- Admire the landscapes of Northern Norway, Lofoten, and Vesterålen during the day
- Chances of experiencing the Northern Lights in winter or the Midnight Sun in summer
- Explore the attractions of Arctic towns like Vardø and Hammerfest
Itinerary
Highlights of this short voyage are the spectacular islands and mountains you’ll see in Northern Norway and around the Lofoten and Vesterålen archipelagos, hopefully accompanied by the Arctic’s Northern Lights in winter or 24-hour sunlight in summer. If time and weather allows, the ship may also detour to Trollfjord just before Svolvær.
DAY 1 : Kirkenes
All Aboard!
Your voyage begins in the Arctic in the town of Kirkenes, just a few miles from the Russian border, but further east than St. Petersburg and Istanbul.
You’ll likely notice the area has many influences from Norway’s neighbour; road signs in both Norwegian and Russian, a monthly Russian market, and the WWII Russian Monument.
WWII history
For those interested in history, the Varanger Museum in Kirkenes has exhibits about the town’s ordeal during WWII; bombed a total of 328 times in four years, making it the most bombed place during the war after Malta.
For more insights into this sombre period, visit the Andersgrotta WWII Bomb Shelter which can house up to 2,500 people underground.
Norway’s northern frontier
In the port of Vardø, you’ll find 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 cruise Norway’s coastline to arrive in the small port of Båtsfjord in the evening and then on to Berlevåg. You might be able to make out Mount Tanahorn to the west, or see Kjølnes Lighthouse blinking atop a cliff overlooking the Barents Sea.
DAY 2 : Mehamn - Tromsø
Arctic magic and music
Around midnight we dock at Mehamn with the option to join in winter a snowmobile trip to hunt the Aurora.
North Cape breakfast
We again dock at Honningsvåg, where you can join an excursion that includes eating breakfast at North Cape. The ship continues to Hammerfest, where you can see the UNESCO-listed Meridian Column. You can also join a mini-mountain expedition and learn about local polar hero Adolf Lindstrøm.
We continue south to Øksfjord with a brief stop at the old trading post of Skjervøy.
Midnight adventures
We then dock at Tromsø, just in time to enjoy a midnight concert at the Arctic Cathedral. You can also explore Tromsø under the Midnight Sun by boat in summer. You may want to drop by Ølhallen, a classic pub for a friendly beer.
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The Northernmost Town In The WorldJoin us on a coach tour that explores and explains the events that have shaped Hammerfest, a town at the top of Europe.
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Snowmobile Trip in the Polar NightJoin us on an unforgettable snowmobile tour into the polar night across one of Europe’s most extreme and exciting natural environments.
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Breakfast at the North CapeImagine having breakfast at the top of Europe. You enjoy breakfast and more on this scenic coach tour from the town of Honningsvåg to North Cape, one of the northernmost points in Europe.
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Mountain Hike In HammerfestEnjoy an exhilarating hike up Mount Salen, passing through Hammerfest’s only forest on your way up to the peak for panoramic views.
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Into The Ice: Stories Of A Polar HeroGet outdoors and discover one of the greatest figures in polar history on this excursion from Hammerfest to nearby Mount Salen.
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Midnight Concert in the Arctic CathedralStep into the architecturally impressive modern Arctic Cathedral at midnight for a magical classical concert by candlelight.
DAY 3 : Tromsø – Svolvær
High Peaks and Idyllic Islands
Today, you’ll be exploring the archipelagos of Lofoten and Vesterålen, real highlights of our Norway scenic route.
After Finnsnes early in the morning, the ship calls at Harstad where the white-washed Trondenes Church, the world’s northernmost medieval stone church, sits on the peninsula.
Next is our smallest port of call Risøyhamn and then Sortland where the landscape slowly transforms from hills to 1,000-metre-high mountains.
Our birthplace
Stokmarknes is where Captain Richard With began The Coastal Express in 1893. Visit Hurtigrutemuseet, a ship-in-a-bottle building that chronicles our legacy, centred around retired ship MS Finnmarken from 1956.
A ship-size fjord
Sailing along Raftsund, the Captain may choose to take the ship into tiny Trollfjord. The mountain walls will look so close you’ll think you can reach out and brush them! To exit the fjord, the ship will rotate 180 degrees on the spot, then sail back out. Remember to look out for sea eagles here too.
Last stop in Lofoten
We reach Svolvær in the evening, the last stop on your voyage with us. The huge mountain that sits above the town is named the Svolvær Goat due to its supposed resemblance. See if you agree!
What's included
Included in your voyage
- Cruise with Hurtigruten in an unspecified cabin
Your cabin will be allocated when you check in
Not included in your voyage
- Flights & transfers
- Travel insurance
- Optional excursions
- Luggage handling
Notes
- Prices are per person based on two people travelling together sharing a twin cabin
- Not all cabin 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.
