Boarding any of the 11 Hurtigruten ships that ply almost the entire length of the Norwegian fjords the whole year round brings its own reward to the traveler wishing to experience up close some of Scandinavia’s most pristine scenery.
Initially developed in the late C19th as a way of improving the links between Norway’s upcoming coastal cities, travel times were transformed from weeks to mere days by boat and the enterprise soon expanded to tourism from the 1980s.
Hurtigruten Cruise
The Hurtigruten – literally ‘Express Route’ – now travels more than 2,500km north and south between Kirkenes on the Russian border and Bergen. Passengers typically book a complete voyage, which can take up to 12 days including mainland excursions, taking in some key Norwegian cities including Trondheim and Tromso. Alternatively ‘point to point’ trips are available from various points along the route.
Guests travel in style too with the MS Trollfjord, a typical member of the fleet, carrying more than 800 passengers and containing onboard cafes, restaurants, a conference room, Jacuzzi and exercise room. There is a car deck onboard the ships also.
Northern Lights
For those seeking some truly once in a lifetime experiences there are smaller trips geared around seeking the spectacular Northern Lights in the Northern Hemisphere winter, a safari that takes guests to the narrow, deep water fjords home to the Killer Whale, or even a deep sea fishing experience in the rich waters of the Barents Sea.
An example seven day cruise - the Classic Voyage North - takes guests from Bergen to Kirkenes, the entire route. This features stops at Alesund, Molde, Trondheim before crossing the Arctic Circle and heading for the wild Lofoten Islands, Tromso and beyond for Norway’s extreme north. This trip, featuring additional optional excursions, starts from 8,785 Norwegian Krone ($1,375/ €1,018).
Bergen to Kirkenes
A more extensive 12 day round trip cruise travelling from Bergen to Kirkenes and back to Bergen starts from NOK 12,550 ($1,967/ €1,457), taking in 35 ports en route. Both these example cruises run year round.
Prices fall in the low season as the weather becomes harsher, but this in itself brings a different allure to witnessing the stark and beautiful fjords during a Norwegian winter. In any season seeing these majestic natural wonders of the world should be top of the must-see list for any visitor to Norway.
For more details on Hurtigruten cruises, prices and excursions, visit the company website here. Booking is available online, alternatively details of worldwide booking agents are available.
Andrew Latham - I am a self-confessed lover of travel and always keen to discover another 'must see location' somewhere on this giant rock, finances ...
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