Havila Voyages: Norway summer cruise from Kirkenes to Bergen

Day by day itinerary

• Day 1 » Depart for Kirkenes

  Fly to Kirkenes (via Oslo), a remote town in the northeast corner of Norway, around 400 kilometres inside the Arctic Circle. On arrival, a transfer will be waiting to take you to your modern waterfront hotel in the town centre, with views directly looking out across the fjord. There’s endless daylight here throughout the summer months, so if the skies are clear, you’ll be able to feel the warm, golden glow of the Midnight Sun. 

  Stay: Thon Hotel Kirkenes

• Day 2 » Board Havila & overnight onboard

  After a buffet breakfast at the hotel, make your way to the port to board your Havila ship. Settle into your sleek, Scandi-style cabin as your journey begins, tracing the wild, rugged coastline of the Varanger Peninsula, home to craggy cliffs plunging into the Barents Sea and a rich variety of Arctic bird species, including puffins. You’ll then pass the remote fishing villages of Batsfjord and Berlevag before enjoying your first night on board, capped off with a delicious three-course dinner inspired by the culinary traditions of Norway.

  Stay: Havila Voyages

  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

• Day 3 » North Cape & Tromso

  Today, your cruise continues west along the North Cape, passing the northernmost tip of mainland Norway. As you then begin to sail south, you’ll notice the terrain becoming increasingly mountainous, weaving between sharp-peaked islands before arriving in Tromso, Norway’s ‘Capital of the North’. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to take a stroll under the Midnight Sun and experience the city’s vibrant nightlife scene – perhaps taking a trip to Ølhallen, the oldest pub in Tromsø, to sample the local craft beers. Be sure to explore the harbour area, too, where you’ll find traditional timber buildings and superb views looking out across the water towards the majestic Arctic Cathedral. 

  Stay: Havila Voyages

  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

• Day 4 » Hinnoya & Lofoten Islands

  Bid farewell to Tromso as you sail between the islands of Senja and Hinnoya en route to the Lofoten Islands. This particular stretch is home to some of Norway’s most dramatic coastal scenery, from jagged mountains and white sand beaches to steep-sided fjords. If the weather permits, you’ll enter the narrow Trollfjord, renowned as one of the most spectacular fjords in Arctic Norway. Be sure to keep an eye out for sea eagles, which are frequently sighted in this area. You’ll then move on to Svolvaer and Stamsund, in the midst of the awe-inspiring Lofoten Islands. Optional excursions here include beach hiking, horse riding, golfing and beer tasting.

  Stay: Havila Voyages

  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

• Day 5 » Bodo, Bronnoysund & Rorvik

  Shortly after sailing past Bodo and Ornes, you’ll leave the Arctic Circle behind as you continue towards the south. You’ll pass a myriad of islands and tiny islets before arriving at the picturesque town of Bronnoysund, from which you can learn all about the region’s salmon fishing heritage, visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Vega Archipelago, or take a hike to Torghatten mountain, instantly recognisable by the hole running straight through it. Next up is the colourful port town of Rorvik, home to the excellent Norveg Coastal Museum. 

  Stay: Havila Voyages

  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

• Day 6 » Trondheim, Kristiansund & Ålesund

  This morning, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy a guided tour of the resplendent Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim, Norway’s former Viking capital and third-largest city today. After sailing back out to the open sea via the wide open Trondheim Fjord, you’ll have the option to disembark at Kristiansund to drive along the Atlantic Ocean Road – a breathtaking feat of engineering that links several small islands and skerries along a stunning, eight-kilometre stretch of road. If you take this route, you’ll re-embark the ship at Molde. The final stop of the day is Ålesund, a city renowned for its elegant, pastel-hued Art Nouveau architecture.

  Stay: Havila Voyages 

  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

• Day 7 » Arrive in Bergen & disembark Havila

  The final leg of your Havila adventure sees you sail past a diverse coastal landscape of mountains, fjords and islands as you approach your final destination of Bergen. After disembarking the ship, make the most of your time in Norway’s second city, starting by exploring the UNESCO World Heritage-listed wharf, Bryggen. This colourful collection of old timber buildings offers a fascinating insight into Bergen’s Hanseatic heritage, and today houses a plethora of galleries, handicraft stores and cafes. We have also included a trip on the Floibanen funicular, which takes you up Mount Floyen where you'll be treated to magnificent views overlooking Bergen from above. Later on, you might fancy heading out for a drink or two to experience Bergen by night. 
  

  Stay: Clarion Collection Havnekontoret, Bergen

  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

• Day 8 » Return to UK

  Depending on your flight time, you may decide to ride the Floibanen funicular today (if you didn't already do so on day seven). It’s then time to head to the airport – either by taxi or by light rail – to catch your flight home. 
  

  Meals: Breakfast