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9 days - Expedition team on board with special activities and hiking pass

From the fjords to the High Arctic - The essence of Norway’s appeal is remarkably simple: this is one of the most beautiful countries on earth.

Hurtigruten is expanding their Coastal Expedition Sailings concept. A total of seven ships have expedition teams on board to provide added service and expertise to your voyage. This tour is the classic 9-day voyage with Hurtigruten on one of these ships.

Begin in Bergen where you will stay in a waterfront hotel with lovely views across to the historic Bergen bryggen. After a day of sightseeing, embark on your voyage where you find the wild beauty of the Lofoten Islands and the Lyngen Alps. And there is more than wilderness: you will enjoy the atmosphere and culture of towns like Ålesund, and Tromsø – all steeped in coastal history. The voyage from Bergen to Kirkenes takes you from the 60th to the 70th latitude on a 7-day tour de force. Advancing north, a constantly changing landscape unfolds – one scenery more dramatic than the other. Kirkenes – your final destination – is right on the Russian border where you spend a night in this fascinating & remote town.

The Hurtigruten Coastal Expedition Sailings include a team of Norwegian Expedition Staff. On each day of your voyage, the expedition team will present you with fascinating talks on a wide range of topics such as glaciology, wildlife, fishing traditions, Viking history, Nordic folklore, geology, natural phenomena, and so much more. All members of the expedition team are focused on eco-friendly tourism in polar areas. They are handpicked for their local expertise and specific knowledge in relevant fields.

Our knowledgeable staff will handpick the vessel and cabin for you to include the Expedition team. These voyages also include the ability to purchase the HIKING PASS - your gateway to the Norwegian mountains during your voyage.

Highlights include

  • Experience Norway's beautiful fjords, charming ports, and rare wildlife under the Midnight Sun or spectacular Northern Lights
  • Be accompanied by an expert Expedition Team. The Expedition teams are present the 7 Coastal Hurtigruten ships along the Norwegian coast, and are included in your voyage
  • Expedition with likeminded adventurers who value personal growth and exploring over luxury
Day 1
Arrive Bergen and transfer to your hotel
Day 2
Embarkation in Bergen
Day 3
Ålesund and Geirangerfjord
Day 4
Be enlightened by the Medieval Spirit - The Royal City of Trondheim
Day 5
Discover your inner explorer - Arctic Circle and Lofoten Islands
Day 6
Excitement in the Arctic - Husky dogsledding, mountain hiking & kayaking.
Day 7
Explore the Northern Soul & Cape - Honningsvåg and the North Cape
Day 8
Disembark in Kirkenes
Day 9
Transfer to the airport
Start Place
Bergen, Norway
End Place
Kirkenes, Norway
Country Visited
Norway
Duration
9 Days
Start Date
Flexible
Travel Style
Independent
Suitability
Easy independent voyage suitable for singles & couples
Code
50DN0405

Please note that all our itineraries, inclusions, dates and prices displayed on this website may change at any time. If you book an itinerary today and have this confirmed it will be the itinerary that is delivered to you. However, the online itinerary on our website may change in the meantime.

As a Certified B Corporation, 50 Degrees North has designed this tour using handpicked local hoteliers and suppliers who share our ethos of delivering services and activities of high social and environmental standards.

The CO2-e per person per day of all tours is carefully measured following each season. We fully offset all emissions of our tours on your behalf, and we constantly look at ways to reduce emissions where possible.

Details

Transportation

Norwegian ferry boat

Click here to see the Hurtigruten fleet - Norwegian Coastal Voyages

Included
  • Overnight in comfortable & central hotel in Bergen & Kirkenes (1 night pre & 1 night post voyage, superior rooms, fjord view in Bergen)
  • Voyage from Bergen to Kirkenes 6 nights in a twin outside cabin with toilet & shower with the expedition team on board. Arctic Superior U package which includes the water package, an amenity set, kettle, tea & coffee making facilities and a TV.
  • All meals on board the Hurtigruten ship, other meals as per itinerary

Full board includes buffet breakfasts & lunches and a 3 course sit down dinner in the evening. You are presented a menu when you check in. Visiting 34 ports, Hurtigruten have an exceptional opportunity to get fresh produce from local suppliers everyday. This means delicious new and fresh ingredients, both from coastal and inland areas.

The Expedition teams are present on the Hurtigruten ships along the Norwegian coast, and are included in your voyage. They are present every day, all year. If you want to do additional hikes with the Expedition team, this comes at an extra cost.

Themed days:
Day 1: Welcome on board info
Day 2: Outdoor nature life “Friluftsliv”/Fjords of Norway
Day 3: Life of Vikings
Day 4: Polar History (hunters and trappers)
Day 5: Sámi Culture
Day 6: Theme from the relevant topic menu*
Day 7: Theme from the relevant topic menu*
Day 8: Polar History
Day 9: The history of Hurtigruten
Day 10: Myths and Legends
Day 11: Topic from the relevant topic menu*
Day 12: Farewell session

Not Included

Flights, travel insurance, luggage handling & optional excursions.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrive Bergen and transfer to your hotel

Arrive to Bergen and make your way to your hotel.

Enjoy an independent day in Bergen. Bergen offers many attractions and sights - many within walking distance. You can visit the popular Fish and Flower Market, the famous Bryggen Harbour with its gabled pack-houses or the old Hanseatic Quarter. You can also take ride on the funicular up to Mt. Fløien, for the best views of the city and fjords way below.

Accommodation
Clarion Hotel Admiral
Restaurants
Cornelius Fish Restaurant

Day 2 - Embarkation in Bergen

You have another morning to explore Bergen.

Your Hurtigruten ship will sail from the Hurtigruten Terminalen, located at Nostegarten 30, 5010 Bergen. Telephone +47 5554 3631. Please ask us about the Hurtigruten transfer shuttle.

Embarkation:

The terminal is staffed from 13:00 (1pm) and is open from 15:00 (3pm) for baggage check-in. Embarkation takes place from 16:00 (4pm) and your cabin will be available from approximately 18:00 (6pm). Dinner (buffet style) will be available from 18:00 (6pm). Left luggage lockers are available in the terminal, however, you will need local currency (Norwegian Kroner) to access them. Please note you carry your own luggage onboard from the pier to your cabin.

Your ship departs at 20:00 (8pm).

An information meeting is usually held on the evening of departure from Bergen and includes details of safety onboard. There is an information folder in each cabin and safety procedures are illustrated on the back of your cabin door and in public areas. The Tour Leader & Expedition Staff on board will assist with general information and the shore excursion programme.

Meals
1 Breakfast
1 Dinner
Accommodation
Hurtigruten Cabins

Day 3 - Ålesund and Geirangerfjord

Ports visited today: Florø, Måløy, Torvik, Ålesund, Molde.

Your ship navigates the skerries and islands further north before reaching Ålesund. Marvel at the inspiring architecture in the Apotekergate and Kongensgate pedestrian precinct, perfect examples of the Art Nouveau style. Don’t miss out on the view from Mount Aksla but beware, there are 418 steps to the top! In the summer months, the next destination will be the spectacular UNE SCO-listed Geirangerfjord. En route to the end of this beautiful fjord you pass sheer, 800m cliffs and impressive waterfalls.

In Autumn, you will explore the Hjørundfjord, amidst the majestic Sunnmøre Alps. Its seclusion and unspoiled natural landscape are what give this fjord its special character.

Optional Excursions depending on the season: Geiranger with Trollstigen Pass, Art Nouveau Tour, Hiking in Hjørundfjord, Atlanterhavsparken Aquarium and Mount Aksla and the A Taste of Norway which visits the historic Hotel Union.

Meals
1 Breakfast
1 Lunch
1 Dinner
Optional Add Ons
Geiranger with Trollstigen Pass
Ålesund Art Nouveau Walk
Atlanterhavsparken Aquarium and Mount Aksla
A Taste of Norway in Hjørundfjord
Mountain Hike in the Hjørundfjord
Hike with a visit to a Shieling

Day 4 - Be enlightened by the Medieval Spirit - The Royal City of Trondheim

Ports visited today: Kristiansund, Trondheim, Rørvik.

When visiting the old royal city of Trondheim, be sure to 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 centre. Nidaros Cathedral, built between1070 and 1300, is Norway’s largest Gothic religious edifice. In the neighbouring Archbishop’s Palace, the Norwegian Crown Jewels are kept. 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. New optional activities will have you kayaking on the river Nid and into the city's smaller channels or during winter time, you have the opportunity to try typical Norwegian winter activities such as skiing, tobogganing and sledding.

You then set a course for the northwest, past the beautiful Kjeungskjær lighthouse and thousands of little islands and picturesque rocky outcrops. In autumn, you will learn more about navigation and lighthouses along the Norwegian coast during the Captain's talk. After passing through the narrow Stokksund, the ship will arrive at charming Rørvik.

Optional Excursions depending on the season: Nidaros Cathedral and Ringve Museum, Trondheim with Nidaros Cathedral, Munkholmen boat trip & the new cycling and kayaking tours.

Meals
1 Breakfast
1 Lunch
1 Dinner
Optional Add Ons
Nidaros Cathedral & Ringve Museum
Trondheim with Nidaros Cathedral
Munkholmen in Trondheim
Kayaking on the River Nid
Cycling in Trondheim

Day 5 - Discover your inner explorer - Arctic Circle and Lofoten Islands

Ports visited today: Brønnøysund, Sandnessjøen, Nesna, Ørnes, Bodø, Stamsund, Svolvær.

This morning, between Nesna and Ørnes, you pass a globe on a small islet, which heralds your crossing of the Arctic Circle. The Arctic Circle marks the border of the the Arctic reiong. In summer this means 24-hour daylight - often referred to as the 'Midnight Sun'. During autumn and winter, being above this degree of latitude gives you the best chance of experiencing the Northern Lights.

Passengers sailing in Arctic waters for the first time are given an Arctic Circle baptism by Njord, the ruler of the Seven Seas. This comes in the form of an ice cube down your front or back, but is entirely optional. This ceremony is tremendous fun to watch on the deck.

In the afternoon, your ship gradually closes in on the 3,280 feet high Lofoten Wall towering above the tiny and colourful fishing villages of the Lofoten Islands. This is an extraordinary place to disembark and take a stroll.

These islands are renowned for their small, picturesque fishing villages with their bohemian atmosphere surrounded by majestic granite cliffs and white sandy beaches. Complete your visit with a stroll between the stockfish racks and ‘rorbuer’, the traditional, red fishermen’s residences. The Lofoten Islands are a truly extraordinary experience.

Optional Excursions depending on the season: Glacier Adventure, Winter Hike, Rib Safari to Saltstraumen & Meet the Vikings.

Meals
1 Breakfast
1 Lunch
1 Dinner
Optional Add Ons
Experience Bodø and Saltstraumen
Svartisen Glacier in Ørnes
Arctic Coastal Walk (Bodø)
Rib-Safari to Saltstraumen
Meet the Vikings - Winter
Meet the Vikings Summer
Highlights of Lofoten

Day 6 - Excitement in the Arctic - Husky dogsledding, mountain hiking & kayaking.

Ports visited today: Stokmarknes, Sortland, Risøyhamn, Harstad, Finnsnes, Tromsø, Skjervøy.

During the night the ship navigates the narrow Raftsund strait. After a stop in Harstad, situated on the largest island of Norway, Hinnøya, you continue via Finnsnes to Tromsø for a prolonged stay. Many of the epic Arctic expeditions used Tromsø as a starting point; the famous explorer Roald Amundsen sourced both crew and supplies here. With the presence of the Norwegian Polar Institute, the city has cemented its position as the Polar Capital of Norway.

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.

After Tromsø, we continue our northbound journey. In winter the Captain invites guests to taste stockfish on deck. The ship now sails inot the area along the coast where you have the best chance of seeing the Northern Lights between September and March, and we gather on deck to search for this breathtaking phenomenon.

Optional Excursions depending on the season: Wilderness Adventure Camp, the Arctic Capital Tromsø, Dog Sledding, Scenery and Huskies, Mountain hiking, Polar History Walk and Kayaking.

Meals
1 Breakfast
1 Lunch
1 Dinner
Optional Add Ons
The Arctic Capital Tromsø
Dog Sledding
Tromsø Scenery and Huskies
Polar History Walk
Kayaking in Tromsø
Hiking in Tromsø

Day 7 - Explore the Northern Soul & Cape - Honningsvåg and the North Cape

Ports visited today: Øksfjord, Hammerfest, Havøysund, Honningsvåg, Kjøllefjord, Mehamn, Berlevåg.

Following the scenic sailing through Magerøysund and after an early stop in Hammerfest, you arrive in Honningsvåg. This small port is the gateway to the wonders of the spectacular North Cape which rises 300m from the ocean, and at 71° 10’ 21” north it puts you a mere 2,000 kilometres from the Geographical North Pole.

Standing atop the North Cape Plateau you’ll get the eerie feeling of being at the end of the world. The area is also known for its birdlife, and Gjesværstappan, a bird sanctuary with up to 250,000 seabirds is home to some High Arctic species that can only be observed here on the Norwegian mainland, including the ever cute puffins. In summer, you might see herds of reindeer and campsites belonging to the indigenous Sami people. In winter, experience the snow-clad valleys, the fresh winter air and your best chances to see the mesmerizing Northern Lights.

During winter and spring, if you are lucky, local fishermen from the village of Kjøllefjord visit us to share their catch of the day (King Crab & cod).

This evening, as you approach Kjøllefjord, you pass a rock formation that is sacred to the indigenous Sámi people, Finnkjerka.

Optional Excursions depending on the season: The North Cape, Birdwatching Safari, A Taste of Lapland, Sami Autumn and Snowmobile trip in Lapland.

Meals
1 Breakfast
1 Lunch
1 Dinner
Optional Add Ons
Honningsvåg: Fishing Village Visit
Cultural Walk in Honningsvåg
The North Cape, Honningsvåg
Birdwatching Safari in Honningsvåg
Sami Culture
Snowmobile Trip in Lapland
Sami Autumn

Day 8 - Disembark in Kirkenes

Ports visited today: Båtsfjord, Berlevåg, Vardø, Vadsø, Kirkenes.

The last port on the Voyage North is Kirkenes. And at longitude 30 east, you are actually further east than Istanbul and St. Petersburg. The well-policed Russian border and the Kola peninsula are close by which explains why the road signs are written in both Norwegian and Russian.

Information regarding your disembarkation this morning will be provided to you onboard during your voyage. You will be kindly asked to vacate your cabin and check-out no later than 9:00am. On arrival you carry your own luggage ashore with you. Once ashore in Kirkenes, you will be transferred to your hotel.

Today can be filled with fun excursions such as a King Crab safari or visit to the informative war museum.

Meals
1 Breakfast
Accommodation
Thon Hotel Kirkenes

Day 9 - Transfer to the airport

Our services finish after breakfast. We can arrange a transfer to the airport if you wish.

Meals
1 Breakfast
Dates & Prices

Prices listed are FROM prices per person twin/double share. Please note the below prices are indicative only. Hurtigruten prices may fluctuate daily, so please contact us for any specials, early booking rates and/or specific prices for your preferred date of travel. Single cabin pricing available on request.

Our Scandinavian staff offer expert advice on ships, cabins and routing, as well as the best time to travel.

Dates
Valid From
Valid To
From Price
Status
Accommodation
1 Jun 2024
31 Aug 2024
1 Jun 2024
31 Aug 2024
EUR 3,936
On request
Superior

Important Information

This is an independent tour - with the Hurtigruten Expedition team on board the vessel providing expertise, special excursions, hiking opportunities, food tastings and ad hoc on board activities, both inside and out on deck.

HIKING PASS

If you are travelling on the Coastal Expedition Sailings, you can take advantage of the guided hiking opportunities with an option of two different Hiking Passes – your ticket to hiking heaven. This is an additional cost and not combinable with regular ship excursions.

This Pass gives you access to special hikes accompanied by your loyal expedition team. Here are some features offered by the Hiking Pass, which can be bought once onboard:

  • Three hikes during winter and spring or 7 summer and 8 winter hikes.
  • Guided hikes and lectures on the hike are all conducted in English
  • A hiking kit is available for purchase onboard consisting of a backpack, map, water, and energy bar
  • Depending on the route, hikes can last between 1.5 to 4 hours
  • Most of the hikes are level 4 hikes and require a good standard of fitness.

Full Summer Hiking Pass Practical Information

  • Available in ports:
  • Northbound : Trondheim, Bodø, Tromsø, Honningsvåg, Kirkenes
  • Southbound : Svolvær and Brønnøysund
  • Available period: 01 June - 31 October
  • Duration: from 1- 4 hours depending on port
  • Level: 4
  • Transportation: Included where needed
  • Meals on the trip: Hot and cold drinks, sometimes snack
  • Clothes/Footwear: Comfortable shoes and warm clothing
  • Note: Some of the hikes are physical demanding, so a general good physical condition is required. The terrain will be variable, sometimes slippery and uneven.
  • The outdoor activity will be adapted due to weather conditions, seasons and physical level of the participants. All outdoor activities are subject to local weather/ice and snow conditions. Contact the Expedition Leader on board for more information.
  • Hiking poles are complementary if you have a full hiking pass.

Full Winter Walking Pass Practical Information

  • Available in ports:
  • Northbound: Ålesund, Trondheim, Bodø, Tromsø, Honningsvåg, Kirkenes
  • Southbound: Svolvær and Brønnøysund
  • Available period: 01 November - 31 May
  • Duration: from 1- 4 hours depending on port
  • Level: 3-4
  • Transportation: Included where needed
  • Meals on the trip: Hot and cold drinks, sometimes snack
  • Note: Some of the hikes are physical demanding, so a general good physical condition is required. The terrain will be variable, sometimes slippery and uneven.The outdoor activity will be adapted due to weather conditions, seasons and physical level of the participants
  • All outdoor activities are subject to local weather/ice and snow conditions. Contact the Expedition Leader on board for more information.
  • Hiking poles are complementary if you have a full hiking pass

It is also possible to buy single hikes on board, but this is subject to availability.

When securing your cabin with us, please take note of the dimensions of the cabin to ensure that you are satisfied with it's size. There is additional storage room available on board if you wish and you just need to contact staff to request it when you are on board.

Alcohol can be expensive on board due to taxes imposed. There are restrictions on how much you can take on board - similiar to what you can bring into Norway through customs.

You can pre-book your optional excursions with us. However, you can also wait until you are onboard and do it then - however, there is a maximum number and they can book out. It is not possible to pre-book within 2 weeks prior to departure. Excursions and their contents are subject to maximum/minimum numbers and weather/local conditions.

Just remember that when you are travelling along the coast on the Hurtigruten, you are joining a piece of history and practical everyday life in terms of the boats still operating to support the local vicinities they visit: locals bringing their cars home, post being delivered and supplies being dropped off and collected. When the boats stop for a few hours it is not just to let you have a stroll around the local World Heritage Site.

Interactive Tour Map

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