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The Coastal Express – 12 day Classic Roundtrip
The Coastal Express – 12 day Classic Roundtrip
The Coastal Express – 12 day Classic Roundtrip

The Coastal Express – 12 day Classic Roundtrip

Overview

Whether you want to cross the Arctic Circle and hunt the Northern Lights in winter or enjoy 24 hours of daylight under the Midnight Sun in summer, the coast of Norway really has got something for everyone. The 12-day Classic Roundtrip takes you on a journey of discovery around Norway’s original coastal route. With no less than 34 ports of call, prepare to be amazed at the natural wonders and unforgettable scenery that make up this rugged coastline. Choose to travel with Hurtigruten or Havila.

Itinerary

  1. Day 1

    Bergen - Begin your journey in the vibrant city of Bergen, surrounded by seven mountains. Explore the UNESCO-listed Bryggen Wharf or take the Fløibanen funicular for stunning views before departure.

  2. Day 2

    Alesund - Sail through stunning fjords to reach Alesund, renowned for its Art Nouveau architecture. Optionally, visit the Atlantic Sea Park or hike up Mount Aksla for panoramic views. In the summer, you can continue to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Geiranger Fjord, which has steep mountainsides and dramatic waterfalls.

  3. Day 3

    Day 3 – Trondheim It is morning when we dock in the historic city of Trondheim, which was founded over a thousand years ago. Nidaros Cathedral is the landmark of the city; it is Norway's national shrine and one of the largest cathedrals in Northern Europe. After our visit here, the voyage continues out into the fjord, into an abundant archipelago and heads for northern Norway.

  4. Day 4

    Arctic Circle & Bodo. On this stretch, we mark crossing the Arctic Circle with a ceremony and continue onward into the Arctic regions. It means midnight sun in the summer, while winter days are merely a shade less dark than night-time and, possibly, Northern Lights in the evenings. Nature is powerful with northern Scandinavia's largest glacier, the world's strongest tidal current and encounters with the majestic sea eagle. In the evening, Lofoten's fishing villages, steep mountains and Vikings await.

  5. Day 5

    Tromso.The voyage continues on through narrow fjords and past wild mountains to Tromsø, a city characterised by hunting and fishing, polar expeditions and courage. Now you have also reached the land of the Sami, Norway's indigenous people.

  6. Day 6

    North Cape & Honningsvåg. As far north as you can get - by land and sea. For many, the visit to the North Cape is a high point and a goal for voyages along the Norwegian coast. Up here in the polar landscape, nature is at its harshest and most desolate, but between bare plains and rugged cliffs people cling on and reap nature's bounty.

  7. Day 7

    Kirkenes. You are now as far east on your voyage as you can go. The border with Russia is only a few kilometres away, and the road signs in Kirkenes are in Norwegian and Russian. Discover the snow hotel, husky sledding, or king crab fishing. Begin your southbound journey after a stop at Vardo.

  8. Day 8

    Hammerfest & Tromsø. The turnaround point near the Russian border. Discover the snow hotel, husky sledding, or king crab fishing. Begin your southbound journey after a stop at Vardø.

  9. Day 9

    Lofoten Islands. We enter the wild, idyllic Lofoten Islands . Beneath the jagged mountains lie chalky white sandy beaches and fishing villages with a vibrant fishing industry and locals using the coastal ships for everyday trips and transport. If the weather permits, we will enter the narrow Trollfjord. There is a strong possibility of spotting sea eagles here..

  10. Day 10

    Arctic Circle & Helgeland Coast. Now we have come so far south that we're crossing the Arctic Circle and sailing away from the polar night and the sunlit nights. But you can still see the Northern Lights in the winter, and it is never completely dark during the summer nights. Here you sail past a myriad of small islands, islets and skerries and past the special mountain, Torghatten, which has a hole in the middle. If you wish, you can also go on the trip to the mountain and enter the hole.

  11. Day 11

    Kristiansund. We sail through the wide Trondheim fjord that is bounded by rolling farmland on both sides and return to the coast and the open sea. You can disembark in Kristiansund and be driven along the Atlantic Ocean Road, which has been called the world's most beautiful drive. The road meanders along islets and skerries, and afterwards you can re-embark in Molde.

  12. Day 12

    Bergen. Return to Bergen, marking the end of your voyage. Reflect on your coastal adventure or spend extra time exploring the city’s vibrant culture.