CALL 1-800-322-6677
Experience some of the earth’s most striking landscapes on this winter cruise. Discover colorful fishing villages, snowcapped mountain ranges, and breathtaking fjords. Embark on a Hurtigruten working cargo ship, where farm-to-table and fish-to-dish cuisine await at each meal. Sail in comfort through the world’s northernmost regions, mingling with locals on board and gaining rare cultural insight.
Leave travel as you know it behind and search the Nordic skies for the breathtaking Northern Lights. You will get the opportunity to witness the vibrant green and purple hues in the night sky. Throughout the cruise, the local Expedition Team will bring Scandinavian lore and tradition to life with fascinating presentations, and you’ll explore several cities while enjoying 15 included features and Cultural Discoveries.
Make your Norwegian adventure a group trip with triple and quad accommodations, or travel independently and enjoy Reduced Single Supplements on every departure. Discover the Arctic Circle on this adventure you’ll never forget.
As futuristic as it is cultured, Oslo is known as one of the greenest cities in the world, even as its skyline dazzles with sleek new architectural masterpieces. Discover Norway’s capital on this three-night extension that includes a panoramic tour of the city. Plus, enjoy ample free time to explore this romantic, nature-loving city, visiting its museums and wandering its charming boroughs
Depart for Bergen, Norway
Your Nordic adventure begins with an overnight flight to Bergen.
Arrive in Bergen
After arrival, transfer to your hotel in the heart of Bergen. Enjoy the remainder of your day in this historic port city at leisure. Later, join your fellow travelers at the hotel for a Welcome Drink and an informative briefing about the days ahead. A light buffet dinner will wrap up our first day in Scandinavia.
Included meals:
Discover Bergen’s heritage before embarking your Hurtigruten cruise ship
Our day begins at the hotel next to Bryggen Wharf, the city’s historic waterfront area. We’ll set out into the colorful city of Bergen on a combined coach and walking tour. Built after the Great Fire of 1702, these traditional wooden houses and unusual street patterns inspired UNESCO to declare the city a World Heritage Site. We’ll then learn about Norway’s musical legacy with a visit to Edvard Grieg’s summer home. As one of the most influential Romantic composers of the 19th century, his work helped launch the country into international musical prominence. During a tour of Grieg’s home — now a fascinating museum — we’ll delve further into his cultural contributions. After the museum, we'll embark on your Hurtigruten cruise ship and set sail. Because your ship is both a working and passenger vessel, your Nordic adventure will include a mix of Norwegian and international travelers as shipmates. Take the opportunity to connect with Scandinavians and learn about local life. Included Feature:
Cruise along Norway’s breathtaking natural splendor
Rise early to make the most of Nordfjord’s breathtaking splendor this morning before breakfast. As we cruise past the West Cape on our way to Ålesund, we’ll experience a rare venture into the open sea. Depending on the departure date, we’ll either sail past the spectacular cliffs and falls of the UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord or explore Hjørundfjord, settled amidst the majestic Sunnmøre Alps. Depending on the season, we’ll enjoy an extended visit in the art nouveau town of Ålesund. Here, we’ll explore the cobblestoned streets and colorful architecture during a guided walking tour. Later, we'll visit the town of Molde, a previous trading port dating to the Middle Ages. Learn about King Arthur, an icon from the Middle Ages, during a fascinating onboard lecture. We’ll be further informed about Dollsteinhola, which is rumored to be the site of the Holy Grail. Cultural Discovery:
Explore Trondheim’s rich medieval heritage
After an early arrival in Trondheim, we’ll spend the day exploring this small city on a bus tour. As one of Norway’s historic and religious cities, Trondheim has been considered the Nordic’s most important pilgrimage site since the 11th century. Witness St. Olav Ways, which comprise over 3,000 kilometers, all ending at St. Olav’s shrine (St. Olav was a Norwegian king and Catholic martyr). On our city walk, we’ll follow the city’s old veitene, or narrow alleys, past its markets and historic warehouses. The stroll concludes with a tour inside the legendary Nidaros Cathedral. In the afternoon, we’ll board our ship to cruise northwest. Perched among charming islets and rocky outcrops, we’ll glide past the striking Kjeungskjær Lighthouse. An onboard lecture will cover Trondheim Fjord's geography and life during the Viking era. After passing through the narrow Stoksund, the ship will stop at charming Rørvik. This busy fishing community lies at the center of 6,000 islands. Included Feature:
Sail across the Arctic Circle
Today, we’ll cruise past the soaring Borvass Mountains and across the Arctic Circle, where the sun can remain above or below the horizon for 24 hours. During winter, this is where our hunt for the Aurora Borealis begins. Chances of witnessing the Northern Lights are best above the Arctic Circle’s latitude. We’ll sail along Helgeland’s beautiful coast until we reach Bodø. Here, we’ll stop for a walking tour of this young city, which is home to the Royal Norwegian Air Force. Crossing Vestfjord this afternoon, we’ll spot the half-mile high Lofoten Wall on the horizon. The small, picturesque fishing villages of Stamsund and Svolvær reveal the bohemian allure of the Lofoten Islands. After sailing through the stunning Raftsund Strait this evening, we’ll pass Trollfjord’s entrance. Weather permitting, it is here that you’ll learn the enthralling story of the 1890’s Battle of Trollfjord. Cultural Discovery:
Explore the architecture of Tromsø, the "Gateway to the Arctic"
Striking views await us as we cruise through the scenic Vågsfjorden this morning. Our cruise ship will pause in the peaceful town of Finnsnes for a quick orientation walk. We’ll continue to Tromsø, the "Gateway to the Arctic." Amidst other things, this lively city is known for its distinctive architecture and endless supply of cultural events. With more pubs per capita than any other town in Norway, Tromsø also hosts the hallowed Mack Brewery, especially famous for its Arctic Ale. Setting off on a walking tour, we’ll pass key city sites and visit the Polar Museum. Learn the fascinating science behind the Aurora Borealis phenomenon and the history of Norwegian trapping in two separate lectures. After returning to the ship this evening, we’ll enjoy dinner and a movie night. Included Feature:
Stroll through Honningsvåg, sail past the Sámi’s heartland, and visit Kjøllefjord
Witness magnificent subarctic landscapes as we cruise Norway’s northernmost region this morning. Our destination today is Honningsvåg, North Cape’s gateway. We’ll make brief stops in the peaceful fishing towns of Hammerfest and Havøysund. Surrounded by mountains, Honningsvåg is rich with gorgeous vistas, fish, and Nordic discoveries. Our Vantage expert will tell us about life in the country’s tiniest official city. We’ll perhaps learn about Bamse, a local dog who became the Free Norwegian Forces’ symbol of heroism in WWII. Later, our ship will continue east, sailing through the heartland of the Sámi people and their ancient sacred site. We’ll pass the rock formation of Finnkirka and briefly visit the fishing village of Kjøllefjord. Cultural Discovery:
Step into the past during a visit to Kirkenes and historic Vardø
Rise early to savor the views of Kirkenes colorful town this morning. We’ll head to Kirkenes, land of the Sámi people and reindeer. Located just eight miles from Russia, this remote town was unsurprisingly tense during the Cold War. After traveling along Storskog, the only official border between Norway and Russia, we’ll enjoy a short panoramic tour of Kirkenes. This is also the turnaround point on your Norwegian cruise. Later, we’ll step into the past with a visit to Andersgrotta, a civilian bomb shelter from World War II. Here, a local will illuminate us with compelling historical anecdotes. If you depart in the winter or spring, you will explore the remarkable Snowhotel instead. After Kirkenes, we’ll stop in Vardø for a short walking tour. As our ship heads northwest, a completely different side of Norway will unfold. We’ll now have the chance to make daylight calls at ports we previously passed in the night. Included Feature:
Discover the towns of Hammerfest and Skjervøy
After early calls at Honningsvåg and Havøysund, our Norwegian cruise ship will stop in Hammerfest. We’ll take a short walking tour of this town, Europe’s first to have electric streetlights. Heading south this evening, we’ll arrive at the small village of Skjervøy. Cultural Discovery:
Cruise through Lofoten and Vesterålen islands, then wander through Stokmarknes
As we travel through the Vesterålen Islands via Stokmarknes, today’s cruise arguably promises the trip’s most stunning Nordic scenery. We’ll cross the Raftsund Strait, which connects Vesterålen with Lofoten, before docking Hadseløya’s island. Here, we’ll take a leisurely, guided walk of Stokmarknes, where Hurtigruten’s headquarters are located. The lovely village is most famed for its Coastal Express Museum, which features retired ships. Tour this 1950s vessel to experience what Norwegian sailing was like decades ago. Included Feature:
Cruise past the Seven Sisters before exploring Brønnøysund
After leaving Ornes early this morning, our ship will sail through narrow straits bordered by farm fields. Crossing southward over the Arctic Circle, we’ll call at Sandnessjøen. This island port connects to mainland Norway with an impressive new cable bridge. As we cruise, we’ll witness exceptional views (weather permitting) of the Seven Sisters, a chain of seven breathtaking peaks. Often referred to as "The Centre of Norway," our next stop is Brønnøysund. Join our Adventure Leader on a walking tour to learn more about this beautiful town. Cultural Discovery:
Explore the city of Trondheim
Today, we’ll disembark in Trondheim, Norway’s third-largest city. This lively university town is known for its wide streets and colorful buildings. On a three-mile walking tour, we’ll pass architectural masterpieces like the Archbishop's Palace and the Old Town Bridge. You’ll see why it’s no wonder that these are some of the city’s most photographed locations. These are by no means Trondheim’s only attractions. Wander through the serpentine streets, passing by quaint shops and cafes to absorb the vibrant local culture. Bundle up to sit at an outdoor table and watch passersby. Or, head to the city center’s Trondheim Torg, a shopping mall with myriad snacking options. In the winter, there is a skating ring if you’re in the mood for some revelry! After returning to the ship, enjoy the views as we pass the picturesque islands of Grip and Hitra. Our next stop is Kristiansund, a peaceful city that stretches across four islands. Cultural Discovery:
Disembark ship for a final evening in Bergen
Sail through one of the most beautiful archipelagos in Norway today, enjoying lunch on board. As we return to Bergen, the cruise portion of your Norway adventure comes to an end. We’ll disembark and transfer to the hotel for our journey’s final night. Enjoy a leisurely evening, making the most of this intriguing town.
Transfer to the airport for your return flight home
This morning, transfer to the airport for your flight home.
Contemporary and classic, Helsinki is all at once a study in opposites. Some of the Europe’s finest art nouveau buildings dazzle the eye, but contemporary art museums beckon. Once part of Sweden, then Russia, Finland’s capital now has an identity all its own and you’ll discover it on an enriching three-night extension here to immerse yourself in the islands, peninsulas, and hidden coves that have collectively earned Helsinki the title of the “White City of the North.”
Important Notice: The above day-by-day itineraries are preliminary and therefore subject to change. If changes occur while on tour, you will be notified by your Vantage Adventure Leader or regional expert. Please Note: Port-of-call orientation walking tours are subject to change based on port time and weather conditions. Hiking passes from Hurtigruten are available for purchase on board for the cruise portion of your adventure.
