Arctic Capital to the Viking Capital
Tromsø - Brønnøysund - Trondheim
From Arctic landscapes to Viking legacy on this short journey down Norway’s coast

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A southbound sailing from Tromsø to Trondheim via scenic fjords and archipelagos
This is one of our most iconic and beautiful routes. Cross the Arctic Circle, sail into the small yet spectacular Trollfjord and marvel at Torghatten mountain. The ideal trip if you want to see northern Norway.
From modern Arctic hub to ancient Viking capital
Travel between two iconic Norwegian coastal cities
Sail Norway’s rugged coastline
Dramatic landscapes, picturesque harbours and breathtaking fjords
Discover the real coastal Norway
Share your journey with locals and experience everyday life on the coast and islands
Price from
pp
Lowest rate - Sailing November 2025
3 days
15 Ports
Regular departures

Our famous route connecting local communities since 1893
Itinerary
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High Peaks and Idyllic Islands
Tromsø
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A Landscape of Trolls
Brønnøysund
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City of Kings and Palaces
Trondheim
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High Peaks and Idyllic Islands
- Port: Tromsø
- Day of voyage: 1
Details
Welcome to the historic Arctic capital of Tromsø. If you’ve arrived in the morning or afternoon, you’ll have time to explore the city before your ship departs late in the evening.
After Finnsnes early in the morning, the ship calls at Harstad where the white-washed Trondenes Church, the world’s northernmost medieval stone church, sits on the peninsula.
Next is our smallest port of call Risøyhamn and then Sortland where the landscape slowly transforms from hills to 1,000-metre-high mountains.
Our birthplace
Stokmarknes is where Captain Richard With began The Coastal Express in 1893. Visit Hurtigrutemuseet, a ship-in-a-bottle building that chronicles our legacy, centred around retired ship MS Finnmarken from 1956.
A ship-sized fjord
Sailing along Raftsund, the Captain may choose to take the ship into tiny Trollfjord if the weather permits. The mountain walls will look so close you’ll think you can reach out and brush them! To exit the fjord, the ship will rotate 180 degrees on the spot, then sail back out. Remember to look out for sea eagles here too.
Fall in love with Lofoten
We reach Svolvær in the evening, main town of the gorgeous Lofoten Islands. The huge mountain that sits above the town is named the Svolvær Goat due to its supposed resemblance. See if you agree!
The ship then sails for Stamsund, eventually passing the giant granite cliffs of the Lofoten Wall.
Day 1 Sailing Plan
As we follow our scenic route and cruise Norway’s coastline, most of the ports we visit by night northbound are revisited by day southbound, allowing you to discover majestic fjords, mountains, cosmopolitan cities, market towns, and isolated hamlets.
Port
Ship arrival
Ship departure
Time in port
MOCK-BGO
20:30
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A Landscape of Trolls
- Port: Brønnøysund
- Day of voyage: 2
Details
The ship calls at Bodø in the small hours of the morning and then Ørnes at 7am. We then cross over the Arctic Circle just after breakfast. Commemorate the moment with a tradition of tasting a spoonful of good ol’ Norwegian cod liver oil!
We make a short stop at Nesna before sailing on to Sandnessjøen, gateway to the magnificent Helgeland Coast.
Legend has it…
Admire the stunning landscape of the Seven Sisters mountain range, with peaks up to 1,100m high. The tale goes that seven beautiful troll princesses, fleeing from an unwanted suitor, got caught out as the sun rose, turning them into the seven beautiful mountains you see today.
You’ll also not want to miss views of Torghatten Mountain, with the distinctive hole in it. There is a local legend as to why and how this mountain came to have such a hole. Make sure you ask your Coastal Experience about it!
We reach Brønnøysund mid-afternoon. Explore the bustling marina on a walk along Havnegata. In the centre of town is Brønnøy Church: a stone church in the Neo-Gothic style dating back to 1870.
Our last stop of the day is the cosy fishing port of Rørvik in the picturesque Vikna archipelago.
Available excursions

UNESCO Vega Archipelago
Sandnessjøen 5h
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Available
Jun - Aug + Sep - Oct

Sea Adventure by RIB
Brønnøysund 2h 30min
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Available
Apr - May + Jun - Aug + Sep - Oct

Hike to Torghatten
Brønnøysund 2h
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Available
Jun - Aug + Sep - Oct

Visit the Salmon
Brønnøysund 2h 30min
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Available
all seasons
Day 2 Sailing Plan
As we follow our scenic route and cruise Norway’s coastline, most of the ports we visit by night northbound are revisited by day southbound, allowing you to discover majestic fjords, mountains, cosmopolitan cities, market towns, and isolated hamlets.
Port
Ship arrival
Ship departure
Time in port
MOCK-FRO
02:45
03:00
15 minutes
MOCK-MAL
05:15
05:30
15 minutes
MOCK-TVK
08:20
08:30
10 minutes
MOCK-AES
09:45
10:00
15 minutes
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City of Kings and Palaces
- Port: Trondheim
- Day of voyage: 3
Details
We arrive at Trondheim just after breakfast. Your voyage with us concludes here. If you’ve got some time before your onward journey, you might like to explore the city’s sights.
Founded by Viking king Olav Tryggvason in 997, Trondheim today is Norway’s third-largest city and a mix of historic buildings and a vibrant student population.
A must-see site of the city is Nidaros Cathedral, nicknamed “Norway’s Notre Dame” for its Gothic style and considered the most sacred building in all of Norway. Next door to the cathedral is the Archbishop’s Palace where Norway’s crown jewels are on display.
Nearby, the old city bridge Gamle Bybro sits over Nid River, marking the entrance to the old Hanseatic district of Bakklandet. The neighbourhood’s colourful wooden wharves propped up on stilts by the river’s edge now house a variety of eateries. Up from Bakklandet is Kristiansten Fort which affords beautiful panoramas of the city and fjord.
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The route
You can drag or zoom in on the map to explore the route in more detail.
Optional excursions and extensions(4)
Choose these and many more when booking your voyage online, or take your time to decide and add them later in MyBooking.

UNESCO Vega Archipelago
Sandnessjøen 5h
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Available
Jun - Aug + Sep - Oct

Sea Adventure by RIB
Brønnøysund 2h 30min
Read more
Available
Apr - May + Jun - Aug + Sep - Oct

Hike to Torghatten
Brønnøysund 2h
Read more
Available
Jun - Aug + Sep - Oct

Visit the Salmon
Brønnøysund 2h 30min
Read more
Available
all seasons

UNESCO Vega Archipelago
- Port: Sandnessjøen - Brønnøysund
- Available: Jun - Aug + Sep - Oct
- Duration: 5h
- Difficulty level: Level 1: Suitable for everyone.
- Price: From £310
- Booking code: HR-SSJ10B
Best things about this excursion
Enjoy views of the beautiful UNESCO-listed Vega archipelago by boat
Visit the Vega World Heritage Centre which charts the islands’ history
Learn about the traditional industry of eider duck down harvesting
Have a complimentary hot drink and local snack in the café
Practical information
Disembarking port: Sandnessjøen
Embarking port: Brønnøysund
Available: 10 June - 9 Sep
Transportation: Boat
Meals: Local fruit drink, coffee, tea and local snack
Clothes: Comfortable shoes, warm and windproof clothing
About this activity
Discover a hidden gem as you tour the UNESCO-listed islands of Vega that sit south of the Arctic Circle. We’ll venture from Sandnessjøen, through the cluster of islands, islets, and reefs by boat while our guide speaks of the fascinating culture of this coastal landscape and its people.
Coming ashore at Gardsøy, we’ll visit the Vega World Heritage Centre which highlights the outstanding 1500-year-old tradition that is unique to the area. The islanders act as bird guardians for the migrating eider ducks that nest here. They build tiny ‘houses’ for the animals and after the hatchlings have moved out, the highly-prized eider down is collected.
Through the exhibitions and short film, you’ll be taken on a journey from Stone Age settlements to fish farming of the modern day. Admire the beautiful views from the café while enjoying a hot drink and local snack.
We’ll sail back along the idyllic Helgeland coast and end our journey in Brønnøysund.
Excursion is subject to a minimum number of participants.

Sea Adventure by RIB
- Port: Brønnøysund
- Available: Apr - May + Jun - Aug + Sep - Oct
- Duration: 2h 30min
- Difficulty level: Level 3: Average physical condition.
- Price: From £150
- Booking code: HRS-BNN3
Best things about this excursion
Enjoy the exhilarating speed of an RIB
Admire the coastal scenery of Helgeland
See Torghatten mountain from all sides
Photograph the legendary hole in Torghatten mountain
Practical information
Disembarking/embarking port: Brønnøysund
Available: 1 May – 30 September
Clothes: Please wear warm clothing. Overalls and life vests are provided in sizes XS to XXL. If your size is outside this range, please talk to the onboard Expedition Team before booking your excursion.
Not suitable for people who are pregnant or have back problems
About this activity
Join us for an unforgettable experience at the heart of Helgeland’s scenic coast. You’re in safe hands today; experienced drivers from Sea Adventure Helgeland will be your guides, enriching your trip with local stories and knowledge. After a safety briefing, you’ll head to the RIBs to begin the adventure.
Your excursion starts from Kongebrygga in Havnegata. We’ll follow the strait north from Brønnøysund, passing the historic Prestøya lighthouse before driving south through beautiful Torgnessundet. We then continue around Torghatten, the legendary mountain known for a large distinctive hole running straight through its centre.
We’ll pass beautiful islets and straits along the way, each with a rich variety of birdlife. You’ve got a high chance of spotting the majestic Sea Eagle up close, so keep an eye out.
Your guides will pick a remote spot for us to heading ashore where we’ll enjoy a cup of coffee and a local snack while listening as the guides share local stories and myths.
Excursion is subject to a minimum number of participants.

Hike to Torghatten
- Port: Brønnøysund
- Available: Jun - Aug + Sep - Oct
- Duration: 2h
- Difficulty level: Level 4: Good physical condition.
- Price: From £125
- Booking code: HR-BNN10D
Best things about this excursion
Practical information
About this activity
Travelling by bus through the attractive town of Brønnøysund, we’ll head to the foot of Torghatten Mountain. With the distinctive hole that pierces its centre, it is one of the Norwegian coast’s most recognisable and iconic spots. According to local legend, the mountain was once the hat of the Troll King who used it to block an arrow aimed at a young maiden.
We’ll spend about half an hour gently ambling up the mountain’s rugged natural path to where the hole starts. The hole is 35 metres high, and runs for 160 metres, ranging between 15 and 20 metres wide, big enough for one of Coastal Express ships to pass through it.
On reaching the hole, we're rewarded with a fantastic panorama of the Helgeland coast below. Taking the same route back down the mountain, we'll end our hike with a warming drink and tasty snack.
Excursion is subject to a minimum number of participants.

Visit the Salmon
- Port: Brønnøysund
- Available: all seasons
- Duration: 2h 30min
- Difficulty level: Level 2: Suitable for most.
- Price: From £117
- Booking code: HR-BNN10C
Best things about this excursion
Take a short journey around the beautiful town of Brønnøysund
Enjoy an informative tour at the Norwegian Aquaculture Centre at Toft
Feed the salmon and hear about their marine life from experienced guides
Have a taste of the fresh local Norwegian salmon, famous around the world
Practical information
Embarking/disembarking port: Brønnøysund
Available: 1 Jan - 31 Dec
Transportation: Bus
Meals: A taste of salmon
Clothes: Comfortable shoes and warm clothing
About this activity
After a bus tour around the pretty town of Brønnøysund, we’ll admire the impressive views as we cross the magnificent bridge to the Norwegian Aquaculture Centre in Toft.
There, our guides will tell the story of Norway’s vibrant salmon fishing culture. Meet the salmon that grow here and see how they live, then take part in feeding these beautiful creatures. You’ll also hear about the different bits of technology that helps the salmon from egg to fish. There’s even an opportunity to try an underwater camera to see the fish up close.
The Norwegian coast’s cool and clear waters offer the prime conditions for sustainable and responsible aquaculture. As a result, Norway is one of the world’s major exporters of fish and seafood with around 37 million people around the globe enjoying the country’s produce. Sample it yourself as we end the tour with a taste of the salmon that’s so internationally loved.
Excursion is subject to a minimum number of participants.
What's included
On board, you'll enjoy outstanding food, facilities and hospitality, so you can concentrate on simply enjoying the beauty of Norway.
Cruise with Hurtigruten in an unspecified cabin
Your cabin will be allocated when you check in
Our ships sailing this route(7)
Different ships sail this route depending on your departure date – but you’ll stay on the same ship for the whole voyage.

MS Kong Harald

MS Nordkapp

MS Polarlys

MS Nordlys

MS Nordnorge

MS Richard With

MS Midnatsol

MS Kong Harald
Norway’s reigning monarch, a seasoned sailor, lends his name to this remarkable hybrid vessel.
Facilities
Free Wi-Fi
3 restaurants
Expedition Team
Panoramic lounge
Sauna and fitness room
Laundry room
Meeting rooms
Hybrid ship

Expedition Suite
Suite on upper deck
Expedition Suite
Suite on upper deck
Arctic Superior
Upper deck for two guests
Arctic Superior
Upper deck for two guests
Arctic Superior
Middle deck for two guests
Arctic Superior
Middle deck for two guests
Polar Outside
Lower deck for two guests
Polar Outside
Lower deck for two guests
Polar Outside
Lower deck for two guests
Polar Outside
Lower deck for two guests
Polar Outside
Lower deck for two guests
Polar Outside
Upper deck for two guests
MS Nordkapp
MS Nordkapp is named after the northernmost point on mainland Europe: North Cape (71ºN) - one of the geographical highpoints you can visit on a Hurtigruten voyage.
Facilities
Free Wi-Fi
3 restaurants
Expedition Team
Panoramic lounge
Sauna and fitness room
Laundry room
Meeting rooms
Expedition Suite
Suite
Expedition Suite
SuiteExpedition Suite
Suite
Expedition Suite
Suite
Expedition Suite
Mini suite for 2 travellers
Expedition Suite
Mini suite for 2 travellers
Expedition Suite
Mini suite for 2 travellers
Expedition Suite
Mini suite for up to 4 travellers
Expedition Suite
Mini suite for up to 4 travellers
Expedition Suite
Mini suite for up to 4 travellers
Expedition Suite
Mini suite for up to 4 travellers
Arctic Superior
Upper deck for 2 travellers
MS Polarlys
Polarlys is Norwegian for `polar light´, and refers to the natural Arctic phenomenon we pursue in winter.
Facilities
Free Wi-Fi
3 restaurants
Expedition Team
Panoramic lounge
Sauna and fitness room
Laundry room
Meeting rooms

Expedition Suite
Suite on upper deck
Expedition Suite
Suite on upper deck
Expedition Suite
Suite on upper deck
Expedition Suite
Mini suite on upper deck
Expedition Suite
Mini suite on upper deck
Expedition Suite
Mini Suite on upper decks for up to 4 travellers
Expedition Suite
Mini Suite on upper decks for up to 4 travellers
Expedition Suite
Mini Suite on upper decks for up to 4 travellers
Arctic Superior
Upper deck for 2 travellers
Arctic Superior
Upper deck for 2 travellers
Arctic Superior
Upper deck for 2 travellers
Arctic Superior
Upper deck for 2 travellers
MS Nordlys
Both the name and the interior design of this modern hybrid ship are inspired by the spectacular Northern Lights.
Facilities
Free Wi-Fi
3 restaurants
Expedition Team
Panoramic lounge
Sauna and fitness room
Laundry room
Meeting rooms

Expedition Suite
Suite on upper deck for up to 4 travellers
Expedition Suite
Suite on upper deck for up to 4 travellers
Expedition Suite
Suite on upper deck for up to 4 travellers
Expedition Suite
Suite on upper decks for up to 4 travellers
Expedition Suite
Suite on upper decks for up to 4 travellers
Expedition Suite
Suite on upper decks for up to 4 travellers
Expedition Suite
Suite on upper decks for up to 4 travellers
Expedition Suite
Suite on upper decks for up to 4 travellers
Expedition Suite
Mini suite on upper deck for 4 travellers
Expedition Suite
Mini Suite on upper deck
Arctic Superior
Upper decks for 2 travellers
Arctic Superior
Upper decks for 2 travellers
MS Nordnorge
MS Nordnorge is aptly named for northern Norway, most of which lies above the Arctic Circle.
Facilities
Free Wi-Fi
3 restaurants
Expedition Team
Panoramic lounge
Sauna and fitness room
Laundry room
Meeting rooms

Expedition Suite
Suite on upper deck
Expedition Suite
Suite on upper deck
Expedition Suite
Suite on upper deck
Expedition Suite
Suite on upper deck
Expedition Suite
Suite on upper deck
Expedition Suite
Mini suite for 2 travellers
Expedition Suite
Mini suite for 2 travellers
Expedition Suite
Mini suite for 2 travellers
Expedition Suite
Mini suite for up to 4 travellers
Arctic Superior
Upper deck for 2 travellers
Arctic Superior
Upper deck for 2 travellers
Arctic Superior
Upper deck for 2 travellers
MS Richard With
MS Richard With proudly carries the name of Hurtigruten's founder.
Facilities
Free Wi-Fi
3 restaurants
Expedition Team
Hybrid ship
Sauna and fitness room
Laundry room
Meeting rooms

Expedition Suite
Suite on upper deck for 4 people
Expedition Suite
Suite on upper deck for 4 people
Expedition Suite
Suite on upper deck for 4 people
Expedition Suite
Suite for up to 4 people
Expedition Suite
Suite for up to 4 people
Expedition Suite
Suite for up to 4 people
Expedition Suite
Suite for up to 4 people
Expedition Suite
Suite for up to 4 people
Expedition Suite
Mini suite for up to 4 travellers
Expedition Suite
Mini suite for up to 4 travellers
Expedition Suite
Mini suite for up to 4 travellers
Expedition Suite
Mini suite on upper deck
MS Midnatsol
Previously MS Maud, MS Midnatsol is named after the Midnight Sun, the phenomenon that occurs in northern Norway every summer when the sun doesn’t set for 24 hours.
Facilities
Free Wi-Fi
3 restaurants
Expedition Team
Panoramic lounge
Sauna and fitness room
Laundry room
Meeting rooms

Expedition Suite
Owners suite on upper deck
Expedition Suite
Owners suite on upper deck
Expedition Suite
Owners suite on upper deck
Expedition Suite
Grand suite on upper deck
Expedition Suite
Grand suite on upper deck
Expedition Suite
Suite on upper deck
Expedition Suite
Suite on upper deck
Expedition Suite
Suite on upper deck
Expedition Suite
Suite on upper deck
Expedition Suite
Suite on upper deck
Expedition Suite
Mini Suite on middle or upper deck
Expedition Suite
Mini Suite on middle or upper deck