The second-largest city in Germany is connected to the North Sea by the Elbe River and is one of the greenest urban areas in Europe – boasting large parks, botanical gardens and nature reserves.  Before embarking on your ship, you may want to enjoy a tour on a harbour barge and explore some of the city´s canals.  

Norway has many beautiful cities and Bergen most certainly rates highly amongst them.  Explore the harbour area, fronted by wooden houses dating back as far as the 1300’s. Stroll through the alleyways or take a trip up to Mount Fløyen. The Fløibanen Funicular takes you to the top in just six minutes to enjoy amazing views over the city – which is spectacularly situated between seven mountains and the sea. 

Join the optional City Sightseeing excursion or explore the town on your own. 

Trondheim was founded by the Viking king Olav Tryggvason in 997 and was the capital of Norway for 200 years.  It has a rich cultural life with an international flavour and is said to have the most restaurants and cafes per person in Norway.  There is plenty to take in as you wander through this historic city, taking in the architecture and surroundings which create a beautiful, almost mystical atmosphere.  Take in the Nidaros Cathedral, kayak on the river Nid or explore the beautifully restored wooden buildings of the Bakklandet district – either by foot or on a bicycle ride.

In the heart of Lofoten, the picturesque town of Svolvær is a fishing village where age-old seagoing traditions are still being practiced.  Hike in the mountains here, or join a historical journey to the Lofotr Viking Museum, where you are invited into the chieftain’s house, a full-size reconstruction featuring exhibits of finds dating back to the Viking Age. 

From here, we sail through the Raftsundet Strait while keeping a sharp eye open for white-tailed sea eagles.  We then enter the magnificent Trollfjord, surrounded by mountains that stretch up to 1,200 metres above sea level in a narrow passage that slices deeply and dramatically into heart of the island. Depending on conditions, we navigate carefully far into the fjord to marvel at mountain walls that rise directly out of the sea. This pristine channel is at times so narrow it feels as though you can reach out and touch the side of the fjord.

This is Hurtigruten’s classic turning point for the return journey southwards. Kirkenes lies some 400 km´s north of the Arctic Circle.  Just miles from the Russian border, there are strong bonds and cultural influences from Russia that become obvious as you explore the town. There are many ways to visit the Russian frontier. Travel by bus, enjoy a riverboat safari, or join an action-packed trip on ATV/quad-bikes to the limit of Norway. Kirkenes also boasts several fascinating small museums recounting the remarkably rich history and heritage of this remote region. 

Our final morning brings us to the Gateway to the Arctic – Tromsø - a small city brimming with culture and history as well as being set amongst a magnificent landscape.  It boasts friendly locals, wonderful shopping and restaurants along with the city’s noticeable landmark – the Arctic Cathedral, featuring its enormous stained-glass mosaic.

There’s also the Arctic Aquarium, the world’s northernmost Botanical Garden and the Fjellheisen Cable Car affording breathtaking views across the city, mountains and fjords. Spend some time exploring the city after disembarking.