Complete Norway Arctic Winter & Northern Lights with Flights

Board your international flight from Australia or New Zealand.

Arrive in Oslo and spend the day exploring the historical and beautiful Norwegian capital.

Its compact size makes it ideal to discover and experience the best, the city has to offer. For the cultural lovers, the Bydgdøy peninsula is home to several museums like the outdoor museum, Folkemuseet and the Viking ship museum. Downtown Oslo, is bustling with trendy restaurants, bars, cafes and open spaces such as the Vigeland Sculpture Park and Ekeberg Park.

At the heart of the city is the Royal Palace, home to the Norwegian Royal family since work began in 1814.

After breakfast, make your own way to Oslo Central Railway Station to commence your ‘Norway in a Nutshell’ adventure by boarding the train to Myrdal. Enjoy one of the world's most scenic rail journeys as you travel from Oslo through farmland, past snow-covered forests and glacial peaks.

At Myrdal join the famous Flåm Railway - a marvel of railway engineering, descending more than 900 metres to the town of Flåm. Take time to explore at your the town and even a visit to the local brewery or the Flåm railway museum.

After breakfast, board the ferry from Flåm to Gudvangen, enjoying the spectacular views as you pass through the narrow Nærøyfjord. Known for its snow-capped mountain peaks, deep valleys, fast-flowing rivers and thunderous waterfalls, the journey along the valley from Gudvangen to Voss is as beautiful as it sounds. 

For those wanting a view to remember, take the Voss Gondola to the summit of Mount Hanguren (820 metres above sea level). The panoramic views of the snow covered valley and surrounding areas are more than worth the journey.

Spend the morning exploring Voss, before taking the train for the last leg of your journey to Bergen.  Once you arrive in Bergen, be transferred to your hotel and take the afternoon to explore this colourful gateway to the fjords. Bergen was founded in 1070 AD, and retains a great deal of its character, charm and history. Visit the UNESCO-listed Bryggen district with colourful wharfs dating back to the 14th 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.

Following breakfast and another chance to explore this picturesque city, be transferred to the ship to begin your voyage towards the Arctic circle and the Northern Lights.

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. 

Seven of our ships along the Norwegian Coast have Hurtigruten Guides. You are welcome to join them on hikes during many of our port stays or enjoy onboard lectures and activities. 

TIME IN PORT:

Bergen: 14.30 - 21.30 all year

Enjoy the early morning in the breathtaking Nordfjord, followed by a delicious breakfast. We then sail past West Cape for our approach to Ålesund.

Art Nouveau city

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. 

Mountains and roses

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’.

TIME IN PORT

Florø: 03.30 – 03.40

Måløy: 05.40 – 05.50

Torvik: 08.30 – 08.40

Ålesund: 18.30 – 19.30/17.50 – 19.30*

Molde: 22.15 – 22.45** *Ålesund winter and spring: 09.45 – 13.30**Molde winter and Spring: 16.15 – 19.00

Experience the North Cape

After a brief stop in Hammerfest, we arrive in Havøysund the world’s northernmost fishing village. One of the most popular excursions is a visit to the North Cape, one of the northernmost points on the European continent marked by the photogenic globe monument.

Sailing north and Northern Lights

The ship continues 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.

TIME IN PORT:

Øksfjord: 02.00 – 02.15

Hammerfest: 05.15 – 06.00

Havøysund: 08.45 – 09.15

Honningsvåg: 11.15 – 14.45

Kjøllefjord: 17.00 – 17.15

Mehamn: 19.15 – 19.30

Berlevåg: 22.00 – 22.15

We arrive early into Vadsø before docking in Kirkenes - the ship’s turning point for the return journey.

Streets with Russian names

The Russian border is a just few kilometres from Kirkenes and you’ll notice local road signs in both Norwegian and Russian. There are many ways to visit the Russian frontier: canoeing, hiking or bus. 

Winter wonder

Kirkenes offers a wide range of classic winter activities, like dog-sledging, snowshoeing, snowmobiling and visiting an Arctic Ice Dome.

Southbound and down

As the ship starts its voyage south, remember that you’ve seen only half of what Norway’s coastline offers. The ports we visited by night going north are now seen by day.

Ice dipping

Docking again at Vardø, we may invite you to swim in the icy Arctic Ocean in winter. We then cruise along Varanger peninsula to Båtsfjord and Berlevåg, home to a famous male choir of local fishermen.

TIME IN PORT:

Båtsfjord: 24.00 – 00.15

Vardø: 03.15 – 03.30

Vadsø: 06.45 – 07.15

Kirkenes: 09.00 – 12.30

Vardø: 15.45 – 16.45

Båtsfjord: 19.45 – 20.15

Berlevåg: 21.45 – 22.00

Around midnight we dock at Mehamn with the option to join in winter a snowmobile trip to hunt the Aurora.

Meridian Column

Following a stop at Honningsvåg, the ship continues then to Hammerfest, where you can see the UNESCO-listed Meridian Column. You can also join a mini-mountain expedition and learn about local polar hero Adolf Lindstrøm.

Old Skjervøy

With a brief stop at the old trading post of Skjervøy, we return to Tromsø, just in time to enjoy a midnight concert at the Arctic Cathedral. You may want to drop by Ølhallen, a classic pub for a friendly beer.

TIME IN PORT:

Mehamn: 00.45 – 01.00

Kjøllefjord: 02.45 – 03.00

Honningsvåg: 05.30 – 05.45

Havøysund: 07.45 – 08.00

Hammerfest: 10.45 – 12.45

Øksfjord: 15.30 – 15.45

Skjervøy: 19.15 – 19.45

Tromsø: 23.45 – 01.30

Celebrate crossing the Arctic Circle with a `taste´ of Arctic tradition – a fun ceremony highlighted by a spoonful of cod liver oil.

Mountain with a hole

As we sail along the Helgeland coast, you’ll see the strange mountain Torghatten, famous for its distinctive hole in the centre. The opening is 160 m long, 35 m high and 20 m wide, and was created during the ice age. If the weather allows, join a hike with your guides up the mountain.

Myths and legends

We also sail past the Seven Sisters mountain range – with peaks up to 1,100 m high. The story goes that seven beautiful troll sisters got caught out at sunrise and turned to stone, thus the seven beautiful peaks.

UNESCO heritage

We next make a short stop at Nesna, before moving on to Sandnessjøen

Charming coastal town

Brønnøysund is a pretty little town that offers a charming high street and marina. You can join an excursion to the Norwegian Aquaculture Centre for an interesting tour and taste of fresh salmon.

TIME IN PORT:

Bodø: 02.30 – 03.45

Ørnes: 06.40 – 06.50

Nesna: 10.25 – 10.35

Sandnessjøen: 11.45 – 12.15

Brønnøysund: 15.00 – 17.30

Rørvik: 21.00 – 21.30

We revisit Trondheim to further explore it´s colourful history! Be sure to join our excursion Trondheim with Nidaros Cathedral to learn more about one of the most sacred buildings in all of Norway.

Fishing, scenery and excursions

From there we call at Kristiansund, a city spread across four islands with an excellent harbour that has been active since the Stone Age. Today, it is Norway’s ‘cured cod capital’ because of its centuries-old export of dried fish. Be sure to join an excursion to Bergtatt marble mine, which includes going inside a mountain and sailing across an illuminated subterranean lake, before enjoying a meal in the mine´s ‘Grand Hall’. 

Norwegian Alps

Those choosing to stay on board at Kristiansund will cross the open sea to Molde, known as Norway's ‘City of Roses’. Along the way, you will take in the steep peaks of the Romsdal Alps on the horizon.

TIME IN PORT:

Trondheim: 06.30 – 09.45

Kristiansund: 16.30 – 17.00

Molde: 21.00 – 21.30

Ålesund: 00.30 – 01.00

During the night, the ship calls at Ålesund, Torvik and Måløy, but before we dock in Bergen, there is some fascinating scenery ahead of us.

Glaciers and lush farmland

We sail through picturesque Nordfjord beneath Jostedal Glacier. This rugged coastal region features farms with fruit orchards and glacial fingers that stretch towards glistening lakes. In the morning, we call at Florø.

Back to Bergen

We navigate the mouth of the mighty Sognefjord and enjoy superb views of the island-studded coastline before you disembark in Bergen. From the ship, you will be transferred to your overnight hotel.

Enjoy even more of Norway

To see more of Norway, we highly recommend our excursion Bergen City Sightseeing (only sold on board) or join one of our Post-programmes to experience more Norwegian cuisine, culture and scenery. 

TIME IN PORT:

Ålesund: 00.30 – 01.00

Torvik: 02.15 – 02.30

Måløy: 05.15 – 05.45

Florø: 07.45 – 08.15

Bergen: 14.30

After breakfast at your hotel, join the shared transfer to Bergen airport for your return flight home.

Make your own way to Oslo airport for your return flight. Dependent on airline flight schedule, expect 1-2 days travel time back to your home city.

The day-by-day programme will give you some ideas about what you can see during your voyage, but bear in mind that this itinerary is just an indication. After all, this is a sailing where the elements rule and weather conditions might vary.