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    13 days - Classic Norway in a Nutshell® tour, Oslo and Norwegian Coastal voyage through Norway.

    This classic independent 13-day tour begins in Oslo and takes you across the mountains to the western fjords of Norway. You will enjoy a ride on the famous Flåm Railway, as well as a fjord cruise under towering cliffs. The Norwegian coastal voyage begins in Bergen and calls at 34 ports as you make your fascinating journey north.

    Special Northern Lights departures with an expert astronomer on board, departs from Bergen seven times each winter. Read more details about the Northern Lights voyages here.

    After crossing the Arctic Circle, you’ll notice the landscape change to suit the cooler climate before reaching your final destination, Kirkenes, a remote outpost of Northern Europe next to the Russian border. With daily departures from Bergen and eleven vessels to choose from, there will be a Norwegian cruise to suit your taste, ensuring a unique and memorable experience.

    Highlights include

    • Norway in a Nutshell® tour with a stay in the fjords
    • Experience Norway's beautiful fjords, charming ports, and rare wildlife under the Midnight Sun or spectacular Northern Lights on a Norwegian Coastal Voyage
      mountains
    Day 1
    Arrive Oslo
    Days 2 - 3
    Explore Oslo in depth
    Day 4
    Depart Oslo by early train and enjoy the spectacular journey to Flåm
    Day 5
    Start with a spectacular 2 hour cruise from Flåm, marvel at the fjords and villages then head to Bergen
    Day 6
    A free morning in Bergen and then board your Norwegian Coastal ship
    Day 7
    Ålesund and Geirangerfjord
    Day 8
    Be enlightened by the Medieval Spirit - The Royal City of Trondheim
    Day 9
    Discover your inner explorer - Arctic Circle and Lofoten Islands
    Day 10
    Excitement in the Arctic - husky dogsledding, mountain hiking & kayaking.
    Day 11
    Explore the Northern Soul & Cape - Honningsvåg and the North Cape
    Day 12
    Disembark in Kirkenes and go crabbing for giant King Crab!
    Day 13
    Kirkenes and then flight back to Oslo
    Start/End Place
    Oslo, Norway
    Country Visited
    Norway
    Duration
    13 Days
    Start Date
    Flexible
    Travel Style
    Independent
    Suitability
    Independent holiday with moderately active activities and no luggage handling included
    Code
    50DN0580

    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

    Train from Oslo to Bergen, Norwegian Coastal ferry from Bergen to Kirkenes and flight Kirkenes to Oslo.

    Click here to see the Hurtigruten fleet - Norwegian Coastal Voyages

    Click here to see the Havila fleet - Norwegian Coastal Voyages

    Included
    • Norway in a Nutshell® tour (by train, boat & bus) from Oslo to Bergen
    • Luggage porter transfer during the Norway in a Nutshell® tour
    • Overnight in comfortable hotels in Voss or Flåm, and Bergen
    • Voyage from Bergen to Kirkenes 6 nights in a twin outside cabin with toilet & shower
    • All meals on board the Norwegian Coastal ferry, other meals as per itinerary
    • Flight Kirkenes to Oslo
    • 24-hour emergency service
    • Taxes and service fees

    Full board on the Norwegian Coastal voyage includes buffet breakfasts & lunches, tea & coffee with meals and a 3 course sit down dinner in the evening.

    Rates fluctuate daily and we can often find discounts up to 25% depending on departure date and proximity to travel. Please ask us for a specific quote for your preferred dates.

    Not Included

    International flights, travel insurance, luggage handling & optional excursions.

    Itinerary

    Day 1 - Arrive Oslo

    Arrive to Oslo and make your own way using the express airport train (19 mins) to your central hotel in the heart of Oslo. The Norwegian capital has a great deal to offer for the discerning traveller. If you arrive early, we can recommend a walk around the centre of town to view the Parliament, the Castle & the Harbour area.

    Discover the new area of Bjorvika with the new Opera House and Munch Museum and then explore the charming shopping streets, cosy cafés and exciting eateries of Grünerløkka. After going shopping at numerous design boutiques, vintage shops and flea markets, head to the Mathallen food hall for local specialties. Lastly, visit the new National Museum of Norway down by the harbour before finding a spot in one of the local fish restaurants for dinner.

    Accommodation
    Clarion Hotel, Oslo

    Days 2 - 3 - Explore Oslo in depth

    After breakfast enjoy a free day in Oslo. We recommend a trip out to the island of Bygdøy to see the Folklore Museum. Thereafter walk through the Vigeland Statue Park, before heading up to Holmenkollen and Frognerseteren to enjoy panoramic view of Oslo and the fjord beyond.

    In the afternoon we recommend a walk through the city centre to view the Parliament, the Castle and the Harbour area, which is well worth it. The new Oslo Opera just nearby the hotel is a must see, and you may even book tickets for a concert if this is on.

    Enjoy Oslo in depth with some of our suggestions:

    WALK: Skjennungstua

    Take metro line No 1 from any subway station in central Oslo to the final stop at Frognerseteren. Then set off on foot, following the sign posted paths towards Skjennungstua – a lovely 7km round-trip through the forested hills above the city. Stop for lunch at Skjennungstua, with its fantastic view over Oslomarka, Oslo's green space.

    LAKE WALK: Sognsvann Lake

    Take metro line No 5 from any subway station in central Oslo to the final spot at Sognsvann. This lake has a 3.2 kilometre-walking track around the lake which is well lit and wheel chair friendly. Good for picnicking, swimming, running and checking out the locals. This was a regular spot for us to visit when we lived in Oslo. Very relaxing and you feel very local being there!

    OCEAN WALK: Bygdøy

    Bygdøy is a peninsula on the west side of the city centre. Here you find several of Oslo’s most popular museums. The peninsula is mainly a residential area, but in addition to the museums, Bygdøy is also a popular recreational area during summer offering beaches, a beach volleyball court and a beach restaurant at Huk. There are also several beautiful trails both for cycling and walking. Look out for strawberries for sale!

    PARK WITH A VIEW: Ekeberg Park

    Located southeast of the centre of Oslo, the neighbourhood of Ekeberg is home to picturesque Ekeberg Park and the former Nautical College. The area offers many great views of Oslo Harbor and Oslofjord, including that from the terrace of the College. The park is home to a numerous excellent sculptures and outdoor art pieces, so be prepared to spend a few hours wandering its many tree-lined pathways. Also, be sure to visit the nearby Petroglyphs at Ekeberg. These remarkable 5,000-year-old rock carvings contain 13 figures, mostly of elks but with a solitary human figure.

    Meals
    2 Breakfasts
    Accommodation
    Thon Hotel Rosenkrantz
    Restaurants
    Maaemo
    Vippa Oslo
    Restaurant options in Oslo
    Optional Add Ons
    Summer night on Oslo fjord

    Day 4 - Depart Oslo by early train and enjoy the spectacular journey to Flåm

    Catch an early morning train from Oslo to Myrdal. The train journey over Northern Europe’s largest mountain plateau is spectacular. In the comfort of your train, watch fjord scenery with beautiful waterfalls, flowing rivers, deep valleys and mountains. In the afternoon, you check into the cosy mountain hotel in Flåm. Overnight in Fretheim Hotel.

    Meals
    1 Breakfast
    Accommodation
    Fretheim Hotel
    Optional Add Ons
    Winter Fjord Safari

    Day 5 - Start with a spectacular 2 hour cruise from Flåm, marvel at the fjords and villages then head to Bergen

    The day starts with a spectacular 2-hour fjord cruise from Flåm to the tiny fjord village of Gudvangen. Enjoy the magnificent views of the Aurlandsfjord & the Næroyfjord-a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In Gudvangen you change to the connecting bus to Voss, then change to a train that takes you to Bergen. Overnight Clarion Hotel Admiral or similar with breakfast.

    Meals
    1 Breakfast
    Accommodation
    Clarion Hotel Admiral

    Day 6 - A free morning in Bergen and then board your Norwegian Coastal ship

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

    In the early evening your Norwegian Coastal voyage sets off through the Hjeltefjord, following in the wake of the Vikings who sailed from here to the Shetland Islands and beyond. This tour's price is based on an outside twin share cabin with window and private facilities.

    Meals
    1 Breakfast
    1 Dinner

    Day 7 - 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. New hiking opportunities get you into the hills overlooking this fjord.

    Meals
    1 Breakfast
    1 Lunch
    1 Dinner
    Accommodation
    Hurtigruten Cabins
    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
    Hjørundfjorden, Geiranger and Ålesund
    Kayaking in Ålesund

    Day 8 - 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.

    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.

    Meals
    1 Breakfast
    1 Lunch
    1 Dinner
    Accommodation
    Hurtigruten Cabins
    Optional Add Ons
    Nidaros Cathedral & Ringve Museum
    Trondheim with Nidaros Cathedral
    Munkholmen in Trondheim
    Kayaking on the River Nid
    Cycling in Trondheim
    Trondheim City Walk
    The Northernmost tramride in the world

    Day 9 - 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.

    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
    Lofotpils Brewery
    Farm visit in Lofoten

    Day 10 - 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.

    Meals
    1 Breakfast
    1 Lunch
    1 Dinner
    Accommodation
    Hurtigruten Cabins
    Optional Add Ons
    The Arctic Capital Tromsø
    Dog Sledding
    Tromsø Scenery and Huskies
    Polar History Walk
    Kayaking in Tromsø
    Hiking in Tromsø
    Silent Whale Watching
    Cross-Country Skiing (Tromsø)
    Snowshoeing In Tromsø
    Fishing in Tromsø

    Day 11 - 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.

    Meals
    1 Breakfast
    1 Lunch
    1 Dinner
    Accommodation
    Hurtigruten Cabins
    Optional Add Ons
    The North Cape, Honningsvåg
    Birdwatching Safari in Honningsvåg
    Sami Culture
    Snowmobile Trip in Lapland
    Sami Autumn
    Cultural Walk in Honningsvåg
    Honningsvåg: Fishing Village Visit
    Expedition to the North Cape - The Historical Route

    Day 12 - Disembark in Kirkenes and go crabbing for giant King Crab!

    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.

    Transfer to your hotel and settle in. Head out for a King Crab Fishing Safari. This safari changes with the seasons - either on ice or by boat.

    Meals
    1 Breakfast
    Accommodation
    Thon Hotel Kirkenes

    Day 13 - Kirkenes and then flight back to Oslo

    After breakfast, head to the airport for your flight back to Oslo.

    Meals
    1 Breakfast
    Dates & Prices

    Prices below are per person based on Director's Choice hotel categories. Ask us for upgrade options to Design or Historic hotels. Prices are per person twin share.

    The Coastal Cruise price fluctuates daily depending on demand and so this price can only be indicative as we will need to price based on your day of travel. PLEASE NOTE: This is a FROM price and will not apply during the high season (May to September). Any available cruise discounts will be applied to your personal request.

    2024 prices are indicative due to the current uncertainty across Europe with increasing energy and volatile fuel costs.

    Dates
    Valid From
    Valid To
    From Price
    Status
    Accommodation
    1 Mar 2024
    30 Sep 2024
    1 Mar 2024
    30 Sep 2024
    USD 4,928
    On request
    Outside (Window)
    1 Mar 2024
    30 Sep 2024
    1 Mar 2024
    30 Sep 2024
    USD 3,813
    On request
    Extra for Single

    Important Information

    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.

    You can pre-book your optional excursions with us. However, you can also wait until you are on board 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.

    Norway in a Nutshell luggage porter service:

    Porter service offers safe and secure transportation of your luggage, allowing you to travel through the fjords between Oslo and Bergen with just an overnight bag. Please pack your overnight bag according to the number of nights you will be away from your main luggage. Bring any valuables and medications with you.

    You leave the luggage at the hotel reception before 6:30AM and the Porter Service will pick it up and deliver it to your hotel in Bergen by 9:00PM that same day. It will be stored safely until you arrive in Bergen (up to three to four nights later as required).

    Please note that 1 piece of luggage per person is included unless otherwise specified.

    Interactive Tour Map

    Inspiration

    Havila Voyage Handy Hints

    Our 'helpful hints' guide to your Norwegian Coastal Voyage with Havila. Many of our Scandinavian staff have travelled on a coastal voyage and offer detailed explanations to how it works on-board.

    Read Article
    Hurtigruten

    Hurtigruten Handy Hints

    Our 'helpful hints' guide to your Norwegian Coastal Voyage with Hurtigruten. Many of our Scandinavian staff have travelled on a coastal voyage and offer detailed explanations to how it works on-board.

    Read Article
    View all Inspiration

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