Svolvær - Tromsø - Honningsvåg - Kirkenes

Lofoten to the Norwegian Border

On The Coastal Express

Price from

€449

No meals included

Departures

Regular departures

Duration

4 days

Ships

Sunrise at the Globe Monument on the North Cape
The iconic Svolværgeita - two rock formations shaped like goat horns - looms over Svolvær
A snowmobile excursion under the Midnight Sun in Kirkenes
The Northern Lights over Tromsø
While sailing between Kjøllefjord and Mehamn, the dramatic cathedral-shaped sea cliff known as Finnkirka rises into view

Lofoten to the Norwegian Border

Price from

€449

Voyage overview

Join us from the heart of Lofoten to the town that lies on the Norwegian border. You’ll see lots of beautiful natural scenery, small fishing communities, visit Tromsø and enjoy your time and the comforts on board. Along the way, you can go to talks and take part in activities with our Coastal Experience Team.

  • Admire the rugged Arctic landscapes of Northern Norway

  • Chances of experiencing the Northern Lights in winter or the Midnight Sun in summer

  • Explore the beautiful city of Tromsø, known as the capital of the Arctic

Itinerary

The day-by-day programme will give you some ideas about what you can see during your voyage, but bear in mind that this itinerary is just an indication. After all, this is a sailing where the elements rule and weather conditions might vary.

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

Day 1

At the heart of Lofoten

Svolvær – at the heart of Lofoten

At the heart of Lofoten

Svolvær – at the heart of Lofoten

Welcome to Norway and what is arguably its most scenic archipelago. You’ll board your ship in the evening, giving you plenty of time to explore Svolvær if you arrive here earlier in the day.

This enchanting town is nestled in a picturesque location between the mountains and the sea, overlooked by Svolværgeita, or Svolvær Goat Mountain, with its two characteristic ‘horns’.

No wonder then that Svolvær is a place of inspiration for artists and photographers who feature their work in art galleries and the North Norwegian Art Centre.

From Svolvær, the ship then sails for Stamsund, eventually passing the giant granite cliffs of the Lofoten Wall, a colossal mountain range of closely packed peaks.

From late May through mid-July, the Arctic sun stays above the horizon, a phenomenon known as the Midnight Sun. This 24-hour daylight means outdoor activities, such as kayaking and hiking, can be done whatever time of day or night.

In contrast, come winter, Lofoten’s position above the Arctic Circle and directly beneath the auroral zone make it ideal for viewing the spectacular Northern Lights.

The Arctic Cathedral is the most impressive landmark in Tromsø

Day 2

Capital of the Arctic

Tromsø – gateway to the Arctic

Capital of the Arctic

Tromsø – gateway to the Arctic

We dock in Harstad just after 07:00. Feel free to have a peaceful early morning stroll around town.

The ship will then continue to Finnsnes, which connects the beautiful island of Senja via the impressive Gisund Bridge. Keep your eyes peeled for a variety of seabirds, including puffins, as there are several colonies nearby.

Gateway to the Arctic

Then we’ll sail to the historic Arctic exploration capital of Tromsø, where you’ll have four hours to explore the city or join an optional excursion.

You’ll find Polaria (the world’s northernmost aquarium) and the nice waterfront. Pop in to one of the many shops and restaurants in the city centre, including Mack Brewery and the Ølhallen pub, a favourite local watering hole. There are also a variety of cafés offering delicious cinnamon buns where baristas create innovative coffee-foam art. Across the fjord from where the ship docks, check out the iconic Arctic Cathedral, with its beautiful stained-glass mosaic.

Leaving Tromsø in the early evening, we’ll head north for the trading post of Skjervøy, founded in 1622. On our way, we’ll pass the Lyngen Alps, which rise majestically from the sea.

The North Cape Globe Monument under the Northern Lights

Day 3

Norway’s Northern Frontier

Honningsvåg – gateway to the North Cape

Norway’s Northern Frontier

Honningsvåg – gateway to the North Cape

The ship reaches the town of Hammerfest on the island of Kvaløya early in the morning. In summer, the island has herds of reindeer migrating here in their thousands.

You’ll know we’ve reached Havøysund when you see the wind turbines of the landmark Havøyglaven wind farm which produces enough electricity to power 6,000 local homes.

At the top of Europe

We arrive at Honningsvåg mid-morning, portal to the North Cape where a globe monument marks the top of continental Europe. An optional excursion will take you to North Cape from Honningsvåg by bus, passing herds of reindeer on the way, depending on the season.

Sámi heartlands

Near the entrance of Kjøllefjord village, look out for the striking, building-like rock formation Finnkirka, an ancient sacrificial site once used by the indigenous Sámi. You can join an optional excursion to meet local Sámi, learn about their life reindeer herding, and listen to joik folk songs.

Continuing north

We reach our northernmost port of call, Mehamn, in the evening. If visiting in the months of February and March, you might spot tons of cod drying on outdoor wooden racks called hjell, mainly destined for export.

The ship then sets off for Berlevåg. On the way, we pass the tall Slettnes Lighthouse, the northernmost mainland lighthouse on Earth.

Visit Kirkenes Snow hotel

Day 4

Norway's Eastern Edge

Båtsfjord – welcome to the wilderness of Finnmark, Kirkenes – right on the border

Norway's Eastern Edge

Båtsfjord – welcome to the wilderness of Finnmark, Kirkenes – right on the border

We call at Båtsfjord and Vardø in the night, before docking at Vadsø early in the morning.

Looking to the skies

The area around Vadsø is one of the most scenic and popular birdwatching spots in the Arctic, lying directly under the migration path of birds flying from east to west. Watch for hooded crows and sea eagles.

Near the Norwegian border

Kirkenes is just a few miles from the Norwegian border. This is where your Norwegian coastal cruise ends and you’ll have travelled further east than St. Petersburg and Istanbul.

As we arrive in Kirkenes around 09:00, you might have some time to explore this fascinating town by yourself, ahead of your onward journey. Call in at the Varanger Museum, or why not book one of our post-programmes at the Kirkenes Snow Hotel, staying either in a cosy Snow Suite or a wooden Gamme Cabin.

4-Day Norwegian Voyage | Svolvær to Kirkenes

About your trip

What's included

  • Cruise with Hurtigruten in an unspecified cabin. Your cabin will be allocated when you check in

What's Not Included

  • Flights and transfers

  • Travel insurance

  • Optional seasonal excursions

  • Luggage handling

Notes

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

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.