Norway – The Cruise North

Your cruise starts in the lovely city of Bergen. Before departure, you may want to explore this colorful gateway to the fjords. Bergen was founded in 1070 A.D., and retains a great deal of its character, charm, and history. Visit the UNESCO-listed Bryggen district with colorful wharfs dating back to the 14^th century.

You may enjoy a stroll in the cobblestone alleyways, a bite at an outdoor café or restaurant, a trip on the Fløibanen funicular or a visit to the famous Fish Market.

After we depart, enjoy a tasty dinner buffet made from fresh coastal produce. We sail north from Bergen along the Viking route of Hjeltefjord. Spend the rest of the evening relaxing as you admire the spectacular landscapes from the deck or in our Panorama lounge.

Enjoy early morning in the breathtaking Nordfjord – followed by a delicious breakfast. We then sail past West Cape for our approach to Ålesund. Ålesund is renowned for its beautiful Art Nouveau architecture and famed Atlanterhavsparken aquarium. Our tour to the aquarium includes a visit to see resident penguins before we continue to nearby Mount Aksla for an amazing view.

In the summer, we set our course for the spectacular UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord, passing sheer, 2,625 foot-high cliffs and dramatic waterfalls. In autumn, we explore Hjørundfjord in the majestic Sunnmøre Alps. The fjord’s pristine natural landscape of steep rock walls, lush green meadows, lonely mountain farms, and tiny villages is unforgettable.

Molde is known as the ‘City of Roses’ because of its lovely municipal gardens. This attractive coastal town has an amazing view of 222 mountain peaks across the fjord, called ’the Molde Panorama.’

Founded by Viking King Olav Tryggvason in 997, Trondheim today is a unique mix of the ancient and modern. Join our optional excursion to the soaring Nidaros Cathedral, Norway’s only Gothic cathedral and the burial place of St. Olav. Marvel at the cathedral’s exquisite works of art, architectural details, and medieval statues.

In spring and summer, we continue to Ringve Museum of Musical History, where Norwegian music´s past is brought to life in a grand manor with a fantastic view.

From September to May, experience Trondheim with a unique carriage tour on the world’s northernmost tram line. You can also explore Trondheim by kayak on the River Nid or experience the city by bicycle. Be sure to ride the world’s only bicycle lift, near the quaint Bakklandet neighborhood, from April to September. You can also join the Hurtigruten guides for a hike to discover more.

In the afternoon, the ship sails northwest, passing the Kjeungskjær lighthouse, islets, and rocky reefs. After sailing through the narrow channel of Stokksund, we head toward charming Rørvik.

Today we cross the Arctic Circle, increasing your chances to see the northern lights in winter and experience the midnight sun in summer. We mark the occasion with a fun Arctic Circle ceremony on deck.

Ørnes is the site of Norway’s second-largest glacier, Svartisen. In summer, join us for a trip to the Svartisen Tourist Center to admire this enigmatic world of ice, and visit a moose farm. We then sail along the beautiful coast of Helgeland to Bodø, where you can experience Saltstraumen, the world’s most powerful maelstrom, by small boat.

That afternoon, the 3,300 foot high Lofoten Wall looms on the horizon, ushering us toward majestic granite cliffs and white-sand beaches. At Stamsund, visit the Lofotr Viking Museum, where you are welcomed into the chieftain’s house for a real Viking feast. Between Stamsund and Svolvær, you can experience life on an organic herb and cheese farm, or visit the Lofoten’s only craft brewery, in Svolvær.

In winter, crossing the Arctic Circle means an intense hunt for the northern lights, and we present a multimedia show, “The Magic Light, Aurora Borealis.” As we sail through the narrow Raftsund, we stop at the entrance to Trollfjord, a dramatic natural wonder that should not be missed.

We briefly dock at Risøyhamn, Harstad, and Finnsnes in the morning.

We then sail to the Arctic exploration capital of Tromsø for a prolonged stay. Join our ’Polar History Walk’ in winter to learn more about explorers and Arctic hunters, and taste beer from the world’s second northernmost brewery.

In winter and spring, you can complete your stay in Tromsø with a thrilling dog sled ride, as huskies pull you over the frozen landscape past stunning views on the snowy plateaus. The only light during the polar night comes from our headlamps, the starry sky, and, if we’re lucky, the magical northern lights. Why not have some winter fun by joining a cross-country skiing or snowshoeing adventure, or go deep-sea fishing on an Arctic fjord? All year, you can join the Hurtigruten guides for hikes and discover more of the Tromsø area.

Want to experience serenity on the sea? Join us for a kayaking excursion in summer along Tromsø’s coastline – a great way to get close to marine wildlife.

Enjoy magnificent landscapes as we sail to the North Cape, one of the northernmost points on the European continent. In summer, you may see herds of reindeer and small camps of indigenous Sámi people in the area.

After a brief stop in Hammerfest, we arrive in Havøysund. Join a small boat excursion here to see the North Cape from the sea, visit the world’s northernmost fishing village, and ride by bus to North Cape plateau. The ship continues to Honningsvåg, from where you can join a birdwatching excursion to Gjesværstappan, home to millions of birds during nesting season. Continue north into the heartland of the Sámi people. Visit Kjøllefjord, where you can learn about the Sámi way of life and hear traditional joiking (song).

In winter, you can join an unforgettable snowmobile trip across snowy plains and perhaps spot the northern lights in the starry sky.

’Sámi Autumn’ is a fall excursion to learn about the Arctic’s natural ’pantry and pharmacy,’ sampling dried-reindeer meat, crowberry juice, herbal tea (nettle), and roseroot tincture. You may also feel the presence of the Sámi shaman, Noaidi.

We arrive early today in Vadsø, and just after breakfast, dock at Kirkenes. This is the ship’s turning point for the return journey southbound – and where we bid our Classic Cruise North guests farewell.

There are a number of fascinating things to do and see in Kirkenes, which is located near the Russian border. You’ll notice the local road signs are written in both Norwegian and Russian. There are many ways to visit the Russian frontier, depending on the season. You can take a bus year round, or join a riverboat safari, canoing, border hikes, or ATV/quad-bike adventure in summer.

Winter and spring provide you with a wide range of classic wintertime activities to choose from, including dog sledding, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling. Like seafood? Join an excursion to catch and eat giant king crab from the Barents Sea.

You may want to spend some extra time exploring this unique region at the top of Europe before returning home. We hope you will take home lifetime memories of a fascinating northbound cruise along Norway’s coastline.