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Our 12-day signature Norwegian coastal cruise travels northbound and then southbound, taking in Norway’s many fjords and mountains along the way. Your ship will call at 34 ports of all sizes and cross the Arctic circle twice over 2,500 nautical miles. It is the definitive scenic route to see the Norwegian coast.
Your voyage starts in Bergen, Norway’s second-largest city and a gateway to the fjords. Founded in 1070 A.D., Bergen boasts architecture influenced by the prosperous 14th-century German trading organization, the Hanseatic League.
If you have time before your ship departs, visit the UNESCO-listed wharfs in the colorful Bryggen district, now a neighborhood with artisans’ shops, complete with cobblestone streets. Just across the street is the famous fish market, which serves delicious seafood. The Fløibanen funicular can also take you up to the top of Mount Fløyen for views of the city.
Your voyage begins
Before boarding, 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 the Hjeltefjord.
You’ll also meet your ship’s Coastal Experience Team, who will be your guides as we sail Norway’s coastline. They’ll organize lectures, onboard activities, and optional hikes.
Time in port:
Bergen: 02:45 p.m. – 08:30 p.m.
Day 2 | Florø - Molde / Iconic architecture and fantastic fjords
Enjoy early morning in the Nordfjord, near Torvik. Then we’ll sail past the West Cape for our approach to Ålesund. Ålesund is renowned for its beautiful Art Nouveau architecture and Atlanterhavsparken, one of northern Europe’s largest saltwater aquariums. If you’re traveling with us in spring or winter, you’ll have most of the day to explore this picturesque town.
Into the fjords
In the summer, 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* and in autumn, 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 enough daylight to see the amazing view of the 222 mountain peaks across the fjord, called the ‘Molde Panorama’.
And from mid-June to late August, the streets and gardens are adorned with roses of all shades and scents, all solidify Molde’s nickname as the ‘City of Roses’.
Day 3 | Kristiansund - Rørvik / City of Kings and Palaces
This section of the voyage sees us to the Trøndelag region of Norway, marked by crumpled hills, fields dotted with farmsteads, and low-lying coastal settlements. Trondheim was founded by Viking King Olav Tryggvason in 997 A.D. and is now Norway’s third-largest city. It features a mix of historic buildings and a vibrant student population.
You’ll have three hours to explore Trondheim and its various highlights, either on your own or on one of our optional excursions.
A must-see site of the city is Nidaros Cathedral, nicknamed ‘Norway’s Notre Dame’ for its Gothic architectural style. It is 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 neighborhood’s colorful wooden wharves, which are propped up on stilts by the river’s edge, now house a variety of restaurants. Up from Bakklandet is Kristiansten Fort, which features beautiful panoramic views of the city and fjord.
Back on board
In the afternoon, the ship will sail northwest, passing the ochre-colored Kjeungskjær Lighthouse, islets, and rocky reefs. After that, we’ll head towards charming Rørvik.
Time in port:
Kristiansund: 02:45 a.m. - 03:00 a.m.
Trondheim: 09:45 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.
Rørvik: 09:40 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Day 4 | Brønnøysund - Svolvær / Into the Arctic
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 in summer, you can enjoy the sun 24 hours a day, while in winter, your chances of seeing the Northern Lights greatly improve.
Forces of nature
At 10 a.m., we’ll dock in Ørnes, near Norway’s second-largest glacier, Svartisen. The pier here is popular for the ‘Love Bench’, where sweethearts declare their lasting romance with a padlock.
Then we’ll sail to Bodø, Northern Norway’s second-largest city, 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
The ship enters the Lofoten Archipelago in the afternoon. The Lofoten Wall, standing over 3,200 feet tall, is a stunning sight that seems to stretch for miles on the horizon.
Stamsund is home to one of the largest fishing fleets in the islands, which is busiest between January and April, when the Arctic cod—known locally as skrei—swim from the Barents Sea in the north down to Vestfjord to spawn.
This evening, you’ll know you’ve arrived in the pretty harbor of Svolvær when you see rows of traditional fisherman’s huts on stilts, known as rorbuer. This is the main town of the Lofoten Islands.
Time in port:
Brønnøysund: 01:35 a.m. - 01:45 a.m.
Sandnessjøen: 04:35 a.m. - 04:50 a.m.
Nesna: 06:00 a.m. - 06:10 a.m.
Ørnes: 10:00 a.m. - 10:10 a.m.
Bodø: 01:05 p.m. - 03:20 p.m.
Stamsund: 07:15 p.m. - 07:40 p.m.
Svolvær: 09:20 p.m. - 10:15 p.m.
Day 5 | Stokmarknes - Skjervøy / Capital of the Arctic
We dock in Harstad just after 7 a.m. Feel free to have 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 your eyes peeled for a variety of seabirds, including puffins, as there are several colonies nearby.
Gateway to the Arctic
Then we’ll 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. Pop in to one of the many shops and restaurants in the city center, including Mack Brewery and the Ølhallen pub, a favorite local watering hole. There are also cafés offering delicious cinnamon buns where baristas create innovative coffee-foam art. Across the fjord from where the ship docks, check out the iconic Arctic Cathedral, with its beautiful stained-glass mosaic.
Leaving Tromsø in the early evening, we’ll 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:
Stokmarknes: 01:30 a.m. - 01:40 a.m.
Sortland: 02:55 a.m. - 03:10 a.m.
Risøyhamn: 04:35 a.m. - 04:50 a.m.
Harstad: 07:10 a.m. - 07:45 a.m.
Finnsnes: 11:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Tromsø: 2:15 p.m. – 6:15 p.m.
Skjervøy: 10:10 p.m. - 10:25 p.m.
Day 6 | Øksfjord - Berlevåg / Norway’s Northern Frontier
The ship reaches the town of Hammerfest on the island of Kvaløya early in the morning. In the summer, herds of reindeer migrate to the island by the thousands. You’ll know we’ve reached Havøysund when you see the wind turbines of the landmark Havøygavlen wind farm, which produces enough electricity to power 6,000 local homes.
At the top of Europe
In the mid-morning, we’ll arrive at Honningsvåg, the 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 the 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 reindeer-herding life, and listen to joik folk songs.
Continuing north
We’ll reach our northernmost port of call, Mehamn, in the evening. If you’re visiting during the months of February and March, you might spot cod drying on outdoor wooden racks, called hjell, mainly destined for export.
The ship then sets off for Berlevåg. On the way, we’ll pass the tall Slettnes Lighthouse, the planet’s northernmost mainland lighthouse.
Time in port:
Øksfjord: 01:50 a.m. - 02:00 a.m.
Hammerfest: 05:05 a.m. - 05:45 a.m.
Havøysund: 08:30 a.m. - 08:45 a.m.
Honningsvåg: 10:55 a.m. - 02:30 p.m.
Kjøllefjord: 04:40 p.m. – 05:00 p.m.
Mehamn: 06:55 p.m. - 07:15 p.m.
Berlevåg: 10:00 p.m. - 10:10 p.m.
Day 7 | Båtsfjord - Berlevåg / Norway's Eastern Edge
We call at Båtsfjord and Vardø during the night, before docking at Vadsø early in the morning.
Look 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 traveled farther east than St. Petersburg and Istanbul! You’ll have many optional excursions to choose from to explore the area.
The journey’s turning point
Kirkenes is where the Norwegian Coastal Express changes direction and the ship heads south. Several of the places we stopped at during the night we’ll now see during the day.
Back in Vardø, visit the solemn Witches’ Monument and the star-shaped Vardøhus Fortress, built in 1737. The northernmost fortification of any kind, it remains in use by the military to this day.
We’ll return to the small, bustling port of Båtsfjord and then make for Berlevåg in the late evening, crossing paths with the northbound ship.
Time in port:
Båtsfjord: 12:00 a.m. - 12:30 a.m.
Vardø: 03:30 a.m. - 03:45 a.m.
Vadsø: 06:55 a.m. - 07:10 a.m.
Kirkenes: 9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Vardø: 04:05 p.m. - 05:00 p.m.
Båtsfjord: 08:00 p.m. - 08:30 p.m.
Berlevåg: 10:25 p.m. – 10:35 p.m.
Day 8 | Mehamn - Tromsø / At the top of Europe
We make stops at Mehamn and Kjøllefjord during the night before early-morning visits to Honningsvåg and Havøysund. 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’ll continue cruising Norway’s coastline south to Øksfjord and then continue to Skjervøy, surrounded by mountain peaks. We’ve been docking at this vital fishing port since 1896.
If you’re visiting in the winter, you might spot the 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, stroll the still-busy city in glorious 24-hour daylight.
Time in port:
Mehamn: 01:20 a.m. - 01:30 a.m.
Kjøllefjord: 03:25 a.m. - 03:35 a.m.
Honningsvåg: 05:45 a.m. - 06:00 a.m.
Havøysund: 08:00 a.m. - 08:15 a.m.
Hammerfest: 11:00 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.
Øksfjord: 03:50 p.m. – 04:05 p.m.
Skjervøy: 07:30 p.m. - 7:45 p.m.
Tromsø: 11:45 p.m. - 01:30 a.m.
Day 9 | Tromsø - Stamsund / High Peaks and Idyllic Islands
On this day, you’ll be exploring the archipelagos of Lofoten and Vesterålen, true highlights of our scenic Norwegian route. After a call at Finnsnes in the early morning, the ship calls at Harstad. Here lies the world’s northernmost medieval stone church on the peninsula: the white-washed Trondenes Church.
Next we’ll stop at Risøyhamn, our smallest port of call. Then it’s off to Sortland, where the landscape slowly transforms from hills to mountains towering over 3,280 feet high.
Our birthplace
Stokmarknes is where captain Richard With launched The Norwegian Coastal Express in 1893. Visit Hurtigrutemuseet, a building resembling a ship in a bottle. It chronicles the Hurtigruten legacy, centered around retired ship MS Finnmarken from 1956.
A ship-sized fjord
Sailing along Raftsund, the Captain may choose to take the ship into the tiny Trollfjord if the weather allows. The mountain walls will look so close, you’ll think you can reach out and touch them! To exit the fjord, the ship will rotate 180 degrees in a single spot, then sail back out. Remember to look out for sea eagles here, too.
Leaving Lofoten
We’ll 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 to Stamsund, eventually passing the giant granite cliffs of the Lofoten Wall.
Time in port:
Tromsø: 11:45 p.m. - 01:30 a.m.
Finnsnes: 04:20 a.m. - 04:40 a.m.
Harstad: 08:00 a.m. - 08:30 a.m.
Risøyhamn: 10:45 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Sortland: 12:30 p.m. - 01:00 p.m.
Stokmarknes: 02:15 p.m. – 03:15 p.m.
Svolvær: 06:30 p.m. – 08:30 p.m.
Stamsund: 10:15 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Day 10 | Bodø - Rørvik / A landscape fit for trolls
The ship will call at Bodø in the wee hours of the morning and then at Ørnes at 7 a.m. Then, we’ll cross over the Arctic Circle just after breakfast. We’ll commemorate the moment with the time-honored tradition of tasting a spoonful of good ol’ Norwegian cod liver oil! Next, we’ll make a short stop at Nesna before sailing on to Sandnessjøen, the gateway to the magnificent Helgeland Coast.
Legend has it …
Admire the stunning landscape of the Seven Sisters mountain range, with peaks stretching up to 3,600 feet. According to legend, seven beautiful troll princesses were caught outside as the sun rose as they fled from an unwanted suitor. The sun turned them into the seven beautiful mountains you see today.
Don’t miss the distinctive hole passing straight through Torghatten Mountain! There is also a local legend as to how the mountain came to have such a hole. Make sure you ask your Coastal Experience Team about it!
We’ll reach Brønnøysund in mid-afternoon. Explore the bustling marina on a walk along Havnegata. In the center of town is Brønnøy Church, a Neo-Gothic style stone church dating back to 1870.
Our last stop of the day is the cozy fishing port of Rørvik in the picturesque Vikna Archipelago.
Time in port:
Bodø: 02:30 a.m. - 03:30 a.m.
Ørnes: 06:25 a.m. - 06:35 a.m.
Nesna: 10:25 a.m. - 10:35 a.m.
Sandnessjøen: 11:45 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
Brønnøysund: 03:00 p.m. - 05:25 p.m.
Rørvik: 09:00 p.m. - 09:30 p.m.
Day 11 | Trondheim - Ålesund / Coastal Communities and Klippfisk
We’ll 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. Then visit the sacred Nidaros Cathedral, the resting place of St. Olav. Walk to the Gamle Bybro bridge for a photo opportunity over the Nid River.
Perhaps 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 sweeping views of Norway’s third-largest city.
Dealing in dried cod
We dock at Kristiansund’s harbor in the late afternoon. The town is spread over three islands and known for being Norway’s ‘Bacalao Capital’ (called klippfisk in Norwegian) for the salted cod that’s dried out on the surrounding cliffs.
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 lovely panoramic views.
Peaks and petals
The second-to-last port of the day is Molde, where you can spot the tops of the Romsdal Alps. Flowers should be in bloom in this ‘City of Roses’ between mid-June and late August.
Time in port:
Trondheim: 06:30 a.m. - 09:30 a.m.
Kristiansund: 04:30 p.m. - 05:30 p.m.
Molde: 09:15 p.m. - 09:45 p.m.
Day 12 | Ålesund - Bergen / Until next time
At least for this time around, your voyage will reach its end today. During the previous night, we’ll have called at Ålesund and Torvik. On our approach to Måløy, you might catch a glimpse of the Norwegian Coastal Express heading north (if you’re up early enough).
Morning highlights
You’ll have the chance to glimpse theNordfjord, under the enormous Jostedal Glacier, mainland Europe’s largest.
The ship then docks at Florø in the morning. There, you can take in the harbor and marina.
The home stretch
Leaving Florø, you’ll see Stabben Lighthouse, a favorite subject for photographers. Enjoy stunning views as we cross the mouth of the Sognefjord, the longest and widest fjord in all of Norway.
As we reach our final port in the afternoon, the ship will navigate through the last islands and skerries of our scenic route, and sail down theHjeltefjord 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-cruise Post-Programs that you can add to your voyage, including seeing the Sognefjord by train or a tour of Oslo.
Time in port:
Ålesund: 00:30 a.m. - 01:20 a.m.
Torvik: 02:35 a.m. - 02:45 a.m.
Måløy: 05:45 a.m. - 06:00 a.m.
Florø: 08:15 a.m. - 08:30 a.m.
Bergen: 02:45 p.m.
Ships
MS Nordnorge
MS Nordnorge was refurbished in 2016 and now features a modern, Arctic-inspired interior. On board are three different restaurants, the Multe bakery and ice cream bar, a sauna and fitness room. Out on deck you can enjoy the view from one of our two hot tubs. We have a comfortable bar at the front of the ship where you can enjoy a nice traditional drink. The vessel also has a large compass area where you find the reception, a tour guide, conference room and shop. The ship was featured in a TV show in 2011 when its voyage from Bergen to Kirkenes was broadcast live for 134 hours, non-stop. The show entered the Guinness Book of Records as the world’s longest uninterrupted live television documentary.
MS Polarlys was refurbished in 2016 and now features a modern, Arctic-inspired interior. On board are three different restaurants, the Multe bakery and ice cream bar, a sauna and fitness room. Out on deck you can enjoy the view from one of our two hot tubs. We have a comfortable bar at the front of the ship where you can enjoy a nice traditional drink. The vessel also has a large compass area where you find the reception, the Coastal Experience Team, conference room and shop.
MS Midnatsol is named after the Midnight Sun, the phenomenon that occurs in northern Norway every summer when the sun doesn’t set for 24 hours.
The décor on board is inspired by Norway’s stunning nature, reflected in many of the pieces of Norwegian modern art on board.
The ship's bright interiors are appointed in a classic Art Deco style. Colours are inspired by the Midnight Sun, allowing you to relax in warm vibes every day of the year.
MS Midnatsol will join The Coastal Express fleet from December 2024.
MS Vesterålen is one of the oldest and smallest ships, named an archipelago in Nordland country, to the north of Lofoten. Vesterålen was also the name of the first Original Coastal Express steamship from 1893.
Fresh and lightly refurbished in 2019 and again in 2022, MS Vesterålen has bright, informal public areas and lounges throughout. The last refurbishment included upgrading 32 outside cabins to Arctic Superior standard with double beds, rebuilding 4 cabins into 2 mini suites, upgrading the restaurant, the café, the reception area, and the gym, in addition to giving Trollfjord lounge a new look and feel.
On a journey with MS Vesterålen, we will have a "behind the scenes" focus where the guests will get an opportunity to get closer to the Hurtigruten heritage, emphasizing maritime operations, logistics and hotel operations. With a focus on edutainment and engaging activities, we will provide guests with an in-depth knowledge of the different departments and the interaction between them.
Both the name and the interior design of this modern expedition ship are inspired by the spectacular Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis).
The art, décor and colours employed aboard this ship are all inspired by the northern lights. The delicate aesthetic creates a distinct and unique on-board ambience. Passengers are invited to relax after a long day experiencing Hurtigruten´s various excursions and activities in comfy reclining chairs in the one of the ship’s lounges.
It’s a true honour to have one of our ships named after Norway’s King Harald V.
The King is a skilled sailor, even representing Norway in sailing at the Olympic Games three times. In 2016, at the age of 78, he and his team finished second in the Sailing World Championships.
MS Kong Harald was upgraded to a greener hybrid ship in 2023. Emissions are cut by large battery packs combined with the ships efficient and brand-new engines, reducing fuel consumption and CO2-emissions by approximately 25 percent. The ship is also updated with state-of-the-art wastewater treatment equipment, and SRC technology that reduce NOx emissions by at least 80 percent. In addition, cabins on deck 2 and 3 were refurbished.
The vessel was also refurbished in 2016 to feature a modern, Arctic-inspired interior. On board are three different restaurants, the Multe bakery and ice cream bar, a sauna and fitness room. Out on deck you can enjoy the view from one of our two hot tubs. There is a comfortable bar at the front of the ship where you can enjoy a nice traditional drink.
MS Kong Harald also has a large compass area where you find the reception, the Expedition Team, conference room and shop. The top deck of the boat features a sun deck, observation saloon and panorama lounge, all of which provide splendid views of spectacular coastal scenery.
Since 2007, the vessel has been part of Hurtigruten's fleet of ships dedicated to sailing the Norwegian coastline.
MS Nordkapp was refurbished in 2016 and now features a modern, Arctic-inspired interior. On board are three different restaurants, a Multe bakery and ice cream bar, a sauna and fitness room. Out on deck you can enjoy the view from one of our two hot tubs. We also have a cosy bar at the front of the ship where you can enjoy a nice traditional drink.
The ship additionally has a large compass area with reception, a tour guide, conference room, and shop.
When Captain Richard With established the Norwegian Coastal Express in 1893, he made an enormous impact on life along the Norwegian coastline. The MS Richard With lives up to that legacy.
In 2022, MS Richard With was upgraded to a green hybrid ship. Emissions are cut by large battery packs combined with the ships brand new low emission engines, reducing fuel consumption and CO2-emissions by approximately 25 percent. The ship is also updated with state of the art navigation and control equipment, new waste water treatment equipment, and SRC technology that reduce NOx emissions by at least 80 percent.
Relax in the ship's panorama lounges and take in the unforgettable views of remarkable coastal scenery, much of it the same as when the first Hurtigruten boats sailed by more than a century ago. Beautiful art throughout the ship's interior adds contemporary elegance to the vessel's maritime ambience.
