Norway Coastal Voyage: Bergen to Trondheim

Overview

Explore Norway aboard Hurtigruten, sailing through some of the most spectacular coastal scenery in the world. Travel from the majestic fjords of the west coast to the rugged Arctic wilderness of northern Norway, before concluding in the historic city of Trondheim.

Itinerary

Day 1: Bergen

Your voyage begins in Bergen, a city surrounded by seven mountains. Before embarkation, explore this cultural gateway to the fjords, founded in 1070 AD and once Norway’s capital.

• Visit the UNESCO-listed Bryggen district, with its colorful 14th-century wharfs.
• Stroll through Bergen’s compact streets, relax at outdoor cafés, or visit the famous fish market.
• Take the Fløibanen Funicular for breathtaking city views.

After embarkation, enjoy a dinner buffet featuring fresh coastal ingredients. The ship sails north along Hjeltefjord, the same route once traveled by the Vikings. Relax on deck or in the panorama lounges as you take in the stunning scenery.

Day 2: Florø – Molde

Wake up to the Nordfjord, a stunning sight, before enjoying breakfast. The ship sails past West Cape, entering open waters before navigating through skerries and islands to Ålesund.

• Explore Ålesund, famous for its Art Nouveau architecture, rebuilt after a devastating fire in 1904.
• Visit Atlanterhavsparken Aquarium and see the open-air penguin pool.
• Take in panoramic views from Mount Aksla.
• During summer, sail into the UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord, with 800m cliffs and waterfalls.
• In autumn, explore Hjørundfjord, far from the tourist crowds, passing rock walls, meadows, and remote mountain farms.
• Arrive in Molde, known as the City of Roses, with a spectacular view of 222 mountain peaks.

Day 3: Kristiansund – Rørvik

The day starts in Trondheim, Norway’s third-largest city, founded in 997 AD by Viking King Olav Tryggvason.

• Visit Nidaros Cathedral, Norway’s national shrine, built over St. Olav’s tomb.
• Explore the Ringve Museum of Musical History in spring and summer.
• Ride the world’s northernmost tram (September – May).
• Paddle a kayak on the river Nid, cycle the city, or hike with the Expedition team.

The ship continues northwest, passing Kjeungskjær lighthouse and the scenic Stokksund passage before heading toward Rørvik.

Day 4: Brønnøysund – Svolvær

Today, cross the Arctic Circle at 66° 33’ N, marking the entrance to the Arctic Region.

• In summer, experience 24-hour daylight with the Midnight Sun.
• In winter, enjoy the best chances to see the Northern Lights.
• Participate in the Arctic Circle ceremony on deck.

Near Ørnes, visit Svartisen, Norway’s second-largest glacier, and a moose farm.

• Join a RIB safari to Saltstraumen, home to the world’s strongest tidal current.
• See the towering Lofoten Wall on the horizon, as the ship approaches Lofoten Islands.
• Walk among stockfish racks and traditional rorbuer (fishermen’s huts).
• Visit the Lofotr Viking Museum, where a Viking chieftain welcomes you to a Viking feast with traditional food, costumes, and music.
• Visit Lofoten’s only craft brewery in Svolvær.

In winter, the Aurora Borealis becomes the focus, with a multimedia presentation on the Northern Lights and a stop at Trollfjord, where freshly made fish cakes are served on deck.

Day 5: Stokmarknes – Skjervøy

The day begins with stops at Risøyhamn, Harstad, and Finnsnes, before arriving in Tromsø, the Capital of the Arctic.

• In winter, take the Polar History Walk, learning about Arctic explorers.
• Visit the world’s northernmost brewery for a beer tasting.
• Experience a husky sled ride across the frozen landscape.
• Try cross-country skiing or snowshoeing.
• In summer, kayak along the Tromsø coastline.

As the ship continues north, it enters prime Northern Lights territory. Gather on deck to watch the sky dance with green and purple waves.

Day 6: Øksfjord – Berlevåg

Cross the 71st parallel, sailing towards North Cape, one of Europe’s northernmost points.

• In Hammerfest, see the UNESCO-listed Meridian Column, honoring the first precise geographic measurement of the globe.
• Take a RIB expedition to see North Cape from the sea, followed by a bus ride to the plateau.
• Visit Gjesværstappan, home to Finnmark’s largest puffin colony and mighty sea eagles.
• Learn about Sámi culture, with an opportunity to taste reindeer meat and crowberry juice.

In winter, join a snowmobile trip through this remote Arctic region, experiencing fresh winter air, starry skies, and maybe the Northern Lights.

Day 7: Båtsfjord – Kirkenes – Berlevåg

The scenery becomes increasingly dramatic as the ship nears Kirkenes, located further east than Istanbul and St. Petersburg.

• The Russian border is just a few miles away, with Norwegian-Russian road signs.
• Take a riverboat safari, an ATV adventure, or a bus tour to the Russian frontier.
• Visit local museums to learn about Kirkenes’ WWII history.
• In winter, try a dog sled ride or a snowmobile tour.
• In summer, go king crab fishing and enjoy a meal straight from the Barents Sea.

After lunch onboard, the ship begins its southbound journey, allowing passengers to see the ports visited at night on the northbound route.

Stops include Vardø, Norway’s easternmost port, where ice bathing in the Arctic Ocean is possible. The ship then continues along the Varanger Peninsula to Båtsfjord and Berlevåg.

Day 8: Mehamn – Tromsø

The southbound route offers new perspectives of the landscapes already seen.

• In Mehamn, take another snowmobile adventure across the Arctic wilderness.
• In Honningsvåg, enjoy breakfast at North Cape.
• Visit Melkøya, the northernmost natural gas terminal in the world.
• Stop in Hammerfest, one of the world’s northernmost towns.
• Sail through Lyngenfjord, enjoying fresh local prawns.
• In Tromsø, attend a Midnight Sun or Northern Lights concert at the Arctic Cathedral.

Day 9: Tromsø – Stamsund

The day begins in Harstad, with the option to join A Taste of Vesterålen, an excursion exploring history, scenery, and culture.

• Sail through the Risøyrenna, a narrow channel constructed for Hurtigruten.
• Visit Stokmarknes, where Hurtigruten was founded 125 years ago.
• Sail through the Raftsund passage, with mountains towering 1,000m above the sea.
• Enter Trollfjord, a narrow 2km-long fjord.

In Svolvær, choose from excursions, hiking, horseback riding, or a fishing village walk.

Day 10: Bodø – Rørvik

Cross the Arctic Circle, celebrated with a traditional spoonful of cod liver oil.

• See Torghatten Mountain, famous for its natural hole through the center.
• Sail past the Seven Sisters, a mountain range tied to Norwegian folklore.
• Visit the UNESCO-listed Vega Islands, where eider ducks and humans have coexisted for centuries.
• In Brønnøysund, tour the Norwegian Aquaculture Centre and taste fresh salmon.

Day 11: Trondheim

The journey ends in Trondheim, with time to explore:

• Visit the Nidaros Cathedral.
• Learn about Norway’s maritime history.
• Extend your stay and explore the city further.