Hurtigruten, the Classic South to North Voyage

DAY 1 | BERGEN WELCOME ABOARD!

Your journey begins in Bergen, Norway’s second-largest city and gateway to the fjords. Founded in 1070, Bergen showcases architecture influenced by the Hanseatic League, a prosperous German trading organization of the 14th century.

If you have time before your ship departs, explore the UNESCO-listed docks of the colorful Bryggen district, now a craft quarter with cobblestone streets. Just across the street is the famous fish market offering delicious seafood. You can also take the Fløibanen funicular to the top of Mount Fløyen for stunning views of the city.

To make the most of your stay in Norway, don’t forget we can help you arrange excursions before or after your voyage, including the “Norway in a Nutshell” program.

Your journey begins

Before boarding, relax in the comfort of our passenger lounge at the terminal. Once aboard, enjoy the first of many delicious meals prepared from fresh coastal produce as we leave Bergen and sail along the ancient Viking route along the Hjeltefjord.

You’ll also meet the Coastal Expedition Team of your ship, who will be your guides throughout our cruise along the Norwegian coast, organizing lectures, onboard activities, and optional hikes.

Port schedules:

Bergen: 14:45-20:30

DAY 2 | FLORØ ICONIC ARCHITECTURE AND GRAND FJORDS

Enjoy a morning in the beautiful Nordfjord, near Torvik. We’ll then pass the West Cape and approach Ålesund.

City of Art Nouveau

Ålesund is famous for its stunning Art Nouveau architecture and Atlanterhavsparken, one of Northern Europe’s largest seawater aquariums. If you’re traveling with us in spring or winter, you’ll spend much of the day exploring this picturesque city.

In the Fjords

In summer, we’ll head to the spectacular UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord, passing through some of the most beautiful scenery Norway has to offer. Once in the fjord, you may have the chance to see the famous Seven Sisters waterfalls cascading down the cliffs.

In autumn, we explore the Hjørundfjord, hidden in the Sunnmøre Alps. A stop is also planned in the picturesque village of Urke to admire millennia-old farms, the fjord, and lush mountain slopes.

Mountains and Roses

The last port of the day is Molde. In summer, there may be just enough light to enjoy the incredible view of the 222 mountain peaks rising on the other side of the fjord, known as the “Molde Panorama.”

From mid-June to the end of August, the streets and gardens of the city are adorned with fragrant roses of all colors, honoring its nickname “City of Roses.”

Port schedules:

Florø: 02:45-03:00
Måløy: 05:15-05:30
Torvik: 08:20-08:30
Ålesund (01.11-31.05): 9:45-20:00
Ålesund (01.06-31.10): 9:45-10:00
Geiranger (01.06-31.08): 14:25-14:45
Ålesund (01.06-31.08): 19:00-20:00
Urke (01.09-31.10): 12:15-15:45
Ålesund (01.09-31.10): 18:00-20:00
Molde: 22:35-23:05

Optional Excursions :

Geiranger and the Troll Road
Art Nouveau Discovery (spring and winter)
Atlantic Aquarium and Mount Aksla
Insight into Norway
Mountain Hike in Hjørundfjord
Farm Discovery Hike
Hjørundfjord, Geiranger, Ålesund
Kayaking in Ålesund
Alnes Lighthouse
Sunnmøre Open Air Museum

Romsdal Cable Car

DAY 3: KRISTIANSUND – RØRVIK CITY OF KINGS

During this part of the journey, we’ll enter the Trøndelag region of Norway, characterized by hills, fields dotted with farms, and low-lying coastal villages.

Magical, Medieval, and Modern

Founded by Viking chief Olav Tryggvason in 997, Trondheim is now Norway’s third-largest city, bringing together various historic buildings and a bustling student population.

You’ll have three hours to explore Trondheim and its most prominent sites, either on your own or as part of one of the optional excursions we offer.

A must-see in the city, the Nidaros Cathedral, nicknamed the “Notre Dame of Norway” because of its Gothic style, is considered the holiest building in all of Norway. Nearby is the Archbishop’s Palace, where the Crown Jewels of Norway are displayed.

Just nearby, the old city bridge, Gamle Bybro, spans the Nidelva River and marks the entrance to the historic Bakklandet district. The colorful wooden docks of the neighborhood, built on stilts along the river, now house trendy restaurants. At the top of Bakkland stands Kristiansten Fortress, offering beautiful panoramas of the city and the fjord.

Back on board

In the afternoon, the ship will head northwest, passing by the ochre lighthouse of Kjeungskjær, islets, and rocky reefs. After that, we’ll reach the charming town of Rørvik.

Schedule of stops:

Kristiansund: 2:45-3:00
Trondheim: 9:45-12:45
Rørvik: 21:40-22:00

Optional excursions:

Nidaros Cathedral and Ringve Museum
Trondheim and Nidaros Cathedral exploration
Guided walk in Trondheim
Kayaking on the Nidelva River
Biking in Trondheim

DAY 4: BRØNNØYSUND – SVOLVÆR IN THE ARCTIC

We will cross the Arctic Circle early in the morning to begin our exploration of the Norwegian Arctic. This moment is marked by a traditional ceremony that is sure to wake you up!

Above the Arctic Circle, the sun is visible 24 hours a day in summer, while in winter, your chances of seeing the Northern Lights increase significantly.

Forces of nature

At 10 a.m., we will make a stop in Ørnes, near Norway’s second largest glacier, Svartisen. Here, the pier is known for its “Love Bench” where lovers declare their feelings by attaching a padlock.

We will then sail towards Bodø, the second largest city in northern Norway, dominated by the peaks of the Børvass Mountains. You can admire fabulous street art or participate in an optional boat excursion to Saltstraumen, the world’s most powerful maelstrom.

Welcome to the Lofoten Islands

This afternoon, the ship will enter the Lofoten archipelago. The Lofoten Wall, 1,000 meters high, offers an impressive sight on the horizon, as if welcoming us.

The port of Stamsund is home to one of the largest fishing fleets in the islands. Activity is particularly intense from January to April when the Arctic cod, locally known as “skrei,” swims from the Barents Sea northward to the Vestfjord to spawn.

As evening falls, the view of the rows of traditional fishermen’s cabins on stilts, called “rorbus,” will mark your arrival in the charming port of Svolvær, the main town of the Lofoten Islands.

Schedule of stops:

Brønnøysund: 01:35-01:45
Sandnessjøen: 04:35-04:50
Nesna: 06:00-06:10
Ørnes: 10:00-10:10
Bodø: 13:05-15:20
Stamsund: 19:15-19:40
Svolvær: 21:20-22:15

Optional excursions:

Svartisen Glacier
Arctic and coastal stroll
Discovery of Bodø and Saltstraumen
Sea safari, Saltstraumen
Meeting the Vikings (winter)
Meeting the Vikings (summer)
Wonders of the Lofoten Islands
Visit to a farm in the Lofoten Islands

DAY 5: STOKMARKNES – SKJERVØY THE CAPITAL OF THE ARCTIC

We will dock in Harstad just after 7:00 a.m., giving you the opportunity for an early morning stroll through the city while it’s still peaceful.

The ship will then continue its journey towards Finnsnes, which connects the beautiful island of Senja via the impressive Gisund Bridge.

Keep an eye out for various seabirds, as several colonies are nearby, including puffins. It is also possible to spot whales in these waters, especially in winter.

The gateway to the Arctic

Next, we’ll reach Tromsø, the historic capital of Arctic exploration, where you’ll have four hours to explore the city or participate in an optional excursion.

You’ll find Polaria, the world’s northernmost aquarium, on the waterfront. And you can take your pick from the numerous shops and restaurants in the city center, including the Mack Brewery and Ølhallen pub, a popular local café. Don’t forget the trendy cafes offering delicious cinnamon buns and where baristas compete to create innovative coffee art. Across the fjord, from where the ship is moored, you should be able to see the iconic Arctic Cathedral with its magnificent stained glass mosaic.

We’ll leave Tromsø in the early evening and head north towards the trading post of Skjervøy, founded in 1622. Along the way, we’ll pass by the Lyngen Alps, which rise majestically above the sea.

Schedule of stops:

Stokmarknes: 01:30-01:40
Sortland: 02:55-03:10
Risøyhamn: 04:35-04:50
Harstad: 07:10-07:45
Finnsnes: 11:00-11:30
Tromsø: 14:15-18:15
Skjervøy: 22:10-22:25

Optional excursions:

Tromsø, capital of the Arctic
Dog sledding (Tromsø)
Visit to a husky dog farm
Walk through polar history
Cross-country skiing trip
Snowshoeing in Tromsø
Electric catamaran cruise in Tromsø

DAY 6: ØKSFJORD – BERLEVÅG THE NORTHERN BORDER OF NORWAY

The ship will reach the town of Hammerfest on the island of Kvaløya early in the morning. In summer, the island is home to herds of reindeer that migrate there by the thousands.

You’ll know we’ve arrived in Havøysund when you see the wind turbines of the famous Havøyglaven wind farm, which produces enough electricity to power 6,000 local households.

On top of Europe

We’ll arrive in Honningsvåg, the gateway to the North Cape, in the mid-morning. A globe-shaped monument there marks the northernmost point of mainland Europe. The optional excursion to the spectacular promontory is very popular, so it’s recommended to book early.

The Sámi stronghold

Near the entrance of the village of Kjøllefjord, look for Finnkirka, an impressive rock formation shaped like a building. This ancient sacrificial site was once used by the indigenous Sámi people. You can participate in an optional excursion to meet local Sámi, learn about their reindeer herding life, and listen to folkloric joik songs.

Heading North

We’ll reach Mehamn, our northernmost port of call, in the evening. If you visit in February and March, you’ll see tons of cod drying outdoors on wooden racks called “hjell,” mainly destined for export.

The ship will then set sail for Berlevåg. Along the way, we’ll pass by the towering Slettnes Lighthouse, the northernmost continental lighthouse on the planet.

Schedule of stops:

Øksfjord: 01:50-02:00
Hammerfest: 05:05-05:45
Havøysund: 08:30-08:45
Honningsvåg: 10:55-14:30
Kjøllefjord: 16:40-17:00
Mehamn: 18:55-19:15
Berlevåg: 22:00-22:10

Optional excursions:

The North Cape
Bird safari
Sámi culture
Snowmobile safari in the heart of the Arctic
Sámi autumn
The North Cape, exclusive Platinum excursion
Visit to fishing villages
RIB Expedition up to 71° North

DAY 7: BÅTSFJORD – BERLEVÅG AT THE GATEWAY TO RUSSIA

We will make stops at Båtsfjord and Vardø during the night, before docking in Vadsø early in the morning.

Look to the skies

The region surrounding Vadsø is one of the most beautiful and popular birdwatching areas in the Arctic, as it lies directly on the migratory route of birds coming from the East. Keep an eye out for rough-legged buzzards and white-tailed eagles.

Closest Neighbors

Once we reach Kirkenes after breakfast, you will have traveled further east than both Saint Petersburg and Istanbul. You can choose from several optional excursions to explore the city.

Located just a few kilometers from the Russian border, Kirkenes is heavily influenced by its neighboring nation, as evidenced by road signs in both Norwegian and Russian, the monthly Russian market, and a Russian monument erected in memory of the city’s liberation by the Red Army during World War II.

This is where your cruise along the Norwegian coast will come to an end, having traveled even further east than Saint Petersburg and Istanbul. We look forward to seeing you again, perhaps on the Classic Voyage North to South next time!

Schedule of stops:

Båtsfjord: 00:00-00:30
Vardø: 03:30-03:45
Vadsø: 06:55-07:10
Kirkenes: 09:00

In Norway, the four seasons are vastly different from one another. Onboard activities, restaurant menus, and shore excursions vary depending on the time of year and the waters we sail. Each season brings new opportunities to experience a Hurtigruten journey with a completely different light.