Routes and itineraries
Hurtigruten offers two ways to explore the Norwegian coast. Our Original voyages on The Coastal Express follow the famous route we've been sailing since 1893 – connecting local communities, travelling alongside Norwegians, and serving as the heart and soul of the coast.
Our Signature voyages are elevated, front-row experiences to Norway and Svalbard, with premium all-inclusive food and drink and enhanced onboard guiding. Curated itineraries make long daytime stops in up to 14 handpicked destinations, spending an average of several hours in each – giving you more time to explore.
Original voyages are a different kind of cruise experience. A historic lifeline, we’ve been sailing the Coastal Express route, steady as the tides, since 1893. Our iconic postal ships call at 34 picturesque ports between Bergen and Kirkenes over 12 days – but it's never just about the schedule or the number of stops. It’s about feeling the true pulse of everyday life. People getting on and off. Cargo being loaded and unloaded. The seasons coming and going. On an Original voyage, you don’t just cruise Norway’s coast. You live it.
Signature voyages embody the essence of everything we’ve learned from sailing Norway and Svalbard for generations. They immerse you in our most cherished places, lingering in handpicked ports where working harbours greet us as old friends and villages open their doors just for us. On board our comfortable small ships, there are no casinos or cabarets. Just expert-led talks, on-deck tastings and all-inclusive food and drink served with a story.
The Coastal Express is the original Norwegian coastal voyage, founded by Hurtigruten – connecting fjords, towns and local people since 1893. Known as ‘The World’s Most Beautiful Voyage’, our historic route sails between Bergen and Kirkenes, day and night, all year round. Over 12 days and covering some 2,500 nautical miles, you’ll witness some of the most stunning scenery on the planet.
Yes. The full 12-day Coastal Express route sails from Bergen to Kirkenes and back, but you can choose to do only the 7-day northbound or 6-day southbound stretch instead.
We also offer a selection of shorter itineraries along the route (from 2-5 days), allowing those short on time to enjoy the same experience on the Norwegian coast.
Both voyages visit 34 ports between Bergen and Kirkenes, but the experience differs depending on direction.
Northbound (Bergen to Kirkenes): This route is ideal if you want to see explore cities like Ålesund, Trondheim and Tromsø, or visit the famous fjords of Geirangerfjord or Hjørundfjord (season depending). You'll also enjoy a long stop in Honningsvåg, with optional excursions to the North Cape.
Southbound (Kirkenes to Bergen): This route is great for nature lovers, with opportunities to visit the enchanting Lofoten Islands, the legendary Torghatten mountain island, and magical Trollfjord. Optional excursions include a Sea Eagle safari and visit to the Hurtigruten Museum in Stokmarknes.
Not at all – you choose which ports you step ashore at. Some stops are just 10-15 minutes while we deliver cargo and mail to local communities, while others are longer, giving you time to explore or join an excursion. With up to six port calls a day, it's an immersive but unhurried way to experience the Norwegian coast.
Unhurried and deeply meaningful, our all-inclusive Signature voyages are seasonal sailings that linger in carefully chosen ports, with all-inclusive dining on board.
We offer five different Signature itineraries:
The Svalbard Line (Bergen-Longyearbyen-Bergen; May-Sep; 15 days): Embark on a cruise into the high Arctic and back. From Bergen, you’ll follow the coast past Trondheim, Tromsø and the North Cape before crossing the Barents Sea to Longyearbyen and remote Ny-Ålesund.
The North Cape Line (Oslo-Tromsø-Oslo; Sep-Apr; 15 days): Experience beautiful Norway in winter with more time to explore handpicked ports like Narvik, Alta and Tromsø. Cross into the Arctic Circle and watch as the Northern Lights cast their magical glow over fjords, mountains and fishing villages.
The Arctic Line (Copenhagen-Tromsø or Tromsø-Copenhagen; Dec-Mar 2027/28; 12 days): Sailing between Denmark and Norway, enjoy fjords, snow-clad peaks and Northern Lights. Explore the striking beauty of Lofoten, Helgeland and Narvik, and the wild serenity of Alta and the Arctic Circle.
The Inner Fjords Explorer (Bergen-Ålesund-Bergen; Apr, May & Sep from 2027; 8 days): Sail on this fjord cruise from Bergen through Norway’s iconic Western Fjords, including the Sognefjord, Lysefjord, Hardangerfjord and Nordfjord.
The Arctic Circle Explorer (Tromsø-Honningsvåg-Tromsø; Jan-Apr 2028; 8 days): Set out on a circular cruise from Tromsø into Norway’s far north. Experience Lofoten’s rugged beauty, visit Alta and the North Cape, and discover the serene beauty of the Northern Lights.