Classic Voyage South: Kirkenes to Bergen

Overview

Experience the breathtaking Norwegian coastline on our Classic Voyage South from Kirkenes to Bergen. Travel through fjords, mountains, waterfalls, and glaciers while visiting historic cities and charming coastal towns. Whether under the Northern Lights in winter or the Midnight Sun in summer, this is a journey you will never forget.

Itinerary

Day 1: Kirkenes – Berlevåg

Start your journey in Kirkenes, located further east than Istanbul. Enjoy winter activities such as snowshoeing, dog-sledging, and snowmobiling, or explore Kirkenes’ museums showcasing the region’s rich heritage. An Arctic Ice Dome visit is also an option.

After departure, the ship heads north, arriving in Vardø in the afternoon. For the adventurous, there’s the option to take a dip in the icy Arctic Ocean. The voyage then continues west, passing the Varanger Peninsula to Båtsfjord and Berlevåg, home to Norway’s most famous male choir, made up of local fishermen.

Day 2: Mehamn – Tromsø

At Mehamn, take the opportunity to join a snowmobile excursion through the Arctic wilderness under the Northern Lights in winter.

At Honningsvåg, take an overland excursion to North Cape, where you can enjoy breakfast with a spectacular view (May – October). In Hammerfest, visit the UNESCO-listed Meridian Column, which commemorates the first precise geographic measurement of the globe. A mini-mountain expedition is available for those interested in Arctic survival skills.

Continuing south, the ship stops at Øksfjord and Skjervøy before arriving in Tromsø, known as the “Paris of the North.” Attend a Northern Lights concert in the Arctic Cathedral during winter, or a Midnight Sun concert in summer. Alternatively, explore Tromsø by boat or visit Ølhallen, the city’s oldest pub, for a local beer.

Day 3: Tromsø – Stamsund

The day begins in Harstad, where you can join the classic excursion A Taste of Vesterålen, offering insights into the region’s history, scenery, and cultural heritage. Those staying onboard will sail through Risøyrenna, a narrow channel constructed for Hurtigruten in the 1920s.

The ship continues to Lofoten and Vesterålen, known for dramatic landscapes, towering mountains, and picturesque fishing villages. After a short stop at Risøyhamn, the voyage continues to Stokmarknes, where Hurtigruten was founded over 125 years ago. Visit the Hurtigruten Museum to learn about the company’s history.

Sailing through Raftsund, the ship enters Trollfjord, a stunningly narrow fjord with cliffs rising 1,000 meters from the sea. If conditions allow, the ship will navigate between these towering rock walls.

At Svolvær, choose from various excursions, including horseback riding on the beach at sunset, hiking, a high-speed boat tour, or simply enjoying one of the town’s many cafés, pubs, and restaurants.

Day 4: Bodø – Rørvik

The ship crosses the Arctic Circle, a significant milestone celebrated with a traditional Arctic ceremony.

Sailing along the Helgeland Coast, pass Torghatten, the famous mountain with a natural hole through its center, created during the Ice Age. There is an option to join a guided hike to the top.

Another highlight is the Seven Sisters mountain range, steeped in legend. According to folklore, seven troll sisters were caught by the rising sun and turned to stone, forming the peaks seen today.

Stops include Nesna and Sandnessjøen, with the option to take an excursion to the UNESCO-listed Vega Islands, where locals have lived in harmony with eider ducks for centuries, producing prized down-filled duvets.

At Brønnøysund, visit the Norwegian Aquaculture Centre for a tour and tasting of fresh Norwegian salmon (April – October).

Although now south of the Arctic Circle, Northern Lights sightings are still possible in winter, while late spring and summer bring nearly endless daylight.

Day 5: Trondheim – Ålesund

Spend the morning in Trondheim, exploring its charming wooden buildings and visiting the Nidaros Cathedral, built over the burial site of King Olav II.

Continuing south, the ship reaches Kristiansund, known as Norway’s dried cod capital due to its historic export of salted fish. Join an excursion along the Atlantic Road, a stunning 8 km stretch of highway crossing bridges and scenic islands. Another option is a visit to the Bergtatt marble mine, where a boat ride across an underground lake leads to a meal in the mine’s impressive Grand Hall.

The voyage proceeds toward Molde, known as the City of Roses, with panoramic views of the Romsdal Alps across the fjord.

Day 6: Ålesund – Bergen

During the night, the ship makes brief stops in Ålesund, Torvik, and Måløy.

As daylight breaks, the ship passes Nordfjord, beneath the towering Jostedal Glacier, the largest glacier in mainland Europe. The fjord extends 90 km inland, offering breathtaking scenery.

Before reaching Bergen, there is a stop in Florø, Norway’s westernmost town. Sailing south, the ship crosses the mouth of the Sognefjord, Norway’s longest and deepest fjord, before arriving in Bergen in the afternoon.

For those wishing to explore further, optional Bergen City Sightseeing excursions and extended post-cruise programs are available.

More Adventures in Norway

Consider extending your journey with:

• Bergen City Sightseeing excursion (available onboard)
• Post-cruise programs, featuring Norwegian culture, cuisine, and scenic landscapes