Hurtigruten Norway

50 Degrees North offers a range of voyages along Norway's coast, on both the Hurtigruten and Havila fleets.

Experience the natural beauty of Norway's coastline on the Norwegian coastal route, calling at up to 34 ports as part of a working sea route that still serves the country's remote communities.

The route is shared between two operators, Hurtigruten and Havila Voyages, which alternate departure days, so the ship you sail on depends on the departure you choose. We work with both and can help you find the right voyage, ship and date. Both sail year-round from Bergen in the southwest to Kirkenes in the far north, near the Russian border, calling at ports large and small, some home to just a few hundred people, and carrying freight and mail alongside travellers.

The Classic Norwegian Round Trip Cruise can be taken year-round, with a different character in every season. Travel in winter for snow-covered mountains and the Northern Lights, or in summer for the midnight sun from the deck.

For full or shorter port-to-port voyages, our sailing schedule shows how the route runs. To learn more, read our Hurtigruten information and advice, and compare the ships on the Hurtigruten fleet and the Havila fleet pages.

Choose your voyage

There are many ways to sail the coast: the Voyage North, the Voyage South, or the full Classic Norwegian Round Trip Cruise. You can also shape your journey with shorter port-to-port sailings and Northern Lights voyages, which allow more time in the most scenic stretches, and combine a coastal voyage with time on land in Norway.

Depending on your preferred departure, your voyage will be operated by either Hurtigruten or Havila. The two share the route but offer a different experience on board, and we're happy to talk through the differences and recommend the ship that suits you. To see the full range, browse our Norwegian Coastal Voyages.

To travel with Hurtigruten beyond Norway, see our selection of Hurtigruten Arctic expedition voyages.

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Norwegian coastal voyages: your questions answered

Will I sail with Hurtigruten or Havila?

It depends on the departure you choose. The coastal route is shared between the two operators, which alternate departure days, so the ship is determined by your travel date rather than booked separately. We work with both and can tell you which operator runs a given departure, and help you choose based on the ship and dates that suit you.

What's the difference between Hurtigruten and Havila?

Both sail the same route, Bergen to Kirkenes, calling at the same ports, so the journey itself is very similar. The difference is on board. Havila's ships are the newest on the route, with a battery-hybrid system, seaview cabins as standard and à la carte dining. Hurtigruten operates a larger, more varied fleet across seven ships. We're happy to talk through which suits you. To compare, see the Hurtigruten fleet and the Havila fleet.

How long does the voyage take?

The full round trip from Bergen to Kirkenes and back takes 12 days. You can also sail one way: the northbound voyage takes 7 days and the southbound 6 days. Shorter port-to-port sections are possible too, and pair well with time on land.

When is the best time to go?

The route sails year-round, and each season is different. Winter brings snow-covered mountains and the chance to see the Northern Lights. Summer brings the midnight sun and long days on deck. Spring and autumn are quieter. Our sailing schedule shows how the route runs across the year.

Which cabin should I choose?

Both operators offer a range from budget inside cabins to spacious suites. On longer voyages we usually suggest a little more space than the entry-level cabin. See our guide to cabins on Hurtigruten and Havila for the full range on each fleet.

What should I pack?

Layers are the golden rule, Norway's coastal weather can change quickly, and wind makes a big difference out on deck. See our guide to how to pack for a Norwegian coastal voyage.

Can I combine a voyage with time on land?

Yes. A coastal voyage pairs naturally with the fjords, the Arctic north and the Nordic capitals. See our range of Norway trips that include a coastal voyage, or browse all our Norwegian Coastal Voyages.