Lorraine Kelly’s Norwegian Odyssey – Episode 1: Journey into the fjords
Follow Lorraine on her Norwegian odyssey as she sets sail to explore the wild beauty, local legends and warm hospitality of Norway’s coast – our home.
Lorraine Kelly’s Norwegian Odyssey, brought to you by Channel 4 and Hurtigruten, follows her journey – mostly aboard our ships – along one of the world’s most spectacular coastlines.
As she sails with Hurtigruten, Lorraine uncovers the myths and legends of Norway, searches for the Northern Lights and comes face-to-face with some extraordinary wildlife, from sea eagles to a very friendly baby goat!
Now it’s your turn to go behind the scenes of Lorraine’s journey. From sauna plunges and mountain hikes to local folklore and village life, this guide introduces the places and people featured in the first episode – and shows how you could follow in Lorraine’s footsteps on your own Norwegian adventure.
Embark on your own Norwegian odyssey
Follow in the footsteps of Lorraine on an Original voyage aboard The Coastal Express. Or sail all-inclusive during Northern Lights season on The North Cape Line, one of our Signature voyages. And for a limited time, save up to 30% on sailings until 2027.
Episode 1 highlights: From Ålesund to Trondheim
Lorraine’s journey begins on Norway’s west coast, in the Art Nouveau town of Ålesund. Boarding one of our ships, she sails into the fjords – a landscape of towering cliffs, still waters and centuries-old stories.
Highlights include stories of trolls and Viking warriors, time spent on the bridge with the captain, and a sauna experience with locals in the small village of Sæbø.
In Trondheim, she kayaks the River Nid and dives into Norway’s food culture – from brunost (brown cheese) waffles to foraged fine dining.
It’s a journey that’s personal, warm and often moving. Whether swinging over a fjord or plunging into icy water, Lorraine brings to life the magic of slow travel and the deep connection Norwegians have with the outdoors.
Where did Lorraine go in Episode 1?
Ålesund
Lorraine starts her journey in the port town of Ålesund, known for its distinctive Art Nouveau style and views from Mount Aksla.
It’s also the departure point for her fjord adventure aboard MS Richard With.
Visit Ålesund on:
The Coastal Express – year round
The North Cape Line – September-April
Hjørundfjord & Sæbø
Lorraine sails into steep-sided Hjørundfjord, often described as Norway’s most beautiful fjord. In the remote village of Sæbø, where boat taxis replace buses, she embraces friluftsliv – open-air living – with a hillside walk and a traditional sauna. In Trandal, she finds the “world’s most beautiful swing”.
Visit Hjørundfjord on:
The Coastal Express – April, May, September and October
Trondheim
Arriving on MS Nordnorge, Lorraine visits Trondheim – once Norway’s Viking capital, now its culinary hotspot. She tries brunost waffles and dines at Bula Neobistro, where Chef Renée Fagerhøi serves up bold, seasonal dishes with local, foraged ingredients.
Visit Trondheim on:
The Coastal Express – year round. You can even go kayaking on the River Nid, just like Lorraine.
This [part of Norway] feels very much like a lot of places I’ve visited in Scotland – but it’s just bigger. Scotland, with trolls!
Watch: Legends of the fjords
As Lorraine sails into the fjords, she talks with local troll expert Magnus Lomax Bjerke about the legends that shape the Norwegian coast.
More episodes of Lorraine Kelly’s Norwegian Odyssey
Stream now
Episode 2: Life in the Arctic
Lorraine crosses into the Arctic, sailing into almost impossibly narrow Trollfjord and spotting Sea Eagles in Lofoten. She also dives into northern Norway’s food culture, visiting a zero-waste Arctic farm, sharing Sámi cooking by the fire, and harvesting seaweed straight from the icy sea.