Svalbard Line 2024! Bergen To Spitsbergen!

HIGHLIGHTS

Embark on a nostalgic cruise along the Norwegian coast up to the edge of the world, all the way to the Svalbard archipelago in the High Arctic, then back.

Enjoy life aboard the exception MS Trollfjord, freshly renovated in 2023 with the finest materials and craftmanship.

Visit a range of charming coastal communities on mainland Norway and on Svalbard and take your pick from authentic, locally run optional excursions.

Experience variations of summer along the entire length of Norway, including 24 hours of daylight from the glorious Midnight Sun at the height of the season.

ITINERARY

ITINERARY 2023

Day 1: Bergen
Day 2: Åndalsnes
Day 3: Træna
Day 4: Stokmarknes / Vesterålen
Day 5: Tromsø
Day 6: Honningsvåg
Day 7: At sea around Bjørnøya
Day 8 :Longyearbyen

ITINERARY 2024

Day 1 Bergen*
Day 2 Bergen
Day 3 Åndalsnes
Day 4 Træna
Day 5 Stokmarknes / Vesterålen
Day 6 Tromsø
Day 7 Honningsvåg
Day 8 At sea around Bjørnøya
Day 9 Longyearbyen*
Day 10 Longyearbyen
Day 11 Longyearbyen

DAY 1 : Bergen*

On your way to Norway
Welcome to Norway! You'll arrive in Bergen, a beautiful city on the west coast of Norway, and make your own way to the hotel. Admire views of the majestic peaks that famously surround the city, giving Bergen its nickname, “The City of Seven Mountains”. What began as a small village was developed by King Olav Kyree in 1070 AD and is now Norway’s second largest city. Nestled in the centre is Vågen Bay, the historic core of the city, and home to the UNESCO-listed Bryggen quarter. There, you can wander down charming cobblestone streets and peruse local boutique shops. Across from Bryggen, you’ll find the fish market, which cooks up fresh and delicious seafood dishes to feast on. As you’re here in the summer, the days are long, giving you more hours of daylight to explore this historic city. One of the seven mountains in Bergen’s nickname is Mount Fløyen, accessible by walking up or taking the Fløibanen funicular. At the top, enjoy some stunning views of the city and nearby peaks.  Reward yourself and your thirst with some local 7 Fjell beer, before going to your hotel to get some rest, ready to embark on your Svalbard Express voyage the next day.

*Please note that if the date you make your booking is less than 90 days before your chosen departure date, your voyage will start on Day 2 in Bergen.

DAY 2 : Bergen

Sailing The Svalbard Express
After waking up in your hotel, you might have a bit of time in the early morning to explore more of Bergen before a transfer meets you at your hotel to bring you to our comfortable guest lounge at the Bergen Terminal. Here, you can sample finger-food from our Norway’s Coastal Kitchen and talk to staff about securing a spot on any optional excursions still available.  Once we’ve welcomed you aboard, you’ll meet your ship’s Coastal Experience Team, who will be your hosts and guides to the Norwegian coastline and Svalbard. Get acquainted with your shipmates and take some time to get comfortable in your new home-away-from-home. Enjoy your first meal aboard the ship, and watch the row of colourful buildings on the seafront get smaller behind you as you sail into the Norwegian Sea.

DAY 3 : Åndalsnes

Alpine village by the fjord
Located along Isfjord at the end of Romsdalsfjord, Åndalsnes is our first port of call. After docking in the morning in the town centre, you’ll get the chance to explore this picturesque coastal town, home to about 2,000 people. From 1838 until 1964, the village of Åndalsnes served as the administrative centre of the old municipality of Grytten, during which time it had to be completely rebuilt after an attack during World War II. Now, Åndalsnes is a modern town with its own local newspaper, in one of Norway’s most stunning natural locations. The literal highlights of Åndalsnes are the mountains that tower over the town. Experience the Norwegian concept of friluftsliv – a love of the outdoors – through a variety of activities, such as hiking to Rampestreken viewpoint. For a more sedate way to take in the sights, sit back for a relaxing ride on the Romsdal Gondola or travel the winding Trollstigen Pass by bus. Whichever activities you choose, this day will bring you the best views of Isfjord and Romsdalsfjord, and the surrounding peaks.

Optional excursions:

1. Exclusive Early-morning Gondola Ride
Take an exclusive early-morning ride in the Romsdalen Gondola to see spectacular views across the Romsdal Alps.

2.Hairpin Bends & Soaring Mountains - Trollstigen Scenic Bus Tour
Join this bus tour along iconic hairpin bends that wind their way through lush valleys and dramatic mountains.

3.Stand-Up Paddle Board in Åndalsnes
Enjoy a duck’s view of the Istra River and surrounding towering peaks as you stand-up paddleboard (SUP) its calm, green waters.

DAY 4 : Træna

Norway’s oldest fishing community
We’ll sail along the coast of the Helgeland region in the morning. When you see islands rising out of the water in the distance, you’ll know we’re almost at our next destination. Træna is an archipelago that sits at the edge of the Arctic Circle, 33 nautical miles northwest of the mainland. Made up of around 500 islands, islets and skerries, with only four inhabited year-round, Træna is a quiet municipality, with birdlife thriving on the mostly uninhabited isles.  Though small, this archipelago has a long history, with archaeological finds indicating that the islands have been inhabited since the Stone Age. Some of these ancient relics have been found in a cave on the island of Sanna, which is now used as a venue for an annual music festival. Spend the afternoon in one of Norway’s oldest fishing communities. If weather permits, you might be able to enjoy such activities as hiking and biking, or even island hopping. With a large population of Sea Eagles, birdwatching is another activity you won’t want to miss. For a truly authentic experience, step into the age-old shoes of a Norwegian fisherman, and cast a line under the summer sun. When it’s time to leave in the evening, take some time to rest onboard and unwind. We’ll cross the Arctic Circle as we continue heading north, commemorating the moment with a little Norwegian ceremony.

Optional excursions:

1.Træna Island Hopping
Get to know the people, wildlife, and ways of life on the beautiful isle of Selvær.

2.Træna Culture Walk – Poetry, Art, and Heritage
Stimulate your senses on this fascinating guided walk through Træna’s cultural landscape and bask in the natural scenery of the islands too.

3.Arctic Dip – Sauna & Swim
For an invigorating experience, enjoy a sauna in Træna’s oldest house then, if you feel like it, jump in the Norwegian Sea.

DAY 5 : Stokmarknes

Birthplace of The Norwegian Coastal Express
Spend a full day in Vesterålen, an archipelago just northeast of Lofoten. This island chain is the namesake of our very first Coastal Express ship to sail Norway’s rugged coastline in 1893.  We’ll dock in the historic town of Stokmarknes. This town holds a special place in our hearts, being the birthplace of Hurtigruten Norwegian Coastal Express. Today, we go right back to where it all began.  In 1893, in this very town, shipping pioneer Richard With founded the Original Coastal Express, revolutionising coastal passenger travel, as well as Norwegian shipping. Before long, Hurtigruten had become a lifeline for Svalbard and Norway’s other remote communities, boosting their economy by carrying exports to and from the ports. Stokmarknes is therefore a fitting location for a museum that immortalises our inspiring legacy. Hurtigrutemuseet can be found along the waterfront, where our retired 1956 ship, MS Finnmarken, proudly stands encased in a glass building. Here, you’ll find archives, photographs, and artefacts displayed throughout a range of interactive exhibitions. On a guided tour, you’ll be immersed in the atmosphere of a different era as you explore the retired vessel. Besides visiting the museum, you may be able to enjoy hiking and other activities on the islands. Go on a RIB tour to Raftsundet, or a Sea Eagle safari in the fjord that gave your ship MS Trollfjord its name.

Optional excursions

1.The Coastal Express Heritage Tour
Take an exclusive tour of the Hurtigruten Museum, home to our full-sized retired ship, in our birthplace of Stokmarknes.

2.Best of Vesterålen Summer – A Scenic Bus Tour
Experience breathtaking views, quaint fishing villages and rich coastal heritage on a bus tour of the Vesterålen archipelago.

3.RIB Sea Eagle Safari
Go wildlife spotting around the Vesterålen archipelago aboard a RIB boat and admire the beautiful islands.

4.The Hurtigrutemuseet
The view over Tromsø from Storsteinen

DAY 6 : Tromsø

Gateway to the Arctic
Tromsø is Northern Norway’s urban Arctic hotspot, boasting impressive architecture, hip restaurants, and the world’s northernmost university. Rich in polar history, it makes for a natural stopping point before we go further north and into the High Arctic. This modern city has a long legacy, with artefacts being found nearby that date back to the Ice Age. The city grew in importance after being declared a kjøpstad, or “market town” in 1794, despite only being home to 80 people. It became a centre of Arctic hunting in the mid-1800s, and by the end of the 19th century, Tromsø was an established Arctic trade centre. We aim to dock here in the morning, giving you a whole day to explore this historic Arctic city and its surroundings. Take your pick from a number of optional excursions. Learn more about the culture and polar history of Tromsø on a city walk. Or go watch graceful seals at the Polaria centre, one of the world’s northernmost aquariums where you can see various species of Arctic marine life up close.  There may also be an option to visit the striking Arctic Cathedral which has an impressively large multi-coloured stained-glass window. Or towering over Tromsø is Storsteinen Mountain, accessible via Fjellheisen Cable Car for exceptionally beautiful views of the city, mountains, and fjords.

Optional excursions:

1.Viking Homestead Visit
Celebrate Northern history, tradition and culture as you travel through time to the Viking age at Tønsviking Medieval homestead.

2.Tromsø, The Arctic Capital – Summer
Explore the remarkable polar heritage, modern culture, and extraordinary panoramic views of Tromsø, ‘Paris of the North’, in summer.

3.Tromsø On Foot – The City & Its Polar History
Take a stroll through the fascinating history and heritage of Tromsø and discover why it’s known as the ‘Gateway to the Arctic’.

4.The Northernmost Brewery
Let actors entertain you on this tour through Tromsø to Mack, long known as the northernmost brewery in the world.

DAY 7 : Honningsvåg

At the top of Europe
Around mid-morning, we arrive at Honningsvåg, the northernmost city in mainland Norway. Honningsvåg is a young city, having only been declared as such in 1996, and it remains one of Norway’s smallest cities today. You have several optional excursions to pick from here. These could include king crab fishing, meeting an indigenous Sámi family, birdwatching, or a guided tour of what life is like at 71°N. Honningsvåg is also the gateway to the North Cape, the famed “northernmost point of Europe”. The plateau stands 307 metres above the sea, and is just over 1,000 miles south of the geographical North Pole. Take a moment to gaze out across the sea from a top the soaring cliffs, watching the waves crash against the rocks below. Standing proudly on top of one of the cliffs is an iconic globe monument which invites all visitors to take a quick selfie. Selfie sorted, you’ll also want to visit North Cape Hall, which has a variety of exhibits and a short film that tells of the cape’s history. Sailing away from Honningsvåg, we’ll enjoy dramatic views of the plateau from the sea. The ship will head further into the Barents Sea, leaving mainland Norway’s coast far behind us.

Optional excursions:

1.North Cape and King Crab Experience - Summer
From iconic views at the North Cape to fascinating local artwork and delicious king crab, join us as we experience the highlights of Honningsvåg.

2.Quad Biking to North Cape
Drive your own quad bike on a thrilling adventure to continental Europe’s northernmost point.

3. Hiking and Birdwatching in Gjesvær
Immerse yourself in the majestic natural beauty of Gjesvær and encounter the rich diversity of birdlife at 71 degrees north.


DAY 8 : At sea around Bjørnøya

Between Norway and Svalbard
The southernmost island of the Svalbard archipelago, Bjørnøya sits just past the halfway point between mainland Norway and Spitsbergen. We’ll be viewing this inaccessible land from the ship in the afternoon, so think of this as the prologue to your Svalbard adventure. Upon seeing the island, you might notice the lack of trees, and even bushes. Very little grows here, with the land partly being covered only by a layer of moss and lichen. Whatever does grow here is fertilised by the abundant birdlife that nests on the sea cliffs. Get your camera ready to capture Little Auks, Puffins, Black-legged Kittiwakes, and Northern Fulmars flying over dramatic cliff tops and steep slopes, alongside many other seabird species. Contrary to its name, which means “Bear Island”, the only native mammals are Arctic foxes. The island was named after a polar bear was spotted swimming in the waters nearby, but this is an unlikely sight this far south.  Aboard the ship, you can learn about Bjørnøya’s history through polar history lectures. You might find out about the historic expeditions that led to its discovery, and the subsequent claims that various countries have made to the island. Discover the strategic importance of this unreachable sanctuary, and the role Bjørnøya played in World War II. Sailing on from Bjørnøya, continue to make use of MS Trollfjord’s various onboard facilities to relax, such as the sauna or fitness room. There will also be a photography workshop today to get your camera eye and lens in focus to best capture the wildlife and wilderness awaiting us in Svalbard.

DAY 9 : Longyearbyen

At the edge of the world
Today, we arrive at the Svalbard archipelago and make our way up to Spitsbergen, the largest of the three main islands. Magnificent brown and green mountains rise and ripple up from the High Arctic tundra while rivers of snow-melt trickle through the valley plains, glistening under the summer sun. Take a moment to just be here, now, in Svalbard. You’re at a latitude more than 78°N and under 820 miles / 1,500 kilometres from the North Pole itself. The air of this Arctic desert is fresh and pure, and temperatures in summer average between zero and eight degrees Celsius thanks to a warm northern branch of the Gulf Stream.  We find Longyearbyen nestled on the banks of a sweeping, large fjord. It is the biggest settlement in Svalbard and pegged as the world’s northernmost settlement with a population greater than 1,000.  Home to some 2,000 inhabitants from across the world, it originally sprang up as a coal mining colony in 1906. Today, it is a hub for adventure travellers, as well as scientists and engineers attached to local research projects, like the famous Global Seed Vault.  Spend some time strolling around the town, admiring its collection of galleries, pubs, restaurants, brewery, and the notable North Pole Expedition Museum. You’ll also have optional excursions to pick from that bring you into the awe-inspiring landscapes surrounding Longyearbyen. Ever tried dog sledding without snow? This is your chance.

DAY 10 : Longyearbyen

Mini adventure in the High Arctic
After breakfast at your hotel, you’ll be off on a mini adventure aboard hybrid-electric catamaran MS Bard. Make the most of the summer climate to take a tour on the water of Spitsbergen’s magnificent landscapes at Billefjord and Nordenskiöldbreen. MS Bard is a groundbreaking new catamaran for day cruises. Whenever it approaches glaciers, wildlife, or settlements, it will run silently on electric propulsion. This together with its specially designed propellers create minimal noise and vibration so as not to disturb Arctic wildlife.  Early in the season, there might still be ice in Billefjord. Switching to the boat's electric motor, we’ll carefully and silently follow the ice edge, on the lookout for seabirds, walrus, and seals. You’ll also be able to enjoy views of the beautiful and vast Nordenskiöld glacier which crumbles icebergs into the fjord.  Along the way, you can spot abandoned Soviet coal mining town Pyramiden in the distance, so named after the shape of a nearby mountain. While a ghost town for many years, there have been recent attempts by various individuals to repopulate the area. On the outer park of Billefjord is Skansbukta, another small settlement and gypsum mine lost to time under the impressive cliffs. MS Bard will also sail past Svenskhuset, the oldest standing building on Spitsbergen and site of tragic lead poisoning in tinned food that claimed the lives of 17 hunters and sailors.

Admiring the views of the fjord, glacier, mountains, and Arctic flora in bloom, you’ll make your way back to Longyearbyen on MS Bard to spend the night at your hotel.  

DAY 11 : Longyearbyen

Return from the top of the world
Following breakfast at your hotel, it’s time to say farewell to Svalbard and to Spitsbergen. You’ll make your own way to the airport at Longyearbyen, marking the end of your time with us. Alternatively, you could choose to extend your stay in Svalbard. You’ve travelled as part of this historic, iconic voyage to pieces of paradise along the Norwegian coast and Svalbard you won’t soon forget. If you’ve engaged in optional excursions, will you have photos to share of you kayaking, hiking, fishing, cycling in some of the most beautiful scenery ever seen?  We know you’ll take fond memories home with you and we wish you a safe onward journey. This has been The Svalbard Express. We hope to see you back here with us soon.  

The day-by-day programme will give you a few ideas about what you can see and do on your voyage, but bear in mind that this itinerary is just an indication of what you can experience. After all, this is a sailing where the elements rule and weather conditions might vary, which is why every voyage with Hurtigruten is unique.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

Cabin guests

• Enjoy an impressive range of included benefits when you choose from our selection of comfortable accommodation options: Polar Inside, Polar Outside and Arctic Superior cabins.

When in Norway

• One night in a four-star city-centre hotel in Bergen, including breakfast  
• Two nights in a four-star hotel in Longyearbyen, including breakfast and one dinner  
• Transfer in Bergen (hotel – ship)  
• Transfer in Longyearbyen (ship – hotel)  
• Camp Barentz Wilderness Evening excursion
• Hybrid-powered catamaran tour on MS Bard
• (Please note that the above are not included if the date you make your booking is less than 90 days before your chosen departure date. This means that the length of your voyage will be shorter. See Itinerary above for more information.)

Cabin on the ship

• Accommodation in a comfortable cabin with ensuite bathroom
• Choice of preferred cabin type  

Food and drink on board

• Full board with all-day dining?in Flora and Árran
• Unlimited select beer, wine, and spirits at Flora, Árran, and the 1893 Bar, served during restaurant and bar opening hours excluding breakfast
• Unlimited mineral water, tea, and coffee
• Afternoon snack in the 1893 Bar
• Culinary demonstrations and food tastings

Life on board

• Multi-lingual Coastal Experience Team
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• Daily themed lectures, photography guidance, arts and crafts  
• Access to fitness room and sauna
• Movie nights, music entertainment, and library access
• Selection of equipment for outdoor activities

Suite guests

• For the premium onboard affair, quartered in beautifully appointed luxury accommodations, the Expedition Suite experience is the choice for you.

When in Norway

• One night in a four-star city-centre hotel in Bergen, including breakfast  
• Two nights in a four-star hotel in Longyearbyen, including breakfast and one dinner  
• Transfer in Bergen (hotel – ship)  
• Transfer in Longyearbyen (ship – hotel)  
• Camp Barentz Wilderness Evening excursion
• Hybrid-powered catamaran tour on MS Bard
• (Please note that the above are not included if the date you make your booking is less than 90 days before your chosen departure date. This means that the length of your voyage will be shorter. See Itinerary above for more information.)

Suite on the ship

• Accommodation in a stylish, spacious suite with ensuite bathroom
• Choice of preferred cabin type
• Unlimited minibar
• Daily turn-down service

Food and drink on board

• Full board with all-day dining?at Flora, Arran and fine-dining à la carte restaurant Røst
• Unlimited select beer, wine, and spirits at Flora, Árran, and the 1893 Bar, served during restaurant and bar opening hours excluding breakfast
• Unlimited mineral water, tea, and coffee
• Choice of restaurant dining times
• Exclusive Røst Afternoon Tea with sparkling wine
• Exclusive dinner with the ship’s senior officers

Life on board

• Fast track priority check-in including exclusive Espolin Johnson lounge access
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• Multi-lingual Coastal Experience Team
• Access to fitness room and sauna
• Daily themed lectures, photography guidance, arts and crafts activities
• Movie nights, music entertainment and library access
• Culinary demonstrations and food tastings
• Selection of equipment for outdoor activities