If you only have a week and like to walk around cities and visit galleries and museums, then this Norwegian coastal cruise is a good choice. We start in Bergen and disembark in Kirkenes in the north, so there are many hours to explore the finest Norwegian coastal towns – e.g. Trondheim and Tromsø, and charming cities such as Ålesund and Bodø.
The journey begins in Bergen, Norway's second largest city and the gateway to the fjords. Founded in 1070 CE, Bergen has architecture influenced by the prosperous 14th century German trade organization, the Hanseatic League.
TIME IN PORT:
Bergen: 14.45-20.30
Ålesund is famous for its beautiful Jugendstil architecture and the Atlantic Park with one of Northern Europe's largest saltwater aquariums. In spring and winter, the sailing schedule is such that you have most of the day to explore the picturesque city.
In the summer, we set course for the spectacular Geirangerfjord, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
In autumn we explore Hjørundfjord, which is hidden away in the Sunnmørsalps.
TIME IN PORT
On this part of the journey we enter the Norwegian region of Trøndelag, which is characterized by rolling hills, fields dotted with farms and low-lying coastal towns.
Founded by the Viking king Olav Tryggvason in 997, Trondheim is Norway's third largest city and a mix of historic buildings and a largely student population.
TIME IN PORT
We cross the Arctic Circle early in the morning, and then our Arctic tour in Norway begins. We mark the moment with a traditional ceremony.
North of the Arctic Circle, the sun can be seen 24 hours a day in summer, while the chances of seeing the northern lights improve significantly in winter.
When we sail to Bodø, Northern Norway's second largest city, there is a view of Børvas' mountain peaks.
In the afternoon the ship arrives at the Lofoten archipelago. The 1.000 meter high Lofoten Wall is a fantastic sight on the horizon.
TIME IN PORT
We dock in Harstad just after 07.00. You can take a peaceful morning walk around the city. The ship then continues to Finnsnes, which is connected to the beautiful island of Senja via the impressive Gisund Bridge.
After this we sail to the historic polar explorer capital Tromsø, where we have four hours to explore the city or go on an additional shopping excursion, then we sail to the trading post of Skjervøy.
TIME IN PORT:
The ship approaches the town of Hammerfest on Kvaløya early in the morning.
We arrive at Honningsvåg in the morning, the gateway to the North Cape, where a globe monument marks the top of continental Europe.
We reach our northernmost port of call, Mehamn, after which the ship sails on to Berlevåg.
TIME IN PORT:
We stay in Båtsfjord and Vardø at night, before we dock at Vadsø early in the morning. The area around Vadsø is one of the most beautiful and popular places for bird watching in the Arctic area.
The journey ends in Kirkenes, which is approximately 15 km from the border between Norway and Russia, and there is a lot of influence from the neighbour; from road signs in both Norwegian and Russian, a monthly Russian market and the Russian monument from World War II.
TIME IN PORT
These trips are a perfect blend of adventure, culture and natural beauty and leave you with memories to last a lifetime.
Read more about the journey and the various destinations you will experience on the trip.
