Hamburg - North Cape - Hamburg

In the Wake of The Coastal Express | Summer

Departure date

Unknown

Duration

15 days

Ship

The Midnight Sun over the North Cape, northern Norway

In the Wake of The Coastal Express | Summer

Voyage overview

Sail from Hamburg and explore the magnificent coast of Norway deep into the Arctic Circle in summer. As well as seeing Norway’s world-famous sights, such as UNESCO-listed Bryggen and the northernmost point of mainland Europe, you’ll explore hidden treasures tucked away along the length of the coast. Prepare to fall in love with rorbuer-dotted bays, tranquil fishing villages, and beautiful islands so remote you’ll feel like you discovered them.

  • Explore Norway’s iconic fjords, historic cities, towering mountain peaks, and windswept islands in the summer.

  • In May, June, and July, experience the Midnight Sun as you sail above the Arctic Circle to the northernmost point of Europe.

  • Visit Bergen, Tromsø, and the Lofoten Islands, and explore hidden places that still echo with the escapades of pirates, Vikings, explorers, and shipwrecked sailors.

Itinerary

The day-by-day programme will give you some ideas about what you can see during your voyage, but bear in mind that this itinerary is just an indication. After all, this is a sailing where the elements rule and weather conditions might vary.

MS Otto Sverdrup, Hamburg, Germany

Day 1

Depart from Hamburg

Hamburg

Depart from Hamburg

Hamburg

Our voyage begins in Hamburg, Germany’s second-largest city. With links to trade and adventure that go back centuries, it's the perfect starting point.  

Hamburg is home to two UNESCO World Heritage sites: the world's largest warehouse complex and the nearby Wadden Sea. If you have time, explore them before you board.   

Then, get settled on board the comfortable MS Otto Sverdrup, enjoy the first of many delicious, locally sourced meals, and get to know your Coastal Experience Team.

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Day 2

Crossing the North Sea

North Sea crossing

Crossing the North Sea

North Sea crossing

Today, we cross the North Sea so you can enjoy the day aboard MS Otto Sverdrup. Admire the views from the expansive Observation Deck, or take advantage of the hot tubs.   

Photography enthusiasts can pick up some pointers from our onboard photographer. You'll find the Explorer Lounge & Bar a comfy place to read or watch the world glide by.  

You can also enjoy one of the daily themed talks by the Coastal Experience Team, such as Vikings or Norway’s oil and gas history. Listen as they share their stories and knowledge of the places you’ll be visiting.

A person looking out from Preikestolen viewpoint in Lysefjord, Stavanger

Day 3

Sail into the famous Lysefjord

Stavanger

Sail into the famous Lysefjord

Stavanger

Stavanger has an international ambience and a lively cultural scene. Discover the architectural relics of Old Stavanger, including a magnificent 12th-century cathedral. You can also visit the Norwegian Petroleum Museum, pop into a local boutique shop, or simply enjoy a beer on the waterfront.   

Leaving Stavanger, we enter the Lysefjord to experience some of the most striking vertical cliffs of all the Norwegian fjords. As we sail through the fjord, you can enjoy impressive views from the ship, especially of the 1,980 ft high Preikestolen viewpoint, famously known as ‘Pulpit Rock’.

Bryggen, Bergen, Norway

Day 4

Beautiful Bergen

Bergen – gateway to the fjords

Beautiful Bergen

Bergen – gateway to the fjords

Surrounded by seven mountains and the sea, the old capital of Bergen is one of Norway’s most picturesque and historic cities. Get ready for its wealth of inimitable experiences. 

Stroll through the UNESCO-listed Bryggen district and discover its colourful wooden wharves dating back to the 14th century. Explore the cobbled streets and alleys on foot, stopping at fascinating museums, artisanal boutiques, cafés, or a pub for a glass of local Hansa beer.  

For amazing views of the city, the mountains, the sea, and beyond, you could take the funicular railway to the top of Mount Fløyen.

Sea eagle, Norway

Day 5

Cruise the Inner Coastal Route

Cruise the Inner Coastal Route

After Bergen, we head north along the enchanting edge of the Norwegian coast. When we started sailing north of the Trøndelag region in 1893, much was still unknown about the coastline but, over the years, we’ve become experts in these waters. Today, we are among the few with the maritime knowledge and skill to take you through the many skerries, islets, and hidden fjords that characterise this stretch of coast.  

You’ll be in awe of the landscapes as we sail through this region of windswept islands, sheltered bays, and some of the most beautiful fjords in the world. It’s also inhabited by a wide range of wildlife. Look out for Sea Eagles as you gaze in wonder at the exceptional beauty of this coastline.

Træna island, Norway

Day 6

Explore the Helgeland Coast

Træna

Explore the Helgeland Coast

Træna

There’s plenty to enthral you in Helgeland, from remote archipelagos to beautiful fjords and icy glaciers. The Arctic Circle also slices through the coast here, marking the southernmost point at which the Midnight Sun shines for 24 hours a day. 

On cruises from May through July, you could explore a wild and remote island in Træna or discover a hidden fjord. From August, you could gaze in awe at Svartisen, the second-largest glacier on mainland Norway.

Senja, Norway

Day 7

Senja: ‘Miniature Norway’

Senja

Senja: ‘Miniature Norway’

Senja

Today we visit Senja, a lesser-travelled island – perhaps due to its remoteness – that features on CNN’s top 10 list of the ’World’s Most Beautiful Islands’.  

Nicknamed 'Miniature Norway' due to the diversity of its landscapes, Senja's northern coastline has sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and lofty mountains. Southern Senja and Ånderdalen National Park offer rocky coastline and pine forests. You'll find rolling hills and birch forests to the east. 

Based on the weather conditions, your Captain will decide where best to drop anchor so you can go ashore and explore.

North Cape globe monument, Norway

Day 8

The North Cape

Honningsvåg – gateway to the North Cape

The North Cape

Honningsvåg – gateway to the North Cape

Standing at the edge of the North Cape – the northernmost point of Europe – there’s only the Svalbard archipelago between you and the Geographic North Pole, 1,300 miles away.  

Take in cliff-edge views across the sparkling sea, then take a selfie at the Globe Monument before visiting the North Cape Hall’s exhibits on the area's history.   

Depending on how the conditions are locally, we’ll either dock alongside Honningsvåg or anchor outside the fishing village of Skarsvåg. Either way, this is the northernmost point of our cruise. From here, we begin our trip southbound.

Arctic Cathedral, Tromsø, Norway

Day 9

The Gateway to the Arctic

Tromsø – gateway to the Arctic

The Gateway to the Arctic

Tromsø – gateway to the Arctic

Set in a majestic landscape, Tromsø is a small, cosmopolitan city with a big past that has plenty of fascinating sights to discover. 

At the Polar Museum, discover the city’s heritage as a base for famous trappers and legendary explorers including Roald Amundsen. See the Arctic Cathedral – with its huge stained-glass window, it’s one of the most striking landmarks in Tromsø. You can also take the Fjellheisen cable car to the top of Storsteinen for incredible views.

Reine's red-painted rorbuer are an icon of the Norwegian coast

Day 10

Discover Lofoten

Reine

Discover Lofoten

Reine

Today we explore the famed Lofoten Islands. With steep mountains, beautiful beaches and bays, and pretty fishing villages, the archipelago is unlike anything you’ve seen. 

With its iconic red fishing huts, known as rorbuer,  dotted against a backdrop of granite peaks, Reine is an idyllic place to visit; you’ll see why this is one of Norway's most-photographed sites! And if the weather conditions aren’t right, there are plenty of other, equally memorable ports in the area to explore, such as Svolvær.

Hot tub on MS Otto Sverdrup, Hurtigruten

Day 11

Cruise Norway’s enchanting coast

Cruise Norway’s enchanting coast

On our second sea day of the trip, we head south from the Lofoten Islands along the enchanting ’inside passage’ of the Norwegian coast. As well as the views of the area’s fjords, windswept islets and skerries, it’s another opportunity to admire the navigation skills of your Captain. 

As you gaze out from the deck of MS Otto Sverdrup at one of the most beautiful coastal areas in the world, look out for birds swooping and soaring across land and sea. This is a wonderful area for birdwatching. Or you could simply soak in the hot tub.

Hjørundfjord, Norway

Day 12

Scenic Hjørundfjord

The Hjørundfjord

Scenic Hjørundfjord

The Hjørundfjord

Surrounded by the Sunnmøre Alps, Hjørundfjord is one of the most scenic fjords in Norway and largely undiscovered by other cruise lines. We anchor close to one of two fjord settlements, Urke or Sæbø, and go ashore in our small boats to experience Norwegian nature and culture up close. 

It's a beautiful spot to enjoy at your own pace. Or, you might have the opportunity to join a guided walk among the villages to discover the area’s history and nature, see incredible views on a mountain hike, or soak up the silence while kayaking in the still fjord waters.

Avaldsnes, Norway

Day 13

Homeland of the Viking kings

Haugesund

Homeland of the Viking kings

Haugesund

The Haugaland region is known for its Viking connections. It was from here that the Viking king, Harald Fairhair, united Norway into a single kingdom, and the country’s Viking past lives on in a plethora of historic sites. 

If weather conditions allow, we'll visit a recreated Viking settlement on the small island of Bukkøya. On the nearby island of Karmøy, the Nordvegen History Centre in Avaldsnes delves into the characters of sagas and ancient poems. 

For a more recent perspective, the coastal city of Haugesund played an important role in Norway’s herring fishing heritage, while the atmospheric town of Skudeneshavn has beautiful beaches and charming, 19th-century wooden buildings.

Wellness Center, MS Otto Sverdrup, Hurtigruten

Day 14

Reflections of Norway

North Sea crossing

Reflections of Norway

North Sea crossing

It's our last day at sea and your voyage is drawing to a close. Now that you’re fully acquainted with the Vikings, it’s easy to picture their longships forging this same journey across the North Sea.  

Make the most of your last full day on MS Otto Sverdrup. Scan the waves for seabirds and perhaps even dolphins, which occasionally like to follow us. Soak in the hot tub, work out in the gym, make use of the Science Center, or relax in the Explorer Lounge.   

Don’t miss the Coastal Experience Team as they wrap up the journey with a review of the highlights of our memorable voyage.

Hamburg, Germany

Day 15

Return to Hamburg

Hamburg

Return to Hamburg

Hamburg

Your voyage ends back in Hamburg. If you didn’t get a chance to explore this beautiful city 15 days ago, make sure you do now.  

Many of the city's attractions are clustered in the Altstadt district, including the St Nikolai Memorial and historic Deichstraße street. Hamburg’s beautiful canals have earned it the nickname ‘Venice of the North’, and a canal tour is a great way to explore the city.

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About your trip

What's included

  • A stay in a cabin of your choice 

  • Breakfast, lunch and dinner including beverages* in restaurants Aune and Fredheim 

  • À la carte restaurant Lindstrøm included for suite guests 

  • Complimentary tea and coffee 

  • Complimentary Wi-Fi on board**

  • Complimentary reusable water bottle

  • German- and English-speaking Coastal Experience Team who organise and accompany activities on board and ashore 

  • Range of included activities 

  • Eight included shore excursions 

*House beer and wine, sodas, and mineral water 

**Please note there is very limited Wi-Fi and phone signal in the remote areas we travel to, and streaming is not supported.

Onboard activities 

  • Daily themed lectures, photography guidance, arts and crafts hosted by the Coastal Experience Team 

  • Photography tips and techniques for capturing landscape and wildlife from our onboard professional Coastal Experience Team 

  • Use of the ship’s hot tubs, panoramic sauna, and indoor gym  

  • Informal gatherings with the Coastal Experience Team for daily briefings

  • Selection of equipment for outdoor activities 

  • Photographers on hand to assist you

What's Not Included

  • International flights  

  • Travel insurance 

  • Luggage handling 

  • Optional shore excursions with our local partners 

  • Optional small-group activities with our Coastal Experience Team 

  • Optional treatments in the onboard wellness and spa area 

Notes

  • All planned activities are subject to weather 

  • Excursions and activities are subject to change 

  • Please make sure you meet all entry and boarding requirements  

  • No gratuities expected

Optional Excursions

Explore your destination even further with our wide range of exciting excursions. The excursion programme presented is an indication of some of the excursions that may be available during your voyage.