We begin from Helsinki on this fully escorted southbound search for the Aurora Borealis. During the tour we cross Finland and Norway, visit charming hamlets, and sail through picturesque fjords, all the while making the most of plentiful opportunities to see the magnificent Northern Lights. Along the way, enjoy unique accommodation in both an Aurora Cabin and a Gamme cabin and meet the huskies and reindeer of the region.
Your trip also includes the amazing journey by rail, coach and ferry on the famous ‘Norway in a Nutshell’ route between Bergen and Oslo.
- Husky and reindeer excursions
- Chances of seeing the Northern Lights
- Insight into Sámi culture
- Guided city tours of Helsinki, Bergen and Oslo
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or [email protected]) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or [email protected]) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or [email protected]) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or [email protected]) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or [email protected]) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or [email protected]) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or [email protected]) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or [email protected]) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or [email protected]) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or [email protected]) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
Helsinki
Welcome to Finland!
Helsinki is often dubbed one of the world’s most liveable cities due to its vibrant nature and delicate balance of historic architecture and contemporary living. Make your own way to the hotel and spend the afternoon on your own exploring the city and discovering the many hidden gems, cafes and restaurants dotted around the city centre.
In the evening, you will have the opportunity to meet your fellow travellers and tour escort for an included welcome dinner as you prepare to follow the Northern Lights through Finland and Norway.
Helsinki
On our first full day, we'll embark on a coach tour of the city and learn more about Helsinki’s past and present from our English-speaking guide.
Highlights include the City Hall, the Parliament buildings, Finlandia Hall, the Opera House and, weather permitting, the popular Sibelius monument.
Another iconic stop on the tour is a visit to the Tempeliaukio Church, built into the bedrock of the city it has also become known as the ‘Church of Rock’ and a nod to the city's modern culture.
Rovaniemi
In the morning we set out from Helsinki and start our journey towards Finnish Lapland and the arctic wilderness. Jump on board the train from Helsinki to Rovaniemi - the reputed home of Santa Claus. As the train winds north gaze upon snow-capped forests and a true winter wonderland.
Arriving in Rovaniemi, we are now in the capital of Finnish Lapland, where you will have the afternoon to explore this quaint town at your leisure. At night, keep your eyes on the skies as we are above the arctic circle, the chances of spotting the Northern Lights increase.
Rovaniemi
Wake up in the heart of Lapland and prepare for our first authentic experience, a meeting with the cute furry locals at a husky kennel. Learn about how huskies are reared to become as fit and as hardy as the local Sami people who have worked with these iconic arctic heroes for many years. After getting to know these animals we will enjoy lunch before joining a thrilling husky-drawn cart or sled ride through the Lapland wilderness with your new furry friends.
After spending the day living like a local, warm up with a hot drink at Lappish Kota, a traditional wooden hut dawned with reindeer hides and a roaring fire.
Saariselkä
Feel like a child again as we spend the morning exploring the wonderous Santa Claus Village, and even get to meet the man himself!
In the afternoon we continue our journey north making a short stop to see the Sodankylä Old Church before continuing to the Northern Lights Village of Saariselkä. Upon arrival, be wowed at your accommodation for the night – your very own Aurora Cabin or Glass Igloo where you can watch the Northern Lights from your bed whenever they appear.
Following the included dinner at the hotel, we’ll be welcomed into the traditional tent of a local Sámi family who’ll talk enthusiastically about their unique culture and lifestyle. Feed the family’s reindeer in the nearby paddock or practise your lasso skills under your host’s expert tutelage. Weather permitting, we will also enjoy a reindeer sleigh ride. If you are really lucky, you can even catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights on this authentic Arctic experience.
Kirkenes – right on the border
As we continue North through the Finnish Lapland we arrive in the small township of Inari, the Sami capital (traditional nomads of Scandinavia, reindeer herders). On our stop in Inari, we will visit the newly renovated SIIDA museum - which is home to a collection featuring the spiritual and material culture of the Finnish Sami presented to the public through exhibitions and publications.
In the afternoon we cross into Norway and arrive at the iconic Snowhotel in Kirkenes, where you have the opportunity to join an optional excursion, choosing from activities such as king crab or Northern Lights safaris. Spend the night inside a traditional Gamme cabin, inspired by the traditional hunting and fishing hut known as ‘gamme’ which are typically found in the Lapland wilderness. Tonight’s included dinner is in the unique farmhouse restaurant, Låven.
Kirkenes – right on the border, Berlevåg – “cool and crazy”
Your voyage onboard the Coastal Express begins in the Arctic in the town of Kirkenes. Our first port of call is Vardø and its iconic star-shaped Vardøhus Fortress, built-in 1737. The northernmost fortification of any kind, it remains a part of the military to this day. Weather permitting, brave swimmers may want to take a dip in the icy Arctic Ocean (strictly optional of course!).
We cruise Norway’s coastline to arrive in the small port of Båtsfjord in the evening and then on to Berlevåg. You might be able to make out Mount Tanahorn to the west, or see Kjølnes Lighthouse blinking atop a cliff overlooking the Barents Sea. These two idyllic ports are home to Norway’s most famous male choir, comprising local fishermen.
Hammerfest
We make a late-night stop at Mehamn, where there is the option to join snowmobile trip through the vast Arctic wilderness. A great opportunity to experience snowy plains and valleys, crisp winter air under the Northern Lights in the starry sky above.
During the day we pass through various ports including Honningsvåg and Hammerfest where you can visit the UNESCO-listed Meridian Column, erected in 1854 to honour the first precise geographic measurement of the globe.
Late in the evening, we arrive at Tromsø, in time to enjoy a magical Northern Lights concert at the Arctic Cathedral in winter (optional).
Svolvær – at the heart of Lofoten
This morning, we arrive at Harstad, where you can join one of our optional classic excursions - A Taste of Vesterålen. Discover the history, beautiful scenery, and cultural heritage sites of this iconic and breathtaking landscape. Those who stay on the ship experience our passage through the Risøyrenna, a shallow channel built for Hurtigruten in the 1920s.
Prepare for some amazing scenery as we sail through the world-famous islands of Lofoten and Vesterålen. Lofoten is known for its natural beauty, steep mountains, wilderness and picturesque fishing villages. After a short stop at the tiny village of Risøyhamn, we continue to Stokmarknes, where Hurtigruten began in 1893.
Continuing south, it will look like we’re headed straight into a mountain, but don’t worry, we are in fact sailing through a passage into the narrow Raftsund, flanked by peaks rising 1000m out of the sea. If that wasn't enough, we arrive at amazing Trollfjord. If conditions allow, we will sail between sheer cliffs that seem close enough to reach out and touch. It’s an unforgettable experience!
Brønnøysund – coastal charm right in the middle of Norway
We then cross over the Arctic Circle just after breakfast. Commemorate the moment with a tradition of tasting a spoonful of good ol’ cod liver oil!
Sailing along the Helgeland coast, you see the strange mountain, Torghatten, famous for the distinctive hole through its centre. There is a local legend as to why and how this mountain came to have such a hole. Make sure you ask your Coastal Expert about it!
Another highlight is sailing past the Seven Sisters mountain range. It is easy to see how the peaks influenced ancient legends. The story goes that seven beautiful troll sisters were caught out at sunrise and turned to stone, thus creating the seven beautiful mountaintops.
Even though we’re south of the Arctic Circle, there may still be good opportunities to see the Northern Lights.
Trondheim – Norway’s capital of technology
Today you have a chance to explore the wooden city of history: Trondheim. Be sure to visit the majestic Nidaros Cathedral, built over the burial site of King Olav II who reigned from 1015 to 1028. Treat yourself to quality coffee and a Nordic patisserie in one of the Bakklandet district’s many chic cafés then walk up to Kristiansten Fort for great views of Norway’s third-largest city.
As we sail along the coast, you will realise the importance of fishing to Norway’s coastal communities. Kristiansund is regarded as Norway’s ‘dried cod capital’ because of its long-time export of salted dry fish. An interesting excursion is to the Bergtatt marble mine, which takes you inside a mountain and across an illuminated subterranean lake before serving you a meal in the mine´s ‘Grand Hall’.
Bergen – gateway to the fjords
During the night, the ship calls at Ålesund, Torvik and Måløy, as our voyage draws to a close. Before docking in Bergen, there is fascinating scenery to experience, including picturesque Nordfjord beneath Jostedal Glacier.
A few nautical miles south of Florø, we cross the mouth of the mighty Sognefjord, taking in superb views of the magnificent island-studded coastline en route. In the early afternoon, we arrive in the Hanseatic city of Bergen where our time on the Coastal Express comes to an end. After disembarkation we join our private coach for a city tour including a walking tour of the UNESCO World Heritage listed Bryggen, St Mary’s Church, and Håkon’s Hall, before heading to Troldhaugen, the home of Norway’s most famous composer, Edvard Grieg.
After arrival at the hotel the evening is yours to enjoy and explore this vibrant city. One recommendation is to take the Fløibanen funicular to the top of nearby Mount Fløyen to enjoy views of Bergen and the surrounding mountains.
Oslo
Today enjoy an amazing journey by rail, coach and ferry on the famous ‘Norway in a Nutshell’ route between Bergen and Oslo. We start with a rail journey from Bergen to Voss, from here we travel by coach to Gudvangen - where waterfalls line the road as we weave our way through the valley.
In Gudvangen board a ferry and enjoy a fjord cruise along the narrow and dramatic UNESCO protected Nærøyfjord, ending in the quaint village of Flåm. As we climb three thousand feet to the mountain train station of Myrdal, you will understand why this is considered one of the world’s most scenic rail journeys. From here we continue south to our final stop in Oslo.
Oslo
Enjoy breakfast in the hotel and prepare for our final full day on tour.
On our coach tour learn more about this vibrant European city, as we journey through the history of Oslo, from the world's largest sculpture park by a single artist - Vigeland Sculpture Park to the site of the 1952 Winter Olympics and the Holmenkollen Ski Jump.
The afternoon is your to continue exploring before joining your fellow travellers and tour escort for our final farewell dinner in a local restaurant.
Oslo
It is in the morning that we say goodbye as this exciting arctic adventure comes to an end. Depart the hotel with lifelong memories of your time in Norway and Finland under the dancing skies of the Northern Lights.
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.
Hurtigruten Ships
All of our ships include large lounges and deck space affording perfect views to the changing scenery, creating a proximity to nature throughout the ship. This atmosphere give you the energy to participate on our on board activities and excursions, that take you even closer to the coast.
On all our ships you will find a wide range of comfortable cabins, from exclusive suites to cosy inside cabins. We have divided them into four categories; Expedition Suite, Arctic Superior, Polar Outside and Polar Inside with different amenities and extras.
MS TROLLFJORD
Flagship of Hurtigruten's Signature voyages, MS Trollfjord takes its name from a small but spectacular fjord in the Vesterålen archipelago. Freshly refurbished in 2023, MS Trollfjord is an homage both to Norwegian nature and our 130-year heritage sailing the Norwegian coast. Locally sourced natural materials such as wood and stone feature prominently throughout the ship’s furnishings, reflecting the beauty of the fjords we sail through. The style of décor is classic, timeless, and unique in our fleet. SPECIAL FEATURES: Two-storey panoramic lounge, 1893 Bar, sauna, fitness room, lecture rooms, 3 restaurants (main dining Flora, Brasserie Árran & à la carte Røst), library, shop, observation deck.
MS RICHARD WITH
MS Richard With is named after Captain Richard With. His establishment of the Norwegian Coastal Express back in 1893 had an enormous impact on life along the Norwegian coast. In 2022, MS Richard With was upgraded to a greener hybrid ship. SPECIAL FEATURES: Sauna, fitness room, Explorer Lounge & Bar, 2 outdoor hot tubs, 3 restaurants (main dining Torget, Brygga bistro and à la carte Kysten), Multe bakery, shop, lecture hall, observation deck.
MS KONG HARALD
Norway’s reigning monarch, a seasoned sailor, lends his name to this remarkable hybrid vessel. The vessel features a modern, Arctic-inspired interior. SPECIAL FEATURES: Sauna, fitness room, Explorer Lounge & Bar, 2 outdoor hot tubs, 3 restaurants (main dining Torget, Brygga bistro and à la carte Kysten), Multe bakery, shop, lecture hall, observation deck.
MS NORDNORGE
Nord-Norge means the northern part of Norway, mostly situated north of the Arctic Circle. The interior décor is modern and Arctic-inspired. SPECIAL FEATURES: Sauna, fitness room, Explorer Lounge & Bar, 2 outdoor hot tubs, 3 restaurants (main dining Torget, Brygga bistro and à la carte Kysten), Multe bakery, shop, lecture hall, observation deck.
MS NORDKAPP
MS Nordkapp is named after one of the highlights of the Hurtigruten voyage, the northernmost point of mainland Europe, the North Cape (71ºN). The ship features a modern, Arctic-inspired interior. SPECIAL FEATURES: Sauna, fitness room, Explorer Lounge & Bar, 2 outdoor hot tubs, 3 restaurants (main dining Torget, Brygga bistro and à la carte Kysten), Multe bakery, shop, lecture hall, observation deck.
MS POLARLYS
Polarlys is Norwegian for `polar light´, and refers to the natural Arctic phenomenon we pursue in winter. The ship features a modern, Arctic-inspired interior. SPECIAL FEATURES: Sauna, fitness room, Explorer Lounge & Bar, 2 outdoor hot tubs, 3 restaurants (main dining Torget, Brygga bistro and à la carte Kysten), Multe bakery, shop, lecture hall, observation deck.
MS NORDLYS
The name of this ship as well as the art, décor and colours employed aboard are all inspired by the Northern Lights. The delicate aesthetic creates a distinct and unique on-board ambience. SPECIAL FEATURES: Sauna, fitness room, Explorer Lounge & Bar, 2 outdoor hot tubs, 3 restaurants (main dining Torget, Brygga bistro and à la carte Kysten), Multe bakery, shop, lecture hall, observation deck.
MS MIDNATSOL
One of our best-known ships, MS Midnatsol (previously MS Maud) is named after the Midnight Sun, the phenomenon that occurs in northern Norway every summer when the sun doesn’t set for 24 hours. The décor on board is inspired by Norway’s stunning nature, reflected in many of the pieces of Norwegian modern art on board. Her bright interiors are appointed in a classic Art Deco style. SPECIAL FEATURES: Sauna, fitness room, Explorer Lounge & Bar, 2 outdoor hot tubs, 3 restaurants (main dining Torget, Brygga bistro and à la carte Kysten), shop, lecture hall, observation deck.
MS VESTERÅLEN
MS Vesterålen is one of the oldest and smallest ships, named after an archipelago in Nordland country and the first Coastal Express steamship from 1893. Fresh and lightly refurbished in 2019 and again in 2022, MS Vesterålen has bright, informal public areas and lounges throughout. The last refurbishment included upgrading 32 outside cabins to Arctic Superior standard with double beds, rebuilding 4 cabins into 2 mini suites, upgrading the restaurant, the café, the reception area, and the gym, in addition to giving Trollfjord lounge a new look and feel. On a journey with MS Vesterålen, we will have a "behind the scenes" focus where the guests will get an opportunity to get closer to the Hurtigruten heritage, emphasizing maritime operations, logistics and hotel operations. With a focus on edutainment and engaging activities, we will provide guests with an in-depth knowledge of the different departments and the interaction between them. SPECIAL FEATURES: Panorama lounge & bar, smaller lounges in the front and back of the ship, café, 1 main restaurant, shop, fitness room, observation deck.
Please Note : the deckplan below is MS Nordkapp and the deckplans vary.
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