Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1: Embarkation in Bergen
Ports | Time: Bergen 2:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Cruise starts in the lovely city of Bergen — Gateway to the Fjords. Before you check-in, explore the charming port and Hanseatic city of Bergen founded in 1070 A.D. Visit the UNESCO-listed Bryggen district with colorful wharfs dating back to the 14th century, visit the Hanseatic Museum or take a trip on the Fløibanen funicular or a visit to the famous Fish Market. stroll among the stalls at the fish market. Take the funicular railway 320m up Mount Fløyen, located just outside the city, and you'll enjoy the best view of Bergen and its fjords. In the evening your Hurtigruten voyage sets off through the Hjeltefjord, following in the wake of the Vikings who sailed from here to the Shetland Islands and beyond.
Day 2: Alesund and Geirangerfjord
Ports | Time: Florø 3:30 a.m. – 3:40 a.m. Måløy 5:40 a.m. – 5:50 a.m. Torvik 8:30 a.m. – 8:40 a.m. Alesund summer/autumn 9:45 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. Geiranger summer 2:15 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.] Hjørunfjorden/Urke autumn 12:15 p.m. – 3:45 p.m. Alesund 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m./5:50 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Molde 10:15 p.m. – 10:45 p.m.
Enjoy an early morning in the breathtaking Nordfjord - followed by a delicious breakfast. We then sail past West Cape for our approach to Ålesund — Art Nouveau city. Alesund is renowned for its beautiful Art Nouveau architecture and famed Atlanterhavsparken aquarium. Marvel at the inspiring architecture in the Apotekergate and Kongensgate pedestrian precinct. Our tour to the aquarium includes a visit to see resident penguins before we continue to nearby Mount Aksla for an amazing view, but beware there are 418 steps to the top!
In the summer months, the next destination will be the spectacular UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord. En route to the end of this beautiful fjord, you pass sheer, 800m cliffs, and impressive waterfalls. In autumn, we explore Hjørundfjord in the majestic Sunnmøre Alps. The fjord’s pristine natural landscape of steep rock walls, lush green meadows, lonely mountain farms, and tiny villages is unforgettable.
Molde is known as the ‘City of Roses’ because of its lovely municipal gardens. This attractive coastal town has an amazing view of 222 mountain peaks across the fjord, called ’the Molde Panorama.’
Day 3: The Royal City of Trondheim
Ports | Time: Kristiansund 2:15 a.m. – 2:30 a.m. winter and spring 10:30 p.m. – 1:30 a.m Trondheim 10:00 a.m. – 1:15 p.m Rørvik [10:15 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Charming Trondheim is home to a great history and rich cultural life. Get a good view from the Gamle Bybrua ("Old Town Bridge"). Dating from 1861, this neo-gothic wooden bridge used to be the only way into the town center. Join the optional excursion to the soaring Nidaros Cathedral, Norway’s only Gothic cathedral, and the burial place of St. Olav. Marvel at the cathedral’s exquisite works of art, architectural details, and medieval statues.
In Trondheim itself, the Hanseatic, waterside storehouses built on wooden stilts are just as charming as the Rococo-style Stiftsgården, the largest wooden building in Norway and residence for the Royal Family when visiting Trondheim. In spring and summer, we continue to Ringve Museum of Musical History, where Norwegian music´s past is brought to life in a grand manor with a fantastic view.
In the afternoon, the ship sails northwest, passing the Kjeungskjær lighthouse, islets, and rocky reefs. After sailing through the narrow channel of Stokksund, we head toward charming Rørvik.
Day 4: Arctic Circle and Lofoten Islands
Ports | Time: Brønnøysund 01:45 – 01:55 Sandnessjøen 04:35 – 04:45 Nesna 05:55 – 06:05 Ørnes 09:45 – 09:55 Bodø 12:40 – 15:00 Stamsund 19:00 – 19:30 Svolvær 21:00 – 22:00
Welcome to the Arctic! – Today we cross the Arctic Circle, increasing your chances to see the northern lights in winter and experience the midnight sun in summer. We mark the occasion with a fun Arctic Circle ceremony on deck.
Ørnes is the site of Norway’s second-largest glacier, Svartisen. In summer, join us for a trip to the Svartisen Tourist Center to admire this enigmatic world of ice, and visit a moose farm. We then sail along the beautiful coast of Helgeland to Bodø, where you can experience Saltstraumen, the world’s most powerful maelstrom, by small boat.
Majestic Lofoten – That afternoon, the 3,300 foot high Lofoten Wall looms on the horizon, ushering us toward majestic granite cliffs and white-sand beaches. At Stamsund, visit the Lofotr Viking Museum, where you are welcomed into the chieftain’s house for a real Viking feast. Between Stamsund and Svolvær, you can experience life on an organic herb and cheese farm, or visit the Lofoten’s only craft brewery, in Svolvær.
In winter, crossing the Arctic Circle means an intense hunt for the northern lights, and we present a multimedia show, “The Magic Light, Aurora Borealis.” As we sail through the narrow Raftsund, we stop at the entrance to Trollfjord, a dramatic natural wonder that should not be missed.
Day 5: Tromsø, Gateway to the Arctic
Ports | Time: Stokmarknes 1:00 a.m. – 1:15 a.m. Sortland 2:45 a.m. – 3:00 a.m. Risøyhamn 4: 15 a.m. – 4:30 a.m. Harstad 6:45 a.m. – 7:45 a.m. Finnsnes 11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Tromsø 2:15 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Skjervøy 10:30 p.m. – 10:45 p.m.
During the night the ship navigates the narrow Raftsund strait. In the Footsteps of Polar Heroes, briefly dock at Risøyhamn, Harstad, and Finnsnes in the morning. We then sail to the Polar Capital of Norway — Tromsø for a prolonged stay. Join our ’Polar History Walk’ in winter to learn more about explorers and Arctic hunters, and taste beer from the world’s second northernmost brewery. Ishavskatedralen, the Arctic Cathedral, is the most famous landmark with its modern design and extraordinary stained glass window. Tromsø is also home to the world's northernmost university and the large number of people arriving here has created a vibrant cultural scene with numerous restaurants and cafes constantly teeming with life. In winter and spring, you can complete your stay in Tromsø with a thrilling dog sled ride, as huskies pull you over the frozen landscape past stunning views on the snowy plateaus. The only light during the polar night comes from our headlamps, the starry sky, and, if we’re lucky, the magical northern lights.
Sailing from Tromsø, we continue to search for the northern lights from September to March.
Day 6: Honningsvåg and the North Cape
Ports | Time: Øksfjord 2:00 a.m. – 2:15 a.m. Hammerfest 5:15 a.m. – 6:00 a.m. Havøysund 8:45 a.m. – 9:15 a.m. Honningsvåg 11:15 a.m. – 2:45 p.m. Kjøllefjord 5:00 p.m. – 5:15 p.m. Mehamn 7:15 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Berlevåg 10:00 p.m. – 10:15 p.m.
Enjoy magnificent landscapes as we sail to the North Cape, one of the northernmost points on the European continent. In summer, you may see herds of reindeer and small camps of indigenous Sámi people in the area. After a brief stop in Hammerfest, we arrive in Havøysund. Join a small boat excursion here to see the North Cape from the sea, visit the world’s northernmost fishing village, and ride by bus to the North Cape plateau. The ship continues to Honningsvåg, from where you can join a birdwatching excursion to Gjesværstappan, home to millions of birds during nesting season. The ship continues north into the heartland of the Sámi people. Visit Kjøllefjord, where you can learn about the Sámi way of life and hear traditional joiking (song).
In winter, you can join an unforgettable snowmobile trip across snowy plains and perhaps spot the northern lights in the starry sky. ’Sámi Autumn’ is a fall excursion to learn about the Arctic’s natural ’pantry and pharmacy,’ sampling dried-reindeer meat, crowberry juice, herbal tea (nettle), and roseroot tincture. You may also feel the presence of the Sámi shaman, Noaidi.
Day 7: Kirkenes, The Voyage Turning Point
Ports | Time: Båtsfjord 12:00 a.m. – 12:15 a.m. Vardø 3:15 a.m. – 3:30 a.m. Vadsø 6:45 a.m. – 7:15 a.m. Kirkenes 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Today arrive early in Vadsø, and just after breakfast, dock at Kirkenes. Here you bid farewell to your fellow passengers, the ship and crew. Transfer to the airport or your hotel if you have booked an optional night in Kirkenes.
This is Barents Region & the ship's turning point for the return journey Classic southbound Voyage. There are a number of fascinating things to do and see in Kirkenes, which is located near the Russian border. You’ll notice the local road signs are written in both Norwegian and Russian. There are many ways to visit the Russian frontier, depending on the season. You can take a bus year-round, or join a riverboat safari, canoeing, border hikes, or ATV/quad-bike adventure in summer.
In winter, explore the classic wintertime activities to choose from, including dog sledding, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling. Join an excursion to catch and eat giant king crab from the Barents Sea.