Bergen
Start and end your voyage in historic Bergen – framed by mountains and sea. Wander Bryggen’s UNESCO-listed wharfs, explore hidden lanes, and savour the spirit of Norway’s most storied coastal city.
The Coastal Express - Northern Lights
Bergen - Kirkenes - Bergen
Our classic route during aurora season, including direct flights from regional UK airports
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Chase the aurora on our classic voyage that follows Norway’s coastline, with direct flights to Bergen included
Experience coastal Norway pure and unfiltered as you journey 2,500 nautical miles from Bergen to Kirkenes and back, crossing into the Arctic Circle. Discover tranquil fishing villages and vibrant towns, with winter offering the shimmering Northern Lights and a warm welcome from our coastal communities.
Price from
£1,899per person
Lowest rate - Sailing December 2026
12 days
Full board
34 Ports
10 Departures
If the aurora doesn't occur within sight of the ship on your voyage of 11 days or more, we'll give you a 6 or 7-day voyage free of charge. Valid for departures between 20 Sep - 31 Mar.
Direct flights to Bergen from regional UK airports
Choose from Manchester, London or Newcastle
The original Bergen-Kirkenes-Bergen (BKB) route
Iconic towns, deep fjords and picturesque coastal villages
Full-board dining with Norway's Coastal Kitchen
Enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner made from the region's finest local ingredients
Discover Trollfjord during peak Northern Lights season
Enter the renowned narrow fjord flanked by cliffs, and keep watch for nature’s enchanting light show
Northern Lights Promise
If the aurora doesn’t show, we’ll give you a 6-day voyage free of charge
Highlights of this voyage
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The North Cape
Stand at the edge of Europe atop the North Cape plateau – a place of wind, vast skies, and unbroken horizons where the Arctic Ocean stretches toward the pole.
Cross the Arctic Circle
Cross the Arctic Circle – a symbolic passage marked by ceremony, laughter, and sea spray – as stories of explorers and coastal traditions come alive under endless skies.
Tromsø encounters
Experience Tromsø, the lively “Gateway to the Arctic”, where polar history, northern culture, and café life blend beneath snow-capped mountains and an ever-changing canopy of light.
Trondheim heritage
Walk through Trondheim’s cobbled streets to Nidaros Cathedral – Norway’s Gothic masterpiece and sacred heart – then linger by the river cafés of Bakklandet, where old timber wharfs meet city life.
Lofoten wonders
Sail beneath the jagged peaks of the Lofoten Wall, a dreamscape of sea and stone. Wander harbours lined with red rorbuer cabins and watch seabirds wheel above mirrored fjords.
Art Nouveau Ålesund
Discover Ålesund’s elegant Art Nouveau architecture and lively harbours, where spires and sea meet under mountain light. Wander cobbled streets, visit local cafés, and watch fishing boats drift between colourful waterfront houses.
Helgeland Coast legends
Cruise past mythic peaks like the Seven Sisters and Torghatten’s hollow heart – landscapes woven with legend, glinting under the soft Nordic light that defines Norway’s southern shores.
Coastal flavours
Savour Norway’s coast through its cuisine – from Arctic char and king crab to freshly baked bread and creamy brunost (brown cheese). Each meal celebrates local ingredients shaped by sea, season, and tradition.
The route
You can drag or zoom in on the map to explore the route in more detail.
What's included
On board, you'll enjoy outstanding food, facilities and hospitality, so you can concentrate on simply enjoying the beauty of Norway.
Our ships sailing this route(2)
Different ships sail this route depending on your departure date – but you’ll stay on the same ship for the whole voyage.
Optional excursions and extensions(20)
Choose these and many more when booking your voyage online, or take your time to decide and add them later in MyBooking.
Day 2
Art Nouveau Walk (Winter)
Ålesund 2h
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Available
Nov - Mar
Day 2
Atlanterhavsparken Aquarium and Ålesund
Ålesund 2h
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Available
Nov - Mar
Day 3
Trondheim with Nidaros Cathedral
Trondheim 2h
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Available
Sep - Oct + Nov - Mar
Day 3
Cycling In Trondheim
Trondheim 2h 45min
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Available
Apr - May + Jun - Aug + Sep - Oct
Day 4
RIB Safari To Saltstraumen
Bodø 2h
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Available
Apr - May + Jun - Aug + Sep - Oct
Day 4
Experience Bodø and Saltstraumen
Bodø 2h 10min
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Available
all seasons
Day 5
Dog Sledding (Tromsø)
Tromsø 3h 30min
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Available
Nov - Mar
Day 5
The Arctic Capital: Tromsø
Tromsø 3h 30min
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Available
all seasons
Day 6
The North Cape
Honningsvåg 3h
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Available
all seasons
Day 6
Birdwatching Safari
Honningsvåg 3h
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Available
Jun - Aug + Sep - Oct
Day 7
Riverboat to the Norwegian Border (Kirkenes)
Kirkenes 2h 30min
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Available
Jun - Aug + Sep - Oct
Day 7
The Norwegian Border
Kirkenes 3h
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Available
all seasons
Day 8
Midnight Concert in the Wooden Cathedral
Tromsø 1h 15min
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Available
all seasons
Day 8
Breakfast at the North Cape
Honningsvåg 6h
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Available
Jun - Aug + Sep - Oct
Day 9
A Taste of Vesterålen
Harstad 4h 15min
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Available
all seasons
Day 9
Lofoten Islands
Svolvær 3h 30min
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Available
Apr - May + Jun - Aug
Day 10
UNESCO Vega Archipelago
Sandnessjøen 5h
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Available
Jun - Aug + Sep - Oct
Day 10
Visit the Salmon
Brønnøysund 2h 30min
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Available
all seasons
Day 11
Trondheim with Nidaros Cathedral
Trondheim 2h
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Available
Sep - Oct + Nov - Mar
Day 11
The Atlantic Road
Kristiansund 4h 30min
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Available
Apr - May + Jun - Aug
Special Offers(1)
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this voyage differ from The Coastal Express?
The experience on board is the same as The Coastal Express – you’ll sail the same classic route along Norway’s coast on MS Nordlys.
The difference is that the price includes return charter flights from selected UK airports, making travel to and from Norway even easier.
What are the departure dates from each airport?
You can join this Northern Lights voyage from several regional airports in the UK.
Manchester (MAN)
19 October 2026
10 November 2026
13 December 2026
4 January 2027
London-Stansted (STN)
30 October 2026
2 December 2026
24 December 2026
London-Gatwick (LGW)
8 October 2026
Newcastle (NCL)
21 November 2026
15 January 2027
How long does the ship stay in each port?
On a roundtrip voyage from Bergen to Kirkenes and back, The Coastal Express calls at 34 unique ports - 34 northbound and 33 southbound - throughout the day and night. Some are short stops of only 15–30 minutes, while others last several hours, giving you more time to explore. The longest port calls include Trondheim, Bodø, Tromsø and Kirkenes.
Are all meals included?
Yes. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included, and are served in the main restaurant, Torget. Tea, filter coffee and water are also available throughout the day. Additional food and drink packages - such as upgrades to include dining in Kysten - can be purchased online, by calling our Customer Service Centre, or when on board.
Is Wi-Fi available on board?
Yes, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the ship - both in your cabin and in communal areas.
What activities are offered on board?
During your voyage, our Expedition Team brings the story of the Norwegian coast to life through daily themes, lectures and on-deck guiding. Many are local Norwegians who share personal stories and insights about culture, wildlife and history along the route.
Highlights include a Canon-certified photography programme to help you capture coastal scenery and the Northern Lights, as well as informal evening gatherings with the team. Topics vary by day, from maritime history and Viking legends to geology, fjords and life in small coastal communities.
MS Trollfjord also has a sauna and a fitness room for all guests to use.
Are shore excursions included in the price?
No, excursions are not included in the price of the voyage. These can be booked for an additional cost - either when you book your voyage, in the My Booking portal, or with the Expedition Team on board.
Is the cruise suitable for wheelchair users?
Yes. All our ships welcome wheelchair users and have accessible cabins with automatic doors. Passengers need to bring their own wheelchair and, if assistance is required, travel with a companion. Please let us know at the time of booking so we can make the right arrangements.