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Overview:
This Norwegian fjord cruise spends six nights travelling north from Bergen, all the way to Kirkenes, before returning to the south. Calling at 34 ports along the way you will get to know the very best of the dramatic Norwegian coastline. Relax and enjoy the stunning scenery and a great range of optional excursions during this Hurtigruten cruise.
While the summer months feature the midnight sun, the winter is a perfect time for the Hurtigruten Northern Lights cruise. The long dark nights provide some amazing views of the Northern Lights as you slip past snow covered mountains, plummeting in to the sea.
Holiday price is from £ 2,335 per person with accommodation in an unspecified outside cabin when two persons sharing a cabin.
Departure Dates:
Departure dates
| Departure | Arrival | Arrive | Leave |
All year
|
London |
Bergen |
Daily (with few exceptions) |
Daily |
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Embarkment in Bergen
Ports visited today: Bergen
Before sailing from Bergen, you may wish to explore this cultural gateway to the fjords. Spend some time in one of the outdoor cafés and restaurants in the Bryggen district, a recognised UNESCO World Heritage Site. Other attractions in Bergen include the Fløibanen Funicular, the Fish Market, and Fantoft Stave Church. In the afternoon board your Hurtigruten cruise for your evening departure at 20.00 (15 Apr - 14 Sep) or 22.30 (01 Jan - 14 Apr and 15 Sep - 31 Dec).
Day 2: Ålesund and Geirangerfjord
Ports visited today: Florø, Måløy, Torvik, Ålesund, Molde
We sail further north to Ålesund, a beautiful town and a perfect example of the Art Nouveau style. In the summer, we set our course for the spectacular UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord, passing some of the most magnificent scenery Norway has to offer. Once in the fjord, you might get to see the famous Seven Sisters waterfalls cascading down the cliffs.In autumn, we explore 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: The Royal City of Trondheim
Ports visited today: Kristiansund, Trondheim, Rørvik.
The architecture and surroundings in Trondheim create a beautiful setting for any outing, should you prefer a guided tour in Nidaros Cathedral or a casual stroll through Bakklandet. In the evening we continue towards the land of the Midnight Sun.
Day 4: Arctic Circle and Lofoten Islands
Ports visited today: Brønnøysund, Sandnessjøen, Nesna, Ørnes, Bodø, Stamsund, Svolvær.
Crossing the Arctic Circle is one of the highlights before we arrive in Ørnes. The Arctic Circle marks the southern extremity of the polar, 24-hour sunlit day - often referred to as the “Midnight Sun”. In the evening we reach Svolvær, the administrative center of the Lofoten Islands. These islands are renowned for their small fishing villages with their bohemian atmosphere surrounded by majestic granite cliffs and white sandy beaches. Complete your visit with a stroll between the stock-fish racks and ‘rorbuer’, the traditional, red fishermen’s residences.
Day 5: Tromsø, the gateway to the Arctic
Ports visited today: Stokmarknes, Sortland, Risøyhamn, Harstad, Finnsnes, Tromsø, Skjervøy.
During the night we pass the magnificent Trollfjord and sail through the spectacular and narrow Raftsund strait. Here, you can admire the rugged mountainous landscape jutting up against the horizon under the endless sun. We continue to Tromsø, a city with many lively restaurants and cafés.
Day 6: Honningsvåg and the North Cape
Ports visited today: Øksfjord, Hammerfest, Havøysund, Honningsvåg, Kjøllefjord, Mehamn, Berlevåg.
Today we arrive in Honningsvåg, the starting point of our excursion to the spectacular North Cape, the northernmost point of mainland Europe. From the fishing village of Kjøllefjord you can get a “Taste of Lapland”, meeting a real Sámi family.
Day 7: Kirkenes, the voyage turning point
Ports visited today: Båtsfjord, Vardø, Vadsø, Kirkenes.
The vistas and sea life become more dramatic as we approach Kirkenes, just a few miles from the Russian border and the Sami communities of northern Scandinavia. This is a turning point for the Hurtigruten cruises and the journey south will begin after an overnight stop in Kirkenes. It is also possible to do just the journey North from Bergen to Kirkenes and fly back to UK after a 6 nightcruise. Or vice versa, you can start your Hurtigruten cruise in Kirkenes and sail 5 nights South to Bergen.
Day 7: Kirkenes, the voyage south begins
Ports visited today: Kirkenes, Vardø, Båtsfjord, Berlevåg.
Summer in Kirkenes is superb with 86°F degree temperatures at its hottest. The town is known as the capital of the Barents Region and the gateway to the east, with people here speaking Norwegian, Sámi, Finnish and Russian. As we turn south, the northbound ports previously visited by night are now seen by day.
Day 8: Hammerfest and Tromsø
Ports visited today: Mehamn, Kjøllefjord, Honningsvåg, Havøysund, Hammerfest, Øksfjord, Skjervøy, Tromsø.
Start the day with a summer breakfast at the North Cape Hall (optional excursion), which is firmly perched on the massive cliff marking the northernmost tip of mainland Europe. From here we make a stop in Hammerfest before our next major port of call, Tromsø, where you can take part in a very special musical experience, the Arctic Cathedral Midnight Concert.
Day 9: Vesterålen and Lofoten Islands
Ports visited today: Tromsø, Finnsnes, Harstad, Risøyhamn, Sortland, Stokmarknes, Svolvær, Stamsund.
Passing through the Lofoten Islands, the ship negotiates a stunning network of inlets and isles, before moving on to what is the highlight of the voyage for many, a possible detour into the spectacular and dramatic Trollfjord. Join us on a fantastic safari by RIB- boat through the Lofoten archipelago under the Midnight Sun!
Day 10: Arctic Circle, Seven Sisters
Ports visited today: Bodø, Ørnes, Nesna, Sandnessjøen, Brønnøysund, Rørvik.
As we sail past the Helgeland coast you can enjoy views of the hundreds of islets, fertile farmland and lush meadows. Today will also be our last one north of the Arctic Circle. The Vega Archipelago, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is close to our call in Sandnessjøen.
Day 11: Trondheim and Kristiansund
Ports visited today: Trondheim, Kristiansund, Molde, Ålesund.
We arrive in Trondheim in the early morning. Nidaros Cathedral, in which three Queens and seven Kings have been crowned, is Scandinavia’s largest medieval building and worth a visit. The town of Kristiansund, located on the scenic Atlantic Road, holds the rather obscure title of Norway’s ‘cured cod capital’ owing to the nature of its main export.
Day 12: Bergen, disembarkation
Ports visited today: Ålesund, Torvik, Måløy, Florø, Bergen.
Our arrival in Bergen sees the end of this magnificent journey. Return flight.
Package Includes:
- Direct return flights from London Gatwick to Bergen on Norwegian Airlines
- 1 piece of check-in luggage per traveler (up to 20 kg)
- 11 nights' accommodation on board Hurtigruten in an unspecified outside cabin with private shower/WC
- Full board throughout the cruise
- 24-hour emergency service
- ATOL protection
- All taxes
Enquire now »
Itinerary
Day 1: Embarkment in Bergen
Ports visited today: Bergen
Before sailing from Bergen, you may wish to explore this cultural gateway to the fjords. Spend some time in one of the outdoor cafés and restaurants in the Bryggen district, a recognised UNESCO World Heritage Site. Other attractions in Bergen include the Fløibanen Funicular, the Fish Market, and Fantoft Stave Church. In the afternoon board your Hurtigruten cruise for your evening departure at 20.00 (15 Apr - 14 Sep) or 22.30 (01 Jan - 14 Apr and 15 Sep - 31 Dec).
Day 2: Ålesund and Geirangerfjord
Ports visited today: Florø, Måløy, Torvik, Ålesund, Molde
We sail further north to Ålesund, a beautiful town and a perfect example of the Art Nouveau style. In the summer, we set our course for the spectacular UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord, passing some of the most magnificent scenery Norway has to offer. Once in the fjord, you might get to see the famous Seven Sisters waterfalls cascading down the cliffs.In autumn, we explore 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: The Royal City of Trondheim
Ports visited today: Kristiansund, Trondheim, Rørvik.
The architecture and surroundings in Trondheim create a beautiful setting for any outing, should you prefer a guided tour in Nidaros Cathedral or a casual stroll through Bakklandet. In the evening we continue towards the land of the Midnight Sun.
Day 4: Arctic Circle and Lofoten Islands
Ports visited today: Brønnøysund, Sandnessjøen, Nesna, Ørnes, Bodø, Stamsund, Svolvær.
Crossing the Arctic Circle is one of the highlights before we arrive in Ørnes. The Arctic Circle marks the southern extremity of the polar, 24-hour sunlit day - often referred to as the “Midnight Sun”. In the evening we reach Svolvær, the administrative center of the Lofoten Islands. These islands are renowned for their small fishing villages with their bohemian atmosphere surrounded by majestic granite cliffs and white sandy beaches. Complete your visit with a stroll between the stock-fish racks and ‘rorbuer’, the traditional, red fishermen’s residences.
Day 5: Tromsø, the gateway to the Arctic
Ports visited today: Stokmarknes, Sortland, Risøyhamn, Harstad, Finnsnes, Tromsø, Skjervøy.
During the night we pass the magnificent Trollfjord and sail through the spectacular and narrow Raftsund strait. Here, you can admire the rugged mountainous landscape jutting up against the horizon under the endless sun. We continue to Tromsø, a city with many lively restaurants and cafés.
Day 6: Honningsvåg and the North Cape
Ports visited today: Øksfjord, Hammerfest, Havøysund, Honningsvåg, Kjøllefjord, Mehamn, Berlevåg.
Today we arrive in Honningsvåg, the starting point of our excursion to the spectacular North Cape, the northernmost point of mainland Europe. From the fishing village of Kjøllefjord you can get a “Taste of Lapland”, meeting a real Sámi family.
Day 7: Kirkenes, the voyage turning point
Ports visited today: Båtsfjord, Vardø, Vadsø, Kirkenes.
The vistas and sea life become more dramatic as we approach Kirkenes, just a few miles from the Russian border and the Sami communities of northern Scandinavia. This is a turning point for the Hurtigruten cruises and the journey south will begin after an overnight stop in Kirkenes. It is also possible to do just the journey North from Bergen to Kirkenes and fly back to UK after a 6 nightcruise. Or vice versa, you can start your Hurtigruten cruise in Kirkenes and sail 5 nights South to Bergen.
Day 7: Kirkenes, the voyage south begins
Ports visited today: Kirkenes, Vardø, Båtsfjord, Berlevåg.
Summer in Kirkenes is superb with 86°F degree temperatures at its hottest. The town is known as the capital of the Barents Region and the gateway to the east, with people here speaking Norwegian, Sámi, Finnish and Russian. As we turn south, the northbound ports previously visited by night are now seen by day.
Day 8: Hammerfest and Tromsø
Ports visited today: Mehamn, Kjøllefjord, Honningsvåg, Havøysund, Hammerfest, Øksfjord, Skjervøy, Tromsø.
Start the day with a summer breakfast at the North Cape Hall (optional excursion), which is firmly perched on the massive cliff marking the northernmost tip of mainland Europe. From here we make a stop in Hammerfest before our next major port of call, Tromsø, where you can take part in a very special musical experience, the Arctic Cathedral Midnight Concert.
Day 9: Vesterålen and Lofoten Islands
Ports visited today: Tromsø, Finnsnes, Harstad, Risøyhamn, Sortland, Stokmarknes, Svolvær, Stamsund.
Passing through the Lofoten Islands, the ship negotiates a stunning network of inlets and isles, before moving on to what is the highlight of the voyage for many, a possible detour into the spectacular and dramatic Trollfjord. Join us on a fantastic safari by RIB- boat through the Lofoten archipelago under the Midnight Sun!
Day 10: Arctic Circle, Seven Sisters
Ports visited today: Bodø, Ørnes, Nesna, Sandnessjøen, Brønnøysund, Rørvik.
As we sail past the Helgeland coast you can enjoy views of the hundreds of islets, fertile farmland and lush meadows. Today will also be our last one north of the Arctic Circle. The Vega Archipelago, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is close to our call in Sandnessjøen.
Day 11: Trondheim and Kristiansund
Ports visited today: Trondheim, Kristiansund, Molde, Ålesund.
We arrive in Trondheim in the early morning. Nidaros Cathedral, in which three Queens and seven Kings have been crowned, is Scandinavia’s largest medieval building and worth a visit. The town of Kristiansund, located on the scenic Atlantic Road, holds the rather obscure title of Norway’s ‘cured cod capital’ owing to the nature of its main export.
Day 12: Bergen, disembarkation
Ports visited today: Ålesund, Torvik, Måløy, Florø, Bergen.
Our arrival in Bergen sees the end of this magnificent journey. Return flight.
Will I see the Northern Lights?
Please scroll down to see the specifics for the country you wish to visit:
Iceland:
The Northern Lights are in the Northern sky from September through April but are only visible when the sky is clear and free of clouds. Like many of natures wonders, it’s ephemeral – they may be visible, they may appear for a bit and then be gone. But it’s worth it to be patient. Because they’re a winter event, you need to be prepared to wait outside, while looking for them. It’s best to dress very warmly, in layers, with good footwear, gloves, hats and whatever else will make you comfortable while you await this truly amazing event. The Northern Lights can be pretty spectacular, and for the best photos we recommend using a tripod. Much of Iceland offers a very a good chance to see the Northern Lights when conditions are right. Remember – the Northern Lights are natural phenomena, not guaranteed, but appreciated all the more for their elusive qualities.
Norway:
Northern Norway is one of the world's best places to experience the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis). In Northern Norway, Northern Lights occur in up to 90% of every clear night in the period from late September to late March. Most Northern Lights occur in the time span from 6pm to slightly after midnight, with an absolute peak at around 10-11pm.
In Norway, the area north of the Arctic Circle is prime aurora territory. The various destinations in the High North have a distinct personality, and are well worth exploring. Major places in Northern Norway are Tromsø, Kirkenes, Alta, Bodø, Lofoten and Vesterålen Islands and Svalbard.
Finland:
The best place to see the Northern Lights in Finland is in the Northern Lapland region, which is almost entirely located within the realm of the Arctic Circle. During the dark winter months here, when the sun rarely peaks its head over the horizon, you can expect to see the Finland Northern Lights with regularity, and other peak seasons include February through March and September through October. The most common colours of the Northern Lights are greenish-yellow and red.
The Finnish term for the Northern Lights, Revontulet, meaning fox fire, comes from an old tale where the fox was believed to swish its bushy tail on the snowy fell landscapes, throwing sparks into the air.
As mentioned, Lapland is the best place to see the Finland Aurora Borealis, with the Kilpisjarvi area offering the most abundant opportunities. The best time of the day to see the Finland Northern Lights is between 9 pm and 11:30 pm, though they are certainly not restricted to this time frame.
Sweden:
In Northern Sweden, the Northern Lights usually occur during the winter months through late March or early April, but they can be spotted as early as September in the Northernmost parts. Your best chance of catching a glimpse of the Northern Lights is on cold winter nights when the sky is clear and cloudless. You need to be away from city lights, which dilute the effects of these natural phenomena, so head out into the countryside. On clear nights, the Northern Lights can be visible from most locations in Swedish Lapland, occurring between 6 pm to and 2 am, with the strongest shows happening between 10 pm and 11 pm. For those willing to brave the cold on winter nights, here are some of the best locations in Swedish Lapland for viewing these phenomena:
Abisko National Park
Abisko National Park, a couple of kilometers north of Kiruna, is a prime location for viewing the Northen Lights. The scientifically proven “blue hole” — a patch of sky over the Torneträsk lake that usually remains clear despite overcast weather in surrounding areas — gives Abisko its own micro-climate, which is suitable for catching the lights.
Jukkasjärvi and the Torne Valley
Not only does the village of Jukkasjärvi (population roughly 541) boast the world’s first ice hotel (rebuilt ever year from Torne River ice), it’s also one of the best regions to view the Northern Lights. ICEHOTEL organizes guided tours for guests which takes the to the Esrange Space Center located 30 minutes from Kiruna. You can dine at a wilderness camp and get the chance to scan the Arctic winter sky for aurora borealis.
Other regions in Swedish Lapland
As mentioned earlier, if weather conditions are just right (clear, dark, cold, and cloudless), you might catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights from any location within subarctic and arctic Sweden — even close to larger towns such as Luleå, Jokkmokk, Arvidsjaur, and Gällivare.
Greenland:
The northern lights - or Aurora Borealis as it is officially known - actually occur all year round, but cannot be seen during the summer months in Greenland due to the midnight sun. The phenomenon is often seen around midnight and is best experienced on a dark, clear night in the period from September to the beginning of April. If you are travelling during this period, you can see the Northern Lights from anywhere in the country, whilst in South Greenland the northern lights can be seen from as early as the end of August.