Norway’s Coastal Voyage: The Complete Round Trip

Overview

Sail along one of the most breathtaking coastlines on Earth on this 12-day round-trip voyage. Experience 34 ports, 100+ fjords, and 1,000+ mountains while learning from expert guides and choosing from 90 optional excursions. Whether you’re chasing the Northern Lights in winter or basking in the Midnight Sun in summer, this is the ultimate Norwegian coastal experience.

Highlights

• Visit 34 ports twice, giving you an in-depth look at Norway’s coastal culture.
• Sail past more than 100 fjords and 1,000 mountains, offering unparalleled scenic beauty.
• Spend half your voyage in the Arctic, maximizing your chances to see the Northern Lights or 24-hour daylight in summer.
• Choose from 70+ seasonal excursions, from hikes and fjord safaris to dog sledding and Viking feasts.

Itinerary

Day 1: Bergen – Gateway to the Fjords

Begin your journey in Bergen, Norway’s second-largest city, founded in 1070 AD.

• Explore the UNESCO-listed Bryggen district, a colorful waterfront dating back to the 14th century Hanseatic League.
• Visit the Fish Market for fresh seafood or ride the Fløibanen Funicular for stunning city views.
• Option to add a pre-cruise tour like Norway in a Nutshell before embarkation.

After departure, relax as the ship sails north along Hjeltefjord, tracing the path of the Vikings.

Day 2: Florø – Molde – Fjords and Art Nouveau

Morning:

• Wake up to the Nordfjord near Torvik.
• Sail past West Cape, entering open waters.

Afternoon:

• Arrive in Ålesund, known for its Art Nouveau architecture.
• Visit Atlanterhavsparken Aquarium, home to penguins and sea life.

Summer:

• Cruise into UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord, with 800m cliffs and the Seven Sisters waterfalls.

Autumn:

• Explore Hjørundfjord, a hidden gem in the Sunnmøre Alps.

Evening:

• Arrive in Molde, the City of Roses, offering views of 222 mountain peaks.

Day 3: Kristiansund – Rørvik – Historic Trondheim

Enter Trøndelag, a region of rolling hills and coastal villages.

• Explore Trondheim, founded by Viking king Olav Tryggvason in 997 AD.
• Visit Nidaros Cathedral, Norway’s national shrine.
• Stroll the Gamle Bybro bridge or explore the Bakklandet district with its cozy cafés.

Day 4: Brønnøysund – Svolvær – Crossing the Arctic Circle

Morning:

• Cross the Arctic Circle, marking your entrance into the Arctic region.
• Participate in a traditional ceremony on deck.

Afternoon:

• Stop in Ørnes, near Svartisen Glacier.
• Arrive in Bodø, known for its street art and sea eagle safaris.
• Take an optional RIB boat excursion to Saltstraumen, home to the world’s strongest tidal current.

Evening:

• Enter the Lofoten Islands, welcomed by the 1,000m-high Lofoten Wall.

Day 5: Stokmarknes – Skjervøy – Tromsø, the Arctic Capital

Morning:

• Dock in Harstad, home to Trondenes Church, the northernmost medieval church in the world.

Afternoon:

• Arrive in Tromsø, the Capital of Arctic Norway.
• Visit Polaria Aquarium or explore Mack Brewery, one of the world’s northernmost breweries.
• Optional excursions:
  • Husky sledding through Arctic landscapes.
  • Cable car ride for panoramic views.
  • Northern Lights concert at the Arctic Cathedral.

Evening:

• Sail past the Lyngen Alps.

Day 6: Øksfjord – Berlevåg – North Cape & Sámi Culture

Morning:

• Stop in Hammerfest, one of the world’s northernmost towns.
• Sail past the Havøysund wind farm, Norway’s northernmost renewable energy site.

Afternoon:

• Arrive in Honningsvåg, gateway to the North Cape.
• Take an optional excursion to North Cape Plateau, where a globe monument marks the top of Europe.
• Experience Sámi culture in Kjøllefjord, learning about reindeer herding and joik folk songs.

Day 7: Båtsfjord – Kirkenes – The Russian Border

Morning:

• Visit Vadsø, one of Norway’s top birdwatching destinations.
• Arrive in Kirkenes, further east than St. Petersburg.

Optional excursions:

• Visit the Russian border, just a few miles away.
• Dog sledding or snowmobiling in winter.
• King crab fishing, where you catch and eat a Barents Sea delicacy.

Afternoon:

• The ship turns south, retracing ports seen at night now by day.

Day 8: Mehamn – Tromsø – Arctic Wilderness

Morning:

• Explore Mehamn and Kjøllefjord, where cod hangs on wooden racks.

Afternoon:

• Return to Hammerfest and Skjervøy, with chances to spot whales in winter.
• Dock in Tromsø before midnight, with optional boat excursions under the Midnight Sun.

Day 9: Tromsø – Stamsund – Entering Lofoten

Morning:

• Stop in Harstad, home to the Trondenes Church.

Afternoon:

• Visit Stokmarknes, the birthplace of Hurtigruten.
• Cruise into Trollfjord, a dramatic fjord just wide enough for the ship.
• Arrive in Svolvær, the capital of Lofoten, with excursions to:
  • Lofotr Viking Museum, where a Viking chieftain hosts a feast.
  • Sea eagle safari to see these majestic birds in action.

Day 10: Bodø – Rørvik – Seven Sisters & Arctic Circle

Morning:

• Re-cross the Arctic Circle, celebrated with a cod liver oil tradition.
• Pass the Seven Sisters mountains, shaped by Norse legend.

Afternoon:

• Stop in Brønnøysund, home to the Torghatten Mountain, famous for its natural hole.

Day 11: Trondheim – Ålesund – Norway’s Viking Past

Morning:

• Spend the morning in Trondheim, visiting Nidaros Cathedral and Gamle Bybro bridge.

Afternoon:

• Arrive in Kristiansund, known as Norway’s Bacalao Capital.
• Visit Molde, nicknamed the City of Roses.

Day 12: Ålesund – Bergen – The Final Leg

Morning:

• Sail past Nordfjord, beneath Jostedal Glacier, mainland Europe’s largest glacier.
• Stop in Florø, Norway’s westernmost town.

Afternoon:

• Cross Sognefjord, Norway’s longest and deepest fjord.
• Arrive in Bergen, where the journey ends.

Extend Your Stay:

• Bergen City Tour
• Oslo extension via the scenic Flåm Railway

What’s Included

✔ Full-board accommodation onboard.
✔ Guided lectures and activities.
✔ Option to join 70+ seasonal excursions.
✔ Northern Lights and Midnight Sun viewing opportunities.

This is the ultimate Norwegian coastal voyage!