NORWAY - 7 DAY Bergen To Kirkenes

HIGHLIGHTS

• Discover countless fjords, mountains, islands, and waterfalls.
• Cross the Arctic Circle to hunt the northern lights in winter, and enjoy round-the-clock daylight under the midnight sun in summer.
• Enjoy interesting and exciting land and sea excursions.
• Learn from Hurtigruten guides as they lead lectures and activities both at sea and onshore.

ITINERARY

Itinerary

As we follow our scenic route and cruise Norway’s coastline, most of the ports we visit by night northbound are revisited by day southbound, allowing you to discover majestic fjords, mountains, cosmopolitan cities, market towns, and isolated hamlets.

Remember you also have our wide range ofoptional seasonal excursions to tailor each day of your journey the way you want.

Day 1 Bergen
Day 2 Florø - Molde
Day 3 Kristiansund - Rørvik
Day 4 Brønnøysund - Svolvær
Day 5 Stokmarknes - Skjervøy
Day 6 Øksfjord - Berlevåg
Day 7 Båtsfjord - Berlevåg


DAY 1 : Bergen

All Aboard!
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 whisks you up Mount Fløyen for lovely 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 Experts who will be your guides as we cruise Norway’s coastline, organising lectures, onboard activities, and optional hikes.

TIME IN PORT:
Bergen: 14:45 - 20:30


DAY 2 : Florø - Molde

Iconic Architecture and Fantastic Fjords
Enjoy early morning in the breathtaking 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, we set our course for the spectacular UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord, passing some of the most magnificent scenery Norway has to offer. Once in the fjord, you might get to see the famous Seven Sisters waterfalls cascading down the cliffs.

In autumn, we explore 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.

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
Ålesund (01.11-31.05): 09:45 - 20:00
Ålesund (01.06-31.10): 09:45 - 10:00
Geiranger (01.06-31.08): 14:25 - 14:45
Ålesund (01.06-31.08): 19:00 - 20:00
Urke (01.09-31.10): 12:15 - 15:45
Ålesund (01.09-31.10): 18:00 - 20:00
Molde: 22:35 - 23:05

Optional excursions:

•    Geiranger With Trollstigen Pass - A scenic bus journey from Geiranger village brings you to Eidsdalsvatnet Lake for a ferry ride. We rejoin the bus and travel to Gudbrands Gorge and down the winding Trollstigen Pass to Molde.
•    Art Nouveau Walk (Spring & Winter) - Join us on a guided walking tour through Ålesund and discover the history and culture of this elegant Art Nouveau town.
•    Atlanterhavsparken Aquarium and Mount Aksla - Get a bird´s-eye-view of the Art Nouveau town of Ålesund from a nearby mountain before visiting the expansive saltwater Atlanterhavsparken aquarium.
•    Art Nouveau Walk (Autumn) - Ålesund is best known for its vibrant Art Nouveau architecture. Join us on a walking tour to discover the hidden charms of this Norwegian coastal town.
•    A Taste of Norway -A beautiful fjord, narrow valleys, an ancient settlement, historic hotel, and tiny village – join us for this highly popular journey through spectacular Norwegian nature.
•    Mountain Hike in the Hjørundfjord - Admire spectacular views of Hjørundfjord, the Sunnmøre Alps, Sæbø and Urke villages on this mountain hike. There’s even time for a coffee break midway and a beer at the end.
•    Hike with a Visit to a Shieling  -Join us for a pleasant hike up from the fjord through lovely meadows to a summer grazing site at Haukås where we learn about traditional farming and taste local delicacies.
•    Hjørundfjord, Geiranger, and Ålesund - This excursion takes you through Norangsdalen valley, on a ferry ride on UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord, up steep Eagle Road, and then to the Art Nouveau city of Ålesund.
•    Kayaking in Ålesund - Join us on a guided kayaking tour through the elegant town of Ålesund and learn more about its history and Art Nouveau influence.
•    Alnes Lighthouse -Explore the ancient islands of Giske and Godøy and enjoy the fantastic coastal scenery at Alnes Lighthouse.
•    Sunnmøre Open Air Museum - Join us for a day of culture and history as we explore the town of Ålesund and its nearby mountain, before discovering the fascinating, open-air Sunnmøre Museum.
•    The Romsdal Gondola - Enjoy a scenic sightseeing tour of this beautiful fjord landscape, from deep in the Romsdalen Valley to high up in Nesaksla Mountain.

DAY 3 : Kristiansund - Rørvik

City of Kings and Palaces
This section of the voyage lets us enter the Trøndelag region of Norway, marked by crumpled hills, fields dotted with farmsteads, and low-loying 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 buzzing 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 trendy eateries. Up from Bakklandet is Kristiansten Fort which affords 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
Kristiansund: 02:45 - 03:00
Trondheim: 09:45 - 12:45
Rørvik: 21:40 - 22:00

Optional excursions:

•    Nidaros Cathedral & Ringve Museum - Encounter the majesty of Nidaros Cathedral, the only church in Norway built in the Gothic architectural style. We then journey through the history of music at Ringve Museum.
•    Trondheim with Nidaros Cathedral - Learn more about Trondheim by visiting one of its most famous landmarks, Nidaros Cathedral. Take in the whole city from the famous Utsikten viewpoint and enjoy a bus tour of the city.
•    Trondheim City Walk - Explore Trondheim while learning about its history and culture from a local guide. See all the best sights of the city, from Stiftsgården to the bridge that locals call “The Portal of Happiness”.
•    Kayaking on the River Nid - See the city’s main attractions from water level inside a kayak. Paddle down Trondheim’s waterways and get some exercise while learning more about this exciting city.
•    Cycling In Trondheim - This is Norway’s most bike-friendly city, so it’s time to go for a bike ride! Enjoy the fresh air as you cycle through the city, taking in the sights and the beautiful scenery.


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, 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 10am, 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
Brønnøysund: 01:35 - 01:45
Sandnessjøen: 04:35 - 04:50
Nesna: 06:00 - 06:10
Ørnes: 10:00 - 10:10
Bodø: 13:05 - 15:20
Stamsund: 19:15 - 19:40
Svolvær: 21:20 - 22:15

Optional excursions

•    Svartisen Glacier - Enjoy a bus and boat ride to the visitor centre for Norway’s second-largest glacier: Svartisen. Look out for sea eagles and pass the world’s strongest tidal current.
•    Arctic Coastal Walk - Join us for a guided walk along the coast in Bodø and learn why devotion to nature is integrated in the Norwegian culture.
•    Experience Bodø and Saltstraumen - After a tour of the town of Bodø, visit the strongest tidal current in the world at the Saltstraumen maelstroms.
•    RIB Safari To Saltstraumen - Journey by boat to Saltstraumen, home to the world’s strongest tidal current. Learn more about the history and geology of this fascinating area during the boat ride.
•    Meet the Vikings (Winter) - Step back in time and experience life in the Viking Age at the Lofotr Viking Museum. Enjoy an authentic Viking meal and watch your hosts perform traditional rituals.
•    Meet the Vikings (Summer) - See how the Vikings lived at Lofotr in Borg, Lofoten, where the largest Viking building ever discovered has been replicated.
•    Highlights of Lofoten - This excursion takes you to see several of Lofoten's many picturesque fishing villages and towns, all the while surrounded by a stunning backdrop of sea and mountains.
•    Farm Visit in Lofoten - Experience life on a diverse working farm, Aalan Farm at Lauvdalen, Lofoten, renowned for its herbs and organic cheeses.

DAY 5 : Stokmarknes - Skjervøy

Capital of the Arctic
We dock into Harstad just after 7am. 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. Whales can also be spotted in the waters here, especially during the winter season.

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.

You’ll find Polaria, the world’s northernmost aquarium, o the waterfront. 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 trendy cafés plying delicious cinnamon buns and 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:
Stokmarknes: 01:30 - 01:40
Sortland: 02:55 - 03:10
Risøyhamn: 04:35 - 04:50
Harstad: 07:10 - 07:45
Finnsnes: 11:00 - 11:30
Tromsø: 14:15 - 18:15
Skjervøy: 22:10 - 22:25

Optional excursions:

The Arctic Capital Tromsø  - Tour the city’s best spots from the Arctic Cathedral to the world’s northernmost aquarium, including taking the cable car up for mountaintop views over Tromsø.
Dog Sledding (Tromsø) - Join us on a mini polar expedition across the snowy Arctic landscape just a half-hour drive from Tromsø on the island of Kvaløya.
Scenery & Huskies -  Get close to huskies and their pups during this visit to the Tromsø Wilderness Centre. Go on a guided nature walk and learn about the sport of dog sled racing.
Polar History Walk - Go on this guided walk through the city of Tromsø and learn about the Arctic capital’s fascinating history. Visit the Polar Museum and taste local beer at Tromsø’s oldest pub.
Cross-Country Skiing - With fluffy, soft snow each winter, it’s no surprise that skiing is a popular pastime in Norway. Enjoy an introductory skiing lesson, before going for a gentle cross-country skiing trip.
Snowshoeing In Tromsø - Make your way across the snow on a pair of snowshoes, exploring Tromsøya Island in a unique way. End the visit with a toboggan ride and a relaxing break by the bonfire.
Electric Cruising in Tromsø - Cruise Tromsø’s coast in a silent, electric boat. Explore the depths with an underwater drone and sample Arctic food as you listen to local guides.

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 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. The optional excursion up to the dramatic promontory is very popular, so you’ll want to book early.

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 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:
Øksfjord: 01:50 - 02:00
Hammerfest: 05:05 - 05:45
Havøysund: 08:30 - 08:45
Honningsvåg: 10:55 - 14:30
Kjøllefjord: 16:40 - 17:00
Mehamn: 18:55 - 19:15
Berlevåg: 22:00 - 22:10

Optional excursions:

•    The North Cape - Cross the 71st parallel and visit North Cape, the northernmost point on the European continent, marked by the photogenic globe monument.
•    Birdwatching Safari - Join us on this excursion to see one of Norway´s largest and most impressive bird cliffs in the Gjesværstappan islands.
•    Sámi Culture - Meet an indigenous Sámi family in their traditional lavvo tent to learn more from them about their way of life and their remarkable culture.
•    Snowmobile Trip In The Arctic - Drive your own snowmobile through a beautiful winter landscape from one port to the next, hopefully under the Northern Lights.
•    Sami Autumn - Hear tales about the Sámi Shaman, discover Sámi culinary traditions, and learn about the restorative powers of local medicinal herbs.
•    The North Cape Exclusive - This private tour of the North Cape with your own guide is an exclusive experience reserved for our Platinum fare guests.
•    Fishing Village Visit - Join us on a tour to visit two colorful fishing villages and discover Christmas, whatever the time of year, at the very top of Norway.

DAY 7 : Båtsfjord - Berlevåg

Norway's Eastern Edge
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.

Next door neighbors
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.

Located just a few miles from the Russian border, Kirkenes has many influences from Norway’s neighbour; from road signs in both Norwegian and Russian, a monthly Russian market, and the WWII Russian Monument.

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:
Båtsfjord: 00:00 - 00:30
Vardø: 03:30 - 03:45
Vadsø: 06:55 - 07:10
Kirkenes: 09:00 - 12:30


Optional excursions:
•    The Norwegian Border  - Explore the area around Storskog, a border station located on Norway’s easternmost edge, and enjoy views over the town of Kirkenes from Prestfjellet Mountain.
•    Riverboat to the Norwegian Border (Kirkenes) - Explore the Russian-Norwegian frontier by travelling a part of Pasvik River, which acts as a natural border for the neighboring countries.
•    Snowmobile Safari - Start your engines and ride your own snowmobile across the icy fjord landscape and deep into the snow-covered wilderness.
•    Kirkenes Snow Hotel -Explore the beautifully decorated Snowhotel and Norway’s largest ice bar. Greet the reindeers and huskies that live close by.
•    ATV/Quad-safari to the Norwegian border (Kirkenes) - Jump onto a quadbike ride and ride off to explore the area around Kirkenes and peer across the Russian border.
•    Husky Tour - Be immersed in the Arctic wilderness on a three-hour husky sled ride that brings you through forests, across plains, and over frozen lakes.
•    King Crab Adventure (Summer) - Join fishermen out on the Barents Sea to see them catch king crabs. A chef will then prepare them for an all-you-can-eat king crab buffet.
•    King Crab Adventure (Winter) - Accompany a Norwegian fisherman for the day and learn how they catch king crab in winter and then feast on the day’s catch at a traditional boathouse.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

What’s included

• Cabin category of your choice
• Full board (breakfast, lunch and dinner) from Norway's Coastal Kitchen
• English-speaking Tour Leader on board
• Engaging on-board activities and lectures
• Lectures and presentations on history, biology, geography, geology and culture that provide context to your voyage and help you understand the destinations you will experience  
• Introductory photo presentations, camera adjustment and tips & tricks, photo and film footage from the voyage
• Opportunities to casually engage with the Hurtigruten Guides and other guests, including a welcome event, daily gatherings to recap the day and prepare for the day to come
• Port presentations providing destination insight
• Excursion presentations
• Point of interest presentations out on deck
• Captain’s dinner and a farewell event

Not Included

• Flights & transfers
• Travel insurance
• Optional excursions
• Luggage handling
• Hikes with our Hurtigruten Guides

Notes

• 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.