HURTIGRUTEN

Supporting local communities

The Norwegian coastline is a maze of mountains, criss-crossed by thousands of fjords, and dotted with innumerable islands. While this landscape makes for exceptionally beautiful scenery, it also means travelling by land can be difficult, especially the further north in the Arctic you go. As an example, out of the 34 ports Hurtigruten call at, only three link to the train network.

This is where the Hurtigruten Coastal Express shines, braving all kinds of weather in all seasons – wind, rain, snow, and storms – to act as a lifeline and very important means of transport for the people and businesses in coastal communities.

Thanks to the Coastal Express, places along almost the entire length of the coast are better connected, allowing both people to be transported and cargo to be shipped on a regular basis.

Meeting locals

Due to its role as a local lifeline, the Coastal Express is not just an ordinary cruise – it also brings passengers into close contact with local communities. Maybe you’ll get chatting to a local entrepreneur travelling for business, or see multi-generational families on a short holiday, or hear the excited chatter of children on a school trip. Don’t be surprised if you see whole local football teams travelling on their way to matches.

When the ship is in port, you can also join local guided tours scheduled to fit Hurtigruten's sailing plan. These tours offer you a way to experience life on shore in a much more authentic way.

Two new cruises

In 2023, Hurtigruten introduced two new routes: The North Cape Express and The Svalbard Express. For the first time in history, you can now sail the entire Norwegian coast from Oslo to the North Cape with The North Cape Express. On the return journey back south, the voyage terminates in Bergen.

You can also cruise under the midnight sun between late April and August, when The Svalbard Express relaunches its iconic 'sports route' from Bergen to Svalbard and back. The journey takes you up the Norwegian coast all the way to the North Cape before you cross over to Svalbard, and return through the Lyngen Alps on the way back.

The delicious flavours of Norway

While traveling with Hurtigruten, you will also get to know the country through the locally sourced food served on board. Norway’s culinary traditions have a lot in common with the nature along the coast: fresh, unique, and full of variety.

On board Hurtigruten, you will experience Norway’s Coastal Kitchen, a culinary concept where Hurtigruten's chefs cooperate closely with local suppliers who provide fresh produce of the highest quality every day.