The Roundtrip Voyage
Towns and ports visited by night on the way north are visited by day on the southbound voyage.
Norway is a land of natural beauty. Along its long, lonely coast, waterfalls plunge into pristine fjords fringed by primeval forests. Majestic peaks crowned with glaciers rise sheer out of the sea.
If you choose the full roundtrip voyage, you will be on board for 11 unforgettable days. The journey starts in Bergen and takes you all the way up to Kirkenes and then back again, stopping at all 34 large and small ports of call along the route during waking hours. This is the full Hurtigruten experience where you don’t miss out on anything.
Day 1, Oslo – Bergen
Depart Oslo by train, through deep valleys and over dramatic highland plateaus.
Arrival in Bergen, own transfer to hotel. Overnight: Bergen
Day 2, Bergen
A morning sightseeing tour of Bergen, including the hanseatic docks, the Fish market and Troldhaugen, Edvard Grieg’s home. Afternoon at leisure. Evening departure from Bergen. Overnight: Hurtigruten (BD)
Day 3, Ålesund – Geirangerfjord
An early arrival at the Art Nouveau town of Ålesund, situated across several islands at the entrance to Geirangerfjord. On departures between 15 April and 14 September, the ship will sail into the magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Site of Geirangerfjord, where tumbling waterfalls, rugged cliffs and majestic mountains are mirrored in the deep, still water. Optional excursions available.
Overnight: Hurtigruten. (BLD)
Day 4, Trondheim
Continuing north, the medieval city of Trondheim is today’s highlight. Optional excursions include the medieval Nidaros Cathedral or the enthralling Ringve Music Museum. Sail north, while we sleep, the ship plies its trade along the coast and enters the land of the Midnight Sun. Overnight: Hurtigruten (BLD)
Day 5, Arctic Circle – Lofoten Islands
In the early hours we experience the thrill of crossing the Arctic Circle as the voyage continues to the town of Bodø, from where we can join a Sea Eagle safari and witness the world’s strongest maelstrom at Saltstraumen. The glorious Lofoten Islands are where the day ends, with a stop at the capital, Svolvær. Overnight: Hurtigruten (BLD)
Day 6, Tromsø
We arrive in Tromsø, the capital of the Arctic, where the Midnight Sun is visible from the end of May until the last week in July. The simple interior of the Arctic Cathedral gives prominence to a triangular stained glass window filling an entire wall. Overnight: Hurtigruten (BLD)
Day 7, Hammerfest – North Cape
After an early call at Hammerfest we arrive in Honningsvåg. Included in your programme is the tour to the North Cape, northernmost point in Europe at 71˚ north. After a brief stop we continue further north. Overnight: Hurtigruten (BLD)
Day 8, Kirkenes
The vistas become more dramatic as we sail into Kirkenes. We bid farewell to passengers travelling northbound only, and welcomes those joining for the southbound voyage. Returning southwards from Kirkenes the ship hugs the coast as it visits remote settlements. Overnight: Hurtigruten (BLD)
Day 9, Hammerfest – Tromsø
We arrive in Hammerfest, the world’s northernmost town. Our night stop at Tromsø offers the opportunity to enjoy the Midnight Sun summer concert in the Arctic Cathedral. Overnight: Hurtigruten (BLD)
Day 10: Lofoten Islands – Trollfjord
The memorable sights of the Lofoten Islands will stay with us forever. Continuing south, we reach what is the highlight of the voyage for many, where we hope to make a detour into spectacular Trollfjord. This remarkable day is completed with an evening return to Svolvær and a farewell to the islands at Stamsund. Overnight: Hurtigruten (BLD)
Day 11, Arctic Circle
There is further excitement today as the ship crosses the Arctic Circle. Sailing past the famed peaks of the dancing Seven Sisters mountain range, folklore merges with the facts of nature – look out of Torghatten, which still bears the hole made by Hestmannen’s arrow in one of Norway’s popular legends. Overnight: Hurtigruten (BLD)
Day 12, Trondheim – Kristiansund – Molde
An early arrival in Trondheim. Optional tours are available. The voyage continues out of the Trondheimsfjord past Hitra Island with brief calls at Kristiansund, Molde and Ålesund, and a last night at sea. Overnight: Hurtigruten (BLD)
Day 13, Bergen
The landscape becomes increasingly lush as we sail through the islets approaching Bergen. Before long it’s time to say good-bye to the ship and to friends, fellow passengers and our crew, as we disembark from our magnificent journey on the Norwegian Coastal Voyage. Make your way to the airport. Flight Bergen – Oslo. (B)