DAY 1 : Kirkenes - Berlevåg
Capital of the Barents Region
Start your Classic Voyage South in the far northern town of Kirkenes (which, surprisingly, lies further east than Istanbul).
The region has many wintertime activities, including snowshoeing, dog-sledging and snowmobiling. You can also visit an Arctic Ice Dome.
Interested in history? Kirkenes has many small museums detailing the region’s rich heritage.
Southbound and down
After departing Kirkenes, we head due north, arriving at Vardø in the afternoon. Weather permitting, the brave may want to take a dip in the icy Arctic Ocean (strictly optional of course!).
We now head due west, cruising along the Varanger peninsula to Båtsfjord and Berlevåg, home to Norway’s most famous male choir, made up of local fishermen.
Time in port:
Kirkenes: 09:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Vardø: 4:05 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Båtsfjord: 8.00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Berlevåg: 10:25 p.m. - 10:35 p.m.
DAY 2 : Mehamn - Tromsø
Unmatched Arctic Scenery
Around midnight, we dock at Mehamn with the option to join in winter a snowmobile trip to hunt the aurora.
North Cape breakfast
We again dock at Honningsvåg, where you can join an excursion that includes eating breakfast at the North Cape. The ship continues to Hammerfest, where you can see the UNESCO-listed Meridian Column. You can also join a mini-mountain expedition and learn about local polar hero Adolf Lindstrøm.
We continue south to Øksfjord with a brief stop at the old trading post of Skjervøy.
Midnight adventures
We then dock at Tromsø, just in time to enjoy a midnight concert at the Arctic Cathedral. You can also explore Tromsø under the midnight sun by boat in summer. You may want to drop by Ølhallen, a classic pub for a friendly beer.
Time in port:
Mehamn: 01:20 a.m. -01:30 a.m.
Kjøllefjord: 03:25 a.m. -03:35 a.m.
Honningsvåg: 05:45 a.m. -06:00 a.m.
Havøysund: 08:00 a.m. -08:15 a.m.
Hammerfest: 11:00 a.m. -12:45 p.m.
Øksfjord: 03:50 p.m. -04:05 p.m.
Skjervøy: 07:30 p.m. -07:45 p.m.
Tromsø: 11:45 p.m. -01:30 a.m.
Optional Excursions
The Northernmost Town in the World
Join a bus tour to explore Hammerfest and learn about the events that have shaped this unique town at the top of Europe.
Snowmobile Trip into the Polar Night
Join an unforgettable snowmobile journey into the polar night, and across one of Europe’s most extreme and exciting natural environments.
Breakfast at North Cape
Enjoy a delicious breakfast and more on this scenic coach tour from the town of Honningsvåg to North Cape, one of the northernmost points on the European continent.
Mountain Hike in Hammerfest
Join a walking tour that follows a path through Hammerfest's past and up to the top of nearby Mount Salen for magnificent views of the Arctic Ocean and surrounding islands.
Into the Ice – Stories of a Polar Hero
Go on a 'mini-expedition' and discover one of the greatest figures in polar history during this excursion from Hammerfest to nearby Mount Salen.
Midnight Concert in the Arctic Cathedral
There is perhaps no more beautiful way to experience Tromsø than by attending a midnight concert at the city's iconic Arctic Cathedral.
Arctic Midnight Adventure in Tromsø
Enjoy a sightseeing tour of Tromsø’s famous sights from the seaside.
DAY 3 : Tromsø - Stamsund
Lofoten, where nature amazes
History and culture
This morning, we arrive at Harstad, where you can join one of our classic excursions - A Taste of Vesterålen. Discover history, beautiful scenery, and cultural heritage sites on this tour that rejoins the ship at Sortland.
Those who stay on the ship experience our passage through the Risøyrenna, a shallow channel made for Hurtigruten in the 1920s.
Lofoten and Trollfjord
Get ready now for some amazing scenery as we sail through the world-famous islands of Lofoten and Vesterålen. Lofoten is known for its natural beauty, steep mountains, wild nature and picturesque fishing villages. Our daylight sailing route through the region is the voyage highlight for many.
After a short stop at the tiny village of Risøyhamn, we continue to Stokmarknes - where Hurtigruten began more than 125 years ago. You can visit the Hurtigruten Museum here.
Continuing south, it will look like we’re headed into a mountain wall, but don’t worry. We are in fact sailing through a passage into the narrow Raftsund, flanked by peaks rising 1,000 m out of the sea.
We now arrive at amazing Trollfjord. If conditions allow, we will sail between sheer cliffs that seem close enough to reach out and touch. It’s an unforgettable experience!
Next we arrive in Svolvær, where you can choose from several excursion options. Go horseback riding along a beach at sunset, head out on spectacular hikes, join a fast-boat tour on the fjord, or relax in town at one of many cafés, pubs and restaurants.
Time in port:
Tromsø: 11:45 p.m. - 01:30 a.m.
Finnsnes: 04:20 a.m. - 04:40 a.m.
Harstad: 08:00 a.m. -08:30 a.m.
Risøyhamn: 10:45 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Sortland: 12:30 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Stokmarknes: 2:15 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.
Svolvær: 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Stamsund: 10:15 p.m. - 11:30 p.m.
Optional Excursions
A Taste of Vesterålen
A Taste of Vesterålen is one of the classics in our extensive Hurtigruten excursion program. Come along and experience its history, beautiful scenery, and many breathtaking sights.
Lofoten Islands
Join us on a comfortable coach excursion through one of the most extraordinary landscapes on Earth.
Sea Eagle Safari
Join us on an excursion into Norway’s spectacular Trollfjord and experience close encounters with magnificent sea eagles.
Lofoten by Horse
Imagine horseback riding along a remote beach and terrain once inhabited by Vikings. Join us for this excursion along the shoreline of Gimsøy on the open Norwegian Sea.
RIB Adventure in Lofoten
Join us on this exciting sea excursion in open RIBs on the waters of the fantastic Lofoten archipelago.
Discover a Fishing Village
Join us on a guided walking tour to the quaint old fishing village of Svinøya adjacent to the Lofoten town of Svolvær.
Electric cruising in Lofoten
Explore nature above and below the surface and experience Lofoten’s epic landscapes on this cruise from Svolvær to Henningsvær.
DAY 4 : Bodø - Rørvik
A date with the Seven Sisters
Crossing the Arctic Circle is an important ‘rite of passage’. Today we celebrate the occasion on deck with a taste of Arctic tradition – a spoonful of cod liver oil.
Sailing along the Helgeland coast, you see the strange mountain, Torghatten (258 m above sea level), famous for the distinctive hole through its centre. The hole is 160 m long, 35 m high and 20 m wide, and was formed during the ice age. Participate on a hike up the mountain.
Another highlight is sailing past the Seven Sisters mountain range. It is easy to see how the peaks influenced ancient legend. The story goes that seven beautiful troll sisters were caught out at sunrise and turned to stone, thus creating the seven beautiful mountaintops.
From ducks to salmon
Next, we briefly stop at the idyllic trading post of Nesna before moving on to Sandnessjøen. From here, you can join an optional excursion to a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Vega Islands. The UNESCO status is due to the unique centuries-old interaction between the islanders and eider ducks. Learn how the locals sustain a livelihood of making down-filled duvets.
In Brønnøysund, join an excursion to the Norwegian Aquaculture Centre for an informative tour and taste of fresh salmon, from April through October.
Even though we’re south of the Arctic Circle, there are still good chances to see the Northern Lights in winter. The Midnight Sun may not shine, but you still experience seemingly endless daylight during late spring and summer.
Time in port:
Bodø: 02:30 a.m. - 03:30 a.m.
Ørnes: 06:25 a.m. - 06:35 a.m.
Nesna: 10:25 a.m. - 10:35 a.m.
Sandnessjøen: 11:45 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
Brønnøysund: 3:00 p.m. - 5:25 p.m.
Rørvik: 9:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Optional Excursions
UNESCO Vega Archipelago
Take a step back in time and see how the Norwegian islanders here developed a symbiotic relationship with the local eider duck population to cultivate a sustainable livelihood.
Visit the Salmon
Fascinated by fish? Join us on a visit to the Norwegian Aquaculture Center near Brønnøysund for an informative tour and taste of fresh salmon.
Visit Hildurs Urterarium
Don’t miss this excursion to a quirky food and herb farm, where the hosts proudly serve local food and welcome you to their private home.
DAY 5 : Trondheim - Ålesund
Gothic majesty and hidden lake
Today you have a chance to explore the wooden city of history: Trondheim. Be sure to visit the majestic Nidaros Cathedral, built over the burial site of King Olav II who reigned from 1015 to 1028.
Spectacular scenery and life of the sea
As we sail along the coast, you will realize the importance of fishing to Norway’s coastal communities.
Kristiansund is regarded as Norway’s ‘dried cod capital’ because of its long-time export of salted dry fish. Here you can join an excursion along the Atlantic Road, a National Scenic Route. The 8 km stretch of highway spans eight bridges, crosses picturesque landscapes and is surrounded by open sea.
Another interesting excursion is to the Bergtatt marble mine, which takes you inside a mountain and across an illuminated subterranean lake before serving you a meal in the mine´s ‘Grand Hall’.
Norwegian alps
Those who remain aboard at Kristiansund will experience the ship´s open sea crossing towards Molde - Norway´s ‘City of Roses’. From there, you can see the distant pointed peaks of the Romsdal Alps across the fjord, called ‘the Molde panorama’.
Time in port:
Trondheim: 06:30 a.m. - 09:30 a.m.
Kristiansund: 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Molde: 9:15 p.m. - 9:45 p.m.
Optional Excursions
Trondheim with Nidaros Cathedral
Join us on a coach tour of this holy medieval city that has become a major modern academic and technological research center.
The Atlantic Road
Ride along on what The Guardian ranked as the world´s best road trip, and was awarded the “Engineering Feat of the Century” prize in 2005.
Bergtatt - Magnificent Marble Mine
Enjoy a guided bus tour to Bergtatt, and visit a working marble and limestone mine on the bank of an illuminated subterranean lake deep inside a mountain
DAY 6 : Ålesund - Bergen
Our return to Bergen
During the night, the ship calls at Ålesund, Torvik and Måløy, as our voyage draws to a close. Before docking in Bergen, there is fascinating scenery to see, including picturesque Nordfjord beneath Jostedal Glacier. Here the fjord widens to the east and forges 90 km inland.
In the morning, we dock at Florø, Norway’s westernmost community.
A few nautical miles south of Florø, we cross the mouth of the mighty Sognefjord, taking in superb views of the magnificent island-studded coastline en route. Finally, you disembark in the Hanseatic city of Bergen with unforgettable memories of a truly unique part of the world. We hope to see you on board again in the very near future!
If you would like to see more of Norway, we highly recommend our Bergen City Sightseeing excursion (only sold on board), or various Post-programmes to experience more Norwegian cuisine, culture and scenery.
Time in port:
Ålesund: 00:30 a.m. - 01:20 a.m.
Torvik: 02:35 a.m. - 02:45 a.m.
Måløy: 05:45 a.m. - 06:00 a.m.
Florø: 08:15 a.m. - 08:30 a.m.
Bergen: 14:45 p.m.