Go on a cruise with Hurtigruten

Hurtigruten (The Norwegian Coastal Voyage) starts out in Bergen and takes you across the Arctic Circle to Kirkenes in Finnmark, closely following the coast of Norway over a distance covering some 2,500 miles (4,000 kilometres). With Hurtigrutenyou will embark on a genuine, friendly and informal voyage which is truly Norwegian.

Choose your trip

Take the whole cruise from Bergen to Kirkenes and back. The journey takes 11 days. Or hop on and off as you wish. You can also join for a short trip anywhere along the route.

There are daily departures and frequent stops along the coast. The ships can accommodate cars, making it easy to combine the cruise with a holiday in different places ashore.

The fleet

Each ship has a distinct style and character and no two journeys will ever be the same. Altogether Hurtigruten runs 11 ships along the Norwegian coast, in addition to 54 ferries and high-speed vessels in Nordland, Troms and Sunnmøre. The company has also two cruise ships in Antarctica and one ship cruising along the Greenland coast. In addition, the company offers cruises from Arctic to Antarctica and in Svalbard.

When to go

The changing seasons, climate, flora and fauna and the local people you meet will make each voyage a different experience. Each season has its charm. With summer come long bright days and warmer temperatures, while winter offers the opportunity to see the northern lights. The many special characteristics of the coast are particularly visible if you travel during spring and autumn, the seasons that offer the greatest variation.

Ports of call

Hurtigruten sails along the beautiful coastline, through magical fjords and to enchanted islands, calling at 34 ports.

Shore excursions

During your trip you will have the opportunity to disembark and explore exciting destinations along the way by joining a range of shore excursions. Here is a sample of what's on offer.

Bergen: City sightseeing in Bergen includes a trip to Bryggen, the old Hanseatic wharf, and a UNESCO World Heritage site, as well as Håkon's Hall and Rosenkrantz Tower, St Mary Church, Bergen Harbour and the famous fish market.

Ålesund: You can take a guided tour of the Art Nouveau town of Ålesund; climb to the top of Aksla for a panoramic view of the city and the islands around it; visit the aquarium; or take a day trip to the Geirangerfjord, a UNESCO world heritage site deemed by many to be Norway’s most beautiful fjord.

Trondheim: Don't miss Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim where St Olav, the king who brought Christianity to Norway, is buried. Sverresborg Trøndelag Folk Museum, one of Norway's largest open-air museums, is also well worth a visit.

Svolvær: A great starting point to explore the Lofoten Islands (Stamsund further to the south is another one), where spectacular vistas await at every bend. Join a RIB tour around white sandy beaches surrounded by small islands and skerries for a chance to spot sea eagles; visit the fishing village of Henningsvær and its art gallery; or indulge in a Viking feast at Lofotr Viking Museum, where you can experience Viking customs and everyday life.

Tromsø: Take in a midnight concert in the Arctic Cathedral in Tromsø or experience the thrill of dog sledding in Norway's northern winterland.

Honningsvåg: Get up early to have breakfast at the North Cape, the northernmost point on the European continent, before heading to Hammerfest, the world’s northernmost town. Or join a bird-watching safari to spot sea eagles as well as colonies of puffins and kittiwakes.