoon, the ship enters the Lofoten archipelago. The 1,000 metre-high Lofoten Wall is a stunning sight on the horizon, as if there to welcome us.

Stamsund is home to one of the largest fishing fleets in the islands and busiest between January and April when Arctic cod, known locally as skrei, swim from the Barents Sea in the north down to Vestfjord to spawn.

Come evening, when you see rows of traditional fisherman’s huts on stilts, known as rorbuer, you’ve arrived in the pretty harbour of Svolvær, the main town of the Lofoten Islands.

Time in port:

The Arctic Cathedral is the most impressive landmark in Tromso

Day 5

Capital of the Arctic

Tromsø – gateway to the Arctic

Capital of the Arctic

Tromsø – gateway to the Arctic

We dock into Harstad just after 07:00. You can go for a peaceful early morning stroll around town. 

The ship will then continue to Finnsnes which connects the beautiful island of Senja via the impressive Gisund Bridge. Keep on the lookout for a variety of seabirds with several colonies nearby, including puffins.

Gateway to the Arctic

We then sail to the historic Arctic exploration capital of Tromsø where you’ll have four hours to explore the city or join an optional excursion.

Along the waterfront you’ll find Polaria, a centre exhibiting environmental research in the Arctic with a small aquarium. Take your pick from the many shops and restaurants in the city centre, including Mack Brewery and favourite local watering hole Ølhallen pub. There are also cafés offering delicious cinnamon buns where baristas create innovative coffee art. Across the fjord from where the ship docks, you should be able to see the iconic Arctic Cathedral with its beautiful stained-glass mosaic.

Leaving Tromsø in the early evening, we head north for the trading post of Skjervøy, founded in 1622. On our way, we’ll pass the Lyngen Alps which rise majestically from the sea.

Time in port:

The North Cape Globe Monument under the Northern Lights

Day 6

Norway’s Northern Frontier

Honningsvåg – gateway to the North Cape

Norway’s Northern Frontier

Honningsvåg – gateway to the North Cape

The ship reaches the town of Hammerfest on the island of Kvaløya early in the morning. In summer, the island has herds of reindeer migrating here in their thousands.

You’ll know we’ve reached Havøysund when you see the wind turbines of the landmark Havøyglaven wind farm which produces enough electricity to power 6,000 local homes.

At the top of Europe

We arrive at Honningsvåg mid-morning, portal to the North Cape where a globe monument marks the top of continental Europe. An optional excursion will take you to North Cape from Honningsvåg by bus, passing herds of reindeer on the way, depending on the season.

Sámi heartlands

Near the entrance of Kjøllefjord village, look out for the striking, building-like rock formation Finnkirka, an ancient sacrificial site once used by the indigenous Sámi. You can join an optional summer excursion to meet local Sámi, learn about their life reindeer herding, and listen to joik folk songs.

Continuing north

We reach our northernmost port of call, Mehamn, in the evening. If visiting in the months of February and March, you might spot tons of cod drying on outdoor wooden racks called hjell, mainly destined for export.

The ship then sets off for Berlevåg. On the way, we pass the tall Slettnes Lighthouse, the northernmost mainland lighthouse on Earth.

Time in port:

A snowmobile excursion under the Midnight Sun in Kirkenes

Day 7

Norway’s Eastern Edge

Kirkenes – right on the border

Norway’s Eastern Edge

Kirkenes – right on the border

We call at Båtsfjord and Vardø in the night, before docking at Vadsø early in the morning.

Looking to the skies

The area around Vadsø is one of the most scenic and popular birdwatching spots in the Arctic, lying directly under the migration path of birds flying from east to west. Watch for hooded crows and sea eagles.

Near the Norwegian border

By the time we reach Kirkenes after breakfast, you’ll have travelled further east than St. Petersburg and Istanbul. You’ll have a choice of optional excursions to explore the area.

Journey’s turning point

Kirkenes is where your Norwegian coastal cruise changes direction and the ship heads south. Several of the places we sailed to during the night we’ll now see during the day.

Back in Vardø, you can visit the solemn Witches’ Monument and 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 return to the small, bustling port of Båtsfjord and then make for Berlevåg for late evening, crossing paths with the northbound ship.

Time in port:

An aerial view of the Norwegian port town of Hammerfest

Day 8

From the Top of Europe

Hammerfest

From the Top of Europe

Hammerfest

We make stops at Mehamn and Kjøllefjord during the night before early morning visits to Honningsvåg and Havøysund.

The northernmost cist

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:

MS Trollfjord sailing in Trollfjord in Norway

Day 9

High Peaks and Idyllic Islands

Svolvær – at the heart of Lofoten

High Peaks and Idyllic Islands

Svolvær – at the heart of Lofoten

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-sized fjord

Sailing along Raftsund, the Captain may choose to take the ship into tiny Trollfjord if weather permits. 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:

A woman trying a spoon of cod liver oil during Hurtigruten's Arctic Circle crossing

Day 10

A Landscape of Trolls

Brønnøysund – coastal charm right in the middle of Norway

A Landscape of Trolls

Brønnøysund – coastal charm right in the middle of Norway

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 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:

A couple taking a selfie in front of Kristiansten Fort in Trondheim

Day 11

Until Next Time

Trondheim – Norway’s capital of technology

Until Next Time

Trondheim – Norway’s capital of technology

The ship arrives in Trondheim early in the morning. It’ll then be time to say your goodbyes to the new-found friends you made on board, including the Captain, crew, and fellow guests.

Capital of the Viking Age

If you’ve time before your flight home or next adventure, why not stroll around Trondheim in the early morning as the city wakes or even extend your stay here by a night or two?

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.

A top train trip

Your journey doesn’t have to end in Trondheim either. We offer a range of post-voyage programmes that you can add to your trip, including a tour of Oslo.

One advantage of disembarking in Trondheim is being able to make the seven-hour 548-kim Norway scenic route on the Dovre Railway to Oslo. The line passes through the stunning Gudbrandsdalen Valley and across the mighty Dovrefjell mountain range. It’s a fitting way to end your discovery of Norway with us.

Time in port:

norway_bergen-kirkenes-trondheim_uk

About your trip

What's included

What's Not Included

Notes

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.

Know before you go

Optional Excursions

Explore your destination even further with our wide range of exciting excursions. The excursion programme presented is an indication of some of the excursions that may be available during your voyage.