11 Night Classic Roundtrip Voyage Bergen to Kirkenes and Back Cruise from Bergen

Your voyage starts in Bergen, Norway's second-largest city and a gateway to the fjords. Founded in 1070 AD, Bergen boasts architecture influenced by the prosperous 14th-century German trading organization, the Hanseatic League. If you have time before your ship departs, visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed wharfs in the colorful Bryggen district, now a neighborhood with artisan's shops, complete with cobblestone streets. Just across the street is the famous fish market, which serves delicious seafood. The Floibanen funicular can also whisk you up Mount Floyen for lovely views of the city. Before boarding, 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 the Hjeltefjord. You'll also meet your ship's Coastal Experts, who will be your guides as we sail Norway's coastline. They'll organize lectures, onboard activities, and optional hikes. Time in port: Bergen: 02:45 pm to 08:30 pm.

Enjoy early morning in the breathtaking Nordfjord, near Torvik. Then, we'll sail past the West Cape for our approach to Alesund. The city of Alesund is renowned for its beautiful Art Nouveau architecture and Atlanterhavsparken, one of northern Europe's largest saltwater aquariums. If you're traveling with us in spring or winter, you'll have most of the day to explore this picturesque town. In the summer, we set our course for the spectacular UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord, passing some of the most magnificent scenery in Norway. Once in the fjord, you may see the famous Seven Sisters waterfalls cascading down the cliffs. In autumn, we explore Hjorundfjord, hidden away in the Sunnmore Alps. We'll also call at the scenic village of Urke. Here, you can admire thousand-year-old farms, the fjord, and the lush mountainsides. The last port of the day is Molde. In summer, there might just enough daylight to see the amazing view of the 222 mountain peaks across the fjord, called the 'Molde Panorama'. And from mid-June to late August, the streets and gardens are adorned with roses of all shades and scents, all solidifying Molde's nickname as the 'City of Roses'. Time in port: Floro: 02:45 am to 03:00 am, Maloy: 05:15 am to 05:30 am, Torvik: 08:20 am to 08:30 am, Alesund (11/01 to 05/31): 09:45 am to 08:00 pm, Alesund (06/01 to 10/31): 09:45 am to 10:00 am, Geiranger (06/01 to 08/31): 02:25 pm to 02:45 pm, Alesund (06/01 to 08/31): 07:00 pm to 08:00 pm, Urke (09/01 to 10/31): 12:15 pm to 03:45 pm, Alesund (09/01 to 10/31): 06:00 pm to 08:00 pm, Molde: 10:35 pm to 11:05 pm.

This section of the voyage brings us to the Trondelag region of Norway, marked by crumpled hills, fields dotted with farmsteads, and low-lying coastal settlements. Magical, medieval, and modern, Trondheim was founded by Viking King Olav Tryggvason in 997 AD and is now Norway's third-largest city. It features a mix of historic buildings and a lively student population. You'll have three hours to explore Trondheim and its various highlights, either on your own or on one of our optional excursions. A must-see site of the city is Nidaros Cathedral, nicknamed 'Norway's Notre Dame' for its Gothic architectural style. It is 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 neighborhood's colorful wooden wharves, which are propped up on stilts by the river's edge, now house trendy restaurants. Up from Bakklandet is Kristiansten Fortress, which features beautiful panoramic views of the city and fjord. In the afternoon, the ship will sail northwest, passing the ochre-colored Kjeungskjaer Lighthouse, islets, and rocky reefs. After that, we'll head towards charming Rorvik. Time in port: Kristiansund: 02:45 am to 03:00 am, Trondheim: 09:45 am to 12:45 pm, Rorvik: 09:40 pm to 10:00 pm.

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! North of the Arctic Circle in summer, you can enjoy the sun 24 hours a day, while in winter, your chances of seeing the Northern Lights greatly improve. At 10 am, we'll dock in Ornes, near Norway's second-largest glacier, Svartisen. The pier here is popular for the 'Love Bench', where sweethearts declare their lasting romance with a padlock. Then, we'll sail to Bodo, Northern Norway's second-largest city, overlooked by the Borvass peaks. Admire fabulous street art or join an optional boat excursion to Saltstraumen, the world's most powerful maelstrom. The ship enters the Lofoten archipelago in the afternoon. The Lofoten Wall, standing over 3,200 feet tall, is a stunning sight on the horizon. Stamsund is home to one of the largest fishing fleets in the islands, which is busiest between January and April, when the Arctic cod-known locally as skrei-swim from the Barents Sea in the north down to Vestfjord to spawn. This evening, you'll know you've arrived in the pretty harbor of Svolvaer when you see rows of traditional fisherman's huts on stilts, known as rorbuer. This is the main town of the Lofoten archipelago. Time in port: Bronnoysund: 01:35 am to 01:45 am, Sandnessjoen: 04:35 am to 04:50 am, Nesna: 06:00 am to 06:10 am, Ornes: 10:00 am to 10:10 am, Bodo: 01:05 pm to 03:20 pm, Stamsund: 07:15 pm to 07:40 pm, Svolvaer: 09:20 pm to 10:15 pm.

We dock in Harstad just after 7 am. Feel free to have 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 your eyes peeled for a variety of seabirds, including puffins, as there are several colonies nearby. You may also spot whales in the waters here, especially during the winter season. Then, we'll sail to the historic Arctic exploration capital of Tromso, where you'll have four hours to explore the city or join an optional excursion. You'll find Polaria (the world's northernmost aquarium) and the nice waterfront. Pop in to one of the many shops and restaurants in the city center, including Mack Brewery and the Olhallen pub, a favorite local watering hole. There are also trendy cafes offering delicious cinnamon buns and where baristas create innovative coffee-foam art. Across the fjord from where the ship docks, check out the iconic Arctic Cathedral, with its beautiful stained-glass mosaic. Leaving Tromso in the early evening, we'll head north for the trading post of Skjervoy, founded in 1622. On our way, we'll pass the Lyngen Alps, which rise majestically from the sea. Time in port: Stokmarknes: 01:30 am to 01:40 am, Sortland: 02:55 am to 03:10 am, Risoyhamn: 04:35 am to 04:50 am, Harstad: 07:10 am to 07:45 am, Finnsnes: 11:00 am to 11:30 am, Tromso: 2:15 pm to 6:15 pm, Skjervoy: 10:10 pm to 10:25 pm.

The ship reaches the town of Hammerfest on the island of Kvaloya early in the morning. In the summer, herds of reindeer migrate to the island by the thousands. You'll know we've reached Havoysund when you see the wind turbines of the landmark Havoygavlen wind farm, which produces enough electricity to power 6,000 local homes. In the mid-morning, we'll arrive at Honningsvag, the gateway to the North Cape, where a globe monument marks the top of continental Europe. The optional excursion up to the dramatic promontory is very popular, so you'll want to book early. Near the entrance of the Kjollefjord village, look out for the striking, building-like rock formation Finnkirka, an ancient sacrificial site once used by the indigenous Sami. You can join an optional excursion to meet local Sami, learn about their reindeer-herding life, and listen to joik folk songs. We'll reach our northernmost port of call, Mehamn, in the evening. If you're visiting during the months of February and March, you might spot cod drying on outdoor wooden racks, called hjell, mainly destined for export. The ship then sets off for Berlevag. On the way, we'll pass the tall Slettnes Lighthouse, the planet's northernmost mainland lighthouse. Time in port: Oksfjord: 01:50 am to 02:00 am, Hammerfest: 05:05 am to 05:45 am, Havoysund: 08:30 am to 08:45 am, Honningsvag: 10:55 am to 02:30 pm, Kjollefjord: 04:40 pm to 05:00 pm, Mehamn: 06:55 pm to 07:15 pm, Berlevag: 10:00 pm to 10:10 pm.

We call at Batsfjord and Vardo during the night, before docking at Vadso early in the morning. Look to the skies: The area around Vadso is one of the most scenic and popular birdwatching spots in the Arctic, lying directly under the migration path of birds flying from east to west. Watch for hooded crows and sea eagles. Next-door neighbors: By the time we reach Kirkenes after breakfast, you'll have traveled farther east than St. Petersburg and Istanbul! You'll have many optional excursions to choose from to explore the area. Kirkenes is just a few miles from the Russian border. This neighbor has had many influences on Norway, from road signs in both Norwegian and Russian to a monthly Russian market and the World War II Russian monument. The journey's turning point: Kirkenes is where the Norwegian Coastal Express changes direction and the ship heads south. Several of the places we stopped at during the night we'll now see during the day. Back in Vardo, visit the solemn Witches' Monument and the star-shaped Vardohus Fortress, built in 1737. The northernmost fortification of any kind, it remains in use by the military to this day. We'll return to the small, bustling port of Batsfjord and then make for Berlevag in the late evening, crossing paths with the northbound ship. TIME IN PORT: Batsfjord: 12 am-12:30 am; Vardo: 3:30 am-3:45 am; Vadso: 6:55 am-7:10 am; Kirkenes: 9 am-12:30 pm; Vardo: 4:05 pm-5 pm; Batsfjord: 8 pm-8:30 pm; Berlevag: 10:25 pm-10:35 pm.

We make stops at Mehamn and Kjollefjord during the night before early-morning visits to Honningsvag and Havoysund. In the early afternoon, you'll spend time in Hammerfest, once the northernmost town in the world (until Longyearbyen in Svalbard claimed the title). Check out the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Meridian Column, shop for souvenirs at the Polar Bear Society, or take the path behind the town to the viewpoint on Mount Salen. We'll continue cruising Norway's coastline south to Oksfjord and then continue to Skjervoy, surrounded by mountain peaks. Hurtigruten's been docking at this vital fishing port since 1896. If you're visiting in the winter, you might spot the orcas and humpback whales that gather here to feed on herring. As we make our way to Tromso, you might also glimpse views of the Lyngen Alps, which boast some of the highest peaks in all of Norway. We dock at Tromso just before midnight. In the summer months, stroll the still-busy city in glorious 24-hour daylight. TIME IN PORT: Mehamn: 1:20 am-1:30 am; Kjollefjord: 3:25 am-3:35 am; Honningsvag: 5:45 am-6 am; Havoysund: 8 am-8:15 am; Hammerfest: 11 am-12:45 pm; Oksfjord: 3:50 pm-4:05 pm; Skjervoy: 7:30 pm-7:45 pm; Tromso: 11:45 pm-1:30 am.

On this day, you'll be exploring the archipelagos of Lofoten and Vesteralen, true highlights of our scenic Norwegian route. After a call at Finnsnes in the early morning, the ship calls at Harstad. Here lies the world's northernmost medieval stone church: the white-washed Trondenes Church. Next we'll stop at Risoyhamn, our smallest port of call. Then, it's off to Sortland, where the landscape slowly transforms from hills to mountains towering over 3,280 feet high. Our birthplace Stokmarknes is where captain Richard With launched The Norwegian Coastal Express in 1893. Visit Hurtigrutemuseet, a building resembling a ship in a bottle. It chronicles the Hurtigruten legacy, centered around retired ship MS Finnmarken from 1956. Sailing along Raftsund, the Captain may choose to take the ship into the tiny Trollfjord. The mountain walls will look so close, you'll think you can reach out and touch them! To exit the fjord, the ship will rotate 180 degrees in a single spot, then sail back out. Remember to look out for sea eagles here, too. We'll reach Svolvaer in the evening. The huge mountain that sits above the town is named the 'Svolvaer Goat', due to its supposed resemblance. The ship then sails to Stamsund, eventually passing the giant granite cliffs of the Lofoten Wall. Time in port: Tromso: 11:45 pm to 01:30 am, Finnsnes: 04:20 am to 04:40 am, Harstad: 08:00 am to 08:30 am, Risoyhamn: 10:45 am to 11:00 am, Sortland: 12:30 pm to 01:00 pm, Stokmarknes: 02:15 pm to 03:15 pm, Svolvaer: 06:30 pm to 08:30 pm, Stamsund: 10:15 pm to 10:30 pm.

The ship will call at Bodo in the wee hours of the morning and then at Ornes at 7 am. Then, we'll cross over the Arctic Circle just after breakfast. We'll commemorate the moment with the time-honored tradition of tasting a spoonful of cod liver oil. Next, we'll make a short stop at Nesna before sailing on to Sandnessjoen, the gateway to the magnificent Helgeland Coast. Admire the stunning landscape of the Seven Sisters mountain range, with peaks stretching up to 3,600 feet. According to legend, seven beautiful troll princesses were caught outside as the sun rose as they fled from an unwanted suitor. The sun turned them into the seven beautiful mountains you see today. Don't miss the distinctive hole passing straight through Torghatten Mountain! There is also a local legend as to how the mountain came to have such a hole. Make sure you ask your Coastal Expert about it! We'll reach Bronnoysund in mid-afternoon. Explore the bustling marina on a walk along Havnegata. In the center of town is Bronnoy Church, a Neo-Gothic style stone church dating back to 1870. Our last stop of the day is the cozy fishing port of Rorvik in the picturesque Vikna Archipelago. Time in port: Bodo: 02:30 am to 03:30 am, Ornes: 06:25 am to 06:35 am, Nesna: 10:25 am to 10:35 am, Sandnessjoen: 11:45 am to 12:15 pm, Bronnoysund: 03:00 pm to 05:25 pm, Rorvik: 09:00 pm to 09:30 pm.

We'll spend the morning in Trondheim, then sail past beautiful island scenery and some of Norway's smallest communities before exploring Kristiansund and Molde. Stroll around Trondheim in the early morning as the city wakes. Then, visit the sacred Nidaros Cathedral, the resting place of St. Olav. Walk to the Gamle Bybro bridge for a photo opportunity over the Nid River. Perhaps treat yourself to quality coffee and a Nordic patisserie in one of the Bakklandet district's many chic cafes. Then walk up to Kristiansten Fortress for sweeping views of Norway's third-largest city. We dock at Kristiansund's harbor in the late afternoon. The town is spread over three islands and is known for being Norway's 'Bacalao Capital' (called klippfisk in Norwegian) for the salted cod that's dried out on the surrounding cliffs. Take a walk around the cobblestone streets of the old town and tour the lively port. You can also head up to the old watchtower at Varden viewpoint for lovely panoramic views. The second-to-last port of the day is Molde, where you can spot the tops of the Romsdal Alps. Flowers should be in bloom in this 'City of Roses' between mid-June and late August. Time in port: Trondheim: 06:30 am to 09:30 am, Kristiansund: 04:30 pm to 05:30 pm, Molde: 09:15 pm to 09:45 pm.

At least for this time around, your voyage will reach its end today. During the previous night, we'll have called at Alesund and Torvik. On our approach to Maloy, you might catch a glimpse of the Norwegian Coastal Express ship heading north (if you're up early enough). You'll have the chance to glimpse the Nordfjord, under the enormous Jostedal Glacier, mainland Europe's largest. The ship then docks at Floro in the morning. There, you can take in the harbor and marina. Leaving Floro, you'll see Stabben Lighthouse, a favorite subject for photographers. Enjoy stunning views as we cross the mouth of the Sognefjord, the longest and widest fjord in all of Norway. As we reach our final port in the afternoon, the ship will navigate through the last islands and skerries of our scenic route, and sail down the Hjeltefjord into Bergen. Sadly, it's time to say farewell to the Captain, crew, and fellow guests. Time in port: Alesund: 00:30 am to 01:20 am, Torvik: 02:35 am to 02:45 am, Maloy: 05:45 am to 06:00 am, Floro: 08:15 am to 08:30 am, Bergen: 02:45 pm.