Your personal tour guide, esteemed Professor Emeritus of Scandinavian Studies and History from the University of Washington, Dr. Terje Leiren, will escort you along this unforgettable 12-day voyage with insightful lectures and exclusive excursion options.
You will be attended to in comfort aboard Havila’s newest environmentally friendly fleet, experiencing the pristine fjords and picturesque towns only accessible by ship.
On the northbound sailing we will focus on the Vikings, talk about Viking life, their culture, and expansion.
Southbound as we turn to the theme of WWII, there will be a lecture on Norway and the invasion and occupation by the German army, as well as a talk on the sabotage of the Heavy Water plant in Telemark to thwart the Nazi atomic bomb development.
HIGHLIGHTS
- The full coastal cruise from Bergen to Kirkenes and back.
- Visits to 34 ports of call in daytime.
- Cross the Arctic Circle twice.
- Sail north of the most northerly point of the European continent.
- Sail through the Lofoten archipelago.
- Opportunity to visit four UNESCO World Heritage sites.
- Opportunity to experience the Northern Lights in winter or
the midnight sun in summer.
DAY
1: Port: Bergen
The
journey starts in Bergen, the capital of western Norway, with the
colourful and UNESCO-listed warehouses in Bryggen. Take the funicular
railway, Fløibanen, up to one of the lookout points, sample
the seafood at the fish market or take a stroll through the narrow
streets and along the quays of the lively harbour. Bergen is the
gateway to the Norwegian fjords and the start of your coastal adventure.
Excursions
- Norway
in a nutshell, Bergen
- Experience
Bergen by sailboat, Bergen
- Sea
kayaking in Bergen, Bergen
Day
2: Ports:
Florø-Måløy-Torvik-Ålesund-Geiranger*/Hjørundfjorden*-Ålesund-Molde
After
the first night on board, you can start your day by waving to the
Havila Voyages headquarters just off Torvik. Ålesund, is
renowned for its art nouveau architecture with beautiful brick houses
and warehouses. In the summer, you can continue to the UNESCO World
Heritage Site of Geiranger Fjord, which has steep mountainsides and
dramatic waterfalls.
*Geiranger
visited 01.06–31.08
*Hjørundfjorden
visited 01.09-31.10
Excursions
- Art
nouveau walk, Ålesund
- Atlanterhavsparken
Aquarium, Ålesund
- Kayaking
in Alesund, Ålesund
- Hiking
at Sukkertoppen, Ålesund
- Geiranger
and Trollstigen, Geiranger*
Day
3: Ports: Kristiansund - Trondheim - Rørvik
It
is morning when we dock in the historic city of Trondheim, which was
founded over a thousand years ago. Nidaros Cathedral is the landmark of
the city; it is Norway's national shrine and one of the largest
cathedrals in Northern Europe. After our visit here, the voyage
continues out into the fjord, into an abundant archipelago and heads
for northern Norway.
Excursions
- Trondheim
and the Nidaros Cathedral, northbound
- Trondheim
and Nidaros by vintage tram
- Historical
city walk in Trondheim
- City
cycling in Trondheim
Day
4: Ports: Brønnøysund - Sandnessjøen -
Nesna - Ørnes - Bodø - Stamsund -
Svolvær
On
this stretch, we mark crossing the Arctic Circle with a ceremony and
continue onward into the Arctic regions. It means midnight sun in the
summer, while winter days are merely a shade less dark than night-time
and, possibly, Northern Lights in the evenings. Nature is powerful with
northern Scandinavia's largest glacier, the world's strongest tidal
current and encounters with the majestic sea eagle. In the evening,
Lofoten's fishing villages, steep mountains and Vikings await.
Excursions
- Moose,
Svartisen and Saltstraumen, Ørnes
- Experience
Bodø and Saltstraumen,Bodø
- RIB-safari
to Saltstraumen and the sea eagles, Bodø
- Feast
with the Viking chieftain, Stamsund
- Meet
the people of Lofoten, Stamsund
- Brewery
visit and beer tasting, Svolvær
Day
5: Ports: Stokmarknes - Sortland - Risøyhamn - Harstad -
Finnsnes - Tromsø - Skjervøy
The
voyage continues on through narrow fjords and past wild mountains to
Tromsø, a city characterised by hunting and fishing, polar
expeditions and courage. Now you have also reached the land of the
Sami, Norway's indigenous people. Meeting the Sami and their reindeer
while hearing about the Sami culture is a unique experience you will
remember.
Excursions
- Tromsø
– Capital of the Arctic, Tromsø
- Dog
sledding and huskies, Tromsø
- Visit
300 huskies, Tromsø
- Reindeer
sledding and Sami visit
- Walking
theater in Tromsø
Day
6: Ports: Hammerfest - Havøysund - Honningsvåg -
Kjøllefjord - Mehamn - Berlevåg
As
far north as you can get - by land and sea. For many, the visit to the
North Cape is a high point and a goal for voyages along the Norwegian
coast. Up here in the polar landscape, nature is at its harshest and
most desolate, but between bare plains and rugged cliffs people cling
on and reap nature's bounty. You can also have a taste of the catch.
How about some king crab?
Excursions
- The
North Cape plateau, Honningsvåg
- North
Cape plateau ATV Summer Safari, Honningsvåg
- North
Cape plateau ATV Winter Safari, Honningsvåg
- King
crab experience, Honningsvåg
- Snowshoeing
and ice fishing in the Arctic, Honningsvåg
- Visiting
a Sami family, Kjøllefjord
- Autumn
visit to the Sami, Kjøllefjord
- Snowmobiling
in the Polar Night, Kjøllefjord
Day
7: Ports: Båtsfjord - Vardø - Vadsø -
Kirkenes
You
are now as far east on your voyage as you can go. The border with
Russia is only a few kilometres away, and the road signs in Kirkenes
are in Norwegian and Russian. You can go as far as the border on one of
our excursions, or how about a visit to the Snowhotel where everything
is made of ice and snow?
Excursions
- Snowhotel
Kirkenes
- King
crab with a snowmobile on the frozen fjord, Kirkenes
- Dog
sledding in the Arctic, Kirkenes
- Snowmobile
safari in the Arctic, Kirkenes
- The
Russian border, Kirkenes
- King
crab fishing in a RIB, Kirkenes
Day
8: Ports: Mehamn - Kjøllefjord - Honningsvåg -
Havøysund - Hammerfest - Øksfjord -
Skjervøy - Tromsø
The
polar landscape changes as we sail towards the west and south again.
The great expanses are replaced by steep peaks, and in the evening we
sail into Tromsø. You can go to a midnight concert in the
Arctic Cathedral, or take a stroll in the midnight sun or under the
Northern Lights and explore the nightlife of the city dubbed "The Paris
of the North".
Excursions
- Snowmobile
trip in the polar night, Mehamn
- Breakfast
at the North Cape Plateau, Honningsvåg
- Midnight
concert in the Arctic Cathedral, Tromsø
Day
9: Ports: Finnsnes - Harstad - Risøyhamn - Sortland -
Stokmarknes - Svolvær - Stamsund
We
return to the wild, idyllic Lofoten Islands . Beneath the jagged
mountains lie chalky white sandy beaches and fishing villages with a
vibrant fishing industry and locals using the coastal ships for
everyday trips and transport. If the weather permits, we will enter the
narrow Trollfjord. There is a strong possibility of spotting sea eagles
here.
Excursions
- A
taste of Lofoten, Harstad
- Experience
Lofoten, Svolvær
- Golfing
at Lofoten Links, Svolvær
- Horse
riding in Lofoten, Svolvær
- Meet
the people of Lofoten, Svolvær
- Feast
with the Viking chieftain,Svolvær
- Brewery
visit and beer tasting, Svolvær
- Sea
eagle safari in a RIB, Svolvær
- Sea
Eagle Safari in Trollfjorden, disembarkation from the ship
Day
10: Ports: Bodø - Ørnes - Sandnessjøen
- Brønnøysund - Rørvik
Now
we have come so far south that we're crossing the Arctic Circle and
sailing away from the polar night and the sunlit nights. But you can
still see the Northern Lights in the winter, and it is never completely
dark during the summer nights. Here you sail past a myriad of small
islands, islets and skerries and past the special mountain,
Trollhatten, which has a hole in the middle. If you wish, you can also
go on the trip to the mountain and enter the hole.
Excursions
- Hiking
at Torghatten, Brønnøysund
- The
Norwegian salmon adventure, Brønnøysund
- Experience
the World Heritage listed Vega Islands,
Brønnøysund
Day
11: Ports: Trondheim - Kristiansund - Molde - Ålesund
We
sail through the wide Trondheim fjord that is bounded by rolling
farmland on both sides and return to the coast and the open sea. You
can disembark in Kristiansund and be driven along the Atlantic Ocean
Road, which has been called the world's most beautiful drive. The road
meanders along islets and skerries, and afterwards you can re-embark in
Molde.
Excursions
- Trondheim
and the Nidaros Cathedral
- Experience
the Atlantic Road, Kristiansund
- Atlanterhavsveien
and Bergtatt marble mine, Kristiansund
- The
Atlantic Ocean Road with curvy roads and bridges.
- Ports:
Trondheim - Kristiansund - Molde - Ålesund
Day
12: Ports: Torvik - Måløy - Florø -
Bergen
The
last day of the tour takes you through a diverse coastal landscape of
bare rocky mountains and a maze of sounds and waterways between many
islands. The great fjords and glaciers are situated inland. Bergen
awaits at the end of the voyage. We hope you have many good memories
from your journey along the Norwegian coast with Havila Voyages, and we
look forward to seeing you again.
Excursions
- Norway
in a nutshell, Bergen
- Experience
Bergen by sailboat
- Sea
kayaking in Bergen
Havila Ships (Expedition, 640-guests)
Havila has a fleet of four identical ships - Havila Castor, Havila Capella, Havila Polaris and Havila Pollux. The internal decor of the ships is inspired by the sea, the sky, mountains and glaciers, and the food served are traditional dishes from the local towns and villages along the route. You can view the Northern Lights and the midnight sun while seated in a comfortable lounge chair under the glass roof.
(Click image to view Ship details)
WHAT'S INCLUDED
• Voyage in the cabin category
of your choice
• Full board
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)
• Free Wifi
Food and beverage
• Optional, free upgrade to our
five-course signature dinner-menu in the Hildring fine dining
restaurant (two evenings for round-voyage-travelers or one evening for
North/South voyage-travelers)
• Non-alcoholic beverage package
with a free choice of mineral water, soft drinks, and cold pressed
juices from all serving points on board. You get a total of 30 units
(roundtrip) or 15 units (voyage South/North)
• A rich selection of premium
coffee choices such as Café Latte, Espresso, Cappuccino etc.
from all serving points on board
Services
• Welcome package in your cabin
upon arrival
• Welcome drink and snacks in
the Havblikk Bar & Lounge on deck 9 every day from 16:00
– 18:00
• A 20% discount on all Havila
profile-products in the Havila Shop
• Free serving in your cabin
when using our QR-code for Self-Ordering service
EXCURSIONS
Nidaros
Cathedral
- Bus
tour
- Nidaros
Cathedral is Norway's national shrine and has been a pilgrimage
destination for almost a thousand years. The cathedral was built over
the grave of St Olav, the Viking king who brought Christianity to
Norway. The church has also been used for the coronation of Norwegian
kings and queens right up to the present time. Join a local guide for a
tour around the magnificent building and learn about the history and
legends
Viking
Feast
- Bus
tour
- During
the bus ride from Stamsund to Borg and the Lofotr Viking Museum, you
will be introduced to the Viking Age and learn more about the museum
and how the Vikings lived so that you are prepared for an evening with
the Vikings. For dinner, there will be lamb, vegetables,
barley groats, cranberries, Viking bread, sour cream and butter. Mead,
a Viking drink will be served with the food.
Russian
Border
- Bus
tour
- Although
border crossing is prohibited, the journey includes stops at intriguing
locales. You'll visit Andersgrotta and a memorial monument dedicated to
the Russian army before returning to the Havila Voyages ship. Please
note, Andersgrotta, with its steep stairs and rugged terrain, may be
challenging for those with mobility limitations.
WWII
Museum Svolvaer
- Walking
tour
- Join
Dr. Leiren for a walk to the fascinating Lofoten War memorial museum.
Lofoten War Memorial Museum has Norways larges exhibition of uniforms
and smaller objects from WW2. The museum shows you a balanced picture
from this dramatic period during 1940–1945. The museum has
many rare and never before published pictures from the war.
German
submarine bunkers Trondheim
- Walking
tour
- Dr.
Leiren walks those interested over to the German submarine bunker and
you will learn about the region’s history in the World War
Bergen
tour
- Walking
tour
- Join
us in exploring the versatile exciting city of Bergen to end our
wonderful time together
Enquire about cabin share option.