It’s only fitting for your Norwegian adventure to begin in Bergen, Norway’s cultural and artistic hotspot.

In many ways, Bergen is a living museum of medieval times. Founded by King Olaf III in 1070 AD, Bergen was Norway’s capital for many years. As you wander its cobblestone streets and alleyways, note how this bustling city hasn’t lost any of its heritage and historic charm.

Depending on how much time you have, take a funicular train to the top of Mount Fløyen. At the summit, take in spectacular views of Bergen, its fjords, and the surrounding mountains.

*Please note that if the date you make your booking is less than 90 days before your chosen departure date, your voyage will start on Day 3 in Bergen and end on Day 9 in Tromsø.

You’ll have some time after your hotel breakfast to discover more of Bergen before boarding the ship. If you want to learn more about the city’s history, visit the Old Bergen Museum. You’ll go back in time as you stroll around this open-air museum featuring around 50 reconstructed wooden houses from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries.  

Fantoft Stave Church is another cultural highlight you’ll want to make time for. Set against woodland, this unique building blends pagan and Christian architecture and has a fascinating history to boot.   

A transfer will take you to MS Trollfjord, which will depart by early evening. Once we’ve welcomed you aboard and you’ve settled into your cabin or suite, you’ll meet your Coastal Experience Team. You’ll get to know each member of the team well as they give lectures and organise onboard activities for you throughout your voyage.  

Grab yourself a drink in the ship’s two-storey panorama lounge and meet your fellow guests. As the ship sails from Bergen and into Hjeltefjord, your scenic adventure along Norway’s coast is underway. 

The Vikna archipelago is a chain of around 6,000 islands, islets, and skerries. The largest of the chain, Inner-Vikna, is our next stop. We aim to dock at the port town of Rørvik around mid-morning and stay there for most of the day.

The town and its surrounding areas have a long history, with burial mounds that date back to ancient times. Rørvik’s museums document the area’s maritime legacy, particularly the Norwegian Coastal Museum.

Similarly, at the SalmoNor visitor’s center, you can take a tour of a modern salmon farm and find out more about the Norwegian aquaculture industry that supplies the world with tasty Nordic salmon.

Another major export is cod, and the town even has an annual Cod Festival in March. Cod is especially common in the waters of the archipelago during winter. Why not indulge in some fresh cod cakes?

Alta is one of the bigger coastal towns we visit, with a population of over 10,000 people. A particularly famous part of the town is Alta River, one of Norway’s best salmon rivers. Large salmon are regularly caught here, with some even weighing up to 53 lbs. You won’t regret trying fresh, grilled salmon at one of the local restaurants.

At 70 degrees north, this town is still far above the Arctic Circle. The area is known for particularly good northern lights visibility, so keep your camera ready. If the skies are clear and the conditions are right, you should be able to snap some amazing shots of the lights dancing above.

You can learn more about this incredible natural light show on a guided tour of the town. The Northern Lights Cathedral even has an exhibition showing how Alta became the epicenter of ground-breaking research of the aurora borealis between the 19th and 20th centuries.

Increased snowfall in the winter allows for some truly authentic Arctic excursions, like dog-sledding. The snow and climate of Alta also creates the perfect conditions to build and maintain the Igloo Hotel, located on the banks of river Alta.

You can tour the world’s northernmost ice hotel, built out of snow and ice every winter and carved with different artistic themes by local sculptors. Head to the hotel’s ice bar, decorated with handcrafted ice sculptures. Order a drink in an ice glass – no ice cubes needed.

We arrive at Tromsø early in the morning today. The city is buzzing with everything from trendy restaurants and cafés to boutique shops selling local crafts and produce. 

Say farewell to the ship and crew before you disembark and go on a tour of the city on the way to your hotel for the night. As part of your inclusive sightseeing tour, you’ll visit three of Tromsø’s most famous attractions: the Arctic Cathedral, Polaria centre, and ride the cable car up to Mount Storsteinen.  

We start with giving you a birds-eye view of the city with a cable-car ride up to the mountain ledge at Storsteinen, some 420 metres above sea level. From the viewing platform at the upper station, you can enjoy spectacular panoramic views of Tromsø and the surrounding islands, mountains, and fjords.  

The tour continues to the famous Arctic Cathedral, an architectural masterpiece and town landmark. The modern building stands out in the cityscape due to its striking design and impressive stained-glass window.  

We will also visit the Polaria centre, where you’ll find an Arctic aquarium, educational displays, and a panoramic cinema. The cinema screens a movie focused on polar wildlife and habitats, while at the pool, you can watch seals play and feed. 

*Please note that if the date you make your booking is less than 90 days before your chosen departure date, your voyage will start on Day 3 in Bergen and end on Day 9 in Tromsø.