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  • 1/4 Photo: Sigrid Peters - Gästefoto Photo
  • 2/4 Photo: Simen G. Fangel Photo
  • 3/4 Photo: Madis Särglepp Photo
  • 4/4 Photo: Nathalie Thill Weber - Gästefoto Photo
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The Arctic Circle

Crossing the line to the land of the Midnight Sun and the Northern Lights.

An invisible line sweeps across Sweden, Finland, Russia, Alaska, Canada, Greenland and Iceland - a line that also splits Norway in two. The magic number 66° 33’ marks this line, the Arctic Circle, north of which the midnight sun shines. Above the line, you can see the sun 24 hours a day throughout the summer - or the Northern Lights in the winter, weather permitting.

On Hurtigruten Voyages along the Norwegian coast, we often celebrate crossing the line with rites such as whistle signals and symbolic on-deck baptisms. You will see the line marked on a globe on the small islet of Vikingen, in Rødøy Municipality between Nesna and Ørnes. To the west of this point is the island of Hestmannen, which was depicted in the Nordland legend about trolls that were suddenly turned into stone, becoming the mountains along the Nordland coast. Eastwards, Mefjorden continues up to the Svartisen glacier.

The exact location of the Arctic Circle varies each time you travel past it. Over the course of a full year, the virtual line shifts by almost 15 metres – while Vikingen and its Arctic Circle Monument remain firmly in place. The exact position of the line depends on the angle of the earth’s axis compared to the plane of its orbit at the time.

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  • Up to 30% off & AU$800 onboard credit

    Classic Roundtrip Voyage: Bergen - Kirkenes - Bergen

    The coast of Norway is often rated as one of the most beautiful places on Earth. Discover the full range of this natural treasure on our 12-day round trip voyage. Call on 34 ports, sail world-famous fjords and encounter unforgettable scenery along the way. Learn from complementary lectures and onboard activities from our Hurtigruten Guides and choose from 90 exciting optional excursions.

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    Daily, all year
    Duration
    12 days
    From
    $ 1943
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  • Up to 30% off & AU$560 onboard credit

    Classic Voyage South: Kirkenes - Bergen

    On our Classic Voyage South from Kirkenes to Bergen, we show you enchanting Norwegian landscapes. See fjords, mountains, waterfalls and glaciers, combined with visits to historic cities and cosy coastal towns along the way. Experience the spectacular Norwegian coastline under the Northern Lights in winter or the Midnight Sun in summer. This is a cruise you will never forget.

    Departure
    Daily, All year
    Duration
    6 days
    From
    $ 1088
    See voyage
  • Up to 30% off & AU$560 onboard credit

    Classic Voyage North: Bergen - Kirkenes

    Our Classic Voyage North takes you on a 7-day exploration of Norway’s major coastal cities and remote villages, from Bergen and far beyond the Arctic Circle to Kirkenes. Encounter natural wonders with the chance to take part in exciting activities as you discover the best of Norway’s rugged coastline

    Departure
    Daily, all year
    Duration
    7 days
    From
    $ 1285
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    Photo: Stian Klo Photo

    Attractions along the Norwegian Coast

    Get to know the coastal highlights before your trip to Norway.

  • The North Cape in winter, Norway
    Photo: Peter Kappest Photo

    North Cape

    At 71°10′21′′, North Cape is the northernmost point on the European mainland.

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