Itinerary

West Fjords to the Viking Capital

On The Coastal Express

Day by day

Day 1

Bergen

Welcome Aboard!

Your voyage starts in Bergen, Norway’s second-largest city and a gateway to the fjords. Founded in 1070 A.D., Bergen boasts architecture influenced by the prosperous 14th-century German trading organization, the Hanseatic League. If you have time before your ship departs, visit the UNESCO-listed wharfs in the colorful Bryggen district, now a neighborhood with artisan’s shops, complete with cobblestone streets. Just across the street is the famous fish market, which serves delicious seafood. The Fløibanen funicular can also take you up to the top of Mount Fløyen for views of the city. Your voyage begins Before boarding, relax in our comfortable guest lounge at the terminal. Once aboard, enjoy the first of many delicious meals made from fresh coastal produce as we depart Bergen and sail the old Viking route along the Hjeltefjord. You’ll also meet your ship’s Expedition Team, who will be your guides as we sail Norway’s coastline. They’ll organize lectures, onboard activities, and optional hikes.

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Day 2

Ålesund

Iconic Architecture and Fantastic Fjords

Enjoy early morning in the Nordfjord, near Torvik. Then we’ll sail past the West Cape for our approach to Ålesund. Art Nouveau city Ålesund is renowned for its beautiful Art Nouveau architecture and Atlanterhavsparken, one of northern Europe’s largest saltwater aquariums. If you’re traveling with us in spring or winter, you’ll have most of the day to explore this picturesque town. Into the fjords In the summer, from June to August, we set course for UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord*. This is a protected and preserved piece of paradise with towering mountain cliffs and waterfalls like the famous Seven Sisters cascading into the fjord. *Note: Geirangerfjord is replaced by Hjørundfjord for the following sailings: 2024: 16th June, 27th June, 8th July, 19th July, 30th July, 10th August, 21st August 2025: 1st June, 12th June, 23rd June, 4th July, 15th July, 26th July, 6th August, 17th August, 28th August In spring, from April to May*, and in fall, from September to October, your ship will sail to Hjørundfjord, hidden away in the Sunnmøre Alps. There’ll also be a call at the scenic village of Urke to gaze at the view of thousand-year-old farms, the fjord, and the lush mountainsides. *Only on voyages departing in 2025-26.  Mountains and roses The last port of the day is Molde. In summer, there might just enough daylight to see the amazing view of the 222 mountain peaks across the fjord, called the ‘Molde Panorama’. And from mid-June to late August, the streets and gardens are adorned with roses of all shades and scents, all solidify Molde’s nickname as the ‘City of Roses’.

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Day 3

Trondheim

City of Kings and Palaces

We arrive at Trondheim just after breakfast. Your voyage with us concludes here. If you’ve got some time before your onward journey, you might like to explore the city’s sights. Founded by Viking king Olav Tryggvason in 997, Trondheim today is Norway’s third-largest city and a mix of historic buildings and a vibrant student population. A must-see site of the city is Nidaros Cathedral, nicknamed “Norway’s Notre Dame” for its Gothic style and considered the most sacred building in all of Norway. Next door to the cathedral is the Archbishop’s Palace where Norway’s crown jewels are on display. Nearby, the old city bridge Gamle Bybro sits over Nid River, marking the entrance to the old Hanseatic district of Bakklandet. The neighborhood’s colorful wooden wharves propped up on stilts by the river’s edge now house a variety of eateries. Up from Bakklandet is Kristiansten Fort which offers beautiful panoramas of the city and fjord.

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