Autumn Cruise in Norway
Autumn along Norway’s coast is known as the season of color. In September and October, brilliant reds, yellows and orange dominate the mountainsides, hilltops and woods. Astonishingly blue skies contrast against the highest peaks, white with the season's first snows. The days grow shorter, the nights longer, and with luck, you´ll see the magical Northern Lights.
September and October are a very special time to cruise the Norwegian coastline with Hurtigruten. Many guests rate autumn as their overall favorite season to sail, and here's a few reasons why:
- Experience coastal Norway at its most naturally colorful
- Enjoy a more tranquil journey without summer crowds
- Encounter darker nights, with the chance to see the magnificent Northern Lights
- Enter the majestic Trollfjord and beautiful Hjørundfjord
Beginning of the Northern Lights Season
As the nights grow longer, so do your chances for seeing the mesmerizing Aurora Borealis lightshow. During autumn, the night skies at sea are so dark and full of stars that it is almost unbelievable. During the day, you're treated to an absurdly colorful display of autumnal nature.
Laid back and Leisurely
Autumn is also a more tranquil time to travel with Hurtigruten. The summer crowds dissipate, allowing you more leisurely time to take in the sights, enjoy the slower pace of life and the spectacular scenery passing by.
Fantastic Fjords
During autumn, we make a detour into Hjørundfjord on the northbound route from Bergen to Kirkenes, and navigate the narrow passage into breathtaking Trollfjord on both the northbound and southbound journeys.
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![In autumn we sail into the beautiful Hjørundfjord]()
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![Enjoy the beautiful colours along the coast, exciting shore excursions and a chance of seeing the Northern Lights above the Arctic Circle]()
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![Autumn Fall colors in Norway]()
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![Hurtigruten excursion in Finnmark]()
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![Autumn sunset from Hurtigruten's MS Kong Harald]()
Photo: Erika Tiren, Trym Ivar Bergsmo and
Food Stories from Norway
Fresh local food enhances the travel experience. It generates positive ripple effects in the local communities and inspires great stories about the places we visit. During autumn, we serve cloudberries out on deck. A woman in Finnmark handpicks and personally delivers the berries to our ships. Food experiences don’t get more real than this. You can also buy some of the products we serve in our on-board shops and take them home. That way the experience lingers.
Fresh autumn produce from Norway's Coastal Kitchen
Autumn is peak harvest time, which means it's top foodie season at Hurtigruten. Our kitchens serve a great selection of fresh, locally sourced cuisine.
Seafood, meat, poultry, dairy products, condiments, foraged mushrooms and berries, and seasonal vegetables are all delivered directly to the ships, significantly reducing food miles and optimising the use of local port facilities.
Look and learn with the Expedition Team
Sit in on any number of lectures and presentations hosted by our Expedition Team, experts on all things Norway.
Or join one of our exciting shore excursions, including seven different coastal hikes and tours through the historic cities of Trondheim and Tromsø. Autumn is the perfect hiking season.
Autumn Apparel - what to wear on a cruise to Norway
The coastal climate in autumn is generally mild, but as you sail further north it can get quite cold. In October, temperatures can even creep below 32 degrees in the northernmost areas, so make sure to pack warm clothes. It's a good idea to bring along a woolly jumper, wind and waterproof jacket and trousers, a hat, gloves and light hiking boots.
The dress code on board the ship is casual and relaxed, so no need for a tie. But don't forget your camera - that should be with you at all times.
Mellow and Magical
Autumn is a wonderful time to visit Norway. If you have always wanted to see the Norwegian coastline, the fabled fjords and the legendary Northern Lights, Hurtigruten's autumn sailings present the perfect opportunity.
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12 days Regular departuresThe Roundtrip Voyage
- Discover our full scenic route with 34 ports, visited twice (northbound and southbound), allowing you to really get to know the heart and soul of Norway’s coastline
- Bask in spectacular scenery any season of the year as we sail past more than 100 fjords and 1,000 mountains
- Spend half of your Norwegian cruise in the Arctic. During winter, this maximizes your chances of seeing the Northern Lights. In summer, you can enjoy 24 hours of daylight under the Midnight Sun.
- Take your pick from about nine optional hikes and a complete list of optional seasonal excursions (more than 70 in total) to enhance your coastal experience
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6 days Regular departuresThe Voyage South
- Treat yourself to some of the best scenery of the Norwegian coast, including Senja, the Vesterålen Archipelago, the stunning Lofoten Islands, and the Helgeland coast
- Look out for whales and a range of Arctic birds, including the White-tailed Sea Eagle and many other migratory species
- The ship may also visit the Trollfjord between May and October. This voyage enters the narrow fjord and performs an impressive 180-degree maneuver.
- Join two optional hikes and up to 20 optional seasonal excursions, including a tour of the Lofoten Islands by boat or a horseback ride to a picturesque beach
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7 days Regular departuresThe Voyage North
- Visit a range of coastal communities, including charming cities, towns, and villages.
- Sail to the world-famous Geirangerfjord from June to August or to the Hjørundfjord from September to October
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- Add more adventure to your voyage by choosing between up to six optional hikes and from up to 50 optional seasonal excursions.
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