SAVE Up To 15% OFF + EXCLUSIVE Onboard Credit - The Original Coastal Express
Norway
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What's included
SAVE Up To 15% Off
EXCLUSIVE BONUS receive Up To 1000NOK Onboard Credit per stateroom
11 Night cruise, from Bergen return, onboard MS Vesterålen in a Polar Inside stateroom
Full board (breakfast, lunch and dinner) from Norway's Coastal Kitchen
Norwegian- and English-speaking Coastal Experience Team
Onboard lectures and presentations on Norway's history, biology, geography, geology and culture
Introductory photo presentation, camera adjustment and tips and tricks, photo and film footage from the voyage
A welcome event and daily gatherings to recap the day and prepare for the day to come
Presentations about the ports we visit
Presentation of excursion programmes
Point of interest presentations out on deck
Captain's dinner and a farewell event
Please speak to your Travel Consultant as Terms & Conditions apply
Itinerary
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Our 12-day Norwegian coastal cruise travels northbound and then southbound, taking in Norway's many fjords and mountains along the way. Your ship will call at 34 ports of all sizes and cross the Arctic Circle twice over 2,500 nautical miles. It is the definitive scenic route to see the Norwegian coast.
Discover our full scenic route with 34 ports visited twice, northbound and southbound, allowing you to really get to know the heart and soul of Norway's coastline
Bask in spectacular scenery any season of the year as we sail past more than 100 fjords and 1,000 mountains
Spend half your voyage on an Arctic tour of Norway, maximising your chances of seeing the Northern Lights in winter, or enjoying 24 hours of daylight under the Midnight Sun in summer
Take your pick from all optional hikes and the full list of optional seasonal excursions to enhance your coastal experience
Day 1 Bergen - gateway to the fjords
Your voyage starts in Bergen, the second-largest city in Norway and gateway to the fjords. Founded in 1070 AD, Bergen boasts architecture influenced by prosperous 14th-century German trading organisation, the Hanseatic League. If you've time before your ship departs, visit the UNESCO-listed wharfs of the colourful Bryggen district, now an artisan quarter complete with cobblestone streets. Just across the street is the famous Fish Market which serves delicious seafood. There's also the Fløibanen funicular which takes you up to the top of Mount Fløyen for views of the city.
To get the most out of your visit to Norway, don't forget that we can also help you to arrange tours before or after your voyage, such as the Norway in a Nutshell programme.
Your voyage begins
Before boarding, you can relax in our comfortable guest lounge at the terminal. Once aboard, enjoy the first of many delicious meals made from fresh coastal produce as we depart Bergen and sail the old Viking route along Hjeltefjord.
You'll also meet your ship's Coastal Experience Team who will be your guides as we cruise Norway's coastline, organising lectures, onboard activities, and optional hikes.
Day 2 Ålesund
Enjoy early morning in the Nordfjord near Torvik. We then sail past West Cape for our approach to Ålesund. Art Nouveau city
Ålesund is renowned for its beautiful Art Nouveau architecture and Atlanterhavsparken, one of Northern Europe's largest saltwater aquariums. If you're travelling with us in spring or winter, you'll have most of the day to explore this picturesque town.
Into the fjords
In the summer, from June to August, we set course for UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord. This is a protected and preserved piece of paradise with towering mountain cliffs and waterfalls like the famous Seven Sisters cascading into the fjord.
In spring, from April to May*, and in autumn, from September to October, your ship will sail to Hjørundfjord, hidden away in the Sunnmøre Alps. There'll also be a call at the scenic village of Urke to gaze at the view of thousand-year-old farms, the fjord, and the lush mountainsides.
Day 3 Trondheim - Norway's capital of technology
This section of the voyage sees us enter the Trøndelag region of Norway, marked by crumpled hills, fields dotted with farmsteads, and low-lying coastal settlements.
Magical, medieval, and modern
Founded by Viking king Olav Tryggvason in 997, Trondheim today is Norway's third largest city and a mix of historic buildings and a vibrant student population. You'll have three hours to explore Trondheim and its array of highlights, either by yourself or on one of the optional excursions we offer. A must-see site of the city is Nidaros Cathedral, nicknamed "Norway's Notre Dame" for its Gothic style and considered the most sacred building in all of Norway. Next door to the cathedral is the Archbishop's Palace where Norway's crown jewels are on display.
Nearby, the old city bridge Gamle Bybro sits over Nid River, marking the entrance to the old Hanseatic district of Bakklandet. The neighbourhood's colourful wooden wharves propped up on stilts by the river's edge now house a variety of eateries. Up from Bakklandet is Kristiansten Fort which has beautiful panoramas of the city and fjord.
Back on board
In the afternoon, the ship sails northwest, passing the ochre-coloured Kjeungskjær Lighthouse, islets, and rocky reefs. After that, we head towards charming Rørvik.
Day 4 Bodø
We cross the Arctic Circle early in the morning, beginning your Arctic tour of Norway. We mark the moment with a traditional ceremony that's sure to wake you up. Above the Arctic Circle, you can see the sun 24 hours a day in summer, while in winter, your chances of seeing the Northern Lights greatly improve.
Forces of nature
At 10:00, we call into Ørnes, near to Norway's second-largest glacier, Svartisen. The pier here is popular for the Love Bench where sweethearts have declared their lasting romance with a padlock. We then sail to Bodø, the second largest city in Northern Norway, overlooked by the Børvass peaks. Admire fabulous street art or join an optional boat excursion to Saltstraumen, the world's most powerful maelstrom.
Welcome to Lofoten
That afternoon, the ship enters the Lofoten archipelago. The 1,000 metre-high Lofoten Wall is a stunning sight on the horizon, as if there to welcome us. Stamsund is home to one of the largest fishing fleets in the islands and busiest between January and April when Arctic cod, known locally as skrei, swim from the Barents Sea in the north down to Vestfjord to spawn. Come evening, when you see rows of traditional fisherman's huts on stilts, known as rorbuer, you've arrived in the pretty harbour of Svolvær, the main town of the Lofoten Islands.
Day 5 Tromsø - gateway to the Arctic
We dock into Harstad just after 07:00. You can go for a peaceful early morning stroll around town. The ship will then continue to Finnsnes which connects the beautiful island of Senja via the impressive Gisund Bridge. Keep on the lookout for a variety of seabirds with several colonies nearby, including puffins.
Gateway to the Arctic
We then sail to the historic Arctic exploration capital of Tromsø where you'll have four hours to explore the city or join an optional excursion. Along the waterfront you'll find Polaria, a centre exhibiting environmental research in the Arctic with a small aquarium. Take your pick from the many shops and restaurants in the city centre, including Mack Brewery and favourite local watering hole Ølhallen pub. There are also caf?s offering delicious cinnamon buns where baristas create innovative coffee art. Across the fjord from where the ship docks, you should be able to see the iconic Arctic Cathedral with its beautiful stained-glass mosaic. Leaving Tromsø in the early evening, we head north for the trading post of Skjervøy, founded in 1622. On our way, we'll pass the Lyngen Alps which rise majestically from the sea.
Day 6 Honningsvåg - gateway to the North Cape
The ship reaches the town of Hammerfest on the island of Kvaløya early in the morning. In summer, the island has herds of reindeer migrating here in their thousands. You'll know we've reached Havøysund when you see the wind turbines of the landmark Havøyglaven wind farm which produces enough electricity to power 6,000 local homes.
At the top of Europe
We arrive at Honningsvåg mid-morning, portal to the North Cape where a globe monument marks the top of continental Europe. An optional excursion will take you to North Cape from Honningsvåg by bus, passing herds of reindeer on the way, depending on the season.
Sámi heartlands
Near the entrance of Kjøllefjord village, look out for the striking, building-like rock formation Finnkirka, an ancient sacrificial site once used by the indigenous S?mi. You can join an optional summer excursion to meet local S?mi, learn about their life reindeer herding, and listen to joik folk songs.
Continuing north
We reach our northernmost port of call, Mehamn, in the evening. If visiting in the months of February and March, you might spot tons of cod drying on outdoor wooden racks called hjell, mainly destined for export. The ship then sets off for Berlevåg. On the way, we pass the tall Slettnes Lighthouse, the northernmost mainland lighthouse on Earth.
Day 7 Kirkenes - right on the border
We call at Båtsfjord and Vardø in the night, before docking at Vadsø early in the morning.
Looking to the skies
The area around Vadsø is one of the most scenic and popular birdwatching spots in the Arctic, lying directly under the migration path of birds flying from east to west. Watch for hooded crows and sea eagles.
Near the Norwegian border
By the time we reach Kirkenes after breakfast, you'll have travelled further east than St. Petersburg and Istanbul. You'll have a choice of optional excursions to explore the area.
Journey's turning point
Kirkenes is where your Norwegian coastal cruise changes direction and the ship heads south. Several of the places we sailed to during the night we'll now see during the day. Back in Vardø, you can visit the solemn Witches' Monument and the star-shaped Vardøhus Fortress, built in 1737. The northernmost fortification of any kind, it remains a part of the military to this day. We return to the small, bustling port of Båtsfjord and then make for Berlevåg for late evening, crossing paths with the northbound ship.
Day 8 Hammerfest
We make stops at Mehamn and Kjøllefjord during the night before early morning visits to Honningsvåg and Havøysund.
The northernmost cist
In the early afternoon, you'll spend time in Hammerfest, which has the largest population on a list of the world's northernmost settlements. See the UNESCO-listed Meridian Column, shop for souvenirs at the Polar Bear Society, or take the path behind the town to the viewpoint atop Mount Salen.
Mountains and marine mammals
We continue cruising Norway's coastline south to Øksfjord and then to Skjervøy, surrounded by mountain peaks. We've been docking at this vital fishing port since 1896. If you're visiting in winter, you might spot orcas and humpback whales that gather here to feed on herring. As we make our way to Tromsø, you might also glimpse views of the Lyngen Alps which boast some of the highest peaks in all of Norway.
Midnight magic
We dock at Tromsø just before midnight. In the summer months, you can stroll around the still busy city in glorious 24-hour daylight.
Day 9 Svolvær - at the heart of Lofoten
Today, you'll be exploring the archipelagos of Lofoten and Vesterålen, real highlights of our Norway scenic route. After Finnsnes early in the morning, the ship calls at Harstad where the white-washed Trondenes Church, the world's northernmost medieval stone church, sits on the peninsula. Next is our smallest port of call Risøyhamn and then Sortland where the landscape slowly transforms from hills to 1,000-metre-high mountains.
Our birthplace
Stokmarknes is where Captain Richard With began The Coastal Express in 1893. Visit Hurtigrutemuseet, a ship-in-a-bottle building that chronicles our legacy, centred around retired ship MS Finnmarken from 1956.
A ship-sized fjord
Sailing along Raftsund, the Captain may choose to take the ship into tiny Trollfjord if weather permits. The mountain walls will look so close you'll think you can reach out and brush them! To exit the fjord, the ship will rotate 180 degrees on the spot, then sail back out. Remember to look out for sea eagles here too.
Leaving Lofoten
We reach Svolvær in the evening. The huge mountain that sits above the town is named the Svolvær Goat due to its supposed resemblance. See if you agree! The ship then sails for Stamsund, eventually passing the giant granite cliffs of the Lofoten Wall.
Day 10 Brønnøysund - coastal charm right in the middle of Norway
The ship calls at Bodø in the small hours of the morning and then Ørnes at 7am. We then cross over the Arctic Circle just after breakfast. Commemorate the moment with a tradition of tasting a spoonful of good ol' Norwegian cod liver oil! We make a short stop at Nesna before sailing on to Sandnessjøen, gateway to the magnificent Helgeland Coast.
Legend has it?
Admire the stunning landscape of the Seven Sisters mountain range, with peaks up to 1,100m high. The tale goes that seven beautiful troll princesses, fleeing from an unwanted suitor, got caught out as the sun rose, turning them into the seven beautiful mountains you see today. You'll also not want to miss views of Torghatten Mountain, with the distinctive hole in it. There is a local legend as to why and how this mountain came to have such a hole. Make sure you ask your Coastal Experience about it! We reach Brønnøysund mid-afternoon. Explore the bustling marina on a walk along Havnegata. In the centre of town is Brønnøy Church: a stone church in the Neo-Gothic style dating back to 1870. Our last stop of the day is the cosy fishing port of Rørvik in the picturesque Vikna archipelago.
Day 11 Trondheim - Norway's capital of technology
Spend the morning in Trondheim, then sail past beautiful island scenery and some of Norway's smallest communities before exploring Kristiansund and Molde.
Capital of the Viking Age
Stroll around Trondheim in the early morning as the city wakes. Visit the sacred Nidaros Cathedral, resting place of St. Olav. Then, walk to Gamle Bybro bridge for a photo opportunity over Nid River. Treat yourself to quality coffee and a Nordic patisserie in one of the Bakklandet district's many chic caf?s then walk up to Kristiansten Fort for great views of Norway's third largest city.
Dealing in dried cod
We dock at Kristiansund's harbour in the late afternoon. The town is spread over three islands and known for being Norway's "Bacalao Capital" for the salted cod that's dried on the surrounding cliffs, called klippfisk in Norwegian. Take a walk around the cobblestone streets of the old town and tour the lively port. You can also head up to the old watchtower at Varden viewpoint for a lovely panorama.
Peaks and petals
The penultimate port of the day is Molde where you can spot the tops of the Romsdal Alps. Nicknamed "The City of Roses", flowers should be in bloom between mid-June and late August.
Day 12 Bergen - gateway to the fjords
Our Norwegian coastal cruise together, at least this time, will reach its end later today. During the previous night, we'll call at Ålesund and Torvik. On our approach to Måløy, you might catch a glimpse of the northbound Coastal Express if you're up early enough.
Morning highlights
You'll have a chance to glimpse Nordfjord, under the enormous Jostedal Glacier, mainland Europe's largest. The ship then docks at Florø in the morning where you can take in the harbour and marina.
The home stretch
Leaving Florø, you'll spot Stabben Lighthouse, a favourite subject for photographers. There's also stunning views to enjoy as we cross the mouth of Sognefjord, the longest and widest fjord in the whole of Norway. As we reach our final port in the afternoon, the ship will navigate through the last islands and skerries of our Norway scenic route, and sail down Hjeltefjord to arrive into Bergen.
Explore more of Norway
Sadly, it's time to say farewell to the Captain, crew, and fellow guests. But your journey doesn't have to stop after disembarkation. We offer a Bergen sightseeing tour as well as a range of post-voyage programmes that you can add to your trip, including seeing Sognefjord by train or a tour of Oslo.
** Itinerary may vary by sailing date.
Onboard experience
MS Vesterålen is named after the first Hurtigruten ship that sailed along Norway´s rugged coastline in 1893. She is one of our smaller boats and has an intimate on-board atmosphere. MS Vesterålen is named after the first Hurtigruten ship to sail along Norway’s rugged coastline in 1893. She is one of our smaller ships and has an intimate on-board atmosphere. MS Vesterålen will be refurbished at the end of 2019. All the common areas will get an upgrade, including the lounge and `Fyret´ bar. The refurbishment will take care to ensure that MS Vesterålen will continue to provide passengers with an authentic heritage experience. Authentic heritage MS Vesterålen provides passengers an authentic heritage experience. In its exciting programme you will learn more about the ship´s maritime operations, logistics and hotel operations. You will get an opportunity to get closer to the Hurtigruten operation and to learn more about the operation along the Norwegian coast. The programme includes the following: Different topics every second day, related to Hurtigruten´s operations. Evening talks hosted by the ship´s tour leader, including interviews with different crew members who share their insights about work and life on board. A short film and/or presentation during the evening talk programme about the engine room, bridge, galley, cargo deck, and more. Practical courses within relevant topics, including "Learn to read and use marine charts" and "Make the Norwegian traditional dinner Fårikål". Due to limited capacity, these courses are available for a fee and can be booked on board . Operational and historical `points of interest´/ fun facts presented on deck along the sailing route. Exhibition about Hurtigruten´s history, ship design and construction, route planning, navigational facts and operational development. A logbook of the entire journey available for purchase at the end of the trip. MS Vesterålen has bright, informal public areas and lounges throughout. The extensive on-board art collection adds an air of sophistication. The ship´s limited passenger capacity contributes to making a voyage aboard MS Vesterålen truly special. Special features: Panorama lounge Smaller lounges in the front and back of the ship Café Restaurant Shop Conference facilities Bar Children's play area Wi-Fi Fitness room Lift Car deck
Facilities
Other:
Conference Facilities
Entertainment:
Panorama Lounge
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