Exploring Norwegian fjords on Hurtigruten
Discover Hjørundfjord and Norway's spectacular fjord landscapes on a Hurtigruten Coastal Express voyage.
Norway's fjords are among the country's most spectacular natural landscapes, and a Norwegian Coastal Voyage offers a wonderful way to experience them from the water.
On the northbound Coastal Express, Hurtigruten sails into Hjørundfjord in spring and autumn, when the fjord provides a quieter alternative to the summer route into UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord. The fjord lies close to Ålesund, surrounded by the dramatic peaks of the Sunnmøre Alps.
Hjørundfjord and the Sunnmøre Alps
Hjørundfjord stretches deep into the Sunnmøre landscape, with steep mountains rising dramatically from the water. Small settlements and farms sit among the mountains, giving the area a distinctly peaceful character.
The Sunnmøre Alps are particularly impressive from the water. Their sharp peaks and steep slopes rise around the fjord, creating the sense of travelling deep into a mountain landscape rather than simply cruising past it.
Hjørundfjord is also a wonderful example of how the Norwegian coast changes with the seasons. In spring, the landscape begins to turn green, while autumn brings changing colours to the mountains and shorter days. Hurtigruten's Coastal Express travels Norway's coast throughout the year, allowing travellers to experience these seasonal differences.
Hjørundfjord or Geirangerfjord?
The northbound Coastal Express follows different fjord routes according to the season. In summer, the ship sails into the UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord. In spring and autumn, the route instead takes you into Hjørundfjord, including a visit to the village of Urke.
This seasonal variation is one of the pleasures of travelling the Norwegian coast. The same voyage can feel quite different depending on when you travel, with the changing light, weather, colours and landscapes adding to the experience.
Exploring Hjørundfjord from Urke
Urke is a small village surrounded by the mountains of Hjørundfjord. During the northbound Coastal Express journey, the ship calls at the area as part of its seasonal Hjørundfjord routing.
The fjord and surrounding mountains offer opportunities to explore beyond the ship, with optional excursions available depending on the voyage and season. Hurtigruten currently offers more than 70 seasonal excursions across its Coastal Express programme, covering everything from hiking and wildlife experiences to cultural encounters. Excursions can change, so it is worth checking the current programme for your departure.
Hjørundfjord also features on some of Hurtigruten's longer seasonal journeys. The current Coastal Express offers regular departures throughout the year, while selected longer voyages explore the Norwegian coast in combination with other destinations.
Experience more of Norway
A coastal voyage is an excellent way to see Norway's fjords, but it can also be combined with time on land.
Our Norwegian Coastal Voyages combined with land packages allow you to add hotels, scenic rail journeys and other Norwegian experiences before or after your time at sea.
If you're particularly interested in Norway's fjords, you can also explore our Norwegian fjord cruises for more ideas on experiencing these landscapes from the water.
For more travel inspiration and advice, read our Norwegian Coastal Voyages articles.
Talk to our Destination Specialists about choosing the right season and itinerary for your Norwegian Coastal Voyage.