Norway
Norway’s wild and dramatic coastline is made for expedition-style adventure. Sailing here for almost 130 years, we’re the experts, showing you both its highlights and its hidden gems.
Norway Expedition Cruises
Cruise Norway’s stunning fjords and coastline with us all year round. This is the land of the Northern Lights in winter and the land of the Midnight Sun in summer. Our Expedition Team will take you to visit the best places and share some of our favourite things to do in Norway. Whatever the season, you’ll actively explore Norway’s captivating mix of nature, history, culture and wildlife. See our itineraries, activities and current offers.
Expedition cruises to Norway
Choose from a wide range of itineraries from Dover, Hamburg or Tromsø. You can explore Norway, as well as Norway with Scandinavia, the Arctic, or Europe’s Atlantic Coast.
Activities in Norway
Enjoy expedition-style included and optional activities like guided walking tours, hiking, kayaking, wildlife watching and much more.
Wildlife in Norway
Look out for whales, seabirds, eagles, reindeer and Arctic foxes on your expedition cruise.
Expedition Team in Norway
Your Expedition Team will guide hikes, landings, give lectures on science, history and nature, and help with photography.
Outstanding beauty
Cruise expedition-style through Norway’s spectacular fjord landscapes, jagged mountain peaks, and some of Europe’s prettiest villages.
Cruises to Norway
Natural phenomena
Above the Arctic Circle, you’ll have a greater chance of seeing the Northern Lights illuminate Norway’s skies in winter, while in summer, enjoy longer days under the Midnight Sun.
Activities in Norway
In every season, the Norwegian coast has something to offer. Discover wonderful wildlife, historic landmarks and local culture through a range of included and optional activities. You can also choose more active adventure from kayaking, hiking, and wildlife watching in summer to dogsledding, snowmobiling and snowshoeing in winter. We’ll help you get the most out of your experience in Norway.
* Please note that these are optional activities; an additional cost may apply.
Rare wildlife
Norway is a whale watching and birdwatching paradise, with White-tailed Eagles soaring above, and orcas, humpback and sperm whales in the surrounding seas.
Wildlife in Norway
From the White-tailed Eagles that rule the sky and the nomadic reindeer on land, to whales along the coast, Norway is home to a wealth of wildlife. In winter, humpbacks and orcas can be spotted in the waters north of Tromsø. From late May to mid-September, spot sperm and minke whales. See 15 different bird-of-prey species including falcons, osprey and buzzards.
Year-round activities
The Expedition Team will guide you on your discovery of the Norwegian fjords and the coast, taking you out on walks, hikes and on landings. That might be UNESCO sites like Bryggen in Bergen or a little-known fishing village in Lofoten. They’ll help to enhance your experience through talks and lectures on Norwegian culture, history, food, wildlife and science.
Expedition Team Norway
The Expedition Team will guide you on your discovery of the Norwegian fjords and the coast, taking you out on walks, hikes and on landings. That might be UNESCO sites like Bryggen in Bergen or a little-known fishing village in Lofoten. They’ll help to enhance your experience through talks and lectures on Norwegian culture, history, food, wildlife and science.
When to see
We offer expedition cruises to Norway in all seasons. Every season has its highlights, bringing different opportunities for activities and wildlife sightings. You’ll also observe different stages in nature and the cycle of life. In summer, you’ll enjoy longer days under the Midnight Sun. In winter, your chances of seeing the Northern Lights are high and you can enjoy popular winter activities. The colours of autumn along the coast are stunning and the weather still mild for hiking and other outdoor activities, while in spring, you’ll see three seasons in one trip.
Northern lights
Situated around the Arctic Circle, Norway is one of the best places in the world to see the incredible northern lights. For a high chance of seeing the lights, you should travel in the winter season from Early September to Mid March. During this time, the Arctic sky is dark enough for the northern lights to be visible in the right conditions. A majority of Hurtigruten’s ports in Norway are above the Arctic Circle, which increases your chances of seeing the aurora. In fact, if you sail on selected Hurtigruten cruises and don’t see the lights, you are entitled to a free cruise thanks to our Northern Lights Promise.
Midnight sun
Sailing Norway’s coastline from June to August is like a midsummer night’s dream. Experience round-the-clock daylight and the Midnight Sun above the Arctic Circle, where the sun never sets. The intense extended daylight allows you more time to explore and discover the wonder of this dramatic and diverse coastline. On North Cape, located at 71° north, the midnight sun can be visible as early as 15th May.
Geirangerfjord
In summer we also visit the famous Geirangerfjord. This deep blue UNESCO-protected fjord is surrounded by towering mountain peaks, rushing waterfalls and lush vegetation, making it an area of astounding natural beauty. Excursions allow you to get off the ship to lookout areas in the fjord and other amazing sights in the area such as Trollstigen.
Arctic awakening
Travelling in the spring season from March to May is a truly unique Norwegian adventure, with three seasons in one voyage! After a long, dark winter, the sun reappears and breathes new life along Norway’s coastline. Daylight returns in the south, allowing for fun outdoor activities and coastal exploration. Up north above the Arctic Circle you can get the ultimate Norwegian experience, as winter and snow still dominate the landscape.
| jan | feb | mar | apr | may | jun | jul | aug | sep | oct | nov | dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ||||||||||||
| Northern lights | Best | Best | Good | Good | Best | Best | Best | |||||
| Midnight sun | Good | Best | Best | Good | ||||||||
| Geirangerfjord | Best | Best | Best | Best | ||||||||
| Arctic awakening | Good | Best | Best | |||||||||
| Fall colors | Best | Best | Good | |||||||||
| Cultural events | Good | Good | Best | Best | Best | Best | Good | Good | Good | Best | ||
| Whale watching | Best | Best | Good | Good | Good | Best | Best | Best | Good | Good | Good | Good |
| Typical best value | Best | Best | Best | Best | Best | Best | Best | |||||
Ships to Norway Expedition Cruises
Explore our ships that regularly sail to Norway Expedition Cruises
Supporting the community
When you travel with us, you also support local communities. The Hurtigruten Foundation contributes to restoration projects in Norway, like the upgrading of the North Cape Steps.