Norway - The Voyage

Kirkenes to Bergen

Coastal Cruising | 5 Nights

Norway Travel - A 6 Day Journey of Discovery

Top▲Highlights

Your Norwegian cruise's 12 day journey begins in Bergen, the center of Norway's vibrant commercial trade. Today Bergen is a central point of all Norway travel, known as the "Gateway to the Fjords." It is indeed the natural starting point for exploring the breathtaking fjords of western Norway. Bergen is a harbor town established by the Viking King Olav more than nine hundred years ago. It has quickly become a favorite destination for all those on a Norway travel adventure and the perfect place for your Hurtigruten Norwegian cruise to begin.

Bergen is a center of commerce and culture, yet it has retained a great deal of its local character and rich history. As you walk the wharf you will notice buildings with seaward-facing gables dating back to the fourteenth century! Be sure to talk to the locals and get a real taste of this unique culture.

From Bergen you will sail north to Kirkenes, an arctic outpost near the Russian border. During this Norwegian cruise you will stop at 34 uniquely picturesque ports all with their own charming characteristics. The ship then turns around, and your Norway travel adventure continues as you sail south, back to Bergen. She'll call on the same ports, but those visited during the day on the northbound voyage will now be visited during the night on the southbound voyage, and vice versa. For passengers who seek to immerse themselves in the landscape and culture of Norway, this roundtrip voyage is a compelling choice.

Passengers with less time may choose to experience the cruise itinerary of a one-way voyage: the seven-day northbound journey embarking in Bergen and ending in Kirkenes, or the six-day southbound return from Kirkenes to Bergen.

Regardless of your trip's length, you are guaranteed days filled with majestic scenery-spectacular fjords, snow-capped mountains, and an astonishing variety of flora and fauna. Make sure to pack your camera and binoculars for this, "The World's Most Beautiful Voyage."

Welcome aboard!

Top▲Itinerary

NOTE: All itineraries on the website are constantly being updated. This itinerary may not be the most current, so please check with one of the Specialty Cruise Advisors on the left to ensure that this is the most current one.

Top▲Dates & Prices

Seasonality

January to December

Pricing is valid for North American residents only.

Rates are per person in U.S. dollars and include three meals daily, taxes, and port charges.
Rates do not include fuel surcharges of $70.

This example may be available on other dates or with different itineraries. We will gladly research other options for you! Special savings may be available for groups of 6 or more. Prices shown are per person, based on double occupancy, for standard and/or inside stateroom unless stated otherwise, are capacity controlled and are subject to availability. Fare is shown in US dollars unless otherwise stated. Government Fees and Taxes are additional. Refer to appropriate supplier brochure for terms and conditions. Pricing for Singles, 3rd, 4th or 5th guests if available, will be provided upon request and is subject to stateroom category availability. Unless specified, airfare is not included. Full details of airfare offers will be provided upon request and may vary by departure location. Prices vary by date of travel, were available when written, but are subject to restrictions and availability when booked, and may be withdrawn at any time. Offer not combinable with other promotions or discount offers. FST #ST37451 / CST #2092247-50 / WST #602-708-936

Top▲What's Included

Top▲Optional Add-ons

Shore Excursions and Activities (Optional)   Show All Details    Hide All Details

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  Shore Excursion or Activity: A Taste of Vesterlen (Harstad to Sortland)

  $97 (US Dollar)

  Year-round, 4 ¼ hours
  Code: 9A

  Harstad to Sortland is one of the real classics in Hurtigruten's excursion program and by taking part in this tour you will quickly understand why our guests are so enthused by this eventful outing. Not only will you experience history, but also stunningly beautiful scenery and a selection of breathtaking sights. Your shore excursion begins with a short sightseeing tour through the streets of Harstad, before moving on to the Trondeneshalvoya Peninsula, just about a mile or so outside the town. Here you will visit the white medieval church Trondenes Kirke, which as well as containing several art treasures, is also one of the premier cultural heritage sites from the late Middle Ages (short ecumenical worship services are often held for our guests here).Visitors are truly on historic ground and in Trondenes Historical Centre, next door to the church, you'll find an exciting exhibition complete with sounds, smells and original objects from the region throughout history; from the Viking and Middle Ages, to the present day. The bus then goes across Hinnoya Island, where you'll enjoy a view of beautiful fjords, steep mountains and large fertile agricultural areas. Moving on, you will cross the Gullesfjord by ferry, while enjoying a hot drink and some freshly baked cakes. You will continue touring along the Sigerfjord and into Sortland, the centre of the idyllic group of islands called Vesteralen. It's here that you again board your cruise ship.This excursion is a beautiful experience in all seasons; idyllic in the summer, but just as picture perfect in winter.

  PRACTICAL INFORMATION
  Transportation: Bus, ferry
  Food Included: Coffee/tea and cakes
  Level: 1

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  Shore Excursion or Activity: Bergen City Sightseeing

  $45 (US Dollar)

  Year-round, 2 hours, $45 per person
  Code: 12A

  Bergen is an international city with small town charm, surrounded by seven imposing mountains. Enjoy a guided tour past picturesque alleys and well known locations such as Nordnes Peninsula, Hakon's Hall and the Rosenkrantz Tower, Maria Church, Bergen harbour and the famous fish market. In addition to seeing all this, your well informed guides will take you on a short walk through the old buildings at Bryggen, which is on UNESCO's world heritage list. During this trip you will receive a good insight into the city's history and development, from its founding in 1070, right up to the present day.

  PRACTICAL INFORMATION
  Transportation: Bus
  Dress: Comfortable shoes
  Note: The tour ends at city hotels or at the train station. Only sold on board
  Level: 2

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  Shore Excursion or Activity: Breakfast at North Cape (Honningsvåg- Hammerfest)

  $184 (US Dollar)

  May 8 - Oct 7, 6 hours
  Code: 8A

  On this shore excursion you can experience the immense North Cape, together with large parts of West Finnmark. The North Cape plateau stretches over 1,000 feet above the churning Arctic Ocean and the special experience of witnessing it is well worth waking up early for. Here, at the very top of Europe, you will enjoy a hearty breakfast and see Ivo Caprino's impressive wide-screen film of life in the North Cape region through the four seasons. On your return you will make a short stop to visit a Sámi family. From Honningsvåg, drive through an underwater tunnel that connects the town with the mainland. The bus will then travel south along the majestic Porsangerfjord before heading back towards the coast to Hammerfest - a place that has undergone a dramatic change since it became the host municipality of the high-tech Snohvit offshore gas field project. It is here, in the world's northernmost town, that you re-join your Hurtigruten cruise ship.

  PRACTICAL INFORMATION
  Transportation: Bus
  Food Included: Breakfast
  Dress: Comfortable shoes
  Level: 1

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  Shore Excursion or Activity: Lofotr Viking Feast

  $139 (US Dollar)

  Jan 1 - April 15, Oct 15 - Dec 31, 3 hours
  Code: 4E

  Visit the Lofotr Viking Museum, where the largest Viking building ever found has been recreated. The original Chieftain's house was established in about 500 AD and was inhabited until around 900 AD. The rebuilt version exhibits original finds from the Viking age. The Chieftain and the Lady of the house want nothing more than to give you an unforgettable night as they invite you to join in on a real Viking feast in the banquet hall. Experience the magic and excitement of such an occasion as they make sacrifices to the Gods, hoping that the sun will turn to avoid Armageddon. After the Viking feast served with home-brewed mead, you travel by bus to Svolvær, where you will re-join your cruise ship.

  PRACTICAL INFORMATION
  Transportation: Bus
  Food Included: Dinner, mead
  Dress: Comfortable shoes, warm clothing
  Note: This shore excursion is available on both north and southbound sailings
  Level: 1

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  Shore Excursion or Activity: Midnight Concert (Tromsø)

  $72 (US Dollar)

  April 22 - Sept 30, 1 ¼ hours
  Code: 8C

  With its exquisite mosaic glass window, there is perhaps no more beautiful way to experience the Arctic Cathedral than by attending a midnight concert. As the candle lights flicker, this elegant church is filled with the sounds of the most beautiful Norwegian folk songs, as well as some wonderfully powerful classical and sacred selections. The Arctic Cathedral enjoys fantastic acoustics and is guaranteed to provide you with an incredible musical experience. All in all, it's a moving and perfect way to end the day!

  PRACTICAL INFORMATION
  Transportation: Bus
  Note: No filming or photography is permitted during the concert. The duration of the concert is approximately 45 minutes. The program may vary. There is no guide on the bus.
  Level: 1

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  Shore Excursion or Activity: Sami Experience (Hammerfest)

  $66 (US Dollar)

  June 20 - Aug 15, 1 ½ hours
  Code: 8D

  Salen, the "town mountain" in Hammerfest, is not just a fantastic viewpoint, but also a splendid place to become much more acquainted with Sámi history and culture - experiencing a Sámi Goahti (turf hut) called Mikkelgammen. Here you will be taken on a journey into the world of the Sámi and gain some insight into their historic and exciting culture. The turf hut is built the traditional Sámi way and by the warm fire you will be served a range of typical Sámi delicacies - including reindeer meat, smoked fish and cloud berries. You will be entertained with "Joik" (a traditional form of chanting) and fabled stories, and have the opportunity to buy some Sámi crafts. Interested in learning a little more about these genuinely fascinating people? Then welcome - or as the Sámi say: Bures boahtin!

  PRACTICAL INFORMATION
  Transportation: Bus
  Food Included: Taste of reindeer meat, salmon and cloud berries
  Note: There is no guide on the bus
  Level: 1

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  Shore Excursion or Activity: Sea Eagle Safari (Svolvær)

  $118 (US Dollar)

  April 1 - Sept 15, 2 hours
  Code: 9C

  Just north of Trollfjorden is the sea eagle's realm and it is here that a smaller vessel lies ready to take you out to see the king of the birds close up. First you will follow the Hurtigruten ship into the Trollfjord where it turns around in the narrow fjord, a magnificent sight! The eagle safari begins when you leave Trollfjorden, starting with the gulls, as they dive for fish right from your hand. Have your camera ready, as the eagles become curious! You then pass through a narrow sound flanked by a range of steep mountains - this is where the sea eagles dwell and soon enough they come flying in to get a share of the banquet. These beautiful, rare birds of prey circle the boat a few times, with wings outstretched, before we throw fish into the sea for them to dive in and collect. It's all so close, so wild and so rare that some people forget to take pictures, but if you're lucky, you may observe several majestic birds circling the boat, so it's worth capturing the moment! From here you head for Svolvaer and re-join your cruise friends. to share this memorable experience of seeing the king of the birds up close and in his natural habitat. Two hours that will stay with you long after you return home.

  PRACTICAL INFORMATION
  Transportation: Boat
  Food Included: Coffee, biscuits and a taste of stockfish
  Dress: Comfortable shoes, warm clothing
  Note: Hurtigruten ships sail into the Trollfjord from the end of April depending on snow/ice conditions. Life vests are provided. The excursion may be combined with Lofoten excursion.
  Level: 2

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  Shore Excursion or Activity: Sverresborg Trondelag Folk Museum (Trondheim)

  $56 (US Dollar)

  May 1 - Sept 30, 2 hours
  Code: 11B

  Sverresborg Trondelag Folk Museum is one of Norway's largest open-air museums. This shore excursion includes a visit to the museum and a walk around the ruins of the medieval castle, Sion, which was built by King Sverre in 1182-83. This is where you will find Norway's northernmost stave church, with the new visitors centre featuring a modern heritage exhibition that presents life in the region around the 1900s. It is here where you begin a journey through history at Haltdalen stave church, built back in 1170 when Norway was a Catholic country. Haltdalen is a plain but immensely beautiful church featuring a single lit candle sitting on the elegant stone altar. You'll learn about the history of the church and get an insight into the experience medieval worshippers would have had when visiting. The trip continues past the ruins of the medieval castle, with its panoramic views across Trondheim's Fjord and onto a working farm. You'll experience the daily life of farm workers, exploring the barn, pantry, boiler house and smithy, and visiting the farmer's parlor. Continue onto the Old Town, which features buildings that used to stand in the very center of Trondheim. Finally, enter the visitors centre, and the 'Life Pictures' exhibition, which illustrates life in the region over the last 150 years based on the four phases of life: childhood, adolescence, adulthood and old age. The museum shop is also well worth a visit.

  PRACTICAL INFORMATION
  Transportation: Bus
  Food Included: Tasting of local cake specialties
  Dress: Comfortable shoes, Warm clothing
  Note: This excursion includes some steep hills and walking between attractions. The excursion is available on both north and southbound sailings. There is no guide on the bus.
  Level: 2

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  Shore Excursion or Activity: The Atlantic Road

  $139 (US Dollar)

  May 1 - Sept 15*, 4 ½ hours
  Code: 11C

  Five miles long, built on a total of eight bridges and surrounded by picturesque landscape, The Atlantic Road is one of Norway's most visited tourist destinations and is the winner of the "Engineering Feat of the Century" prize in 2005. Your shore excursion begins with a short city sightseeing trip in the clip fish town of Kristiansund, before you take the ferry over to Bremsnes. You will visit Kvernes Stave Church, which is believed to have been built in the first part of the 13th century. The church, which is a one-nave stave church of the "More-type", is beautifully located on Averoy and is brimming with stunning ornamental artifacts. You will continue into t the "Bjarmars Favorittkro" tavern, where you will enjoy the speciality of the house: Bacalao made from local ingredients served with fresh bread. Finish with a scrumptious caramel pudding and a cup of coffee or tea, before you continue along the Atlantic Road. Finish your excursion in Molde with a short sightseeing tour of the city that famous Norwegian writer Henrik Ibsen called "The town of flowers," but is today known locally as "the city of roses."

  PRACTICAL INFORMATION
  Transportation: Bus, ferry
  Food Included: Bacalao, bread, caramel pudding, coffee/tea
  Dress: Comfortable shoes, warm clothing
  *Note: Not available on the 17th of May
  Level: 1

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  Shore Excursion or Activity: The Northernmost Town in the World, Hammerfest

  $44 (US Dollar)

  June 1 - Sept 15, 1 hour
  Code: 8B

  Established in 1789, Hammerfest is the northernmost town in the world. On arrival here, the bus takes you to the Meridian monument, which is on the UNESCO list of World Heritage sites and features a column that symbolizes the first official measurement of the exact size and shape of the Earth. From here you have a spectacular view of Melkoya and the Snohvit field (LNG). The town of Hammerfest has a long, eventful history. Back in 1891 it was the first town in northern Europe to get electric street lighting produced purely from water power. As you head up to the mountain Salen you will learn more about Hammerfest's unique history, while also getting an insight into both Sámi history and culture and Europe's first LNG factory (Liquid Natural Gas). Once at Salen, experience great views over the town and your awaiting cruise ship. Before returning to the quay, you will drive past the always-popular town church, featuring rare architecture inspired by fish flakes.

  PRACTICAL INFORMATION
  Transportation: Bus
  Dress: Warm clothing, warm shoes
  Level: 1

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  Shore Excursion or Activity: Trondheim with Nidaros Cathedral (Trondheim)

  $62 (US Dollar)

  Year-round, 2 hours
  Code: 11A

  Norway's original capital, Trondheim was founded as early as 997 by the Viking King Olav Tryggvason, who gave the town the name Nidaros. Trondheim is a large city by Norwegian standards, though it has still managed to preserve many of the charm and intimacy of a small town. It is also a town full of contrasts, with monastery ruins, impressive wooden buildings, colorful wharfs and a beautiful red-painted city bridge dating back to 1861. Trondheim is home to a world famous research and educational community, modern sports facilities, a lively night life and countless more besides. You will hear all about the city's many features as the bus takes you on a voyage of discovery through the Trondheim's streets and boroughs, including a short stop at "Utsikten" ("The View") to admire the city from up high. As no sightseeing trip to Trondheim is complete without visiting one of its premier cultural treasures, your shore excursion will include a tour ofthe impressive Nidaros Cathedral. Built over the burial place of St. Olav, the patron saint of Norway, the construction of this enormous building, with its countless details and decorations, began as early as 1070. Thanks to a compelling guided tour around the Gothic-style cathedral, you will soon understand why many describe it as the most beautiful church in Norway.

  PRACTICAL INFORMATION
  Transportation: Bus
  Dress: Comfortable shoes
  Note: Photography is not allowed inside Nidaros Cathedral. The excursion is available on both north and southbound sailings
  Level: 1

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  Shore Excursion or Activity: Unesco Islands Vega (Sandnessjoen-Bronnoysund)

  $220 (US Dollar)

  July 1 - Sept 15
  4 hours
  Code: 10B

  The Vega Archipelago was inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List in 2004, a status gained largely due to the unique interaction between the eider ducks and the islanders. Your tour around these islands will soon give you an insight into life in these small villages, as we travel by boat from Sandnessjoen, through the island kingdom of Vesteroyan, where we pass a selection of small dwellings on the way to the fishing village of Nes, situated on the main island Vega. Here, we make a stop to visit the "E-house," a museum and documentation center for eider ducks, where we learn about the tradition of keeping eider ducks as domestic pets. We will get to experience the landscape of the eider ducks, with their exciting and colorful nest- architecture, and also gain more knowledge about the historical background of the tradition, and how the eider down is cleaned and made into quilts. At Nes, there is also a café and a World Heritage exhibit, all situated within a well kept architectural environment that acts as the perfect setting to learn about the exciting history of the eider ducks. From here we return through the Vega Archipelago to Bronnoysund, where we embark Hurtigruten.

  PRACTICAL INFORMATION
  Note: Short, but steep stairs at the E-house museum.
  Level: 2

Top▲Vessel Information

Nordlys

Small Cruise Ship (Boutique) | 482 Passengers | Operated by Hurtigruten,

It's only natural that art, decor, and colors inspired by the Northern Lights ("Nordlys") should characterize this ship. The woodwork, brass fittings, and textiles help make the public areas comfortable and elegant. Throughout the ship you'll find works by artists with roots in coastal Norway.

View the complete vessel profile

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