Hurtigruten with our Midnight Sun Lapland journey
Experience the long summer days of the north by combining a Norwegian Coastal Voyage with a memorable stay in Finnish Lapland on our Midnight Sun in Lapland journey.
Would you like to experience Norway's dramatic coastline, Finnish lakes and forests, and the distinctive culture and hospitality of Lapland in one northern summer holiday?
Our Midnight Sun in Lapland tour combines time in Finnish Lapland with a Norwegian coastal voyage, creating a journey through two very different but closely connected northern landscapes.
Hurtigruten's Norwegian Coastal Voyages are particularly beautiful in summer, when long days and the Midnight Sun illuminate the coast. The journey can then be combined with time in Finnish Lapland, where lakes, forests and Arctic wilderness provide a wonderfully peaceful contrast to life at sea.
Start your summer adventure in Norway
The Norwegian Coastal Express travels between Bergen and Kirkenes throughout the year, with summer offering long days, green landscapes and the chance to experience the coast beneath the Midnight Sun.
From Bergen, the voyage takes you north through some of Norway's most spectacular coastal scenery. The route passes dramatic fjords, islands, fishing villages and historic coastal towns before reaching the far north.
As you travel beyond the Arctic Circle, the summer light becomes increasingly extraordinary. In northern Norway, the sun remains above the horizon around the summer solstice, creating the distinctive phenomenon known as the Midnight Sun.
The current Coastal Express operates year-round, and the summer months of June to August are particularly associated with long daylight hours and the Midnight Sun.
The voyage also takes you through Lofoten and Vesterålen, past the dramatic Lofoten Wall and across the Arctic Circle. In summer, selected northbound departures sail into the UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord, while other seasons feature Hjørundfjord.
For travellers who want to see more of Norway beyond the ship, our Norwegian Coastal Voyages combined with land packages offer a way to build a longer journey around the coastal voyage.
Continue north into Finnish Lapland
From Kirkenes, the Norwegian Coastal Express reaches the far north-east of Norway, close to the Finnish border. From here, it is possible to continue into Finnish Lapland and experience a completely different side of the Arctic.
Our Midnight Sun in Lapland itinerary takes you into Finland's northern wilderness, where vast forests, lakes and open landscapes create a peaceful setting for a summer escape.
Finnish Lapland is particularly magical in summer. The long daylight hours allow plenty of time for exploring, hiking and enjoying the outdoors, while the landscape takes on a rich green colour after the long winter.
The region is also home to a strong Sámi cultural heritage. Inari is an important centre of Sámi culture in Finland and is home to the Siida Sámi Museum, where you can learn more about Sámi culture, northern nature and life in the region.
Sámi culture and the landscapes of Lapland
A summer journey through Lapland is an opportunity to experience the region beyond its famous winter attractions.
Visit the Finnish Lapland landscapes of forests and lakes, learn about Sámi culture and spend time outdoors beneath the long northern summer light.
Inari is particularly significant for understanding Sámi culture. The area is home to the Sámi Museum Siida, which explores the cultural heritage and natural environment of northern Finland.
The region's traditional relationship with reindeer is also an important part of Lapland's cultural heritage. Learning about this relationship provides a deeper understanding of life in the far north and the ways people have adapted to the Arctic environment.
Summer under the Midnight Sun
The Midnight Sun changes the rhythm of life in the north. Rather than heading indoors as evening approaches, you can continue exploring, walking and enjoying the landscape well into the night.
In Finnish Lapland, the long summer days are ideal for outdoor experiences. Hiking, lake cruises, time in the sauna and visits to local businesses and cultural sites can all be part of a summer journey.
The Hurtigruten Coastal Express also embraces the Midnight Sun during its summer voyages. The current programme highlights the opportunity to experience endless daylight in the north while travelling through coastal communities and Arctic landscapes.
Norway and Finland in one northern journey
Combining a Norwegian Coastal Voyage with Finnish Lapland gives you the best of two very different northern experiences.
Norway brings dramatic mountains, fjords, islands and coastal communities, while Finnish Lapland offers forests, lakes, Sámi culture and a slower rhythm surrounded by wilderness.
It is also a particularly rewarding way to experience the north in summer. Rather than simply visiting one destination, you follow the landscape across borders and experience how the character of the Arctic changes from the Norwegian coast to the forests and lakes of Finnish Lapland.
Explore our Midnight Sun in Lapland package to see the current itinerary, inclusions and departure dates.
For more ways to experience Norway by sea, explore our Norwegian Coastal Voyages.
You can also read our Norwegian Coastal Voyages articles for more travel inspiration and practical advice.
Talk to our Destination Specialists about combining Norway and Finnish Lapland in one memorable summer journey.