Kirkenes - Svolvær
Kirkenes - Svolvær
- Admire the landscapes of Northern Norway, Lofoten, and Vesterålen during the day
- Chances of experiencing the Northern Lights in winter or the Midnight Sun in summer
- Explore the attractions of Arctic towns like Vardø and Hammerfest
Itinerary
Highlights of this short voyage are the spectacular islands and mountains you’ll see in Northern Norway and around the Lofoten and Vesterålen archipelagos, hopefully accompanied by the Arctic’s Northern Lights in winter or 24-hour sunlight in summer. If time and weather allows, the ship may also detour to Trollfjord just before Svolvær.
DAY 1 : Kirkenes
All Aboard!
Your voyage begins in the Arctic in the town of Kirkenes, just a few miles from the Russian border—farther east than St. Petersburg and Istanbul!
You’ll likely notice that Norway’s gigantic neighbor has many influences, from road signs in both Norwegian and Russian to a monthly Russian market and the World War II Russian Monument.
World War II history
For those interested in history, the Varanger Museum in Kirkenes has exhibits about how the town was involved during World War II, where it was bombed a total of 328 times in four years, making it the most bombed place during the war after Malta.
For more insights into this somber period, visit the Andersgrotta World War II Bomb Shelter which could house up to 2,500 people underground.
Norway’s northern frontier
In the port of Vardø, you’ll find the star-shaped Vardøhus Fortress, built in 1737. The northernmost fortification of any kind, it remains in use by the military to this day.
We’ll cruise Norway’s coastline to the small port of Båtsfjord in the evening. Then it’s on to Berlevåg. You might be able to make out Mount Tanahorn to the west, or see Kjølnes Lighthouse blinking atop its cliff overlooking the Barents Sea.
DAY 2 : Mehamn - Tromsø
Arctic magic and music
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: 01:20 a.m. - 01:30 a.m.
- Kjøllefjord: 03:25 a.m. - 03:35 a.m.
- Honningsvåg: 05:45 a.m. - 06:00 a.m.
- Havøysund: 08:00 a.m. - 08:15 a.m.
- Hammerfest: 11:00 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.
- Øksfjord: 3:50 p.m. - 4:05 p.m
- Skjervøy: 7:30 p.m. - 7:45 p.m.
- Tromsø: 11:45 p.m. - 01:30 a.m.
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The Northernmost Town in the WorldJoin us on a bus tour to explore Hammerfest and learn about the events that have shaped the town at the top of Europe.
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Snowmobile Trip in the Polar NightTake an unforgettable tour into the Polar Night on a snowmobile across one of Europe’s most extreme and exciting natural environments.
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Breakfast at the North CapeEat breakfast at the top of Europe. Enjoy breakfast and more on this scenic bus tour from the town of Honningsvåg to North Cape, one of the Europe’s northernmost points.
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Mountain Hike in HammerfestEnjoy an exhilarating hike up Mount Salen, passing through Hammerfest’s only forest on your way up to the peak for panoramic views.
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Into the Ice: Stories of a Polar HeroGet outdoors and discover one of the greatest figures in polar history on this excursion from Hammerfest to nearby Mount Salen.
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Midnight Concert in the Arctic CathedralStep into the architecturally impressive, modern Arctic Cathedral at midnight for a magical classical music concert by candlelight.
DAY 3 : Tromsø – Svolvær
High Peaks and Idyllic Islands
Today, you’ll be exploring the archipelagos of Lofoten and Vesterålen, real highlights of our Norway scenic route.
After Finnsnes early in the morning, the ship calls at Harstad where the white-washed Trondenes Church, the world’s northernmost medieval stone church, sits on the peninsula.
Next is our smallest port of call Risøyhamn and then Sortland where the landscape slowly transforms from hills to 1,000-metre-high mountains.
Our birthplace
Stokmarknes is where Captain Richard With began The Coastal Express in 1893. Visit Hurtigrutemuseet, a ship-in-a-bottle building that chronicles our legacy, centred around retired ship MS Finnmarken from 1956.
A ship-size fjord
Sailing along Raftsund, the Captain may choose to take the ship into tiny Trollfjord. The mountain walls will look so close you’ll think you can reach out and brush them! To exit the fjord, the ship will rotate 180 degrees on the spot, then sail back out. Remember to look out for sea eagles here too.
Last stop in Lofoten
We reach Svolvær in the evening, the last stop on your voyage with us. The huge mountain that sits above the town is named the Svolvær Goat due to its supposed resemblance. See if you agree!
What's Included
Included in Your Expedition
- Cruise with Hurtigruten in an unspecified cabin
Your cabin will be allocated when you check in
Not Included In Your Expedition
- Flights & transfers
- Travel insurance
- Optional excursions
- Luggage handling
Notes
- Prices are per person based on two people travelling together sharing a twin cabin
- Not all cabin 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.
