Hurtigruten: Classic Voyage South

Day by day itinerary

• Day 1 » UK to Kirkenes

  Fly to Kirkenes and check into the Thon Hotel for your included pre-cruise stay.  If you’re travelling in winter, it’s well worth tagging on a couple of days before your voyage, to enjoy a night at the town's famous snow hotel or simply to take advantage of the range of activities on offer. Expect everything from husky sledding to king crab fishing.

  Stay: Thon Hotel Kirkenes

• Day 2 » Kirkenes to Berlevåg

  Board your Hurtigruten ship this morning, sailing west to pass the dramatic Varanga peninsula before perhaps catching a performance by Norway’s most famous male choir, made up of local fisherman from the port town of Berlevåg.
  

  Stay: Hurtigruten ship

  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

• Day 3 » Mehamn to Tromso

  Today is a real trip highlight as you make a late-night stop in Mehamn, where in winter you’ll have the chance to join an optional snowmobile excursion, before arriving at Honningsvag from where you’ll make your way to North Cape, mainland Europe’s most northerly point. Between May and October, you’ll pause here for breakfast, perhaps catching the sunrise over the Barents Sea. Alternatively, for winter sailings, you’ll have the chance to join an optional mini-mountain expedition to explore the wilderness and learn about local hero and cook, Adolf Henrik Lindstrom.

  Then, sailing via Oksfjord and, in spring only, the spectacular Lyngenfjord, you’ll head south to Tromso, Norway’s Arctic capital. For winter sailings, you’ll head to the Arctic Cathedral for a magical Northern Lights concert, while in summer the same venue hosts performances inspired by the Midnight Sun. In summer, there’s also the opportunity for a Midnight Sun boat tour and the chance to join locals in nearby Olhallen for a beer.

  Stay: Hurtigruten ship

  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

• Day 4 » Tromso to Lofoten Islands

  A real mix of history, culture and scenic beauty today as you first disembark in Harstad to take in the beautiful scenery and heritage sites of Vesterålen. Alternatively, remain onboard for the cruise through Risoyrenna, a shallow channel made especially for Hurtigruten postal ships back in the 1920s.

  Whichever you choose, the second half of the day will be given over to one of Norway’s most idyllic corners as you sail through the magnificent Lofoten Islands. You’ll begin, weather permitting, with a cruise through Trollfjord before calling into the main port of Svolvaer where optional excursions jet-boat tours and scenic hikes to sunset horse rides along the beach.

  Stay: Hurtigruten ship

  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

• Day 5 » Bodo to Rorvik

  Today begins with the crossing of the Arctic Circle, celebrated in dubious style with a spoonful of cod liver oil out on deck. Then, as you skirt the Helgeland Coast, keep an eye out for Torghatten Mountain with its distinctive hole through its centre. There’s even the chance to join a hike to its summit.

  In the afternoon, having passed the magnificent Seven Sisters range, you’ll call briefly into the historic trading post of Nesna before perhaps joining an optional tour of the World Heritage-listed Vega Islands. Finally, in Bronnoysund, join a visit to the Norwegian Aquaculture Centre for a taste of fresh salmon before, in winter, maybe catching a final glimpse of the Northern Lights.

  Stay: Hurtigruten ship

  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

• Day 6 » Trondheim to Molde

  Visit Trondheim with its age-old wooden buildings and imposing Nidaros Cathedral before sailing along a coastline dotted with traditional fishing communities. Call into Kristiansund, known as Norway’s ‘dried cod capital’, and perhaps take an optional trip along the seriously spectacular Atlantic Road – a National Scenic Route.

  You’ll then have the chance of an optional tour of the Bergtatt marble mine, complete with a meal served in the mine’s Grand Hall. Or, remain onboard for a spectacular sea crossing accompanied by views of the Romsdal Alps. Either way, you’ll wind up in Molde, Norway’s ‘City of Roses’.

  Stay: Hurtigruten ship

  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

• Day 7 » Ålesund to Bergen

  During the night, the ship calls into Ålesund, Torvik and Maloy as you make your final approach to Bergen. Pass the mouth of the mighty Sognefjord for one final glimpse of Norway’s scenic beauty, then disembark and head to the airport for your flight home. Alternatively, speak to our specialists about spending a few days exploring this former Hanseatic port city and taking a trip to the nearby fjords.
  

  Meals: Breakfast