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.
DATES / RATES
Rates are listed per person
|
Start Date | End Date | From EUR | From USD |
Sep 12, 2024 | Sep 21, 2024 | EUR 4157 |
EUR 4157 |
Rates are listed per person
|
Start Date | End Date | From EUR | From USD |
Sep 12, 2024 | Sep 21, 2024 | EUR 4157 |
EUR 4157 |
ITINERARY
ITINERARY 2024
Day 1: Longyearbyen
Day 2: Longyearbyen
Day 3: Longyearbyen*
Day 4: Ny-Ålesund
Day 5: At sea
Day 6: Tromsø and Senja
Day 7: Svolvær
Day 8: Brønnøysund
Day 9: Ålesund and Hjørundfjord
Day 10: Bergen
DAY 1 : Longyearbyen
At the edge of the world
Your High Arctic experience begins by arriving in Spitsbergen, the
largest of Svalbard’s three main islands. Gaze in awe as
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 is fresh and pure, and the overall temperature in summer is mild
thanks to a warm northern branch of the Gulf Stream.
You’ll make your own way to Longyearbyen, nestled on the
banks of a large, sweeping fjord. It is the biggest settlement in
Svalbard, 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. After checking in to your hotel, in the evening
you’ll visit Camp Barentz, located at the foot of Breinosa
mountain. There, in the pure wilderness of the High Arctic, enjoy
dinner in a cosy wooden cabin and maybe even try some bidos –
a traditional, homemade Sámi stew of slow-cooked reindeer
meat and vegetables. Tuck into your dessert outside around
the campfire, perhaps under the Midnight Sun. End your first day
admiring the mountains as we head back to your hotel in Longyearbyen.
DAY 2 : Longyearbyen
Mini adventure in the High Arctic
Following your first night in Svalbard, today’s mini
adventure takes you aboard hybrid-electric catamaran MS Bard. Make the
most of the summer climate as you take in 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 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, settling in at your hotel for your
last night there.
DAY 3 : Longyearbyen*
Last day in Longyearbyen
Wake to Arctic sunshine and enjoy breakfast at your hotel. The last day
here in Longyearbyen is yours to spend as you like. If you
haven’t already, you can spend some time walking around the
town. Browse boutique shops selling homemade chocolate, tiny galleries
with artwork inspired by life on the Arctic frontier, and bars that
serve up beer from the local micro-brewery. You can also arrange to go
‘dry’ dog sledding where the sleds are fitted with
wheels instead, allowing the dogs to exercise throughout the summer
season. This keeps them fit for when the snow does arrive in winter.
However you decide to spend your day in Svalbard, return to the hotel
for lunch before a transfer takes you to MS Trollfjord, your home at
sea for the next week. Come evening, the ship will sail further north
towards Ny-Ålesund.
*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 3
in Longyearbyen.
DAY 4 : Ny-Ålesund
Science on the Arctic frontier
Arise early today to enjoy impressive views of Kongsfjord, one of the
largest fjords in the area. Its entrance is guarded by two colossal
creaking glaciers that regularly deposit ice into the fjord. This
stretch is also a good place to look out for walrus basking on the
shores and for many different species of migrating birds, including
puffins, king eiders, pink-footed geese, and guillemots.
Arctic fox and Svalbard reindeer can sometimes be spotted on land while
the white beluga whale has been known to surface in the waters here
too. If we’re very lucky, we might even see a polar bear
prowling the coast for bearded and ringed seals. At the tip of
Brøgger peninsula, on one of Kongsfjord’s shores,
is Ny-Ålesund. Like Longyearbyen, it began as a coal mine but
became host to scientific stations from the mid 20th century. During
the summer, there are over a hundred researchers based in the town,
representing 20 glaciology and climate institutes from more than 10
countries. Wander around what is one of the northernmost settlements in
the world, drop in at the local museum and souvenir shop, or send a
far-flung postcard back to friends and family from the small post
office. You can also take a guided tour of the Amundsen
monument, erected here in honour of the great Norwegian
explorer’s record-breaking flight to reach the North Pole in
1926. Amundsen flew the airship Norge from Ny-Ålesund and
landed in Alaska three days later, successfully doing so via the North
Pole.
DAY 5 : At sea
Leaving Svalbard
Unfortunately, it’s time for us to say farewell to Svalbard
and Spitsbergen and sail south back to mainland Norway.
On board the ship, use the day to relax. If skies are clear, enjoy some
summer sun out on deck and keep on the lookout for whales, dolphins,
and porpoises. Or if it’s not too warm out, head to the sauna
for a soothing steam. For some fascinating insights into local history
and wildlife, catch a lecture delivered by the Coastal Experience Team.
They may also offer a photography workshop to help sharpen your eye to
capture stunning shots in the days to come. Enjoy the sumptuous food
and drinks on board, courtesy of our Norway’s Coastal Kitchen
concept that features the finest, most flavoursome, local Norwegian
produce. As a treat, there might be tastings of regional specialities
or demonstrations by our skilled onboard chefs in the show kitchen. You
can also simply curl up with a good book in the lounge or chat with
new-found friends in the bar while reminiscing together about your
favourite experiences of the voyage so far.
DAY 6 : Tromsø and Senja
Exploring ‘Little Norway’
We’ve arrived back to mainland Norway. The ship will make a
brief stop near Tromsø to drop off any cargo from Svalbard
and pick up cargo bound for ports to the south. Calling back into
Tromsø after being up at Svalbard follows in the footsteps
of history. Most explorers and sailors returning from their Arctic
expeditions would descend on the city. The fashion and food they found
there seemed so stylish and refined compared to the stark frontier
towns that they nicknamed Tromsø ‘the Paris of the
North’. The ship then continues south towards Senja, one of
the country’s largest islands and northern Norway’s
fast-rising star destination, as you’d expect for a place
ranked among CNN’s top ten most beautiful islands in the
world. Often proudly described by locals as a ‘mini
Norway’, Senja seems to have a concentration of landscapes
inspired by different parts of the Norwegian coast. To best explore
this fairytale island, we’d recommend disembarking in
Tromsø and joining one of our optional excursions.
Optional excursions:
1. Highlights of the North – Sommarøy &
Senja by Bus
Prepare to be amazed by northern Norway. This scenic bus tour takes in
fjords, rugged mountains, sandy beaches, and pretty villages.
2. Senja Wildlife Safari
Embark on an exciting safari of the waters of Senja, passing lush
islands and islets while looking out for seals and seabirds.
3. Scenic Guided E-bike Tour
Hop on an electric bike to explore the idyllic island of Senja with
ease. Enjoy breathtaking fjord views during one of Norway’s
most stunning seasons.
DAY 7 : Svolvær
Fall in love with Lofoten
Today is all about exploring the Lofoten archipelago. Hailed as one of
the most spectacular areas in all of Norway, you’ll
understand why as you see its jagged green cliffs rise dramatically out
of the ocean, climbing high into the sky like giant teeth. Pretty
fishing villages appear as strings of red-roofed houses on stilts that
cling picturesquely to the edges of mountainous islands. Here and
there, single fishermen huts known locally as rorbuer dot the islands,
specks of red amidst a ceylon blue sea and the lush mountainside
greens. You’ll find that life in Lofoten is supremely calm
and peaceful. Time seems to stand still here, as if stopped in its
tracks by the islands’ sheer beauty. The beating
heart of the archipelago is the town of Svolvær where the
ship will be based for most of the day. There are shops and restaurants
to enjoy, and hours can be spent exploring and getting to know the town
yourself. To experience the mountains, islands, and villages
that can be discovered around Svolvær, you’ll have
a variety of handpicked top Lofoten excursions that will help you do
just that. Engage in an optional hike to one of the local white-sand
beaches where you can help us in a beach clean-up before going for a
swim. Alternatively, join us on a kayaking tour to explore the raw
beauty and crystal-clear waters of Henningsvær.
Optional excursions:
1.Fishing in Lofoten - Summer
Try your hand at authentic sea fishing for haddock, cod, and mackerel
aboard a traditional Norwegian fishing boat from 1917, MS Symra
2.Kayaking in Lofoten - Summer
Experience the raw natural beauty of Henningsvær as you
explore the crystal-clear waters by kayak.
3.Lofoten Scenery & Henningsvær
Take in the stunning summer scenery of Lofoten. See history, marine
life, and timeless art at SKREI Heritage Centre, and soak up the
fishing village atmosphere of Henningsvær.
DAY 8 : Brønnøysund
Highlights of the Helgeland Coast
The ship continues south and reaches the midpoint of the Norwegian
coast. This is the Helgeland Coast, a well-known stretch full of
distinctive mountains that have inspired many a charming myth and local
folklore. As we sail, look out for the Vega archipelago, a
cluster of some 6,500 islands, skerries, and islets. There’s
a UNESCO World Heritage Centre on the island of Gardsøy
which showcases how highly prized eider down is harvested from the
local eider ducks by providing little huts for them to build their
nests in. We will base the ship in the town of
Brønnøysund which features a lovely marina and a
Neo-Gothic stone church from 1870. Spend your time exploring the town
or joining optional excursions such as kayaking, cycling, or a cruise
by RIB. Further along from Brønnøysund is the
unique Torghatten Mountain. The first thing you’ll notice
about Torghatten is the hole that pierces right through its centre.
Legend states that the hole is the work of an arrow fired by a spurned
troll at his would-be lover and that Torghatten Mountain itself is the
fossilised hat of a Troll King who attempted to block the arrow. At an
easy pace, it takes about an hour to reach the hole in Torghatten on an
optional excursion. The panoramic view of the trees and islands
stretching out before you is well worth it.
Optional excursions:
1.Legends of Torghatten and Brønnøysund - Summer
See Brønnøysund’s sights by bus then
follow in the footsteps of trolls to a mythologised mountain with a
hole right through it.??
2.Brønnøysund by Bike
Cycle through historical Brønnøysund uncovering
the town’s secrets on the way, from the surprising church to
a showroom filled with modern art.
3.Torghatten Mountain Hike
Follow in the footsteps of trolls and Vikings on this excursion to a
mythologised mountain with a hole right through it.
DAY 9 : Ålesund and Hjørundfjord
Secret of the Sunnmøre Alps
The ship will make a brief stop in the town of Ålesund, known
for its Art Nouveau architecture and picturesque position on a
peninsula below Mount Aksla. We’ll offload any cargo here as
well guests who are joining excursions. Near to Ålesund,
cutting through the peaks of the Sunnmøre Alps, some 1,700
metres high, is magnificent Hjørundfjord. Its
picture-perfect position embedded in the Sunnmøre Alps means
it is the area’s hidden gem and a secret from most other
ships. Those who do discover Hjørundfjord rank it as a
serious contender for their favourite fjord in Norway. Its deep blue
waters and verdant mountainsides seem perfectly proportionate and
aligned, as if sculpted deliberately by nature’s artistry. On
the western banks of one of Hjørundfjord’s
branches is the idyllic village of Sæbø. This is
where the ship will pick up guests who had previously left the ship at
Ålesund to go on an excursion. We are fast approaching the
last day of our voyage. While bittersweet, what better way to celebrate
our Svalbard Express experience than a merry farewell dinner on our
last night. It’ll also be an opportunity to look back fondly
at the many highlights of this journey we’ve all shared
together.
Optional excursions:
1.Architecture & Breweries - Ålesund on Foot
Explore Ålesund’s remarkable Art Nouveau
architecture then taste some of the best small-brewery beer from the
local area.?
2.Mountain Peaks & Fjords - A Scenic Bus Tour
Experience the Norway you’ve always dreamed of. The dramatic
mountains and fjords of the Sunnmøre Alps will make your
heart soar!?
DAY 10 : Bergen
End of your voyage
We arrive in Bergen in the morning, a beautiful city on the west coast
of Norway. Majestic peaks famously surround the city, giving Bergen its
nickname, “The City of Seven Mountains”.
It’s time to disembark the ship and make your own way to the
airport, but not before saying fond farewells to your fellow passengers
and to the crew of MS Trollfjord who made your Svalbard Express journey
such a comfortable one. Alternatively, you could choose to extend your
stay in Norway. You’ve travelled as part of this historic,
iconic voyage to pieces of paradise along the Norwegian coast 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.
MS Trollfjord (Expedition, 576-guests)
This ship is named after spectacular Trollfjord in the Lofoten Islands, and provides exquisite indoor comfort, modern facilities and interior design that makes extensive use of Norwegian wood and stone.
(Click image to view Ship details)
WHAT'S INCLUDED
What’s included?
- Transfers in Longyearbyen (airport-hotel, hotel-ship)
- Two nights in a four-star hotel in Longyearbyen including breakfast
- Camp Barentz Wilderness Evening excursion
- Camp Barentz Wilderness Evening excursion
- Hybrid-powered catamaran tour on MS Bard
- Transfer in Bergen (ship-airport)
Cabin on ship
- Choice of cabin number on MS Trollfjord
- Norway’s Coastal Kitchen welcome basket
Food and drink on board
- Full board with all-day dining
- Drinks package (selected wine, beer, soft drinks) (1)
- Complimentary water, tea, and coffee
- Afternoon tea and cakes
Life on board
- Complimentary Wi-Fi (2)
- English-speaking Coastal Experience team
- Visit to the bridge (3)
- Only valid in the onboard restaurants during mealtimes
- Guests on the Select fare will need to register on our free
1893 Ambassador loyalty programme to access the Wi-Fi
- At the discretion of the Captain and subject to safety
restrictions