Coastal highlights

Ålesund & the fjords

If you ask visitors what strikes them about town of Ålesund, they will immediately draw your attention to its Art nouveau architecture. A devastating fire in 1904 wiped out much of the city, after which it was re-built in a style that was fashionable at the time. The result is a town that feels like something out of a movie set.

Having soaked up Ålesund’s charm, why not head to Atlanterhavsparken – one of Northern Europe’s largest aquariums. You can see the fish being hand fed by divers before paying the resident penguins a visit.

Round off your visit by heading up to Mount Aksla where you can take in panoramic views of the town and surrounding area. Bookings can be made by phone on tel  0203 411 8114.

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Lofoten and Vesterålen

The southbound sailing through the Lofoten Islands is a highlight for many Hurtigruten guests. This area is known for its diverse, natural beauty with steep mountains towering over sandy beaches, rorbu (fishermen’s huts) and small, picturesque villages made up of yellow, white and red painted houses.

During the sailing you will go through Risøyrenna, an inland canal through the Vesterålen area, which was made at the request of Hurtigruten’s founder Richard With in the 1920’s to enhance the Hurtigruten journey. It is just seven metres deep so is inaccessible by bigger ships, and the sandbanks are visible through the crystal clear water.

If the weather and time permits, the ship’s Captain will also divert into another narrow channel – the spectacular Trollfjord, where steep cliffs are so close it feels like you could reach out and touch them, as the skillful crew manoeuvre the ship through the narrowest of spaces. Bookings can be made by phone on tel  0203 411 8114.

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The North Cape

The North Cape (or Nordkapp as it is known locally) is located on an island, but at 71°10'21'', it has become known as the northernmost point of mainland Europe. When you stand on the cliff top, just 2,000 km from the geographical north pole, it feels like the edge of the world.

The first explorers reached the North Cape in 1553 while searching for the North-eastern passage. Two of the three British ships never returned home. While the early explorers climbed the 307 metres cliff face, today you can see the views without quite so much effort – on a coach from the port of Honningsvag.

On arrival at the North cape, you can explore the visitor centre, wander around a museum where you will learn all about the early expeditions to the North Cape and watch a 180 degree panoramic film about the area, buy souvenirs or simply grab a bite to eat as you ponder the history of the place. 

All of course before you take photos by the symbolic Globe monument, which stands at the cliff edge and marks the end of Europe. Bookings can be made by phone on tel  0203 411 8114.

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