Norway The Cruise South (Kirkenes - Bergen)

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Duration: 6 days

Departures: Daily Departures, All Year

Price from:
$ 1,678 $ 2,797 per person

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Experience the natural wonders of Lofoten
Explore the beautiful and exciting Norwegian coastline
Search for the northern lights in winter, and the midnight sun in summer
Join exciting sea- and land-based activities

Explore rustic fishing villages amidst the natural wonder of Lofoten.

Photo: Simon Vögele

Discover land and seascapes literally out of fairy tales, like Torghatten - the mountain with a hole.

Photo: Helfried Weyer

Stand at the edge of the world atop North Cape.

Photo: Stefan Dall

Itinerary

Experience the spectacular Norwegian coastline under the northern lights in winter or the midnight sun in summer. On our Classic Cruise South from Kirkenes to Bergen, we show you enchanting landscapes of fjords, mountains, waterfalls, and glaciers, combined with visits to historic cities and cozy coastal towns along the way. This is a cruise you will never forget.

Day 1 Kirkenes - Berlevåg
Day 2 Mehamn - Tromsø
Day 3 Tromsø - Stamsund
Day 4 Bodø - Rørvik
Day 5 Trondheim - Ålesund
Day 6 Ålesund - Bergen

Day 1

Kirkenes - Berlevåg

Capital of the Barents Region

Experience the thrill of a riverboat excursion near the Russian border.

Photo: Ørjan Bertelsen

Start your Classic Voyage South in the far northern town of Kirkenes (which, surprisingly, lies further east than Istanbul).

The region has many wintertime activities, including snowshoeing, dog-sledging and snowmobiling. You can also visit an Arctic Ice Dome.

Interested in history? Kirkenes has many small museums detailing the region’s rich heritage.

Southbound and down

After departing Kirkenes, we head due north, arriving at Vardø in the afternoon. Weather permitting, the brave may want to take a dip in the icy Arctic Ocean (strictly optional of course!).

We now head due west, cruising along the Varanger peninsula to Båtsfjord and Berlevåg, home to Norway’s most famous male choir, made up of local fishermen.

TIME IN PORT:

Kirkenes: 09.00 – 12.30
Vardø: 15.45 – 16.45
Båtsfjord: 19.45 – 20.15
Berlevåg: 21.45 – 22.00

Experience the thrill of a riverboat excursion near the Russian border.

Photo: Ørjan Bertelsen

Visit the nearby Russian border in Kirkenes.

Photo: Ørjan Bertelsen

Sail in springtime through the beautiful Lyngenfjord beneath the snowy peaks of the Lyngen Alps.

Photo: Ørjan Bertelsen

Stand at the edge of the world atop North Cape.

Photo: Stefan Dall

Experience a mini Arctic expedition in Hammerfest.

Photo: Zbigniew Wantuch

Day 2

Mehamn - Tromsø

Arctic magic and music

Stand at the edge of the world atop North Cape.

Photo: Stefan Dall

North Cape - 71 degrees north

We make a late night stop at Mehamn. During winter, you can join an amazing snowmobile trip here, through the vast Arctic wilderness. Experience snowy plains and valleys, crisp winter air and very possibly the Northern Lights in the starry sky above.

At Honningsvåg, join an overland excursion that crosses the island of Magerøy in time for you to enjoy breakfast atop North Cape (May - October). In Hammerfest, you can visit the UNESCO-listed Meridian Column, erected in 1854 to honour the first precise geographic measurement of the globe. During winter, join a mini-mountain expedition to experience the Arctic outdoors and learn about local polar hero and cook, Adolf Henrik Lindstrøm.

Tromsø – Paris of the North

We proceed south to Øksfjord, stopping briefly at the old trading post of Skjervøy. In spring, we sail through the beautiful Lyngenfjord, nestled beneath the snowy peaks of the Lyngen Alps.

We dock at Tromsø, in time to enjoy a magical Northern Lights concert at the Arctic Cathedral in winter, or Midnight Sun concert during summer. You can join a midnight excursion under the Midnight Sun to explore Tromsø by sea in a small boat. You may want to drop by Ølhallen to enjoy a beer and a chat with friendly locals.

TIME IN PORT:

Mehamn: 00.45 – 01.00
Kjøllefjord: 02.45 – 03.00
Honningsvåg: 05.30 – 05.45
Havøysund: 07.45 – 08.00
Hammerfest: 10.45 – 12.45*
Øksfjord: 15.30 – 15.45
Skjervøy: 19.15 – 19.45
Tromsø: 23.45 – 01.30
* 01.04. - 31.05. departure time from Hammerfest will be 11.45 due to diversion into Lyngen.

Optional Excursions

The Northernmost Town in the World

Join a bus tour to explore Hammerfest and learn about the events that have shaped this unique town at the top of Europe.
Snowmobile Trip into the Polar Night

Join an unforgettable snowmobile journey into the polar night, and across one of Europe’s most extreme and exciting natural environments.
Breakfast at North Cape

Enjoy a delicious breakfast and more on this scenic coach tour from the town of Honningsvåg to North Cape, one of the northernmost points on the European continent.
Mountain Hike in Hammerfest

Join a walking tour that follows a path through Hammerfest's past and up to the top of nearby Mount Salen for magnificent views of the Arctic Ocean and surrounding islands.
Into the Ice – Stories of a Polar Hero

Go on a 'mini-expedition' and discover one of the greatest figures in polar history during this excursion from Hammerfest to nearby Mount Salen.
Midnight Concert in the Arctic Cathedral

There is perhaps no more beautiful way to experience Tromsø than by attending a midnight concert at the city's iconic Arctic Cathedral.
Arctic Midnight Adventure in Tromsø

Enjoy a sightseeing tour of Tromsø’s famous sights from the seaside.

Day 3

Tromsø - Stamsund

Lofoten, where nature amazes

Sail into spectacular Trollfjord.

Photo: Agurtxane Concellon

History and culture

This morning, we arrive at Harstad, where you can join one of our classic excursions - A Taste of Vesterålen. Discover history, beautiful scenery, and cultural heritage sites on this tour that rejoins the ship at Sortland.

Those who stay on the ship experience our passage through the Risøyrenna, a shallow channel made for Hurtigruten in the 1920s.

Lofoten and Trollfjord

Get ready now for some amazing scenery as we sail through the world-famous islands of Lofoten and Vesterålen. Lofoten is known for its natural beauty, steep mountains, wild nature and picturesque fishing villages. Our daylight sailing route through the region is the voyage highlight for many.

After a short stop at the tiny village of Risøyhamn, we continue to Stokmarknes - where Hurtigruten began more than 125 years ago. You can visit the Hurtigruten Museum here.

Continuing south, it will look like we’re headed into a mountain wall, but don’t worry. We are in fact sailing through a passage into the narrow Raftsund, flanked by peaks rising 1,000 m out of the sea.

We now arrive at amazing Trollfjord. If conditions allow, we will sail between sheer cliffs that seem close enough to reach out and touch. It’s an unforgettable experience!

Next we arrive in Svolvær, where you can choose from several excursion options. Go horseback riding along a beach at sunset, head out on spectacular hikes, join a fast-boat tour on the fjord, or relax in town at one of many cafés, pubs and restaurants.

TIME IN PORT:

Tromsø: 23.45 – 01.30
Finnsnes: 04.15 – 04.45
Harstad: 07.45 – 08.30
Risøyhamn: 10.45 – 11.00
Sortland: 12.30 – 13.00
Stokmarknes: 14.15 – 15.15
Svolvær: 18.30 – 20.30
Stamsund: 22.00 – 22.30

Optional Excursions

A Taste of Vesterålen

A Taste of Vesterålen is one of the classics in our extensive Hurtigruten excursion program. Come along and experience its history, beautiful scenery, and many breathtaking sights.
Lofoten Islands

Join us on a comfortable coach excursion through one of the most extraordinary landscapes on Earth.
Sea Eagle Safari

Join us on an excursion into Norway’s spectacular Trollfjord and experience close encounters with magnificent sea eagles.
Lofoten by Horse

Imagine horseback riding along a remote beach and terrain once inhabited by Vikings. Join us for this excursion along the shoreline of Gimsøy on the open Norwegian Sea.
RIB Adventure in Lofoten

Join us on this exciting sea excursion in open RIBs (rigid inflatable boats) on the waters of the fantastic Lofoten archipelago.
Discover a Fishing Village

Join us on a guided walking tour to the quaint old fishing village of Svinøya adjacent to the Lofoten town of Svolvær.

Sail into spectacular Trollfjord.

Photo: Agurtxane Concellon

Visit tiny fishing villages and small ports in Lofoten, including Svolvær.

Photo: Simon Vögele

Marvel at the mystical Northern Lights.

Meet the beautiful Seven Sisters mountain range.

Spot the hole in the middle of Torghatten.

Photo: Helfried Weyer

Day 4

Bodø - Rørvik

A date with the Seven Sisters

Meet the beautiful Seven Sisters mountain range.

Trolls and mountains

Crossing the Arctic Circle is an important ‘rite of passage’. Today we celebrate the occasion on deck with a taste of Arctic tradition – a spoonful of cod liver oil.

Sailing along the Helgeland coast, you see the strange mountain, Torghatten (258 m above sea level), famous for the distinctive hole through its centre. The hole is 160 m long, 35 m high and 20 m wide, and was formed during the ice age. Participate on a hike up the mountain.

Another highlight is sailing past the Seven Sisters mountain range. It is easy to see how the peaks influenced ancient legend. The story goes that seven beautiful troll sisters were caught out at sunrise and turned to stone, thus creating the seven beautiful mountaintops.

From ducks to salmon

Next, we briefly stop at the idyllic trading post of Nesna before moving on to Sandnessjøen. From here, you can join an optional excursion to a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Vega Islands. The UNESCO status is due to the unique centuries-old interaction between the islanders and eider ducks. Learn how the locals sustain a livelihood of making down-filled duvets.

In Brønnøysund, join an excursion to the Norwegian Aquaculture Centre for an informative tour and taste of fresh salmon, from April through October.

Even though we’re south of the Arctic Circle, there are still good chances to see the Northern Lights in winter. The Midnight Sun may not shine, but you still experience seemingly endless daylight during late spring and summer.

TIME IN PORT:

Bodø: 02.30 – 03.45
Ørnes: 06.40 – 06.50
Nesna: 10.25 – 10.35
Sandnessjøen: 11.45 – 12.15
Brønnøysund: 15.00 – 17.30
Rørvik: 21.00 – 21.30

Optional Excursions

UNESCO Vega Archipelago

Take a step back in time and see how the Norwegian islanders here developed a symbiotic relationship with the local eider duck population to cultivate a sustainable livelihood.
Visit the Salmon

Fascinated by fish? Join us on a visit to the Norwegian Aquaculture Center near Brønnøysund for an informative tour and taste of fresh salmon.

Day 5

Trondheim - Ålesund

Gothic majesty and hidden lake

Experience authentic coastal life as it was and is.

Photo: Espen Mills

Trondheim

Today you have a chance to explore the wooden city of history: Trondheim. Be sure to visit the majestic Nidaros Cathedral, built over the burial site of King Olav II who reigned from 1015 to 1028.

Spectacular scenery and life of the sea

As we sail along the coast, you will realize the importance of fishing to Norway’s coastal communities.

Kristiansund is regarded as Norway’s ‘dried cod capital’ because of its long-time export of salted dry fish. Here you can join an excursion along the Atlantic Road, a National Scenic Route. The 8 km stretch of highway spans eight bridges, crosses picturesque landscapes and is surrounded by open sea.

Another interesting excursion is to the Bergtatt marble mine, which takes you inside a mountain and across an illuminated subterranean lake before serving you a meal in the mine´s ‘Grand Hall’.

Norwegian alps

Those who remain aboard at Kristiansund will experience the ship´s open sea crossing towards Molde - Norway´s ‘City of Roses’. From there, you can see the distant pointed peaks of the Romsdal Alps across the fjord, called ‘the Molde panorama’.

TIME IN PORT:

Trondheim: 06.30 – 09.45
Kristiansund: 16.30 – 17.00
Molde: 21.00 – 21.30
Ålesund: 00.30 – 01.00

Optional Excursions

Trondheim with Nidaros Cathedral

Join us on a coach tour of this holy medieval city that has become a major modern academic and technological research center.
The Atlantic Road

Ride along on what The Guardian ranked as the world´s best road trip, and was awarded the “Engineering Feat of the Century” prize in 2005.
Bergtatt - Magnificent Marble Mine

Enjoy a guided bus tour to Bergtatt, and visit a working marble and limestone mine on the bank of an illuminated subterranean lake deep inside a mountain

Experience authentic coastal life as it was and is.

Photo: Espen Mills

Ride along the spectacular Atlantic Road.

Photo: Nancy Bundt

Explore the historic Bryggen wharf district.

Photo: Gian Rico Willy

Enjoy a late summer evening sunset over Bergen harbour.

Photo: Lars Korvald, Visit Bergen

Ride a cable car to the top of Bergen’s highest mountain, Ulriken.

Day 6

Ålesund - Bergen

Our return to Bergen

Enjoy a late summer evening sunset over Bergen harbour.

Photo: Lars Korvald, Visit Bergen

Night-time stops

During the night, the ship calls at Ålesund, Torvik and Måløy, as our voyage draws to a close. Before docking in Bergen, there is fascinating scenery to see, including picturesque Nordfjord beneath Jostedal Glacier. Here the fjord widens to the east and forges 90 km inland.

Approaching Bergen

In the morning, we dock at Florø, Norway’s westernmost community.

A few nautical miles south of Florø, we cross the mouth of the mighty Sognefjord, taking in superb views of the magnificent island-studded coastline en route. Finally, you disembark in the Hanseatic city of Bergen with unforgettable memories of a truly unique part of the world. We hope to see you on board again in the very near future!

More adventures in Norway

If you would like to see more of Norway, we highly recommend our Bergen City Sightseeing excursion (only sold on board), or various Post-programmes to experience more Norwegian cuisine, culture and scenery.

TIME IN PORT:

Ålesund: 00.30 – 01.00
Torvik: 02.15 – 02.30
Måløy: 05.15 – 05.45
Florø: 07.45 – 08.15
Bergen: 14.30

The day-by-day programme will give you a few ideas about what you can see and do on your coastal voyage in Norway, but bear in mind that this itinerary is just an indication of what you can experience. After all, this is a sailing where the elements rule and weather conditions might vary, which is why every voyage with Hurtigruten is unique.

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What's Included

Included in Your Expedition

Voyage in the cabin category of your choice, on a full-board basis
English-speaking Tour Leader on board

Engaging onboard activities and lectures:

Onboard lectures and presentations on history, biology, geography, geology, and culture that provide context to your voyage and help you understand the destinations you will experience
Introductory photo presentations, camera adjustment, and tips & tricks, as well as photo and film footage from the voyage
Opportunities to casually engage with the Hurtigruten guides and other guests, including a welcome event, and daily gatherings to recap the day and prepare for the day to come
Port presentations providing destination insight
Excursion presentations
Point of interest presentations out on deck
Loan of trekking poles, snowshoes, head lamps, and crampons needed for optional hikes depending on season and conditions
Captain’s dinner and a farewell event

Not Included In Your Expedition

International flights
Optional shore excursions with our local partners
Hikes with our Hurtigruten guides
Travel protection plan
Luggage handling

Notes

Prices are in USD ($) per person in an inside cabin, double occupancy
Not all categories are available for all departures
Single cabin pricing available on request
Hurtigruten has a flexible pricing system and all prices are capacity controlled and subject to availability.

Sailing Plan

Ships

A small boat in a body of water with a mountain in the background

MS Finnmarken

Year built	2002
Year of refurbishment	2020
Shipyard	Kværner Kleven (N)
Passenger capacity	919
Beds	617
Car capacity	0
Gross tonnage	15,690
Length	138.5 m / 454 ft
Beam	21.5 m / 71 ft
Speed	18 knots

On board MS Finnmarken you find Hurtigruten´s relaxed style combined with a bit of luxury.

MS Kong Harald

Year built	1993
Year of refurbishment	2016
Shipyard	Volkswerft (Germany)
Passenger capacity	590
Beds	498
Gross tonnage	11,204
Length	121.8 m / 400 ft
Beam	19.2 m / 63 ft
Speed	18 knots

Norway's reigning monarch, a seasoned sailor, lends his name to this remarkable vessel. King Harald is not the only famous name you'll find on the ship.

MS Lofoten

Year built	1964 (Mod. 2003)
Shipyard	Aker Mek. Verk. (N)
Passenger capacity	400
Beds	151
Car capacity	0
Gross tonnage	2621
Length	87.4 m / 287 ft
Beam	13.2 m / 44 ft
Speed	16 knots

MS Lofoten - our old-time favorite - was launched at Oslo in 1964. The ship's classic maritime style and informal atmosphere reflects and inspires nostalgia in her passengers.

MS Midnatsol

Year built	2003
Shipyard	Fosen Mek. Verk. (N)
Passenger capacity	970 (500 in Antarctica)
Beds	632
Car capacity	32
Gross tonnage	16151
Length	135.75 m / 445 ft
Beam	21.5 m / 70.5 ft
Speed	18 knots

The MS Midnatsol (Midnight Sun) is dedicated to the wonders of Arctic summer.

MS Nordkapp

Year built	1996
Year of refurbishment	2016
Shipyard	Kværner Kleven (N)
Passenger capacity	590
Beds	480
Car capacity	24
Gross tonnage	11,386
Length	123.3 m / 404.5 ft
Beam	19.5 ft / 64 ft
Speed	18 knots

MS Nordkapp is named after the northernmost point on mainland Europe: North Cape (71ºN) - one of the geographical highpoints you can visit on a Hurtigruten voyage.

MS Polarlys

Year built	1996
Year of refurbishment	2016
Shipyard	Ulstein Mek. Verk. (N)
Passenger capacity	619
Beds	503
Car capacity	26
Gross tonnage	11,341
Length	123.0 m / 404 ft
Beam	19.5 m / 64 ft
Speed	18 knots

Polarlys is Norwegian for 'polar light', the Arctic's special natural radiance that we pursue during winter.

MS Nordlys

Year built	1994
Year of refurbishment	2019
Shipyard	Volkswerft (D)
Passenger capacity	590
Beds	471
Car capacity	24
Gross tonnage	11,204
Length	121.8 m/ 400 ft
Beam	19.2 m/ 63 ft
Speed	18 knots

Both the name and the interior design of MS Nordlys are inspired by the spectacular northern lights (Aurora Borealis).

MS Nordnorge

Year built	1997
Year of refurbishment	2016
Shipyard	Kværner Kleven (N)
Passenger capacity	590
Beds	476
Car capacity	32
Gross tonnage	11,384
Length	123.3 m/ 405 ft
Beam	19.5 m/ 64 ft
Speed	15 knots

MS Nordnorge is aptly named for northern Norway, most of which lies above the Arctic Circle.

MS Richard With

Year built	1993
Year of refurbishment	2018
Shipyard	Volkswerft (D)
Passenger capacity	590
Beds	458
Car capacity	12
Gross tonnage	11,205
Length	121.8 m/ 400 ft
Beam	19.2 m/ 63 ft
Speed	18 knots

MS Richard With proudly bears the name of Hurtigruten's founder. It is aptly designed and built in classic maritime style.

MS Trollfjord

Year built	2002
Shipyard	Fosen Mek. Verk. (N)
Passenger capacity	822
Beds	638
Car capacity	35
Gross tonnage	16,140
Length	135.75 m/ 445 ft
Beam	21.5 m/ 70.5 ft
Speed	18 knots

This ship is named after spectacular Trollfjord in the Lofoten Islands, and provides exquisite indoor comfort, modern facilities and interior design that makes extensive use of Norwegian wood and stone.

MS Vesterålen

Year built	1983
Year of refurbishment	1995
Shipyard	Kaarbø Mek. Verk.
Passenger capacity	490
Beds	301
Car capacity	24
Gross tonnage	6,261
Length	108.55 m/ 356 ft
Beam	16.5 m/ 54 ft
Speed	18 knots

MS Vesterålen is named after the first Hurtigruten ship to sail along Norway´s rugged coastline in 1893. She is one of our smaller boats and has an intimate onboard atmosphere.

MS Spitsbergen

Year built	2009
Year of refurbishment	2016
Shipyard	Estaleiro Navais de Viana do Castelo (POR)
Passenger capacity	335
Beds	243
Car capacity	0
Gross tonnage	7,344
Length	100.54 m/ 330 ft
Beam	18.0 m/ 59 ft
Speed	14.5 knots