Highlights of Norway

Details

Transportation

All transportation (by buses, trains, boats and one flight) between destinations is included in the price. This includes travel between Aurland and Lillehammer by private 50 Degrees North minibus, which will accommodate spontaneous photo stops, as well as food and rest stops.

Hurtigruten Norway - outside cabin

Click here to see the Hurtigruten fleet - Norwegian Coastal Voyages

Included

• 13 nights’ hotel accommodation with breakfast in shared double/twin rooms with private facilities
• Three hour walking guided tour of Oslo and Bergen (no entrances or transport included)
• All transport between destinations by buses, trains and boats,including a flight from Oslo to Kirkenes
• Transfer from Kirkenes Airport to Hurtigruten Ship
• 7 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 2 dinners plus full board on the Hurtigruten ship
• 50 Degrees North minibus (or similar) which travels weekly between Lom and Aurland. This minibus works like a hop-on, hop-off weekly scheduled bus and may have only yourselves onboard or up to 10-12 people in addition to the driver. Stop along the way for unexpected photo opportunities, National Tourist Route monuments or quick rest stops.
• Flåm Railway excursion
• 24-hour emergency service
• Taxes and service fees
• Voyage from Bergen to Kirkenes 6 nights in a twin outside cabin with toilet & shower.
• Full board 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.

Not Included

International flights, travel insurance, luggage handling, optional excursions, lunches and dinners that have not been detailed in the program, and items of personal nature. A small tip for the bus driver will be appreciated.

Please note there is no guide for this tour. Your bus driver will offer help and answer questions when possible. On board Hurtigruten, there are expedition staff who can assist you with any issues or questions.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrive to Oslo and transfer to your hotel

Arrive to Oslo, the beautiful Norwegian capital by the Oslofjord. Make your own way to your centrally located hotel in the heart of Oslo, an easy direct express train ride away from the airport. The Norwegian capital has a great deal to offer for the observant traveller. We can recommend a walk around the centre of town to view the Parliament, the Castle, and the Harbour area.

On arrival, you will meet our guide at a suitable hour for an informative hour long 'meet and greet' service with an introduction to Norway and Oslo. Options for a local dinner will be presented during this meeting.

Accommodation

Restaurants

Day 2 - Spend a day in Oslo, visit the Viking Ship, Kontiki & Fram museums, the Vigeland Sculpture Park, Ekerbergeparken and the Holmenkollen Ski Jump and Museum.

After breakfast, meet our guide for a three hour walking tour of Oslo. Afterwards, the guide will offer suggestions for lunch and the afternoon. We can recommend visiting some of the Oslo highlights, including the Viking Ship, Kontiki & Fram museums, the Vigeland Sculpture Park, Ekerbergeparken and the Holmenkollen Ski Jump and Museum. If not covering during the guided tour, a walk around the centre of town to view the Parliament, the Castle, the Harbour area and the new Opera House is well worth it.

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Optional Add Ons

Day 3 - Fly to Kirkenes and board Hurtigruten

Take an early morning flight (approx. 2 hours) to Kirkenes and join a Hurtigruten voyage from Kirkenes as the ship turns around to travel southbound. As the ship starts its voyage south, you can first enjoy lunch, followed by views of the surrounding Arctic landscape on deck or from the panorama lounge.

In the afternoon, the ship again docks at Vardø, Norway’s easternmost port. Weather permitting, you may be invited to experience ice bathing in the Arctic Ocean. On board in springtime, there is a presentation about shorebirds residing along the Nordic coastline. Heading south, you will cruise along the Varanger peninsula to Båtsfjord, before reaching Berlevåg in the evening. This town is home to one of Norway’s most famous male choirs, consisting mainly of local fishermen.

If you are wishing to add some activities before your voyage, please talk to us directly about what is available during your season of travel.

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Accommodation

Day 4 - Welcome to the extreme North - Hammerfest and Tromsø

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

In the middle of the night, dock at Mehamn, where it is possible to join an unforgettable snowmobile trip through one of Europe's most extreme and exciting natural areas during winter time. Experience snow-clad valleys, fresh winter air and perhaps the mesmerising Northern Lights in the clear, starry sky.

At Honningsvåg, you can join an excursion that features breakfast at North Cape and the discovery of hidden parts of Finnmark along the way (available between May and October). Before stopping in Hammerfest, you can enjoy an 'energy coffee' and short introduction to Melkøya - the world´s northernmost natural gas terminal. Hammerfest was founded in 1789, and over time became Norway's polar capital, serving as a base for hunting expeditions into the High Arctic. Here you can see the UNESCO-listed Meridian Column, erected in 1854 to commemorate the first precise geographic measurement of the globe.

In winter, you can also join a mini-mountain expedition to experience the Arctic outdoors and learn about local polar hero and cook, Adolf Henrik Lindstrøm.

We continue south to Øksfjord. After crossing open water, we make a brief stop at the old trading post of Skjervøy.

In spring, we sail through the beautiful Lyngenfjord, surrounded by the snowy peaks of the Lyngen Alps: Here, you might get a taste of fresh locally-caught prawns.

We then dock at Tromsø, just in time to enjoy a magical midnight concert at the Arctic Cathedral. In summer, you can join a midnight excursion, under the Midnight Sun, to explore Tromsø by sea in a RIB boat. Alternatively, a walk around the town provides you the chance to enjoy a local brew at one of the city´s many friendly pubs.

Optional Excursions depending on the season: Snowmobile trip in the Polar Night, Breakfast at the North Cape, the Northernmost Town in the world Hammerfest, Into the Ice - Stories of a Polar Hero, Mountain Hike in Hammerfest and Midnight concert in the Arctic Cathedral.

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Optional Add Ons

Day 5 - Lofoten and the Vesterålen Islands, majestic peaks and crystal clear waters

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

The daylight sailing through the Lofoten Islands is a highlight for many Hurtigruten guests. The Lofoten region is renowned for its natural beauty with steep mountains, wild nature and small, picturesque fishing villages.

Before you reach them, you pass through Risøyrenna, a channel that was specially constructed for Hurtigruten, providing the vessels an ‘inside route’ between Harstad and Sortland. Risøyhamn is a small village with only 200 inhabitants and the ship stops here briefly to deliver groceries and mail. You then continue onto Stokmarknes, where Hurtigruten was founded, is the location of the Hurtigruten Museum.

Continuing south it looks as if you are sailing straight through the mountain wall, but you wail through an opening in the narrow Raftsund, the picturesque narrow channel between the Vesterålen and Lofoten Islands. Here, time and weather permitting, you’ll take a detour into the spectacular Trollfjord where steep cliffs - home to the majestic sea eagles - hug the ship’s sides.

Then it’s on to Svolvær, the main settlement on the Lofoten Islands, followed by Stamsund where the majestic peaks of the huge Lofoten Wall can be viewed. You leave the islands during the evening and set course for the mainland.

Optional Excursions depending on the season: A Taste of Vesterålen, Lofoten Islands, Lofoten Islands Horse Riding, Sea Eagle Safari, Fishing Village Walk, Fishing in Lofoten and Rib-Adventure in Lofoten.

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Optional Add Ons

Day 6 - Bodø and The Vega Archipelago, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Ports visited today: Bodø, Ørnes, Nesna, Sandnessjøen, Brønnøysund, Rørvik.

Crossing the Arctic Circle at 66°33’N is an important ‘rite of passage’. Today we celebrate the event out on deck with a `taste´ of Arctic tradition – a spoonful of cod liver oil. As we sail along the Helgeland coast, you pass hundreds of islets, fertile farmland and steep granite walls rich in local lore. On deck you can see the strange mountain Torghatten (rising 258 m above sea level), famous for its distinctive hole right through the middle. The hole is 160 m long, 35 m high and 20 m wide, and was created during the ice age.

Another highlight is sailing past the Seven Sisters mountain range. All seven mountains are between 900 and 1,100 m high, and it is easy to understand how these ‘ladies’ influenced ancient myths. The story goes that there were seven troll sisters, the daughters of King Sulis, who kept them under strict control. One night, when the king fell into a deep sleep, the seven maidens sneaked out. Vågekallen, who was eager for a wife, was lying in wait. He pursued the sisters, who fled southwards down the coast. Several other trolls joined the chase to either capture or rescue them. When night turned to morning, the troll sisters and their pursuers were petrified as the sun turns all trolls to stone. They all became the rocks and mountains that today make the Helgeland coastline one of the most beautiful places on earth.

Next we make a short stop at Nesna, an idyllic old trading post before moving on to Sandnessjøen. The UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Vega Islands is close to Sandnessjøen and can be visited on an optional excursion during summer. This unique cultural landscape consists of dozens of islands. The UNESCO designation was awarded due to the unique interaction between the eider duck and island population. Learn how the fishermen and farmers have cultivated a centuries-old symbiotic relationship with the ducks, and how it continues to contribute to a livelihood of eiderdown harvesting and making down-filled duvets.

As we arrive in Brønnøysund, you can join the excursion to visit to the Norwegian Aquaculture Centre near Brønnøysund for an informative tour and taste of fresh salmon from April throughout October.

Optional Activities depending on the season: UNESCO Islands Vega and Visit a Salmon Farm.

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Accommodation

Optional Add Ons

Day 7 - The medieval city of Trondheim and the Atlantic Road

Ports visited today: Trondheim, Kristiansund, Molde, Ålesund.

Today provides another opportunity to explore the city of Trondheim. Back on board, the ship heads out into the majestic Trondheimsfjord, which is 170 km long and up to 25 km wide. Like all other Norwegian fjords, it is deep, plunging to 577 m.

As we sail along the coast, you realise the importance of fish to Norwegian coastal communities. Kristiansund’s location has steadily provided the town with a wealth of opportunities in the fishing, shipbuilding and oil industries. Kristiansund is today regarded as Norway’s ‘dried cod capital’ because of its long-time export of salted dry fish. Here you can join an excursion to the renowned Atlantic Road, one of Norway’s most visited tourist destinations. It is 8.2 km long, built on a total of eight bridges and surrounded by picturesque landscapes and open sea.

Another interesting excursion is to the Bergtatt marble mine, which includes entering a mountain and sailing across an illuminated subterranean lake, before enjoying a meal in the mine´s ‘Grand Hall’. Those choosing to stay on board at Kristiansund will experience the ship´s crossing the open sea on our way to Molde, known as Norway´s ‘City of Roses’. Along the way you see see the steep, grey, pointed peaks of the Romsdal Alps.

Optional Excursions depending on the season: The Atlantic Road, Marble Mine tour, The hidden rooms of Nidaros Cathedral and Trondheim with Nidaros Cathedral.

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Accommodation

Optional Add Ons

Day 8 - Arrive Bergen, visiting Ålesund, Torvik & Måløy, as the world's most beautiful voyage draws to an end

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

During the night, the ship calleds at Ålesund, Torvik & Måløy, as the world's most beautiful voyage draws to an end.

Today, your Hurtigruten voyage will come to an end when you arrive in the City of Seven Mountains, Bergen. But before that, you still have a few nautical miles of fascinating scenery ahead of you such as the picturesque Nordfjord below the enormous Jostedalsbreen glacier, Norway’s longest fjord - the mighty Sognefjord and the picturesque Bergen Archipelago.

Disembark in Bergen, and check in to your hotel. Enjoy an optional city walk in Bergen or just head off for a wander.

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Optional Add Ons

Day 9 - Explore Bergen, options include a visit to the Hanseatic harbour Bryggen, Fløibanen Funicular, Troldhaugen, the Fish market, Bergen Aquarium or old Gamle Bergen.

Bergen offers many attractions and sights, many of them within walking distance. Recommended sights of interests are the Hanseatic harbour Bryggen, Fløibanen Funicular, Troldhaugen, the Fish market, Bergen Aquarium and Gamle Bergen (Old Bergen Open Air Museum).

After breakfast, meet your guide for a three hour guided tour of Bergen.

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Day 10 - Express Boat from Bergen to Flåm and then travel on the Flåm Railway

Today, you will board the express ferry to Flåm. Take in the fresh air on Norway’s longest fjord, the Sognefjord, during this 5-hour ferry-ride towards Flåm. In Flåm, step aboard the world famous Flåm Railway to Myrdal Station with several stunning lookout points along the way. Thanks to its steep incline (from sea level to almost 900 meters above sea level in a short hour), the train-ride is rated as one of Europe’s best rail journeys and has become a real highlight for visitors in Norway.

After, transfer to your hotel in Aurland.

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Accommodation

Day 11 - Join the 50 Degrees North minibus and travel to Lom

Today, you will join the 50 Degrees North minibus and start your travel towards Lom along the fjords. Catch a ferry from Solvorn and continue over Aurlandsfjellet. You will stop for a lunch at Skjolden Hotel, in between the mountains and fjords.

After lunch, Continue your journey through another scenic route through the spectacular mountain and fjord country. Stop for photos and great views at Nedre Oscarshaug and sit back and enjoy the drive through Breheimen and Jostedalsheimen.

After, arrive your hotel in Lom. Lom is a small town encapsulating the very essence of the Norwegian countryside. Situated in the famous Jotunheimen National Park, Lom is surrounded by majestic nature. Check into your charming historic hotel. Dinner is included this evening.

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Transportation

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Day 12 - Travel to Lillehammer

After breakfast, the journey continues towards Lillehammer with a 3-hour scenic drive. This bus trip takes you through some of Norway’s most beautiful highlands and lush valleys. Experience the valley of Gudbrandsdalen surrounded by the national parks, an abundance of locally produced food, old architecture, and good hiking.

Arrive Lillehammer, the small town that rose to international fame when it hosted the Winter Olympics in 1994. Check into your central hotel.

Spend the rest of the day at your leisure: Browse the local shops, visit open-air museum Maihaugen, the Norwegian Olympic Museum, and do not miss the impressive Garmo Stave Church.

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Day 13 - Take a train to Oslo and enjoy your last evening in the capital city

After breakfast, take a train to Oslo. Check in to your hotel and spend the day exploring the city and its surroundings. Enjoy your last evening in the capital city.

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Day 14 - Departure day

After breakfast, its time to say goodbye and continue to your next destination.

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Important Information

Beautiful Norway Section:

Our own minibus tours work as scheduled weekly bus for a certain section so depending on the date, you can be travelling with potential 2 - 8 people. This is a great option for solo travellers.

Hurtigruten Section:

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.