12 days - Return voyage along the Norwegian coast
Sail the full Norwegian coast on a 12-day round voyage from Bergen to Kirkenes and back, from the fjord landscapes of the west to the Arctic Ocean in the north, and home again. The route follows the Kystruten, Norway's working coastal line since 1893, calling at 34 ports as it heads north through narrow fjords and coastal towns to Kirkenes, then returns. Because the ship sails in both directions, the ports you pass at night on the way up are seen by day on the way down.
The round voyage runs year-round, and the season shapes the experience: the Midnight Sun over the Lofoten Islands in summer, the Northern Lights on the approach to Tromsø in winter, watched from the deck or from beneath the glass roof. On selected departures you can join an Astronomy voyage, with an expert lecturer on board and a visit to the Northern Lights planetarium included.
As a Certified B Corporation, 50 Degrees North has designed this tour using handpicked local hoteliers and suppliers who share our ethos of delivering services and activities of high social and environmental standards.
The CO2-e per person per day of all tours is carefully measured following each season. We fully offset all emissions of our tours on your behalf, and we constantly look at ways to reduce emissions where possible.
Norwegian ferry boat
The Norwegian coastal route is shared between two operators, and you can sail this voyage with either fleet. 50 Degrees North is an official partner of both, so we can book either and help you choose the ship and departure that suits you. See the Hurtigruten fleet and the Havila fleet, and the cabins on Hurtigruten and Havila. For more on the route itself, read our guide to the Kystruten, Norway's coastal route.
All prices are per person, based on two people sharing a twin cabin. Rates change daily, and depending on the departure and how close to travel you book, we can often find a better rate, so ask us for a quote for your preferred dates.
Drinks are paid locally.
Ports visited today: Bergen
Welcome to Bergen, once a leading trading centre of the Hanseatic world in the north, and a fine town for walking. A free guide is available from the Tourist Office on Fisketorget. Bergen was the seat of royal power and North Atlantic trade for a time, before the capital moved to Oslo around 1300, and it grew into one of the largest towns in medieval Scandinavia. Hanseatic merchants established their trading office here in the mid-14th century and held a powerful grip on the city's commerce for centuries. While in Bergen you might visit the UNESCO-listed Bryggen wharf, Troldhaugen (the home of composer Edvard Grieg) and the fish market on the harbour.
Getting to your ship and embarkation. The ship sails from the terminal in Bergen. The terminal is usually staffed from 13:00 and open from 15:00 for baggage check-in, with embarkation from 16:00 and cabins available from around 18:00. Departure is at 20:00. You carry your own luggage aboard from the pier. If you arrive early, you are free to explore Bergen until embarkation; lockers are available in the terminal, for which you need local currency. An information meeting is usually held on the evening of departure and covers safety on board, and the tour leader assists with general information and the excursion program.
Ports today: Florø, Måløy, Torvik, Ålesund, Molde.
The ship continues north past islands and skerries to Ålesund, known for the Art Nouveau architecture of its Apotekergate and Kongensgate precinct, rebuilt in that style after the fire of 1904. There is a fine view from Mount Aksla, 418 steps up, and the Atlanterhavsparken, one of the largest saltwater aquariums in northern Europe, is worth a visit. In summer the route enters the UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord, among steep peaks, green slopes and waterfalls. At other times of year it takes in the Hjørundfjord instead, a quieter fjord set among the Sunnmøre Alps. Molde, the "town of roses", offers a view of 222 peaks from the Molde Panorama.
Ports today: Kristiansund, Trondheim, Rørvik.
In the old royal city of Trondheim, take in the view from the Gamle Bybrua, the neo-gothic Old Town Bridge dating from 1861. Nidaros Cathedral, begun around 1070 and completed around 1300, is Norway's great medieval cathedral, and the Norwegian crown regalia are kept in the neighbouring Archbishop's Palace. Nearby stand the old Hanseatic warehouses on their wooden stilts, and Stiftsgården, one of the largest wooden buildings in Scandinavia and the royal residence when the family visits. Leaving Trondheim, the ship passes the Kjeungskjær lighthouse and countless islands and rocky outcrops before the narrow Stokksund and the arrival at Rørvik.
Ports today: Brønnøysund, Sandnessjøen, Nesna, Ørnes, Bodø, Stamsund, Svolvær.
This morning, between Nesna and Ørnes, a globe on a small islet marks your crossing of the Arctic Circle. In summer this brings 24-hour daylight, the Midnight Sun; in autumn and winter, the best chance of the Northern Lights. First-time crossers may receive an Arctic Circle baptism from Njord, an ice cube down the back, entirely optional and good fun to watch. Towards Bodø the ship follows the Helgeland coast and passes Torghatten, the mountain with a hole clean through it, around 160 metres long. In the afternoon it approaches the Lofoten Wall, the line of peaks above the small fishing villages of the Lofoten Islands, a fine place to step ashore and walk between the stockfish racks and the red rorbuer cabins.
Ports today: Stokmarknes, Sortland, Risøyhamn, Harstad, Finnsnes, Tromsø, Skjervøy.
Overnight the ship navigates the narrow Raftsund. After Harstad, on Hinnøya, the largest island in mainland Norway, you continue to Tromsø for a longer stop. Many Arctic expeditions began here, and Roald Amundsen drew crew and supplies from the town. Home to the Norwegian Polar Institute and the world's northernmost university, Tromsø has a lively cultural life. Its landmark Arctic Cathedral is well worth visiting, and the Fjellheisen cable car climbs to Storsteinen for the best views over the city, where you can try a beer from one of the world's northernmost breweries. North of Tromsø the ship enters the stretch of coast with the best chance of the Northern Lights between September and March, watched from the deck or the glass roof.
Ports today: Øksfjord, Hammerfest, Havøysund, Honningsvåg, Kjøllefjord, Mehamn, Berlevåg.
Through Magerøysund and after an early stop in Hammerfest, you reach Honningsvåg, the gateway to the North Cape, which rises over 300 metres from the sea. At 71°10′21″ north it sits roughly 2,100 kilometres from the geographical North Pole, and from the plateau you get the strange sense of standing at the edge of the world. The Gjesværstappan sanctuary nearby holds large seabird colonies, including puffins. In summer you may see reindeer and Sámi camps; in winter and spring, fishermen from Kjøllefjord sometimes come aboard to share their catch of cod and king crab. As you approach Kjøllefjord, you pass Finnkirka, a rock formation sacred to the Sámi people.
Ports today: Båtsfjord, Vardø, Vadsø, Kirkenes, Berlevåg.
You reach Vadsø early, in the Varanger region, one of the Arctic's best birdwatching areas, on the migration path between east and west. The final northbound port is Kirkenes, close to the Russian border and the Kola Peninsula, which is why many road signs are written in both Norwegian and Russian. A king crab safari is the signature experience here. Turning south, the ports you passed at night on the way up are now seen by day. In the afternoon the ship calls at Vardø, Norway's easternmost port, where in winter you may be invited to try ice bathing in the Arctic Ocean, before Berlevåg, a small working fishing village.
Ports today: Mehamn, Kjøllefjord, Honningsvåg, Havøysund, Hammerfest, Øksfjord, Skjervøy, Tromsø.
In the night the ship calls at Mehamn, a small fishing village that once had one of Finnmark's largest whaling stations. Next is Hammerfest, settled since the Stone Age and still an important fishing port. Granted town status in 1789 to develop trade with Russia, it became a base for High Arctic hunting expeditions. Visit the Meridian Column, erected in 1854 and now part of the UNESCO-listed Struve Geodetic Arc. As early as 1891, Hammerfest was among the first towns in northern Europe with electric street lighting, and energy remains part of its story, with the large LNG plant on Melkøya just outside town. Continuing south from Øksfjord and across open water, there is a quick stop at Skjervøy before the passage through Lyngenfjord, below the Lyngen Alps, and on to Tromsø again, this time at night, when a midnight concert in the Arctic Cathedral is worth catching.
Ports today: Tromsø, Finnsnes, Harstad, Risøyhamn, Sortland, Stokmarknes, Svolvær, Stamsund.
Today the ship passes through Risøyrenna, the dredged "inside route" between Harstad and Sortland. Sortland is the "blue town", painted in shades of blue on an idea by local artist Bjørn Elvenes. At Stokmarknes you pass the old MS Finnmarken, preserved as a monument, and can learn about the coast's history at the Hurtigruten Museum. Continuing south, the coast ahead looks like a solid wall until the ship slips into the narrow Raftsund between Vesterålen and Lofoten. Weather and time allowing, it makes a detour into the Trollfjord, where steep cliffs rise close on either side and sea eagles nest. The daylight passage through Lofoten is a highlight for many, past steep mountains and fishing villages, with Svolvær the main settlement and Stamsund in the shadow of the Lofoten Wall.
Ports today: Bodø, Ørnes, Nesna, Sandnessjøen, Brønnøysund, Rørvik.
The Helgeland coast, with its hundreds of islets, farmland and steep granite walls, is worth an early start. Today is your last north of the Arctic Circle, which you cross between Ørnes and Nesna. This stretch is rich in local lore, including the legend of the Seven Sisters, a row of peaks, and the story of the arrow that made the hole in Torghatten. Between Sandnessjøen and Brønnøysund you pass the Vega Archipelago, a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognised for the long relationship between people and eider ducks, whose nests are protected in return for their down. Brønnøysund is a pretty little town, good for a walk along Havnegata among the boats.
Ports today: Trondheim, Kristiansund, Molde, Ålesund.
Another chance to explore Trondheim, whose Nidaros Cathedral is one of Scandinavia's largest medieval buildings, and where Norwegian kings have been crowned. Kristiansund, near the Atlantic Road, holds the title of Norway's klippfisk (dried, salted cod) capital, a nod to its main historic export. Crossing to Molde, the "town of roses", named for the gardens its Gulf Stream climate supports, you can see the pointed peaks of the Romsdal Alps on the way out.
Ports today: Ålesund, Torvik, Måløy, Florø, Bergen.
As the voyage nears its end, the ship passes Ålesund, Torvik and Måløy overnight. In the morning, the final leg runs down a coast defined by some of Norway's great landscapes: the Nordfjord reaching inland below the vast Jostedalsbreen glacier, the long Sognefjord, and the islands of the Bergen archipelago, before you disembark in Bergen.
From price per person, twin share. The coastal voyage prices fluctuate daily depending on demand and the season (high season is May to Sep), so this price can only be indicative as we will need to price based on your day of travel.
Any discounts will be applied to your personal request.
Our destination specialists can offer expert advice on ships, cabins and routing, as well as the best time to travel.
Booking your cabin. When choosing your cabin, take note of its dimensions so you are happy with the size. Additional storage is available on board on request from staff.
Optional excursions. We recommend booking your optional excursions once you are on board. Coastal weather and conditions vary, so booking on board lets you match your choices to the day and stay flexible. Popular excursions can fill up and are subject to weather, local conditions and minimum and maximum numbers, so it is worth deciding early in your voyage. Before you travel, speak to your destination specialist, who can talk you through the excursions we recommend for your route and season.
A working route. Sailing the Kystruten, you join a piece of Norwegian history and daily life. These are working ships: locals bring their cars home, post is delivered, and supplies are dropped off and collected. When a ship pauses for a few hours, it is not only so travellers can stroll ashore.
Weather and the schedule. Weather may affect some activities, and the schedule can be adjusted for the best experience. For multi-activity stays, the order is often confirmed locally on arrival, and durations or locations may vary with conditions. Activities that cannot be rescheduled due to weather are usually refunded, as determined by the activity provider.
Is the Northern Lights guaranteed?
The aurora is a natural phenomenon and can never be guaranteed, but the winter route gives you a strong chance, and both operators offer a Northern Lights Promise on their round voyages between 1 October to 31 March. In short, if the lights do not appear during a qualifying winter voyage, you receive a further single-direction voyage at no cost. This 12-day round voyage qualifies for both operators' promises within their date windows. For more on when to travel, see our guide to the best time for the Northern Lights.
The Norwegian coastal voyage is one of the great unhurried journeys. Sailing between Bergen and Kirkenes along a coastline of islands, fjords and remote fishing communities, the Havila ships call at 34 ports in each direction, carrying locals, cargo and travellers in equal measure. It is not a cruise in the conventional sense, and understanding what it is, and what it is not, will help you get the most from the experience.
Our helpful hints guide to a Norwegian Coastal Voyage with Hurtigruten. Many of our Nordic-native team have travelled the coastal voyage themselves and can walk you through how it works on board.
Packing for Lapland is less about bringing more and more about bringing the right things. This guide shares practical advice on winter travel, luggage and cold-weather comfort, alongside links to detailed snow clothing checklists.
Norwegian coastal ships are working vessels operating a regular service to a set timetable, and a set itinerary, carrying goods, vehicles and foot passengers between ports, by night and day, as an integral part of Norwegian daily life (some noise may be experienced during docking and loading/unloading). It may very occasionally be necessary to omit or curtail stops due to weather or other conditions. Some stops may be very short and some are at night. As Christmas approaches itineraries may change in order for ships to host dinners and celebrations for local communities. Please ensure you are back onboard by sailing time, especially if the ship has arrived late, as it may leave as scheduled to make up time.
The departure time is advertised at the gangway and vessels are NOT able to wait for passengers who are late. If you miss the ship it is your responsibility to make arrangements to rejoin the voyage at the next possible stop or return home.
This is generally available 24 hours a day serving beverages, sandwiches and a small selection of hot and cold dishes. On some departures the catering service at night will be managed by the reception staff.
If you are travelling by car further information on vehicles and parking at ports is available from Hurtigruten. Access to the vehicle deck is only permitted when the ship is moored.
Ships generally accept VISA, American Express, Eurocard, Diners Club and JBC International, plus most currencies.
We recommend that passengers acquire a cruise card to make payments on board. This may be obtained from reception onboard and used to make payments throughout the ship. They accept credit cards or cash as a deposit. You need to get the bill sorted on the last night to be sure it is finalised.
Special diets, such as vegetarian must be ordered well before departure.
All ships have lifts and cabins for disabled guests. People with severe disabilities or who are unable to take care of themselves must be accompanied by a carer.
The ships are licensed to sell drinks onboard, however please note the price of alcohol in Norway due to heavy taxes. The water package can be included into your voyage at a small extra cost
220 V AC 2 pin, and a continental adaptor is required.
Available on all ships.
Be sure to bring some swimming attire for the jacuzzi!
All ships offer internet access via satellite. In most harbours, mobile/cellular networks (3G) are available if bringing your own PC and a mobile access subscription. The wireless coverage varies from ship to ship and will be improved yearly. The passengers have to contact the reception on board for information on how to get access to the internet (free of charge). No internet access in the cabins (except in some suites). Internet cafe (if present), with minimum 2 PCs.
Kystruten ships are working vessels operating a regular service to a set schedule, carrying vehicles, cargo and foot passengers by day and night (some noise may be noticed during docking or loading). Some stops are short and/or are during the night. It may occasionally be necessary to omit or curtail visits due to weather/local conditions, and you will be notified of this.
Most ships have laundry facilities with washing machines and tumble dryers. Tokens may be purchased from reception.
A daily baggage service is available in Bergen from the airport and selected city-centre hotels to the Hurtigruten terminal. For groups, luggage handling must be agreed with Hurtigruten prior to travel. This in not included in the price of your voyage.
Meals are served at set times in the restaurant. In high season, times may vary if there are several sittings. A breakfast buffet (open seating) with a wide selection is served 07.30hrs -10.00hrs. A buffet lunch (open seating) with hot and cold dishes and desserts is usually served 12hrs-14.30hrs and a three course set dinner 18.30hrs-21.00hrs. In Bergen a buffet is usually served 18.30hrs-21.30hrs. Exact times are given on board. Tea and coffee facilities are only provided in cabins above U Class. Tea and coffee are available free of charge after lunch and dinner but can be purchased around the clock. Please read our news articles about dining on board Hurtigruten.
It is recommended that pets are not brought on long journeys and special rules apply to the transport of animals; contact us for further information. We do however welcome guide dogs on board.
As there are only short distances between ports there is neither a doctor nor a pharmacy on board.
Most ships have a playroom except MS Midnatsol and MS Trollfjord.
Do not forget to bring your binoculars, camera and/or a video camera. Take practical, warm and windproof clothing for going out on deck. Smart, but casual clothes are recommended on board. Good comfortable footwear is vital for excursions.
Souvenirs, knitwear, postcards, DVDs of the journey, stamps and a small supply of toiletries are sold on board.
Smoking is not permitted in cabins or public areas. It is allowed up on the open deck but prohibited at all times when the ships are in port.
For reasons of safety it may sometimes be necessary to keep cabin ventilators/port-holes obscured.
All ships have payphones and a fax machine. There is generally good coverage for mobile phones.
There is a tour leader on board all year round. On some departures this service is managed by reception. External tour leaders (groups) are requested to contact the reception for information on practical details.
We can offer transfers in Bergen, Trondheim and Kirkenes.
There is a safe in reception. Ships accept no responsibility for valuables and money kept in cabins.
When arriving at night disembarking passengers are woken between half an hour and one hour before arrival.
Temperatures usually vary between 2°C and -10°C in winter. Summer temperatures in northern Norway vary between 10°C and 30°C depending on latitude.
On your final morning of your voyage, be sure to take everything with you when you go for breakfast. The ship gets prepared for the next voyage and your rooms will be cleaned promptly. You may be charged for re-entry.
You can pre-book your optional excursions with us. However, you can also wait until you are onboard and do it then - however, there is a maximum number and they can book out. It is not possible to pre-book within 2 weeks prior to departure. Excursions and their contents are subject to maximum/minimum numbers and weather/local conditions. During quieter months, some excursions may not get the numbers required so please ask us when booking about the minimum numbers needed for each excursion.
Travel insurance is compulsory for all tours with 50 Degrees North. The safety of our travellers, staff and operators is a major priority of 50 Degrees North. With an operational office in Norway, 50 Degrees North has access to an up-to-the-minute flow of information regarding the countries we work in. We are also in regular contact with the various operators we use. Their in-depth knowledge and understanding of their various areas is vital.
This is a general packing checklist for Scandinavian winter travel. You don’t need everything every day, but these items cover most winter conditions across the region.
If you’re new to winter travel, start with our guide to travelling in Scandinavia during winter to understand what conditions are really like. For practical advice on managing luggage and day-to-day winter travel, see our Lapland winter packing advice, and for detailed guidance on what to wear and how to layer, read our Snow Clothing Essentials guide.
Outer layers
Base and mid layers
Accessories for warmth
Footwear
Everyday and practical items
Health, documents and electronics
Sun and eye protection
