Kirkenes – Bergen

The Coastal Express – South

Price from

€913

Full board

Departures

Regular departures

Duration

6 days

Ships

MS Nordkapp sailing through the Hjørundfjord
An aerial view of the port town of Hammerfest
A snowmobile excursion under the Midnight Sun in Kirkenes
The distinctive Torghatten mountain is an icon of the Norwegian coast
The Northern Lights over the Hurtigruten Museum in Stokmarknes

The Coastal Express – South

Price from

€913

Voyage overview

Starting from the Arctic town of Kirkenes, you'll journey south from the dramatic landscapes of Northern Norway to views of Senja, one of Norway’s most beautiful islands. We’ll then pass through the jaw-dropping Vesterålen and Lofoten islands, and along the Helgeland Coast with its mountain ranges and maze of islands, before finishing in Bergen.

  • Be treated to some of the best scenery of the Norwegian coast, including Senja, the Vesterålen archipelago, the stunning Lofoten Islands, and the Helgeland Coast

  • Keep on the lookout for whales and a range of Arctic birds, including the white-tailed sea eagle as well as many migratory species

  • The ship may also visit Trollfjord between May and October on this voyage, entering the narrow fjord and performing a 180-degree manoeuvre

  • Join optional hikes and available optional seasonal excursions to enhance your coastal experience

Itinerary

A woman holds up a king crab on a fishing trip in Kirkenes

Day 1

All Aboard!

Kirkenes – right on the border

All Aboard!

Kirkenes – right on the border

Your voyage begins in the Arctic in the town of Kirkenes, just a few miles from the Norwegian border, but further east than St. Petersburg and Istanbul.

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.

Time in port:

The Meridian Arch in Hammerfest marks the northernmost point of the Struve Geodetic Arc

Day 2

From the Top of Europe

Hammerfest

From the Top of Europe

Hammerfest

We make stops at Mehamn and Kjøllefjord during the night before early morning visits to Honningsvåg and Havøysund.

Almost the northernmost

In the early afternoon, you’ll spend time in Hammerfest, which has the largest population on a list of the world’s northernmost settlements.

See the UNESCO-listed Meridian Column, shop for souvenirs at the Polar Bear Society, or take the path behind the town to the viewpoint atop Mount Salen.

Mountains and marine mammals

We continue cruising Norway’s coastline south to Øksfjord and then to Skjervøy, surrounded by mountain peaks. We’ve been docking at this vital fishing port since 1896.

If you’re visiting in winter, you might spot orcas and humpback whales that gather here to feed on herring.

As we make our way to Tromsø, you might also glimpse views of the Lyngen Alps which boast some of the highest peaks in all of Norway.

Midnight magic

We dock at Tromsø just before midnight. In the summer months, you can stroll around the still busy city in glorious 24-hour daylight.

Time in port:

Reflections of red rorbuer in Svolvær, Lofoten's largest settlement

Day 3

High Peaks and Idyllic Islands

Svolvær – at the heart of Lofoten

High Peaks and Idyllic Islands

Svolvær – at the heart of Lofoten

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-sized fjord

Sailing along Raftsund, the Captain may choose to take the ship into tiny Trollfjord if the weather allows. 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.

Leaving Lofoten

We reach Svolvær in the evening. The huge mountain that sits above the town is named the Svolvær Goat due to its supposed resemblance. See if you agree!

The ship then sails for Stamsund, eventually passing the giant granite cliffs of the Lofoten Wall.

Time in port:

Torghatten is a icon of the Norwegian coast

Day 4

A Landscape of Trolls

Brønnøysund – coastal charm right in the middle of Norway

A Landscape of Trolls

Brønnøysund – coastal charm right in the middle of Norway

The ship calls at Bodø in the small hours of the morning and then Ørnes at 7am. We then cross over the Arctic Circle just after breakfast. Commemorate the moment with a tradition of tasting a spoonful of good ol’ Norwegian cod liver oil!

We make a short stop at Nesna before sailing on to Sandnessjøen, gateway to the magnificent Helgeland Coast.

Legend has it…

Admire the stunning landscape of the Seven Sisters mountain range, with peaks up to 1,100m high. The tale goes that seven beautiful troll princesses, fleeing from an unwanted suitor, got caught out as the sun rose, turning them into the seven beautiful mountains you see today.

You’ll also not want to miss views of Torghatten Mountain, with the distinctive hole in it. There is a local legend as to why and how this mountain came to have such a hole. Make sure you ask your Coastal Experience Team about it!

We reach Brønnøysund mid-afternoon. Explore the bustling marina on a walk along Havnegata. In the centre of town is Brønnøy Church: a stone church in the Neo-Gothic style dating back to 1870.

Our last stop of the day is the cosy fishing port of Rørvik in the picturesque Vikna archipelago.

Time in port:

Nidaros Cathedral is one of Trondheim's most famous sights

Day 5

Coastal Communities and Klippfisk

Trondheim – Norway’s capital of technology

Coastal Communities and Klippfisk

Trondheim – Norway’s capital of technology

Spend the morning in Trondheim, then sail past beautiful island scenery and some of Norway’s smallest communities before exploring Kristiansund and Molde.

Capital of the Viking Age

Stroll around Trondheim in the early morning as the city wakes. Visit the sacred Nidaros Cathedral, resting place of St. Olav. Then, walk to Gamle Bybro bridge for a photo opportunity over Nid River.

Treat yourself to quality coffee and a Nordic patisserie in one of the Bakklandet district’s many chic cafés then walk up to Kristiansten Fort for great views of Norway’s third largest city.

Dealing in dried cod

We dock at Kristiansund’s harbour in the late afternoon. The town is spread over three islands and known for being Norway’s “Bacalao Capital” for the salted cod that’s dried on the surrounding cliffs, called klippfisk in Norwegian.

Take a walk around the cobblestone streets of the old town and tour the lively port. You can also head up to the old watchtower at Varden viewpoint for a lovely panorama.

Peaks and petals

The penultimate port of the day is Molde where you can spot the tops of the Romsdal Alps. Nicknamed “The City of Roses”, flowers should be in bloom between mid-June and late August.

Time in port:

Bergen's UNESCO-listed Bryggen quarter

Day 6

Until Next Time

Bergen – gateway to the fjords

Until Next Time

Bergen – gateway to the fjords

Our Norwegian coastal cruise together, at least this time, will reach its end later today. During the previous night, we’ll call at Ålesund and Torvik. On our approach to Måløy, you might catch a glimpse of the northbound Coastal Express if you’re up early enough.

Morning highlights

You’ll have a chance to glimpse Nordfjord, under the enormous Jostedal Glacier, mainland Europe’s largest.

The ship then docks at Florø in the morning where you can take in the harbour and marina.

The home stretch

Leaving Florø, you’ll spot Stabben Lighthouse, a favourite subject for photographers. There’s also stunning views to enjoy as we cross the mouth of Sognefjord, the longest and widest fjord in the whole of Norway.

As we reach our final port in the afternoon, the ship will navigate through the last islands and skerries of our Norway scenic route, and sail down Hjeltefjord to arrive into Bergen.

Explore more of Norway

Sadly, it’s time to say farewell to the Captain, crew, and fellow guests.

But your journey doesn’t have to stop after disembarkation. We offer a Bergen sightseeing tour as well as a range of post-voyage programmes that you can add to your trip, including seeing Sognefjord by train or a tour of Oslo.

Time in port:

6-Day Norwegian Voyage | Kirkenes to Bergen

About your trip

What's included

Cabin guests

Enjoy various included benefits when you choose from our selection of comfortable options: Polar Inside, Polar Outside, and Arctic Superior cabins.

Accommodation on ship

  • Choice of cabin type

  • Comfortable cabin with ensuite bathroom

Food and drink on board

  • Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the ship’s main restaurant Torget

  • Unlimited selection of tea and black filter coffee (1)

Life on board

  • Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the ship and in your cabin (1)

  • Multi-lingual Coastal Experience Team

  • Daily themed lectures

  • Access to Cameralla photo sharing app

Upgrade your voyage with:
  • Wine package (House, Superior, Premium)

  • Priority check-in

  • Welcome basket with sparkling wine

  • Choice of dining time

  • Dinner in fine dining restaurant Kysten

  • Wide range of optional seasonal excursions and guided hikes

(1) Voyages booked in Select Fare

Suite guests

For the best in our Original voyages' onboard comfort, cuisine, service, and beautifully appointed rooms, choose our suite experience.

Accommodation on ship

  • Choice of suite type

  • Fast track, priority check-in

  • Stylish, spacious suite with ensuite bathroom

  • Welcome basket with sparkling wine

Food and drink on board

  • Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the ship’s main restaurant Torget

  • Unlimited selection of tea and black filter coffee

Life on board

  • Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the ship and in your cabin

  • Multi-lingual Coastal Experience Team

  • Daily themed lectures

  • Access to Cameralla photo sharing app

Upgrade your voyage with:
  • Wine package (House, Superior, Premium)

  • Choice of dining time

  • Dinner in fine dining restaurant Kysten

  • Wide range of optional seasonal excursions and guided hikes

What's Not Included

  • Flights and transfers

  • Travel insurance

  • Optional seasonal excursions 

  • Luggage handling

  • Optional hikes with the Coastal Experience Team

Notes

  • Prices are in EUR per person based on two people travelling together sharing a cabin

  • Not all 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

Optional Excursions

Explore your destination even further with our wide range of exciting excursions. The excursion programme presented is an indication of some of the excursions that may be available during your voyage.