The Norwegian coast is one of the most breathtaking journeys in the world, an ever-changing landscape of fjords, islands, and mountain peaks rising straight from the sea.

Set sail on an unforgettable 11-night voyage to Kirkenes and Bergen, or a shorter 6-night adventure to Kirkenes, and experience Norway’s coastline at its most spectacular. Glide past picturesque ports, dramatic fjords, and remote villages where nature still leads the rhythm of life.

Often described as one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world, the Norwegian Coast reveals its magic through an unforgettable cruise. Discover its full splendour on a 6-night journey to Kirkenes or an 11-night voyage to Bergen, sailing through majestic fjords, pausing in charming coastal towns, and taking in spectacular scenery that shifts with every hour of the day. 

On board, Hurtigruten guides enrich your journey with engaging lectures, relaxed activities, and a selection of optional excursions designed to help you discover the region’s culture and nature more deeply.

With more than 130 years of history and now a true Norwegian institution, the Coastal Express invites you to experience wild landscapes, remarkable wildlife, and the quiet thrill of discovery. 

Your itineraries:

6-night cruise:

Day 1: Embark in Bergen

Day 2: Bergen → Ålesund

Day 3: Ålesund → Trondheim

Day 4: Trondheim → Arctic Circle → Bodø

Day 5: Bodø → Tromsø

Day 6: Tromsø  → Honningsvåg

Day 7: Honningsvåg → Dissembark in Kirkenes

11-night cruise:

DAY 1: EMBARK IN BERGEN | DEPARTURE FROM PORT: 8:30 PM 

Arrive in Norway at Bergen Airport (BGO) and make your way to Bergen cruise port. Before boarding, you may explore UNESCO-listed Bryggen, the fish market, or take the Fløibanen funicular for sweeping views from Mount Fløyen. Step aboard and set sail along an ancient Viking route as you enjoy your first coastal-inspired meal and meet your Expedition Team, who will accompany you throughout the voyage.

Included:

• Dinner included
• Night on board

DAY 2: BERGEN → ÅLESUND

DAY 1: EMBARK IN BERGEN | DEPARTURE FROM PORT: 8:30 PM 

Arrive in Norway at Bergen Airport (BGO) and make your way to Bergen cruise port.  Before boarding, you may explore UNESCO-listed Bryggen, the fish market, or take the Fløibanen funicular for sweeping views from Mount Fløyen. Step aboard and set sail along an ancient Viking route as you enjoy your first coastal-inspired meal and meet your Expedition Team, who will accompany you throughout the voyage.

Included:

• Dinner included
• Night on board

DAY 2: BERGEN → ÅLESUND

DAY 7:  HONNINGSVÅG → KIRKENES

Sailing south through the High Arctic, the morning reveals remote outposts such as Vardø, home to its historic fortress and poignant coastal landscapes, before continuing past Båtsfjord and quiet stretches of tundra shoreline. As the journey progresses, the sense of isolation deepens, with vast skies and migratory bird routes shaping the scenery around Vadsø, one of the Arctic’s most important birdwatching areas. By late morning, arrive in Kirkenes, a frontier town near the Russian border and the turning point of the voyage, where the route shifts from northbound exploration to the return journey south.

Included:

• Full board
• Night on board

DAY 8: KIRKENES → HAMMERFEST → TRØMSØ

Departing the eastern frontier, the ship retraces its path through stark Arctic landscapes, passing Vardø and Båtsfjord once more under a softer northern light. The voyage continues to Hammerfest, one of the world’s northernmost towns, where colourful houses sit beneath rugged mountains and sea air carries the rhythm of fishing life. Later, sail through the dramatic Lyngen Alps, their peaks rising sharply from the fjords, before arriving in Tromsø just before midnight, where the Arctic light lingers long into the evening.

Included:

• Full board
• Night on board

DAY 9: TRØMSØ → SVOLVÆR 

A leisurely morning in Tromsø reveals wooden streets, waterfront cafés and sweeping views of the Arctic Cathedral across the fjord. After time in port, the journey continues south through the island-dotted coastline of Finnsnes, Harstad, and Sortland, where mountains gradually rise from gentle hills. By evening, enter the Lofoten archipelago and arrive in Svolvær, framed by dramatic peaks such as the iconic Svolvær Goat, before continuing past the sheer cliffs of the Lofoten Wall.

DAY 10: SVOLVÆR → BRØNNØYSUND 

DAY 11: BRØNNØYSUND  → TRONDHEIM 

The journey continues along the Helgeland coast, passing skerries, islands and open sea views before reaching the historic city of Trondheim. Founded in 997, the city unfolds with Viking heritage and riverside charm. Stroll past the colourful wharves of Bakklandet, cross the Gamle Bybro, or view the imposing Nidaros Cathedral rising above the city. As evening falls, the ship departs northbound waters and continues along the Trøndelag coastline.

DAY 12: TRONDHEIM → DISEMBARK IN BERGEN | ARRIVAL IN PORT: 2:45 PM 

A final morning at sea reveals the shifting western coastline of Norway, where islands, fjords and lighthouses guide the approach to Bergen. Passing Molde and the wider fjord landscapes of the west, the scenery becomes increasingly dramatic with glacier-carved valleys and open sea horizons. Arrive in Bergen in the afternoon and continue your journey with a 1 or 2-night stay in Bergen, giving you time to discover this beautiful harbour city.

Included:

• Breakfast

Step aboard a Hurtigruten ship, a true symbol of the Norwegian coast. From the first moments on board, you’ll find a comfortable and welcoming environment designed to make your journey enjoyable. Cosy lounges, panoramic decks, and quiet corners invite you to relax at your own pace, whether it’s curling up with a book after a day of hiking or simply watching the scenery drift by.

Hurtigruten’s expert guides bring the life journey, offering optional talks on nature, history, and local culture, highlighting natural wonders like the midnight sun, and sharing in special moments such as the Arctic Circle crossing.

Let each day on board be part of the adventure, as Norway’s coast reveals its beauty and secrets.

Depending on the departure date, you will embark on different boats, all of which offer similar services:

Choose between a stay in an Interior Cabin, an Exterior Cabin or a Superior Exterior Cabin.

The Interior Cabins feature two separate beds, one of which can easily be converted into a cosy sofa, along with a private bathroom complete with a shower and toilet. Located on every deck of the ship, they provide a warm and inviting atmosphere, making each stay feel comfortably intimate.

Located mainly on the lower and middle decks, the Exterior Cabins offer a bright and airy environment, where guests can enjoy stunning views of the Arctic Circle as the ship glides through its icy waters. Each cabin features two separate beds, one of which can be transformed into a sofa, or a double bed, along with a private bathroom with a shower and toilet, providing both comfort and flexibility for a relaxing stay.

Perched on the upper and middle decks, the Superior Exterior Cabins combine comfort and elegance, each offering either a double bed or two separate beds, one of which can be transformed into a sofa. Guests can wake up to the Arctic scenery through a charming porthole, enjoy the convenience of a private bathroom with shower and toilet, and savour a warm drink from their own coffee and tea set while taking in the serene surroundings.

This is a full board stay. Your breakfast, lunch and evening meal will be served in the main restaurant (excludes drinks).

Step onto the deck and enjoy the soothing warmth of the bubbling hot tubs while taking in the stunning coastal views. Inside, a warm and inviting reception area greets you, while a modern conference room and charming boutique await, perfect for exploring at your leisure.

Venture up to the upper deck, a haven for relaxation and quiet observation. Lounge in the solarium as sunlight dances across the waves, or unwind in the panoramic lounge, where floor-to-ceiling windows frame Norway’s breathtaking coastal vistas. 

During your stopover in Bergen, you will stay at one of three carefully selected hotels: Hotel Zander K, Hotel Heimen, or Grand Hotel Terminus. All three enjoy a central location, just steps from the main train station and within easy reach of the city’s key attractions.

Blending comfort and practicality with distinctive Scandinavian design, these hotels offer a welcoming atmosphere and modern amenities, an ideal base to explore Bergen at your own pace.

Enjoy a comfortable stay in your Standard Room, a welcoming space designed for relaxation after a day of exploring Bergen. Whichever hotel is selected for your stopover, you’ll find everything you need to unwind and recharge while discovering the charm of this vibrant city between the mountains and the sea.

This is a bed and breakfast stay.

Thanks to their central location, these three hotels offer the perfect base from which to explore Bergen. Iconic sights such as the Fløibanen funicular, the Fish Market, the Aquarium, and the historic Bryggen district are all within walking distance. You’ll also find a wide range of shops, museums, and cultural attractions nearby.

Depending on the length of your stay, you can also enjoy a selection of included experiences in and around Bergen:

Journey to Norway, a land where striking natural beauty meets rich cultural heritage. From Oslo’s sleek, contemporary vibe to the echoes of Viking history, this Scandinavian gem offers an unrivalled blend of modernity and myth. Beyond its cities, Norway’s landscapes beckon with their pristine fjords, towering peaks, and tranquil waters.

Must-sees:

• Geirangerfjord: An awe-inspiring UNESCO World Heritage site known for its emerald waters and cascading waterfalls.
• Vigeland Park: The world’s largest sculpture park by a single artist, nestled in the heart of Oslo.
• Tromsø’s Arctic Cathedral: A striking piece of modern architecture inspired by the northern lights.

Culinary culture:

Norway’s gastronomy is a reflection of its rugged terrain and seafaring traditions. Savour rakfisk, a fermented fish delicacy, or indulge in rich reindeer stews in Lapland. Oslo’s burgeoning food scene highlights the evolution of Nordic cuisine, with Michelin-starred restaurants transforming local ingredients like Arctic char and cloudberries into culinary art. Be sure to sample brunost, a caramelised whey cheese beloved by locals.

Dive deeper:

To truly connect with Norway, explore its lesser-known treasures. Walk the Bryggen Wharf in Bergen, a medieval trading port brimming with history. Venture to the Lofoten Islands, where dramatic cliffs meet serene fishing villages. For a cultural deep dive, the Viking Ship Museum in Oslo offers a window into Norway’s seafaring past, showcasing exquisitely preserved ships and artefacts.

Good to know:

Norway’s currency is the Norwegian Krone (NOK). The best time to visit is between May and September for the midnight sun, or December to March for the aurora borealis. Public transport is efficient and eco-friendly, with extensive rail and ferry networks connecting even remote areas. Dress in layers to adapt to the country’s variable weather.