Norway | Fjords, Cities and the Arctic

5-Day Norwegian Voyage | Bergen to Tromsø

5-Day Norwegian Voyage | Bergen to Tromsø

Norway | Fjords, Cities and the Arctic

5-Day Norwegian Voyage | Bergen to Tromsø

5-Day Norwegian Voyage | Bergen to Tromsø

Travel information 5 days
Departures Regular departures, all year
  • Detours to Geirangerfjord in summer or Hjørundfjord in autumn
  • Cross the Arctic Circle for chances of the Northern Lights in winter or the Midnight Sun in summer
  • Explore beautiful towns and cities like Ålesund, Bodø, and Trondheim
5-Day Norwegian Voyage | Bergen to Tromsø

Itinerary

From the beautiful city of Bergen, we’ll head up into the Arctic to the equally scenic city of Tromsø. Along the way, you’ll sail through stunning fjords, stop off in the charming town of Ålesund, and get to wander around Trondheim’s medieval old town that sits pretty in a bend of the river Nid.

DAY 1 : Bergen

All Aboard!

A flock of seagulls standing next to a body of water

Your voyage starts in Bergen, the second largest city in Norway and gateway to the fjords. Founded in 1070 AD, Bergen boasts architecture influenced by prosperous 14th century German trading organisation, the Hanseatic League.

If you’ve time before your ship departs, visit the UNESCO-listed wharfs of the colourful Bryggen district, now an artisan quarter complete with cobblestone streets. Just across the street is the famous Fish Market which serves delicious seafood. There’s also the Fløibanen funicular which whisks you up Mount Fløyen for lovely views of the city.

To get the most out of your visit to Norway, don’t forget that we can also help you to arrange tours before or after your voyage, such as the Norway in a Nutshell programme.

Your voyage begins

Before boarding, you can relax in our comfortable guest lounge at the terminal. Once aboard, enjoy the first of many delicious meals made from fresh coastal produce as we depart Bergen and sail the old Viking route along Hjeltefjord.

You’ll also meet your ship’s Coastal Experts who will be your guides as we cruise Norway’s coastline, organising lectures, onboard activities, and optional hikes.

Optional excursions
  • Hiking Pass (4 hikes) – Summer
    Embrace the Norwegian concept of “friluftsliv” and embark into the beautiful wilderness.
  • Hiking Pass (4 hikes) – Winter
    Enjoy hiking the stark beauty of Norway’s winter landscapes and experience what locals call “friluftsliv”, perhaps under the magical Northern Lights.
A flock of seagulls standing next to a body of water
Stroll Bergen´s historic wharf district, Bryggen
Stroll Bergen´s historic wharf district, Bryggen
A large body of water with buildings in the snow
Hjørundfjorden – like nowhere else on Earth
Hjørundfjorden – like nowhere else on Earth
Photo: Ørjan Bertelsen
Art Nouveau beauty in Ålesund
Art Nouveau beauty in Ålesund
Photo: Helmut Hartung

DAY 2 : Florø - Molde

Iconic Architecture and Fantastic Fjords

Hjørundfjorden – like nowhere else on Earth
Hjørundfjorden – like nowhere else on Earth
Photo: Ørjan Bertelsen

Enjoy early morning in the breathtaking Nordfjord near Torvik. We then sail past West Cape for our approach to Ålesund.

Art Nouveau city

Ålesund is renowned for its beautiful Art Nouveau architecture and Atlanterhavsparken, one of Northern Europe’s largest saltwater aquariums. If you’re travelling with us in spring or winter, you’ll have most of the day to explore this picturesque town.

Into the fjords

In the summer, we set our course for the spectacular UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord, passing some of the most magnificent scenery Norway has to offer. Once in the fjord, you might get to see the famous Seven Sisters waterfalls cascading down the cliffs.

In autumn, we explore Hjørundfjord, hidden away in the Sunnmøre Alps. There’ll also be a call at the scenic village of Urke to gaze at the view of thousand-year-old farms, the fjord, and the lush mountainsides.

Mountains and roses

The last port of the day is Molde. In summer, there might just be enough daylight to see the amazing view of 222 mountain peaks across the fjord, called ‘the Molde Panorama’.

From mid-June to late August, the streets and gardens here will be adorned with the sight and scent of roses of all shades, living up to Molde’s nickname as ‘The City of Roses’.

Optional excursions
  • Geiranger With Trollstigen Pass
    A scenic bus journey from Geiranger village brings you to Eidsdalsvatnet Lake and continues to the Norddalsfjord for a ferry ride. We rejoin the bus and travel to Gudbrands Gorge and down the winding Trollstigen Pass to Molde.
  • Art Nouveau Walk (Spring & Winter)
    Join us on a guided walking tour through Ålesund and discover the history and culture of this elegant Art Nouveau town.
  • Atlanterhavsparken Aquarium and Mount Aksla
    Get a bird´s-eye-view of the Art Nouveau town of Ålesund from a nearby mountain before visiting the expansive saltwater Atlanterhavsparken aquarium.
  • Art Nouveau Walk (Autumn)
    Ålesund is best known for its vibrant Art Nouveau architecture. Join us on a walking tour to discover the hidden charms of this Norwegian coastal town.
  • Hjørundfjord - tastes and traditions
    Explore the beautiful Hjørundfjord aboard a vintage ship and treat your tastebuds to a delicious four-course meal in a 16th century guesthouse in the village of Sæbø.
  • A Taste of Norway
    A beautiful fjord, narrow valleys, an ancient settlement, historic hotel, and tiny village – join us for this highly popular journey through spectacular Norwegian nature.
  • Mountain Hike in the Hjørundfjord
    Admire the spectacular views of Hjørundfjord, the Sunnmøre Alps, Sæbø and Urke villages on this mountain hike. There’s even time for a coffee break midway.
  • Hike with a Visit to a Shieling
    Join us for a pleasant hike up from the fjord through lovely meadows to a summer grazing site at Haukås where we learn about traditional farming and taste local delicacies.
  • Hjørundfjord, Geiranger, and Ålesund
    This excursion takes you through Norangsdalen valley, on a ferry ride on UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord, up steep Eagle Road, and then to the Art Nouveau city of Ålesund.
  • Kayaking in Ålesund
    Join us on a guided kayaking tour through the elegant town of Ålesund and learn more about its history and Art Nouveau influence.
  • Alnes Lighthouse
    Explore the ancient islands of Giske and Godøy and enjoy the fantastic coastal scenery at Alnes Lighthouse.

DAY 3 : Kristiansund - Rørvik

City of Kings and Palaces

Gothic majesty at Nidaros Cathedral
Gothic majesty at Nidaros Cathedral
Photo: Ole Størksen

This section of the voyage lets us enter the Trøndelag region of Norway, marked by crumpled hills, fields dotted with farmsteads, and low-loying coastal settlements.

Magical, medieval, and modern

Founded by Viking king Olav Tryggvason in 997, Trondheim today is Norway’s third largest city and a mix of historic buildings and a buzzing student population.

You’ll have three hours to explore Trondheim and its array of highlights, either by yourself or on one of the optional excursions we offer.

A must-see site of the city is Nidaros Cathedral, nicknamed “Norway’s Notre Dame” for its Gothic style and considered the most sacred building in all of Norway. Next door to the cathedral is the Archbishop’s Palace where Norway’s crown jewels are on display.

Nearby, the old city bridge Gamle Bybro sits over Nid River, marking the entrance to the old Hanseatic district of Bakklandet. The neighbourhood’s colourful wooden wharves propped up on stilts by the river’s edge now house trendy eateries. Up from Bakklandet is Kristiansten Fort which affords beautiful panoramas of the city and fjord.

Back on board

In the afternoon, the ship sails northwest, passing the ochre-coloured Kjeungskjær Lighthouse, islets, and rocky reefs. After that, we head towards charming Rørvik.

Optional excursions
  • Nidaros Cathedral & Ringve Museum
    Admire the majesty of Nidaros Cathedral, the only church in Norway built in the Gothic architectural style. We then journey through the history of music at Ringve Museum.
  • Trondheim with Nidaros Cathedral
    Learn more about Trondheim by visiting one of its most famous landmarks, Nidaros Cathedral. Take in the whole city from the famous Utsikten viewpoint and enjoy a bus tour of the city.
  • Trondheim City Walk
    Explore Trondheim while learning about its history and culture from a local guide. See all the best sights of the city, from Stiftsgården to the bridge that locals call “The Portal of Happiness”.
  • Kayaking on the River Nid
    See the city’s main attractions from water level inside a kayak. Paddle down Trondheim’s waterways and get some exercise while taking in the scenic views of this exciting city.
  • Cycling In Trondheim
    This is Norway’s most bike-friendly city, so it’s time to go for a bike ride! Enjoy the fresh air as you cycle through the city, taking in the sights and the beautiful scenery.
Gothic majesty at Nidaros Cathedral
Gothic majesty at Nidaros Cathedral
Photo: Ole Størksen
Trondheim´s scenic Nid river
Trondheim´s scenic Nid river
The spectacular Saltstraumen maelstrom
The spectacular Saltstraumen maelstrom
MS Polarlys sailing in the Arctic Circle
MS Polarlys sailing in the Arctic Circle
Unforgettable scenery in Svolvær
Unforgettable scenery in Svolvær
Photo: Simon Vogele

DAY 4 : Brønnøysund - Svolvær

Into the Arctic

MS Polarlys sailing in the Arctic Circle
MS Polarlys sailing in the Arctic Circle

We cross the Arctic Circle early in the morning, beginning your Arctic tour of Norway. We mark the moment with a traditional ceremony that’s sure to wake you up!

Above the Arctic Circle, you can see the sun 24 hours a day in summer, while in winter, your chances of seeing the Northern Lights greatly improve.

Forces of nature

At 10am, we call into Ørnes, near to Norway’s second-largest glacier, Svartisen. The pier here is popular for the Love Bench where sweethearts have declared their lasting romance with a padlock.

We then sail to Bodø, the second largest city in Northern Norway, overlooked by the Børvass peaks. Admire fabulous street art or join an optional boat excursion to Saltstraumen, the world’s most powerful maelstrom. 

Welcome to Lofoten

That afternoon, the ship enters the Lofoten archipelago. The 1,000 metre-high Lofoten Wall is a stunning sight on the horizon, as if there to welcome us.

Stamsund is home to one of the largest fishing fleets in the islands and busiest between January and April when Arctic cod, known locally as skrei, swim from the Barents Sea in the north down to Vestfjord to spawn.

Come evening, when you see rows of traditional fisherman’s huts on stilts, known as rorbuer, you’ve arrived in the pretty harbour of Svolvær, the main town of the Lofoten Islands.

Optional excursions
  • Svartisen Glacier
    Enjoy a bus and boat ride to the visitor centre for Norway’s second-largest glacier: Svartisen. Look out for sea eagles and pass the world’s strongest tidal current.
  • Arctic Coastal Walk
    Enjoy a guided walk along the coast in Bodø and learn how a love of nature and the outdoors is an integral part of Norwegian culture.
  • Experience Bodø and Saltstraumen
    After a tour of the town of Bodø, visit the strongest tidal current in the world at the Saltstraumen maelstroms.
  • RIB Safari To Saltstraumen
    Journey by boat to Saltstraumen, home to the world’s strongest tidal current. Learn more about the history and geology of this fascinating area during the boat ride.
  • Meet the Vikings (Winter)
    Step back in time and experience life in the Viking Age at the Lofotr Viking Museum. Enjoy an authentic Viking meal and watch your hosts perform traditional rituals.
  • Meet the Vikings (Summer)
    See how the Vikings lived at Lofotr in Borg, Lofoten, where the largest Viking building ever discovered has been replicated.
  • Highlights of Lofoten
    This excursion takes you to see Kabelvåg, one of Lofoten's most important historic fishing villages, all the while surrounded by a stunning backdrop of sea and mountains.
  • Lofotpils Brewery
    If you’re a beer enthusiast, you won’t want to miss this tour of Lofoten’s first craft brewery. Meet the owner of Lofotpils and learn how they brew the perfect beer.
  • Farm Visit in Lofoten
    Learn about life on a working farm at Lauvdalen, Lofoten. Aalan Farm is renowned for its herbs and organic, award-winning cheeses.

DAY 5 : Stokmarknes – Tromsø

Capital of the Arctic

A man standing on a bridge over a body of water

We dock into Harstad just after 7am. You can go for a peaceful early morning stroll around town. 

The ship will then continue to Finnsnes which connects the beautiful island of Senja via the impressive Gisund Bridge.

Keep on the lookout for a variety of seabirds with several colonies nearby, including puffins. Whales can also be spotted in the waters here, especially during the winter season.

Gateway to the Arctic

We then sail to the historic Arctic exploration capital of Tromsø where your voyage with us comes to an end just after lunchtime.

If you’ve time before your onward journey to explore the city, try Polaria, the world’s northernmost aquarium or the cable car for views over Tromsø and the nearby fjords and mountains. To quench your thirst, head over to Mack Brewery and favourite local watering hole Ølhallen pub.

Across the water from where the ship docks, you should also be able to see the iconic Arctic Cathedral with its beautiful stained-glass mosaic.

A man standing on a bridge over a body of water
The day-by-day programme will give you a few ideas about what you can see and do on your voyage, but bear in mind that this itinerary is just an indication of what you can experience. After all, this is a sailing where the elements rule and weather conditions might vary, which is why every voyage with Hurtigruten is unique.

What’s included

  • Cruise with Hurtigruten in an unspecified cabin
    Your cabin will be allocated when you check in

Not included in your voyage

  • Flights & transfers
  • Travel insurance
  • Optional excursions
  • Luggage handling

  • Prices are per person based on two people travelling together sharing a twin cabin
  • Not all cabin categories are available for all departures
  • Single cabin pricing available on request
  • Hurtigruten has a flexible pricing system and all prices are capacity controlled and subject to availability.