Norway by Land & Coastal Steamer Hurtigruten

Arrive in Bergen this afternoon and take the airport bus into downtown Bergen. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure sightseeing in Bergen, a city often referred to as the gateway to the fjords. A hike or Fløibanen Funicular journey up to the top of Mount Fløyen is a must for first-time visitors to the city. There is great shopping in the old Hanseatic wharf Bryggen, as well as numerous fascinating museums and historic sights to be found today. Overnight in Bergen

Depart by train this morning, beginning your Norway in a Nutshell journey. Travel by train to the small, mountain station of Myrdal. After a short layover, transfer to the famous Flåmsbana (Flåm Railway). This hour-long historic train ride will take you through some of the most beautiful parts of western Norway, slowing down and even stopping at the most scenic spots. Arrive in the well-known fjord village of Flåm for a short break to enjoy the sights and have a cup of coffee or ice cream as you take in the fresh mountain air before your boat departs. Depart from Flåm for a 2 hour fjord cruise through the UNESCO World Heritage listed Nærøyfjord to Gudvangen. From there enjoy the fabulous bus ride to Voss. Board the train again in Voss for your return to Bergen. Overnight in Bergen

Spend the morning sightseeing in Bergen. This afternoon transfer to the Hurtigruten Quay to check into your cabin and get your voyage packet. Enjoy dinner on board this evening before departing Bergen and beginning your voyage. Overnight on board

Depending on how early you wake up this morning, you may spot Europe’s highest sea cliff, Hornelen, before having breakfast. Continue on through the open ocean. Depending on the season, you will then head inland to experience one of two amazing fjords. Beginning in June, your ship will sail into the Geirangerfjord, one of two UNESCO World Heritage listed fjords. From September through October, you will sail into Hjørundfjord, a lesser known but equally beautiful fjord. Optional shore excursions are available. Overnight on board

The ship arrives this morning in ancient Trondheim, Norway’s first capital. Trondheim is a great place to disembark and explore independently or on a shore excursion. Visit Nidaros Cathedral to see the Norwegian Crown Jewels, Ringve Music Museum, or rent a bicycle and try out the world’s only bicycle escalator. Board the ship again as you continue north, stopping in Rørvik this evening. Optional shore excursions are available. Overnight on board

This morning you will be crossing the Arctic Circle, an invisible border at 66° 33′ North. During summer above the Arctic Circle the Midnight Sun shines at night and in the winter the magical Northern Lights brighten the sky. Sailing today you will pass the beautiful Helgeland Coast before coming up the Lofotveggen, the wall of mountains that signals your arrival to the Lofoten Islands. In spring, summer, and fall the ship will sail into the narrow Trollfjord. Optional shore excursions are available. Overnight on board

Pass the medieval Trondenes church early this morning before calling at Harstad. Afterward, you’ll sail across the Vågsfjord past the great island of Senja with its diverse countryside of farmland, pine trees, and plunging peaks. Later you’ll stop at Tromsø, the “Paris of the North”. In the 19th century, Russian, British, Dutch, and German ships called here before heading off on Arctic expeditions for hunting whales, walruses and seals. Overnight on board

Enter Norway’s northernmost county Finnmark this morning. Finnmark’s landscape is austere in its beauty, teeming with wildlife. Watch for rookeries of puffins and gannets along the cliffs and pods of orca hunting for herring. You will pass the North Cape this afternoon, the point where the Atlantic Ocean and the Arctic Ocean meet, and also the farthest north you can go on a public road in Europe. After calling at Honningsvåg, the capital of the North Cape, the ship heads east toward the pretty fishing villages of Kjøllefjord, Mehamn, and Berlevåg. Overnight on board

Today you make it to the northern point of the Hurtigruten voyage, Kirkenes. Kirkenes is known as the capital of the Barents Region and is the gateway to the east as it is just a few miles from the Russian border. Disembark and transfer to the airport for your flight to Oslo. Overnight in Oslo

Transfer to the airport in conjunction with your return flight to the US – Or extend your stay in Scandinavia!

Today you make it to the turning point of the Hurtigruten, Kirkenes. Kirkenes is known as the capital of the Barents Region and is the gateway to the east as it is just a few miles from the Russian border. Heading south this afternoon you will now be able to enjoy ports that were visited in the middle of the night on the northbound journey. Optional shore excursions are available. Overnight on board

Your sailing today will take you past Europe’s northernmost lighthouse Fruholmen, originally constructed in 1866. After being destroyed during World War II, it was rebuilt in 1959 and now is one of three lighthouses that guides ships around the North Cape. As you sail south, saying goodbye to Finnmark, you may have the opportunity to see some of Norway’s fabulous bird life like guillemots and razorbills. In the spring your ship will sail into the beautiful Lyngen Alps for up close views. Optional shore excursions are available. Overnight on board

First pass Møysalen Mountain today as you sail between Sortland and Stokmarknes. This afternoon revisit the Lofoten Islands , going through Trollfjord if weather permits. Continue through the islands, with a stop in Lofoten’s capital, Svolvær, this evening. Optional shore excursions are available. Overnight on board

Passing the Helgeland coast again today you will be able to spot some of the things that make it so iconic like the Hestmannen rock formation, Torghatten Mountain, and Seven Sisters mountain peaks. You are also crossing back out of the Arctic Circle today, an occasion marked on the Hurtigruten with a cod liver oil tasting. Optional shore excursions are available. Overnight on board

Your sailing today will take you first through Trondheim for another visit to Norway’s third largest city, then on to Kristiansund , the “cured cod capital” due to its history of exporting the salted and dried fish. Between Kristiansund and Molde, the city of roses, it is possible to see the Romsdal Alps tonight. Optional shore excursions are available. Overnight on board

Enjoy your final morning on board. Passing Måløy and the entrance to the magnificent Nordfjord before lunch, you arrive and disembark in Bergen this afternoon, taking with you memories of a unique journey. Transfer to your hotel for your final night in Norway. Overnight in Bergen

Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the US – or extend your stay in Scandinavia!