Reasons to Cruise Norway
Norway’s wild and dramatic coastline is uniquely suitable for an expedition-style adventure. Sailing here for almost 130 years, we’re the experts, showing you both its highlights and its hidden gems.
Why Cruise to Norway with Hurtigruten
Join a Norwegian expedition cruise to the North Cape and back from Hamburg, Dover, or Bergen. On these expeditions, uncover gems of the stunning Norwegian coast, handpicked by those who know it best.
We take you to places many don’t even know exist. Norway has been our home for almost 130 years; we’re the ones to show you both its highlights and its hidden gems.
Explore the coastline’s most scenic spots and enjoy included activities for an even greater experience. Our expedition voyages are different. Instead of short visits to may ports, we visit each area in depth, giving you ample time to bask in summer’s Midnight Sun or gaze up at the Northern Lights—all amidst magnificent scenery.
Photo: Shutterstock, Hurtigruten and Shutterstock
More to explore
We have sailed the Norwegian coast every day for more than 125 years and have used this experience to create new itineraries that include our personal favorites along the coast. We’ll take you to special spots few know about, let alone visit.
Our ships will dock for a half or full day, giving you several hours to truly experience each place. Most days feature an included activity. You’ll also have a wide range of optional excursions to chose from as well.
Experts by your side
The Expedition Team will guide your discovery of the Norwegian coast’s beauty and charm. Through talks and lectures, they’ll enhance your experience with insights that can only come from intimate, local knowledge. Explore topics relating to Norwegian culture, history, food, wildlife, geology, and much more. The ship’s onboard Science Center will be your hub of discovery, where you can study microscopic samples and participate in Citizen Science projects.
Homegrown on the coast
Norway is at the forefront of a culinary revolution. Its pantry is the bountiful Norwegian coast. Fresh ingredients are grown and harvested all along the coast and delivered directly to our chefs at the ports we bring you to. From handmade Lofoten ice cream to artisanal cheeses and succulent king crab, savor the finest food Norway has to offer in our onboard restaurants during your expedition cruise.
All the wonders of the coast
Explore some of Norway’s best fjords on our expedition cruises, including Geirangerfjord, Sognefjord, or Hjørundfjord. You’ll go to the top of the European continent at North Cape or perhaps all the way to the high Arctic archipelago of Svalbard.
Behold Reine, Norway’s most photographed fishing village. Browse petite bookshops in Fjærland, or enjoy a concert at the Northern Lights Cathedral in Alta. Remote yet ruggedly beautiful islands such as Senja, Træna and Værlandet are hidden treasures that few get to visit, just waiting for you to discover them.
Don’t forget about the magical Northern Lights. During winter (between October and March), the Northern Lights dance across Norway’s night skies, offering to add the opportunity of an even more magical touch to our Christmas and New Year’s sailings. Come summer, Norway becomes the land of never-ending daylight above the Arctic Circle—even at midnight. That’s why we call it the ‘Midnight Sun’. Enjoy these extra sunlight hours and explore even more!
Cruises
Wildlife in Norway
Norway’s stunning landscapes also feature some of the world’s most magnificent wildlife. It’s easy to see why this is one of the best destinations in the world for wildlife lovers. From the predatory White-tailed Eagles that rule the sky to the whales along the coast, Norway is a wilderness of peerless beauty.
Whales
During your expedition cruise, you may be treated to views of the many whale species that swim in the waters off the Norwegian coast, including pilot, minke, humpback, and sperm whales. You may also see orcas, erroneously called ‘killer whales’, which are actually the largest member of the dolphin family! Seeing these gentle giants is a wondrous experience. On rare occasions, you might even witness humpback whales breaching out of the water—an acrobatic spectacle that you will never forget.
Birds
Norway has a wide variety of bird species across its many habitats, including cliffs, wetlands, forests, and tundra. In the summer, the days are long and the insects and other food sources are plentiful. This attracts an estimated three million nesting birds, such as skuas, razorbills, puffins, gannets, White-tailed Eagles, and kittiwakes. Combined with pristine nature and gorgeous landscapes, the Norwegian coast is absolutely perfect for birdwatching.
Reindeer
Almost all reindeer in Norway are tended to in herds by the indigenous Sámi people. They usually graze in Troms and Finnmark County in northern Norway and are sometimes seen on the outskirts of towns. In winter, the reindeer’s coat thickens, becomes bristly, and their antlers even grow a fur coating. Come summer, bucks shed their coat and antler fur. Their bodies become lean and their antlers sharp to compete for females.
Activities in the Region
The Norwegian coast is ideal for exploration all year round. Participate in a range of activities to discover its magnificent landscapes, wonderful wildlife, historic landmarks, and unique culture. Dog sled in the Arctic, kayak in breathtaking fjords, visit the top of the world at the North Cape, or meet Sámi reindeer herders.
Seasonal and coastal adventures in Norway
Every season has something unique to offer you along the Norwegian coast. Variety abounds in the included excursions and optional activities available on your expedition cruise, catering to different interests and activity levels. After exploring this stunning country and coast, the Norwegian love of nature and the great outdoors will be sure to rub off on you too.
Shore excursions*
There’s no better way to experience Norway than through our wide range of optional shore excursions. Join a thrilling dog sled ride, visit UNESCO-listed World Heritage Sites, or hike to world-famous Preikestolen (‘Pulpit Rock’) for panoramic views of the Lysefjord. Or take part in cultural experiences such as meeting indigenous Sámi herders and visiting Lofoten fishing communities.
* Please note that some of these are optional activities at additional cost.
Landings using small boat (RIBs)
Even though our expedition ships sail close to the coast and go where the big ships can’t, there are many hard-to-reach, hidden gems to explore. Our small boats (RIBs), on the other hand, take you to remote settlements deep in the fjords or to rarely visited island communities such as Skarsvåg or Mosterøy.
Lectures
Your Expedition Team share their deep knowledge of local culture, history and nature through daily onboard lectures and workshops. They will cover fascinating topics such as the geology of fjords, Viking culture, Arctic explorers or wildlife of the coast.
Science Center
During your expedition cruise, you’ll have access to the ship’s Science Center. Dabble in scientific analysis of rock and biological samples, or learn more about Norway’s climate and geology.
Citizen Science
Get involved with our Citizen Science projects such as Happywhale, where your photos can help identify and track whales across the planet. Your contribution to any of our science projects will help the wider scientific community with important research.
Wildlife watching*
Norway’s coastal waters are home to a wide range of birds, marine mammals, and Arctic wildlife. Depending on when and where you visit, you may see sea eagles, Arctic Skuas, and Brünnich’s Guillemots. Ashore, you could find mink, otter, and deer. At sea, look for whales, dolphins, seals, and more.
* Please note that some of these are optional activities at additional cost.
Hiking*
Given Norway’s stunning landscapes, it’s no surprise that hiking is a national pastime. Choose from scenic nature trails, alpine mountain trails, hikes in the tundra wilderness above the Arctic Circle, or walks deep in the fjords. We offer hikes to suit all fitness levels, led by either the Expedition Team or a local guide.
* Please note that some of these are optional activities at additional cost.
Kayaking*
Glide through tranquil waters surrounded by incredible nature or historical architecture. Enjoy kayaking in the fjords, along city waterways, or on the open sea paddling between islets. This is a great way to find a new sightseeing perspective—and maybe even catch a glimpse of whales or seals swimming alongside you.
* Please note that some of these are optional activities at additional cost.
Winter sport activities*
Experience the thrill of snowmobiling across the Arctic tundra under the Northern Lights or dog sledding in snow-covered woodlands. You can try exhilarating alpine activities like snowshoeing and winter fatbiking as you discover Arctic Norway (usually offered from October to March, and when snow conditions are suitable).
* Please note that some of these are optional activities at an additional cost.
Photography
Norway provides a wealth of subjects, backdrops, and beautiful natural light for enthusiastic photographers to experiment with—amateurs and professionals alike! The onboard professional photographer will be available to give tips on taking the best landscape and wildlife photos.