Cruise the Norwegian way

Welcome to a unique, Nordic coast experience

Wonder how you can experience as many of the most beautiful highlights of the Norwegian coast as possible in a short amount of time? A cruise gives you comfort, stunning views and a chance to see it all in just 11 days. 

A moving base like this will save you from the hustle and bustle of having to unpack and repack your luggage at every destination you reach, and you have ready access to restaurants, bars, and activities.

Don't expect an endless party, though. Most passengers travelling along coastal Norway are looking for tranquillity and relaxation, spectacular scenery and beautiful landscapes, and a taste of some local specialities along the way.

Two main coastal expresses

In Norway, there are two main Norwegian operators along the coast, Hurtigruten and Havila Voyages. Hurtigruten, which has sailed their routes since 1893, has daily departures and calls at 34 ports on the voyage between Bergen in the west and Kirkenes in the north.

Havila had its maiden voyage on the coast in 2021 and operates the same routes as Hurtigruten, from Bergen to Kirkenes and back. The line's brand-new ships are among the most environmental friendly in the world, and steam so quietly that you experience a true feeling of being in harmony with nature.

Both companies offer different routes in length and time. Go for short trips or travel along the whole coastline – one way or both. A classic round trip takes approximately eleven to twelve days, and going just one way takes about six to seven days. Bear in mind that the ships dock at different times depending on if they go up or down the coast, so going back again can be a total new experience.

It is also possible to travel all the way to Svalbard with Hurtigruten. 

Northern lights and midnight sun

Norway has one of the longest coastlines in the world, and more fjords than any other place on the planet. In fact, the word "fjord" is Norwegian in origin.

Other amazing natural phenomena you might also experience from the comforts of a cruise ship include the northern lights and the midnight sun.  If you're lucky, you might also spot eagles soaring in the sky or whales and seals frolicking in the deep fjords.

World's most environmentally friendly vessels

The new Havila Voyages cruise ships are now the world's most environmentally friendly coastal ships. Equipped with the world's largest battery packs, the ships can sail through the world heritage fjords with reduced or no emissions.

The food you get aboard Havila ships is also made as environmentally friendly as possible. With fresh ingredients, sourced from local suppliers along the route, you always get delicious food that reflects the harsh, cool and clean nature of Norway – served by award-winning chefs.

Experience life on land

When travelling with Hurtigruten and Havila Voyages, you also get time to make short excursions while your ship is in port, depending on the sailing plan.

Though you might not have time to venture far inland, most ships make sure to give their passengers ample time to experience the most interesting cities and towns along the coast.

If you feel extra adventures – join package deals with Hurtigruten to experience for example dog sledding tours or other guided trips. Of course, you can also explore by yourself, just make sure you're not so mesmerized you forget to return to the ship in time!

Book your trip with Hurtigruten now.

Travel out of season

The busiest time to visit the famous fjords is during summer. So if you want to avoid long lines of other tourists, packed ships, cities and activities – travel out of season instead!

In fact, the mountains and the nature is even more majestic in the wintertime, with frosty fjords, icy waterfalls and the whole country covered in snow.

It is also magical in the spring when the melting of the snow in the mountains makes the waterfalls extra powerful and the plants wakes up to life, or to watch the thousands of colors of the trees in the autumn. 

International cruise lines

You can also travel to Norway with other international cruise ship companies that depart for Norway from many different ports in Europe. This makes it easy and convenient to get here with minimum hassle and maximum comfort. Among the biggest cruise lines are MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Silversea Cruises, Celebrity Cruises and AIDA Cruises.

But to really get a sense of Norway, choose a cruise that starts and stops in Norway. That way, you will get a couple of extra days inland and a chance to explore more of the country.

International ferries

Four car ferry operators sail daily from Denmark, Sweden, and Germany to several destinations in Norway. Most operators offer package deals for cars with passengers and discounts for seniors, students, and children. 

There are also a popular ferry sailing from the Netherlands several times a week.

Book your ferry trip to Oslo from Copenhagen and Frederikshavn in Denmark.

In Norway, there are over 50 ports along the coastline, but not all of them are reachable with the international ships. This is because of the new and strict rules that are made to regulate environmental discharges in the UNESCO world heritage fjords.