Havila Coastal Express: Bergen to Kirkenes and Back
Get close to the Norwegian nature and communities on board Havila’s coastal express. Every nautical mile of this journey from Bergen to Kirkenes and back brings new experiences.
The mountains remain constant, but the weather and light are ever-changing, transforming the colours and appearance of the landscape. Experience everything from soft grey rain and the crackling green of the Northern Lights to the golden glow of the midnight sun.
Along the coast, tiny fishing villages shelter from the fierce Atlantic breakers, while larger coastal towns nestle between wild mountains and the seashore.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Bergen
Your voyage begins in Bergen, the colourful capital of western Norway.
Explore the UNESCO-listed Bryggen warehouses, ride the Fløibanen funicular for spectacular views, sample fresh seafood at the fish market or wander the lively harbour streets and quays.
Bergen is the gateway to the Norwegian fjords and the perfect starting point for your coastal adventure.
Day 2 – Florø, Måløy, Torvik, Ålesund, Geiranger/Hjørundfjorden & Molde
After your first night on board, wave to the Havila Voyages headquarters just off Torvik before continuing to Ålesund, renowned for its beautiful Art Nouveau architecture.
During the summer, continue to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Geirangerfjord, with its steep mountainsides and dramatic waterfalls.
Geiranger is visited from 1 April–31 August. Hjørundfjorden/Urke is visited from 1 September–31 October.
Optional excursions: Hike to Sukkertoppen, kayaking in Ålesund, Atlanterhavsparken Aquarium and Mount Aksla, Art Nouveau Walking Tour, Winter Cruise Geiranger, Geirangerfjord with Trollstigen Mountain Pass, E-biking in Norangsdalen, Hjørundfjorden Guided Cultural Walk, Hike to Mountain Farm and Visit Rural Norway.
Day 3 – Kristiansund, Trondheim & Rørvik
Arrive in the historic city of Trondheim, founded more than a thousand years ago.
The city’s landmark is Nidaros Cathedral, Norway’s national shrine and one of the largest cathedrals in Northern Europe.
After exploring Trondheim, continue through the fjord and abundant archipelago towards northern Norway.
Optional excursions: Trondheim and Nidaros Cathedral, City Cycling in Trondheim, Trondheim City Walk, the Northernmost Tram Ride in the World, Sail Through the Heart and History of Trondheim and Christmas Walk in Trondheim.
Day 4 – Brønnøysund, Sandnessjøen, Nesna, Ørnes, Bodø, Stamsund & Svolvær
Today you’ll cross the Arctic Circle, marked with a special ceremony, before continuing into the Arctic regions.
In summer, experience the midnight sun, while winter brings the possibility of seeing the Northern Lights.
Discover powerful natural landscapes, including Scandinavia’s largest glacier and the world’s strongest tidal current, with opportunities to encounter the majestic sea eagle.
In the evening, the fishing villages, dramatic mountains and Viking heritage of Lofoten await.
Optional excursions: RIB Boat Adventure to Saltstraumen & Sea Eagle Safari, Experience Bodø and Saltstraumen, Taste the Arctic Outdoor, Electric Biking Through Bodø’s Outdoors, Footsteps Through Bodø, Coastal Road and Gildeskål Medieval Church, Meet & Greet Lofoten and Dine with the Vikings.
Day 5 – Stokmarknes, Sortland, Risøyhamn, Harstad, Finnsnes, Tromsø & Skjervøy
Continue through narrow fjords and past wild mountains towards Tromsø, a city shaped by hunting, fishing, polar expeditions and exploration.
You have now reached the land of the Sami, Norway’s Indigenous people. Meeting the Sami, seeing their reindeer and learning about Sami culture offers a memorable insight into life in northern Norway.
Optional excursions: Tromsø – The Arctic Capital, Reindeer Sledding, Feeding and Sami Culture, Tromsø Theatre Tour, Snowshoe Trip with a Campfire, Cross-Country Ski Trip, Explore Tromsø by E-bike, Dog Sledding in Tromsø and Arctic Cathedral and Cod Tasting Experience.
Day 6 – Hammerfest, Havøysund, Honningsvåg, Kjøllefjord, Mehamn & Berlevåg
Travel as far north as you can get by land and sea.
For many travellers, a visit to the North Cape is one of the highlights of a voyage along the Norwegian coast. Here, the polar landscape is at its most rugged and desolate, with bare plains and dramatic cliffs overlooking the sea.
Optional excursions: North Cape Plateau, Snowshoeing and Ice Fishing in the Arctic, Magerøya Island ATV Winter Safari, Magerøya Island ATV Summer Safari, Birdwatching in the Arctic, Hot & Cold on Top of the World, Sami Culture Experience and Snowmobiling Under the Polar Sky.
Day 7 – Båtsfjord, Vardø, Vadsø & Kirkenes
Reach the easternmost point of your voyage in Kirkenes, just a few kilometres from the Russian border.
Road signs here appear in both Norwegian and Russian. You can travel as far as the border on an optional excursion or visit the fascinating Snowhotel, where everything is made from ice and snow.
Optional excursions: The Russian Border, Snowmobile Safari in the Arctic, Snow Resort Kirkenes, Dog Sledding in the Arctic, King Crab Fishing in a RIB and King Crab on the Frozen Fjord.
Day 8 – Mehamn, Kjøllefjord, Honningsvåg, Havøysund, Hammerfest, Øksfjord, Skjervøy & Tromsø
The polar landscape changes as you sail west and south once again.
The vast expanses give way to steep peaks before arriving back in Tromsø. Take a stroll beneath the midnight sun or Northern Lights and explore the city known as “The Paris of the North.”
Optional excursions: Snowmobiling in the Polar Night, Breakfast at the North Cape Plateau, Meet a Sled Dog, City Sightseeing in the Northernmost Town and Midnight Concert at Tromsø Cathedral.
Day 9 – Finnsnes, Harstad, Risøyhamn, Sortland, Stokmarknes, Svolvær & Stamsund
Return to the wild and idyllic Lofoten Islands.
Jagged mountains rise above chalky white beaches and traditional fishing villages, where the fishing industry remains an important part of local life.
If weather conditions permit, the ship will enter the narrow Trollfjord, where there is a strong possibility of spotting sea eagles.
Optional excursions: A Taste of Vesterålen Overland Tour, RIB Boat to the Sea Eagles, Lofopils Brewery Tour, Lofoten Islands, Horseback Riding in Lofoten, Sea Eagle Safari Trollfjord, Soft Hike by the Beach in Haukeland and Polarnight Walk in Storvågan.
Day 10 – Bodø, Ørnes, Sandnessjøen, Brønnøysund & Rørvik
Cross the Arctic Circle once again as you sail away from the polar night and sunlit nights.
The route passes a maze of small islands, islets and skerries, as well as the distinctive Torghatten mountain, famous for its natural hole through the centre.
Optional excursions: The World Heritage-listed Vega Islands, Hike to Torghatten, Norwegian Salmon Adventure, Torghatten – A Twilight Walk Among Myths and Geology and Historical E-bike Ride in Brønnøysund.
Day 11 – Trondheim, Kristiansund, Molde & Ålesund
Sail through the wide Trondheim Fjord, surrounded by rolling farmland, before returning to the coast and open sea.
Disembark in Kristiansund to travel along the spectacular Atlantic Ocean Road, often described as one of the world’s most beautiful drives, before re-joining the ship in Molde.
Optional excursions: Trondheim and Nidaros Cathedral, The Atlantic Road Kristiansund–Molde and Bergtatt – Magnificent Marble Mine.
Day 12 – Torvik, Måløy, Florø & Bergen
Your final day takes you through a diverse coastal landscape of rocky mountains, sounds and waterways dotted with islands.
As you approach Bergen, reflect on the incredible landscapes and experiences of your journey along the Norwegian coast with Havila Voyages.
Departures
2026 departures: 3–4 times each week
2027 departures: 3–4 times each week
Important Information
Please enquire for further information and pricing regarding any of the optional excursions mentioned above. Some optional excursions may not operate on holiday dates.
Pre- & Post-Cruise Extensions
Oslo to Bergen or Bergen to Oslo
Extend your Norwegian adventure with one of the Flåm Railway and Fjords independent tours before or after your voyage.
There are several itinerary options available, which can be arranged in either the Bergen to Oslo or Oslo to Bergen direction.
For more add-on tour suggestions, please enquire.

