The Arctic Circle and Norway’s Capital: Tromsø to Oslo Voyage (2024)
The Arctic Circle and Norway’s Capital: Tromsø to Oslo Voyage (2024)
- Sail the Norwegian coast, one of the world’s longest coastlines, from Tromsø, above the Arctic Circle, down to capital city Oslo
- Come aboard exceptionally designed MS Trollfjord, freshly refurbished in 2023 with the finest materials and ship craftsmanship
- Learn about local communities all along the coast, across a range of latitudes, and join a range of exciting optional seasonal excursions
- Choose to sail in autumn, winter, or spring and experience warmer climate in the south to snow-covered mountains and maybe even the Northern Lights in the Arctic
Itinerary
Join the North Cape Express in the beautiful city of Tromsø for an unforgettable autumn, winter, or spring voyage. See the stunning beauty of the Norwegian coast from Tromsø, above the Arctic Circle, to the southernmost point in Lindesnes, before reaching Norway’s cool capital, Oslo.
DAY 1 : Tromsø
The gateway to the Arctic
Your Nordic adventure begins in the Arctic Capital, Tromsø. Often called the “gateway to the Arctic”, Tromsø is buzzing with everything from trendy restaurants and cafés to boutique shops selling local crafts and produce.
Sitting around 217 miles north of the Arctic Circle, the city usually has a blanket of snow in the spring and winter, giving the surrounding landscapes the look and feel of a winter wonderland that reflects the Northern Lights whenever they appear.
Once we’ve welcomed you aboard MS Trollfjord and you’ve settled into your cabin or suite, you’ll meet your Coastal Experience Team. You’ll get to know each member of the team well as they give lectures and organise onboard activities for you throughout your voyage.
DAY 2 : Stokmarknes and Svolvær
Lofoten islands and our historic birthplace
After enjoying your first night on the ship, we’ll arrive at Lofoten, a striking group of islands that rise out of the Norwegian Sea. As soon as you see the towering peaks around you with fishing villages clinging to their sides, you’ll understand why this island chain is so often praised as one of Norway’s most stunning locations.
We can’t visit the area without spending some time in Stokmarknes. This historic town is part of Vesterålen, an archipelago just northeast of Lofoten. Of all the places we visit, this one is particularly special to us. It was here that the Original Coastal Express was founded in 1893 by shipping pioneer Richard With.
The Coastal Express soon became a lifeline for Norway’s remote coastal communities, and fittingly, our legacy has been immortalised in the place where it all began. Standing on the waterfront, you’ll find our 1956 ship MS Finnmarken, encased in a glass building like a ship in a bottle.
This is Hurtigrutemuseet, the museum that chronicles our history as Norway’s leading expedition cruise line from start to now. On a guided tour, you can explore the retired vessel and experience the atmosphere of a past era.
We’ll dock in the town of Svolvær in the afternoon. Located on the island of Austvågøya in the heart of Lofoten, Svolvær is the biggest town of the archipelago, humming with shops, restaurants, galleries, and cafés to enjoy. You can also admire views of the Svolvær Goat, a nearby mountain named for resembling a goat and its horns.
A variety of optional excursions are available from Svolvær, including winter fishing, paddling along the coastline in a kayak, or embarking on a bus tour to learn more about Lofoten’s history.
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Best of Vesterålen Winter - History, Arts & Culture TourExperience breathtaking views, rich culture and coastal heritage on a bus tour of the stunning Vesterålen archipelago.
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Lofoten Winter - Art, History, and HenningsværGet to know Lofoten’s history, admire timeless art in SKREI, and soak up the fishing village atmosphere of Henningsvær.
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Kayaking in Lofoten - WinterTake to the water and see Svolvær’s coastline from a different perspective as you follow a local guide and paddle aboard your own two-person kayak.
DAY 3 : Brønnøysund
Distinctive Nordic nature
Surrounded by islands and water, Brønnøysund sits on a narrow peninsula that juts out of the mainland. Around 5,000 people live in this small town, many in colourful houses against a backdrop of gentle slopes and dramatic mountain peaks.
Enjoy the bustling atmosphere of the harbour and take a walk along Havnegata. Drop into one of the pubs for a snack, or treat yourself to a meal in a local restaurant. Wander the visitors’ marina, or visit an 1870 Neo-Gothic stone church.
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.
On an island south of Brønnøysund, you’ll find Torghatten mountain, recognisable by a natural tunnel that runs through the centre. According to local lore, the hole is the result of a troll who fired an arrow at a young woman who had rejected his advances. As the Troll King threw his hat to protect her, the sun began to rise, turning the hat to stone with a hole in the middle from the arrow.
On an optional excursion, you can take an hour’s walk up to the hole in the mountain. Peer through the tunnel and enjoy the view of the islands around.
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Legends of Torghatten and Brønnøysund by Bus - WinterSee Brønnøysund’s sights by bus then follow in the footsteps of trolls to a mythologised mountain with a hole right through it.
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Winter’s Walk and Mini-Concert in BrønnøysundDiscover Brønnøysund’s fascinating history, geology and musical talent on this guided winter walk through the town’s highlights.
DAY 4 : Ålesund
A picturesque town
After a hearty breakfast on the ship, we’ll dock mid-morning at Ålesund, a town that spreads out across a string of islands.
As we approach the shore, you might first notice the distinctive style of architecture. Every detail of the buildings, from the bright colours to the rounded spires, was inspired by the Art Nouveau style, which was popular in the early 1900s. Almost the entire town received a makeover in the style when it was rebuilt after a major fire in 1904.
As you leave the waterfront, you’ll find yourself in a fairy-tale town, wandering narrow streets lined with unique houses. If your camera’s memory card isn’t already full after this, you can get impressive photos of the archipelago from the nearby Mount Aksla viewpoint. The 418 steps leading there might look intimidating, but the views are well worth the effort.
You can also visit the Atlantic Sea Park, Norway’s first marine science centre. This is one of Northern Europe’s largest saltwater aquariums, providing a home to seals, otters, and crabs, as well as many other kinds of marine life. You can even see Humboldt Penguins here, a species otherwise absent north of the equator.
Optional activities may include a fjord tour of either Geirangerfjord or Hjørundfjord. If weather allows, kayaking may even be an option. Imagine gliding across the surface of the fjord, skimming your hand over the pristine water as marine life swims in the depths below you.
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Saga Islands Bus Tour to Alnes - WinterJoin this bus tour to experience two islands, one lighthouse and countless tales of the Vikings. The scenery is impressive too!
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Architecture & Breweries - Ålesund on FootExplore Ålesund’s remarkable Art Nouveau architecture then taste some of the best small-brewery beer from the local area.
DAY 5 : Hardangerfjord & Haugesund
Viking history
Journeying south along Norway’s west coast, we sail past some of Norway’s most famous fjords, none more so than Hardangerfjord.
At 179 kilometres in length, it is the second longest fjord in the country, and fifth longest in the world.
The stunning waterway is one of Norway’s finest. See mountain scenery everywhere you look, with the white peaks that tower over the fjord being reflected in the shimmering water below.
The region is famous for its apple products, from jams and juice to its award-winning cider, which one food writer described as ‘Nordic Champagne’.
We’ll reach Haugesund, the ‘Home of the Viking Kings’ in the afternoon. The nickname is inspired by sites such as St. Olav’s Church, built in 1250 by King Håkon Hå. There’s also Haraldshaugen, a national monument reputed to be the first king’s burial site.
Why not step back in time to the Viking Age at Nordvegen Visiting Centre which features exhibitions presented by a fictional Harald Fairhair himself?
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Viking Adventure by RIBGet a unique perspective on Norway’s Viking history as you whoosh along the beautiful, narrow strait that gave Norway its name.
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Haugesund Art Walk with a Local ArtistGlassblowing, architecture and Marilyn Monroe – there’s more to this art walk through picturesque Haugesund than you might expect!
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E-Bike the Coast of HaugesundLet the e-bike take the strain as you roll through the beautiful nature and rich history of the homeland of the Viking kings.
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Haugesund Viking Tour by BusImmerse yourself in the rich Viking heritage and coastal culture of Avaldsnes, Norway’s oldest royal seat.
DAY 6 : Kristiansand
The city of lighthouses
Sitting along the southern tip of the country, Kristiansand is Norway’s fifth largest city. We aim to be alongside from mid morning to early afternoon, giving you plenty of time to explore.
As you walk around Kristiansand, you might notice that the city is built on a very uniform grid plan, with several straight roads running from the harbour all the way through the city. These roads are lined with architecture from different eras, evidence of the extensive rebuilds the city had to go through after major fires in the 18th and 19th centuries-, and a World War II attack.
Kristiansand is on a mission to become the most sustainable port in Europe. Find out more about this admirable quest on an optional excursion that includes a visit to Odderøya Island. Here, you can see beautiful views of the ocean and city and visit 18th-century military barracks transformed into creative artist studios that run several sustainable initiatives.
Kristiansand’s 20th-century military past is the focus of an optional excursion to Batterie Vara. Originally built as a German fort in World War II, it features the world’s second largest cannon ever to be mounted on land.
Another optional excursion takes you to the working Lindesnes Lighthouse, which marks Norway’s southernmost point. See the beacon that has been guiding seafarers to safety on dark nights since the early 20th century, and learn about the long history of the site that goes all the way back to 1656.
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Norwegian Christmas at Skraastad FarmHow do Norwegians celebrate Christmas? This tour will answer that question, and many more you might have about Norwegian culture and local traditions.
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Kristiansand WWII History TourStep into the past as you learn about southern Norway’s WWII history on a tour of Kristiansand’s historical sites.
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Highlights of the South Coast & South CapeJoin our guide on an overland exploration of southern Norway. Admire varied Nordic scenery, taste exquisite wine, and have lunch at Norway’s southernmost point.
DAY 7 : Oslo
Journey’s end
This journey has taken you from Tromsø in the far north, all the way down to the south. Reflect on your journey as you watch our approach to our last port of call, Oslo, in the early morning.
You’ve sailed on The North Cape Express, exploring Norway’s coastal landscapes, cities, and villages. During the journey, you’ll have experienced Norway’s varied climate, seen majestic mountains and fjords, and maybe gazed up in awe at the Northern Lights once or several times.
We hope you’ll cherish each of the memories of The North Cape Express that you’ll take home with you. Come sail with us again soon on another iconic voyage of our spectacular home: the Norwegian coast.
What’s included
Cabin guests
Enjoy an impressive range of included benefits when you choose from our selection of comfortable accommodation options: Polar Inside, Polar Outside and Arctic Superior cabins.
Cabin on the ship
- Accommodation in a comfortable cabin with ensuite bathroom
- Choice of preferred cabin type
Take a look at the cabins on MS Trollfjord
Food and drink on board
- Full board with all-day dining in Flora and Árran
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Unlimited select beer, wine, and spirits at Flora, Árran, and the 1893 Bar, served during restaurant and bar opening hours (excluding breakfast)
- Unlimited all-day mineral water, tea, and coffee
- Afternoon snack in the 1893 Bar
- Culinary demonstrations and food tastings
Read more about your food and drink experience
Life on board
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
- Multi-lingual Coastal Experience Team
- Dedicated onboard photographer
- Daily themed lectures, photography guidance, arts and crafts
- Access to fitness room and sauna
- Library with a selection of books and magazines
- Selection of equipment for outdoor activities, photography equipment, and binoculars available to rent
Learn more about life on board MS Trollfjord
Suite guests
For the premium onboard affair, quartered in beautifully appointed luxury accommodations, the Expedition Suite experience is the choice for you.
Suite on the ship
- Accommodation in a stylish, spacious suite with ensuite bathroom
- Choice of preferred cabin type
- Unlimited minibar (refilled twice a day)
- Daily turn-down service
Take a look at the suites on MS Trollfjord
Food and drink on board
- Full board with all-day dining at Flora, Arran and fine-dining à la carte restaurant Røst
- Unlimited select beer, wine, soft drinks, and spirits at Flora, Árran, and the 1893 Bar, served during restaurant and bar opening hours (excluding breakfast)
- Premium drinks package at Røst, including a selection of beer, wine, soft drinks, and select spirits
- Complimentary after-dinner cocktail
- Unlimited all-day mineral water, tea, and coffee
- Choice of restaurant dining times
- Exclusive Røst Afternoon Tea with sparkling wine
- Exclusive dinner with the ship’s senior officers
- Culinary demonstrations and food tastings
Read more about your food and drink experience
Life on board
- Fast-track priority check-in including exclusive Espolin Johnson lounge access
- Hurtigruten Collection clothing package including shell jacket, sweater and wool hat
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
- Multi-lingual Coastal Experience Team
- Dedicated onboard photographer
- Daily themed lectures, photography guidance, arts and crafts activities
- Access to fitness room and sauna
- Library with a selection of books and magazines
- Selection of equipment for outdoor activities, photography equipment, and binoculars available to rent
Learn more about life on board MS Trollfjord