- Experience the natural wonder of Lofoten
- Explore the beautiful and exciting Norwegian coastline
- Search for the Northern Lights in winter, and the Midnight Sun in summer
- Join exciting sea and land-based activities
Current offers on this cruise:
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No single supplement on selected departures
Hurtigruten makes Norway more affordable for solo travellers by reducing the single supplement to zero* on our classic voyages.See full offer details
Itinerary
Learn more about what you will experience on the Classic Voyage South. The day-by-day programme will give you a few ideas about what you can see and do on your coastal 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 expedition with Hurtigruten is unique.
DAY 1 : Kirkenes - Berlevåg
Capital of the Barents Region
Start your Classic Voyage South in the far northern town of Kirkenes (which, surprisingly, lies further east than Istanbul).
The region has many wintertime activities, including snowshoeing, dog-sledging and snowmobiling. You can also visit an Arctic Ice Dome.
Interested in history? Kirkenes has many small museums detailing the region’s rich heritage.
Southbound and down
After departing Kirkenes, we head due north, arriving at Vardø in the afternoon. Weather permitting, the brave may want to take a dip in the icy Arctic Ocean (strictly optional of course!).
We now head due west, cruising along the Varanger peninsula to Båtsfjord and Berlevåg, home to Norway’s most famous male choir, made up of local fishermen.
TIME IN PORT:
- Kirkenes: 09.00 – 12.30
- Vardø: 16:05-17:00
- Båtsfjord: 20:00-20:30
- Berlevåg: 22:25-22:35
DAY 2 : Mehamn - Tromsø
Unmatched Arctic Scenery
Around midnight we dock at Mehamn with the option to join in winter a snowmobile trip to hunt the Aurora.
North Cape breakfast
We again dock at Honningsvåg, where you can join an excursion that includes eating breakfast at North Cape. The ship continues 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.
We continue south to Øksfjord with a brief stop at the old trading post of Skjervøy.
Midnight adventures
We then dock at Tromsø, just in time to enjoy a midnight concert at the Arctic Cathedral. You can also explore Tromsø under the Midnight Sun by boat in summer. You may want to drop by Ølhallen, a classic pub for a friendly beer.
TIME IN PORT:
- Mehamn: 01:20-01:30
- Kjøllefjord: 03:25-03:35
- Honningsvåg: 05:45-06:00
- Havøysund: 08:00-08:15
- Hammerfest: 11:00-12:45
- Øksfjord: 15:50-16:05
- Skjervøy: 19:30-19:45
- Tromsø: 23:45-01:30
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The Northernmost Town In The WorldJoin us on a coach tour that explores and explains the events that have shaped Hammerfest, a town at the top of Europe.
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Snowmobile Trip Into The Polar NightJoin us on an unforgettable snowmobile tour into the polar night across one of Europe’s most extreme and exciting natural environments.
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Breakfast At North CapeImagine having breakfast at the top of Europe. You enjoy breakfast and more on this scenic coach tour from the town of Honningsvåg to North Cape, one of the northernmost points in Europe.
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Mountain Hike In HammerfestJoin a walking tour that follows a path through Hammerfest´s past and up to the top of nearby Mount Salen for magnificent views of the Arctic Ocean and surrounding islands.
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Into The Ice: Stories Of A Polar HeroGet outdoors and discover one of the greatest figures in polar history on this excursion from Hammerfest to nearby Mount Salen.
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Midnight Concert In The Arctic Cathedral (Tromsø)There is perhaps no more beautiful way to experience Tromsø than by attending a midnight concert at the city´s iconic Arctic Cathedral.
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Arctic Midnight Adventure in TromsøEnjoy a sightseeing tour of Tromsø’s famous sights from the seaside.
DAY 3 : Tromsø - Stamsund
Lofoten, Where Nature Amazes
History and culture
This morning, we arrive at Harstad, where you can join one of our classic excursions - A Taste of Vesterålen. Discover history, beautiful scenery, and cultural heritage sites on this tour that rejoins the ship at Sortland.
Those who stay on the ship experience our passage through the Risøyrenna, a shallow channel made for Hurtigruten in the 1920s.
Lofoten and Trollfjord
Get ready now 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, wild nature and picturesque fishing villages. Our daylight sailing route through the region is the voyage highlight for many.
After a short stop at the tiny village of Risøyhamn, we continue to Stokmarknes - where Hurtigruten began more than 125 years ago. You can visit the Hurtigruten Museum here.
Continuing south, it will look like we’re headed into a mountain wall, but don’t worry. We are in fact sailing through a passage into the narrow Raftsund, flanked by peaks rising 1,000 m out of the sea.
We now 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!
Next we arrive in Svolvær, where you can choose from several excursion options. Go horseback riding along a beach at sunset, head out on spectacular hikes, join a fast-boat tour on the fjord, or relax in town at one of many cafés, pubs and restaurants.
TIME IN PORT:
- Tromsø: 23:45-01:30
- Finnsnes: 04:20-04:40
- Harstad: 08:00-08:30
- Risøyhamn: 10:45-11:00
- Sortland: 12:30-13:00
- Stokmarknes: 14:15-15:15
- Svolvær: 18:30-20:30
- Stamsund: 22:15-22:30
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A Taste of VesterålenA Taste of Vesterålen is one of the classics in our extensive Hurtigruten excursion programme. Come along and experience the history, beautiful scenery and a multitude of breathtaking sights.
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Lofoten IslandsJoin us on a comfortable coach excursion through one of the most extraordinary landscapes on earth.
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Sea Eagle SafariJoin us on an excursion into Norway’s spectacular Trollfjord and experience close encounters with magnificent sea eagles.
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Vesterålen and Lofoten by ribJoin us for an exciting open boat ride ride through the enchantingly beautiful scenery of Vesterålen and Lofoten.
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Lofoten by horseLike the idea of horseback riding along a remote beach and terrain once inhabited by Vikings? Join us for this excursion along the shore of Gimsøy island on the open North Atlantic Ocean.
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RIB-adventure in LofotenJoin us on this exciting sea excursion in open RIBs on the waters in and around the fantastic Lofoten archipelago.
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Discover a fishing villageJoin us on a guided walking tour to the quaint old fishing village of Svinøya adjacent to the Lofoten town of Svolvær.
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Electric cruising in LofotenExplore nature both above and below the surface and get closer to Lofoten’s epic landscapes on this cruise from Svolvær to Henningsvær.
DAY 4 : Bodø - Rørvik
A date with the Seven Sisters
Trolls and mountains
Crossing the Arctic Circle is an important ‘rite of passage’. Today we celebrate the occasion on deck with a taste of Arctic tradition – a spoonful of cod liver oil.
Sailing along the Helgeland coast, you see the strange mountain, Torghatten (258 m above sea level), famous for the distinctive hole through its centre. The hole is 160 m long, 35 m high and 20 m wide, and was formed during the ice age. Participate on a hike up the mountain.
Another highlight is sailing past the Seven Sisters mountain range. It is easy to see how the peaks influenced ancient legend. The story goes that seven beautiful troll sisters were caught out at sunrise and turned to stone, thus creating the seven beautiful mountaintops.
From ducks to salmon
Next, we briefly stop at the idyllic trading post of Nesna before moving on to Sandnessjøen. From here, you can join an optional excursion to a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Vega Islands. The UNESCO status is due to the unique centuries-old interaction between the islanders and eider ducks. Learn how the locals sustain a livelihood of making down-filled duvets.
In Brønnøysund, join an excursion to the Norwegian Aquaculture Centre for an informative tour and taste of fresh salmon, from April through October.
Even though we’re south of the Arctic Circle, there are still good chances to see the Northern Lights in winter. The Midnight Sun may not shine, but you still experience seemingly endless daylight during late spring and summer.
TIME IN PORT:
- Bodø: 02:30-03:30
- Ørnes: 06:25-06:35
- Nesna: 10:25-10:35
- Sandnessjøen: 11:45-12:15
- Brønnøysund: 15:00-17:25
- Rørvik: 21:00-21:30
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UNESCO Vega archipelagoTake a step back in time and see how the Norwegian islanders here developed a symbiotic relationship with the local duck population to cultivate a sustainable livelihood.
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Visit the salmonFascinated by fish? Join us on a visit to the Norwegian Aquaculture Centre near Brønnøysund for an informative tour and taste of fresh salmon.
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Visit Hildurs UrterariumDon`t miss out on this excursion to a unique food and herb farm, where the hosts proudly serves local food and welcome you to their private home.
DAY 5 : Trondheim - Ålesund
Gothic majesty and hidden lake
Trondheim
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.
Spectacular scenery and life of the sea
As we sail along the coast, you will realize 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. Here you can join an excursion along the Atlantic Road, a National Scenic Route. The 8 km stretch of highway spans eight bridges, crosses picturesque landscapes and is surrounded by open sea.
Another 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’.
Norwegian alps
Those who remain aboard at Kristiansund will experience the ship´s open sea crossing towards Molde - Norway´s ‘City of Roses’. From there, you can see the distant pointed peaks of the Romsdal Alps across the fjord, called ‘the Molde panorama’.
TIME IN PORT:
- Trondheim: 06:30-09:30
- Kristiansund: 16:30-17:30
- Molde: 21:15-21:45
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Trondheim With Nidaros CathedralJoin us for a coach tour of this medieval city that has become a major modern academic and technological research centre.
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The Hidden Rooms Of Nidaros CathedralExplore hidden rooms and secret chambers deep inside Trondheim´s ancient Nidaros Cathedral, the national shrine of Norway. This excursion is reserved only for our Platinum guests.
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The Atlantic RoadRide along on what The Guardian ranked as the world´s best road trip, and was awarded the “Engineering Feat of the Century” prize in 2005.
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Bergtatt - Magnificent Marble MineJoin us on a guided bus tour to Bergtatt, a working marble and limestone mine on the banks of an illuminated subterranean lake deep inside a mountain
DAY 6 : Ålesund - Bergen
Our return to Bergen
Night-time stops
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 see, including picturesque Nordfjord beneath Jostedal Glacier. Here the fjord widens to the east and forges 90 km inland.
Approaching Bergen
In the morning, we dock at Florø, Norway’s westernmost community.
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. Finally, you disembark in the Hanseatic city of Bergen with unforgettable memories of a truly unique part of the world. We hope to see you on board again in the very near future!
More adventures in Norway
If you would like to see more of Norway, we highly recommend our Bergen City Sightseeing excursion (only sold on board), or various Post-programmes to experience more Norwegian cuisine, culture and scenery.
TIME IN PORT:
- Ålesund: 00:30-01:20
- Torvik: 02:35-02:45
- Måløy: 05:45-06:00
- Florø: 08:15-08:30
- Bergen: 14:45
What's included
Included in your voyage
- 6-day voyage in cabin category of your choice
- Full board (breakfast, lunch and dinner) from Norway's Coastal Kitchen
- English-speaking Tour Leader on board
Engaging on-board activities and lectures:
- Lectures and presentations on history, biology, geography, geology and culture that provide context to your voyage and help you understand the destinations you will experience
- Introductory photo presentations, camera adjustment and tips & tricks, photo and film footage from the voyage
- Opportunities to casually engage with the Hurtigruten Guides and other guests, including a welcome event, daily gatherings to recap the day and prepare for the day to come
- Port presentations providing destination insight
- Excursion presentations
- Point of interest presentations out on deck
- Loan of trekking poles, snow shoes, head lamps, ice-spikes needed for optional hikes depending on season and conditions
- Captain’s dinner and a farewell event
Not included in your voyage
- Flights & transfers
- Travel insurance
- Optional excursions
- Luggage handling
- Hikes with our Hurtigruten Guides
Notes
- Prices are per person based on two people travelling together sharing a twin cabin
- Not all 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.
Ships
MS Kong Harald
| Year built | 1993 |
| Year of refurbishment | 2016 |
| Shipyard | Volkswerft (Germany) |
| Passenger capacity | 590 |
| Beds | 498 |
| Gross tonnage | 11,204 |
| Length | 121.8 m |
| Beam | 19.2 m |
| Speed | 17 knots |
Norway's reigning monarch, a seasoned sailor, lends his name to this remarkable vessel.
MS Nordkapp
| Year built | 1996 |
| Year of refurbishment | 2016 |
| Shipyard | Kværner Kleven (N) |
| Passenger capacity | 590 |
| Beds | 480 |
| Car capacity | 24 |
| Gross tonnage | 11,386 |
| Length | 123.3 m |
| Beam | 19.5 |
| Speed | 18 knots |
MS Nordkapp is named after the northernmost point on mainland Europe: North Cape (71ºN) - one of the geographical highpoints you can visit on a Hurtigruten voyage.
MS Nordnorge
| Year built | 1997 |
| Year of refurbishment | 2016 |
| Shipyard | Kværner Kleven (N) |
| Passenger capacity | 590 |
| Beds | 476 |
| Car capacity | 32 |
| Gross tonnage | 11,384 |
| Length | 123.3 m |
| Beam | 19.5 m |
| Speed | 18 knots |
MS Nordnorge is aptly named for northern Norway, most of which lies above the Arctic Circle.
MS Nordlys
| Year built | 1994 |
| Year of refurbishment | 2019 |
| Shipyard | Volkswerft (D) |
| Passenger capacity | 590 |
| Beds | 471 |
| Car capacity | 24 |
| Gross tonnage | 11,204 |
| Length | 121.8 m |
| Beam | 19.2 m |
| Speed | 18 knots |
Both the name and the interior design of this modern expedition ship are inspired by the spectacular Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis).
MS Polarlys
| Year built | 1996 |
| Year of refurbishment | 2016 |
| Shipyard | Ulstein Mek. Verk. (N) |
| Passenger capacity | 619 |
| Beds | 503 |
| Car capacity | 26 |
| Gross tonnage | 11,341 |
| Length | 123 m |
| Beam | 19.5 m |
| Speed | 18 knots |
Polarlys is Norwegian for `polar light´, and refers to the natural Arctic phenomenon we pursue in winter.
MS Richard With
| Year built | 1993 |
| Year of refurbishment | 2018 |
| Shipyard | Volkswerft (D) |
| Passenger capacity | 590 |
| Beds | 458 |
| Car capacity | 12 |
| Gross tonnage | 11,205 |
| Length | 121.8 m |
| Beam | 19.2 m |
| Speed | 18 knots |
MS Richard With proudly carries the name of Hurtigruten's founder.
MS Vesterålen
| Year built | 1983 |
| Year of refurbishment | 2019 |
| Shipyard | Kaarbø Mek. Verk. |
| Passenger capacity | 490 |
| Beds | 301 |
| Car capacity | 24 |
| Gross tonnage | 6,261 |
| Length | 108.55 m |
| Beam | 16.5 m |
| Speed | 17.5 knots |
MS Vesterålen is named after the first Hurtigruten ship that sailed along Norway´s rugged coastline in 1893. She is one of our smaller boats and has an intimate on-board atmosphere.
Optional excursions
Find your favourite excursions and make your trip to Norway even more memorable. We recommend booking excursions in advance, but you can also book on board if there's still availability.
Please note that excursions vary by season and are subject to change.
The Northernmost Town In The World
Norway
Duration
1 hour 45 min
Price per person
From $ 149
Booking code
HR-HFT8B
Snowmobile Trip Into The Polar Night
Norway
Duration
2 hours 15 min
Price per person
From $ 659
Booking code
HR-MEH8F
Breakfast At North Cape
Norway
Duration
6 hours
Price per person
From $ 353
Booking code
HR-HVG8A
Mountain Hike In Hammerfest
Norway
Duration
1 hour 30 min
Price per person
From $ 164
Booking code
HR-HFT8G
Into The Ice: Stories Of A Polar Hero
Norway
Duration
1 hour 45 min
Price per person
From $ 194
Booking code
HR-HFT8H
Midnight Concert In The Arctic Cathedral (Tromsø)
Norway
Duration
1 hour 15 min
Price per person
From $ 149
Booking code
HR-TOS8C
Arctic Midnight Adventure in Tromsø
Norway
Duration
1 hours 30 min
Price per person
From $ 248
Booking code
HR-TOS8I
A Taste of Vesterålen
Norway
Duration
4 hours 15 min
Price per person
From $ 209
Booking code
HR-HRD9A
Lofoten Islands
Norway
Duration
3 hours
Price per person
From $ 218
Booking code
HR-SVJ9B
Sea Eagle Safari
Norway
Duration
2 hours
Price per person
From $ 278
Booking code
HR-SKN9C
Vesterålen and Lofoten by rib
Norway
Duration
2 hours 30 min
Price per person
From $ 644
Booking code
V-SKN9I
Lofoten by horse
Norway
Duration
3 hours 30 min
Price per person
From $ 293
Booking code
HR-SVJ9D
RIB-adventure in Lofoten
Norway
Duration
1 hour 30 min
Price per person
From $ 278
Booking code
HR-SVJ9E
Discover a fishing village
Norway
Duration
1 hour 30 min
Price per person
From $ 158
Booking code
HR-SVJ9F
Electric cruising in Lofoten
Norway
Duration
3 hours 15 min
Price per person
From $ 329
Booking code
HR-SVJ9J
UNESCO Vega archipelago
Norway
Duration
5 hours
Price per person
From $ 449
Booking code
HR-SSJ10B
Visit the salmon
Norway
Duration
2 hours 30 min
Price per person
From $ 188
Booking code
HR-BNN10C
Visit Hildurs Urterarium
Norway
Duration
2 hours
Price per person
From $ 194
Booking code
HR-BNN10E
Trondheim With Nidaros Cathedral
Norway
Duration
2 hours
Price per person
From $ 164
Booking code
HR-TRD11A
The Hidden Rooms Of Nidaros Cathedral
Norway
Duration
2 hours
Price per person
From $ 323
Booking code
V-TRD11B
The Atlantic Road
Norway
Duration
4 hours 30 min
Price per person
From $ 254
Booking code
HR-KSU11C
Bergtatt - Magnificent Marble Mine
Norway
Duration
4 hours 30 min
Price per person
From $ 323
Booking code
HR-KSU11E
Extend your cruise
Get more out of your journey by adding a Pre- or Post-programme before or after your expedition cruise.
Norway In A Nutshell - three-day self-guided tour
Norway
Duration
3 Days
From
Norway in a Nutshell - one day
Norway
Duration
9 Hours
From
$ 370
Booking code
N1400KL2
King crab experience by boat
Norway
From
$ 449
Booking code
KNN1
Evening tour to Aurora Camp
Norway
From
$ 299
Booking code
KKN3
Snowmobile tour
Norway
From
$ 431
Booking code
KKN4
Dogsledding tour
Norway
From
$ 487
Booking code
KKN5
Dogsledding tour under the northern lights
Norway
From
$ 581
Booking code
KKN6
Hunt the northern lights on a snowmobile adventure
Norway
From
$ 487
Booking code
KKN9
Artic Ice Dome
Norway
From
$ 178
Booking code
KKN10
Catch a night in the artic light
Norway
From
$ 1706
Booking code
KKN11
Artic spa under the stars
Norway
From
$ 93
Booking code
KNN12
King crab experience
Norway
From
$ 224
Booking code
KKN14
Sognefjord in a Nutshell
Norway
Duration
10 Hours
From
$ 405
Booking code
E1454KL2
Oslo Panorama Tour
Norway
Duration
3 Hours
From
$ 56
Booking code
CENOSL01
Hiking Mount Fløien in Bergen
Norway
Duration
2 Hours
From
$ 105
Booking code
CENBG01
Island Seafood Dinner & Boat Trip from Bergen
Norway
Duration
5 Hours
From
$ 257
Booking code
CENBG03
Fjord Cruise to Mostraumen
Norway
Duration
3 Hours
From
$ 96
Booking code
CENBGO05
Practical information
Life on board
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Hosts of the coast – our Expedition Teams
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Young Explorers’ Programme: Bring your kids on board
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Onboard activities and lectures along the Norwegian Coast
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Norway's Coastal Kitchen: A trip through the world’s finest pantry
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Vegan on a cruise? Hurtigruten goes vegan!
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À la Carte Menu
Practical information
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Travel Information for The Coastal Express
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Frequently Asked Questions: Hurtigruten Cruises
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What to pack for Norwegian coastal voyages
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Flight Information
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Safer together
