Hurtigruten

Your journey begins in the beautiful city of Bergen. Founded in 1070, Bergen has preserved much of its character, charm, and history. Visit the UNESCO-listed Bryggen, with its colorful wooden buildings from the 14th century.

Take a stroll through the cobblestone alleys, stop by one of the many outdoor cafés and restaurants for a bite to eat, take a ride on the Fløibanen funicular, or visit the famous Fish Market. Check-in and boarding should take place between 16:00 and 19:30. Cabins will be ready no later than 18:00. You can meet your Vitus tour guide at the reception between 17:00 and 18:00.

Indulge Your Taste Buds

After departure, enjoy a delicious dinner buffet, made from fresh, local ingredients. We sail north from Bergen along the old Viking route over Hjeltefjorden. Spend the rest of the evening relaxing while enjoying the view from the deck or the panoramic lounge.

⏳ Time in port:
Bergen 14:45 – 20:30

Enjoy an early morning in the beautiful Nordfjord before breakfast. We then sail past Vestkapp before continuing towards Ålesund.

Ålesund – The Art Nouveau City

Hurtigruten docks in the heart of the city. Ålesund is best known for its unique Art Nouveau architecture, which, ironically, is the result of a disaster. In 1904, a devastating fire destroyed most of Ålesund. In a visionary decision, the city was rebuilt entirely in the Art Nouveau style, which was the modern design of the time. Most of these beautiful buildings have been preserved. If you look up while exploring the city, you'll be charmed by buildings with spires, towers, and intricate ornaments – all characteristic of the Art Nouveau style.

Ålesund's harbor and its proximity to rich fishing grounds and maritime routes were essential for its growth. The first merchants settled here in the 1500s. Over the next 200 years, a small harbor town emerged, and today Ålesund has a population of about 46,000.

Geiranger – Into the Fjord

In summer, Hurtigruten sets course for the spectacular Geirangerfjord. This UNESCO-listed fjord features breathtaking landscapes with towering mountains, dramatic waterfalls, and lush green pastures. We can admire the remote mountain farms and the many small villages that line the fjord.

Molde – The City of Roses

After a short sail, we arrive in the "City of Roses." Molde was granted city status in 1742. It continued to grow throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, becoming a center for Norway's textile and clothing industries, as well as the administrative hub of the region and a major tourist destination. Fires in 1916 and bombings during World War II destroyed most of the city's old wooden buildings. This history explains the clean, simple, and functionalist post-war architecture of Molde today.

⏳ Time in port:

• Florø: 02:45 – 03:00
• Måløy: 05:15 – 05:30
• Torvik: 08:20 – 08:30
• Ålesund (01.06–31.10): 09:45 – 10:00
• Geiranger (01.06–31.08): 14:25 – 14:45
• Ålesund (01.06–31.08): 19:00 – 20:00
• Molde: 22:35 – 23:05

Trondheim is home to a rich history and a vibrant cultural scene. With nearly 200,000 residents, Trondheim is Norway’s third-largest city. It is beautifully situated with forested hills and the Nidelven River winding through its center. The city's distinctive low, colorful wooden buildings create a unique atmosphere. Trondheim is also a modern university town, home to over 20,000 students, and a center for maritime, technical, and medical research.

The city holds a special place in Norway’s history. It was the country’s first capital and has always been a significant pilgrimage site. Nidaros (Trondheim’s former name) was the largest pilgrimage site in Northern Europe during the Middle Ages, and in recent years, it has regained popularity among pilgrims. In 2010, the pilgrimage routes to Nidaros, known as St. Olav’s Ways, were recognized as a European Cultural Route—on par with the famous Camino de Santiago in Spain.

Walking Tour to Nidaros Cathedral

The ship docks at the Hurtigruten quay, near the mouth of the Nidelven River. We take a leisurely walk along the river and through Trondheim’s city center to Nidaros Cathedral, Norway’s only Gothic cathedral and the final resting place of St. Olav (Haraldsson). Trondheim was founded by Viking King Olav Tryggvason in 997 and today offers a fascinating mix of old and new. Here, we can admire the cathedral’s impressive medieval architecture, intricate details, and historical sculptures.

Excursions for Every Taste

From September to May, you can explore Trondheim on a trip along the world’s northernmost tram line. Alternatively, you can kayak along the Nidelven River or explore the city by bike. Be sure to try the world’s only bicycle lift near Bakklandet, available from April to September. For a deeper experience, join our coastal guides for more adventures.

Back on Board

In the afternoon, the ship sails northwest, passing the Kjeungskjær Lighthouse and numerous islands and reefs. After navigating the narrow channel at Stokksund, we continue north towards the charming town of Rørvik.

⏳ Time in port:

• Kristiansund: 02:45 – 03:00
• Trondheim: 09:45 – 12:45
• Rørvik: 21:40 – 22:00

Today, we cross the Arctic Circle. This marks the point where, in winter, you have the chance to see the Northern Lights, and in summer, you can experience the Midnight Sun. We celebrate the crossing with a fun deck ceremony.

Bodø – Between the Arctic Circle and Lofoten

In Bodø, the tour guide offers a short city walk. The ship docks at Terminalveien, close to the city center.

Surrounded by sea and fjords, the light in Bodø constantly shifts with the weather and wind. It is also a rare place where both the Midnight Sun and the Northern Lights can be seen. Bodø is the capital of Nordland County and lies just north of the Arctic Circle, where the Midnight Sun is visible from June 2 to July 10. Due to atmospheric refraction, there is never complete darkness in Bodø. However, because of the surrounding mountains, the sun remains below the horizon from early December to early January.

Hurtigruten and cargo shipping have played a significant role in the city’s development. It wasn’t until just before World War II that Bodø became accessible by road from the south. Until the 1980s, the road over Saltfjellet was often closed during winter. Air service was introduced after World War II, making Bodø an important transportation hub. During the German invasion in 1940, two-thirds of the city was destroyed by bombing, leaving 3,700 people homeless. Reconstruction began in 1945, and the distinctive Bodø Cathedral was completed in 1956.

Excursions Available:

• Natural Wonders: In Ørnes, you’ll find Norway’s second-largest glacier, Svartisen. In summer, you can visit the Svartisen Tourist Center to get a closer look at the glacier and visit a moose farm.
• Saltstraumen: As we sail along the Helgeland coast to Bodø, you can experience Saltstraumen—the world’s strongest tidal current—on a small boat safari.
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Majestic Lofoten

In the afternoon, the impressive 1,000-meter-high Lofoten Wall appears on the horizon as we approach the majestic granite cliffs and white sandy beaches.

• Meet the Vikings: In Stamsund, visit the Lofotr Viking Museum and enjoy an authentic Viking feast in the chieftain’s hall.
• Organic Farm Visit: Between Stamsund and Svolvær, experience daily life on an organic herb and cheese farm or visit Lofoten’s only craft brewery in Svolvær.
• Trollfjord: We sail through Raftsundet and stop at the entrance to the dramatic Trollfjord.

⏳ Time in port:

• Brønnøysund: 01:35 – 01:45
• Sandnessjøen: 04:35 – 04:50
• Nesna: 06:00 – 06:10
• Ørnes: 10:00 – 10:10
• Bodø: 13:05 – 15:20
• Stamsund: 19:15 – 19:40
• Svolvær: 21:20 – 22:15

In the morning, we make short stops in Risøyhamn, Harstad, and Finnsnes before continuing our journey northward.

Tromsø – Gateway to the Arctic

In the afternoon, the tour guide offers a walking tour of Tromsø, the Arctic capital. The ship docks centrally in Tromsø Harbor, allowing us to explore the city with ease.

Many Arctic expeditions have set off from Tromsø. Legendary explorers such as Roald Amundsen, Umberto Nobile, and Fridtjof Nansen frequently visited the city before embarking on their historic journeys. Tromsø was once known as the "Gateway to the Arctic Ocean," a fitting name given that most polar expeditions started here and that Arctic hunting is deeply rooted in the city's history.

Surrounded by a majestic landscape and rich in culture and history, Tromsø’s beauty and vibrancy often surprise visitors. The city's many attractions include wildlife, stunning viewpoints, historical sites, cultural landmarks, and bold architecture. Often described as the Paris of the North, Tromsø offers a vibrant nightlife, friendly locals, and a wide selection of restaurants specializing in fresh, regional ingredients. The city center also provides excellent shopping opportunities, ranging from locally produced delicacies to Nordic and international brands.

Excursions and Activities:

Polar History and Beer Tasting

As we arrive in Tromsø – the capital of Arctic exploration, we make an extended stop.

• In winter, you can join a "Polar History Excursion" to learn more about the explorers and Arctic hunters while sampling beer from Norway’s northernmost brewery.
• Year-round, you can explore Tromsø and its surroundings further on a guided hike with Hurtigruten's coastal guides.

Get Closer to Marine Wildlife

Would you like to experience the silence of the open sea?

• In summer, join a guided kayaking excursion along Tromsø’s coastline, a fantastic way to get close to marine wildlife.
• After our stop in Tromsø, we continue north, sailing in search of the Northern Lights (October–March).

⏳ Time in Port:

• Stokmarknes: 01:30 – 01:40
• Sortland: 02:55 – 03:10
• Risøyhamn: 04:35 – 04:50
• Harstad: 07:10 – 07:45
• Finnsnes: 11:00 – 11:30
• Tromsø: 14:15 – 18:15
• Skjervøy: 22:10 – 22:25

Enjoy the stunning landscape as we sail towards North Cape, one of the northernmost points on the European continent. During the summer, the area is home to herds of reindeer, Sami lavvu tents, and the indigenous Sami people.

Honningsvåg – The Gateway to North Cape

Today, we stop in Honningsvåg, where you can join the tour guide for a walking tour.

Honningsvåg has a population of 2,800 and offers great shopping, Arctic culinary experiences, and other exciting attractions. Highlights include:

• Perleporten Kulturhus – the local cultural center
• Once Upon A Dream Gallery – a charming art gallery
• Artico Ice Bar – an ice-themed bar offering Arctic drinks

A visit to Honningsvåg Church is highly recommended, as it was the only building left standing after World War II.

Excursions and Activities:

Experience North Cape

After a short stop in Hammerfest, we arrive in Havøysund, where you can:

• Take a small boat excursion to see North Cape from the sea
• Visit the world's northernmost fishing village
• Take a bus to the North Cape Plateau

The ship continues to Honningsvåg, where you can join a bird-watching excursion to Gjesværstappan, home to millions of seabirds during the nesting season.

Sailing Northward

The ship continues into the heart of Lapland, stopping in Kjøllefjord, where you can learn about Sami culture and experience a traditional joik performance.

⏳ Time in Port:

• Øksfjord: 01:50 – 02:00
• Hammerfest: 05:05 – 05:45
• Havøysund: 08:30 – 08:45
• Honningsvåg: 10:55 – 14:30
• Kjøllefjord: 16:40 – 17:00
• Mehamn: 18:55 – 19:15
• Berlevåg: 22:00 – 22:10

Early in the morning, we arrive in Vadsø, before docking in Kirkenes – the northernmost point of our journey. From here, the ship turns around and heads south.

Kirkenes – The Easternmost Town in Norway

In the morning, we explore Kirkenes with the tour guide. Here, you will notice the strong Russian influences and cultural ties. One of the most prominent landmarks is the Russian Monument, a tribute to the liberation of Sør-Varanger by the Red Army in the autumn of 1944.

Sailing South – A New Perspective

As the ship begins its southbound journey, remember that you have only seen half of what the Norwegian coast has to offer. Ports we passed at night on the northbound journey will now be seen in daylight.

⏳ Time in Port:

• Båtsfjord: 00:00 – 00:30
• Vardø: 03:30 – 03:45
• Vadsø: 06:55 – 07:10
• Kirkenes: 09:00 – 12:30
• Vardø: 16:05 – 17:00
• Båtsfjord: 20:00 – 20:30
• Berlevåg: 22:25 – 22:35

At midnight, we dock in Mehamn, marking the start of a day filled with spectacular Arctic scenery.

Excursions and Activities:

Breakfast at North Cape

In the morning, we dock again in Honningsvåg, where you can take an excursion to North Cape, enjoying a delicious breakfast with panoramic views of the Barents Sea.

Hammerfest – UNESCO Heritage & Polar Explorers

The ship then continues to Hammerfest, where you can:

• Visit the UNESCO-listed Meridian Column, marking one of the first precise measurements of the Earth’s size.
• Join a small expedition into the mountains and learn about polar explorer Adolf Lindstrøm.
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Magical Lyngenfjord

We sail south to Øksfjord and make a short stop at the historic trading post of Skjervøy. In spring, the ship sails through the breathtaking Lyngenfjord, surrounded by the towering Lyngen Alps.

Midnight Adventures in Tromsø

As we arrive in Tromsø just before midnight, you can:

• Enjoy a magical Midnight Concert in the Arctic Cathedral
• Take a boat excursion under the Midnight Sun in summer
• Visit Ølhallen, Tromsø's oldest pub, where a friendly atmosphere and a great selection of local craft beers await you

⏳ Time in Port:

• Mehamn: 01:20 – 01:30
• Kjøllefjord: 03:25 – 03:35
• Honningsvåg: 05:45 – 06:00
• Havøysund: 08:00 – 08:15
• Hammerfest: 11:00 – 12:45
• Øksfjord: 15:50 – 16:05
• Skjervøy: 19:30 – 19:45
• Tromsø: 23:45 – 01:30

Svolvær – The Heart of Lofoten

Today's highlight is Svolvær, where we will take an evening walk with the tour guide. Svolvær attracts nature lovers, adventurers, and artists seeking its extraordinary light. The town’s picturesque harbor overlooks the Vestfjord, and its fishing traditions are still alive today. Surrounded by steep mountains, beautiful beaches, and sheltered coves, Svolvær is an exciting place to visit, with shops, galleries, cafés, and restaurants throughout the town. Locals often go out for lunch, and on weekends, the town is bustling with life.

Excursions and Activities:

Magnificent Natural Scenery

The Lofoten and Vesterålen archipelagos offer some of the most stunning landscapes on the entire journey, with dramatic peaks, sandy beaches, and picturesque fishing villages.

The Birthplace of Hurtigruten

We make a short stop in Risøyhamn, a small village of just 200 inhabitants, where the ship picks up fresh supplies and mail before sailing on to Stokmarknes—the birthplace of Hurtigruten, founded more than 126 years ago. Here, you can go ashore and visit the Hurtigruten Museum before continuing south.

The Spectacular Trollfjord

Next, we reach the majestic Trollfjord, a narrow, 2-kilometer-long fjord with towering mountains on either side. If weather permits, we sail into the fjord, where the dramatic scenery feels like stepping into a fairytale. Just north of Trollfjord, you may get the chance to see sea eagles up close from a small boat.

In the Heart of Lofoten

In Svolvær, you can choose from several exciting excursions, including:

• Horseback riding on a beach at sunset
• High-speed RIB boat tours
• A guided visit to a traditional fishing village

The journey continues south to Stamsund, following the stunning Lofoten Wall, a dramatic mountain range forming an unforgettable silhouette on the horizon.

⏳ Time in Port:

• Tromsø: 23:45 – 01:30
• Finnsnes: 04:20 – 04:40
• Harstad: 08:00 – 08:30
• Risøyhamn: 10:45 – 11:00
• Sortland: 12:30 – 13:00
• Stokmarknes: 14:15 – 15:15
• Svolvær: 18:30 – 20:30
• Stamsund: 22:15 – 22:30

We celebrate crossing the Arctic Circle once again with a fun Arctic tradition—a spoonful of cod liver oil, marking this special occasion.

Brønnøysund – The Coastal Town in the Middle of Norway

In the afternoon, you have the chance to join the tour guide for a walk through Brønnøysund, a charming coastal town situated on a narrow peninsula, surrounded by islands and water. With a population of 5,000, Brønnøysund has been a key hub for trade and fishing for centuries. The marina and lively streets make for a great place to explore at a relaxed pace.

Take a stroll along Havnegata, where you can admire small boats and the vibrant coastal life. Stop by a local pub, visit Brønnøy Church (a neo-Gothic stone church from 1870), or take a trip to Torghatten, a famous mountain known for its natural hole that runs straight through it.

Excursions and Activities:

A Mountain with a Hole in It

As we sail along the Helgeland Coast, we pass the unusual Torghatten Mountain, famous for its 160-meter-long, 35-meter-high, and 20-meter-wide hole, formed during the Ice Age. If the weather allows, you can join a guided hike up to the hole.

Myths and Legends of the Seven Sisters

We also sail past the Seven Sisters mountain range, with peaks reaching up to 1,100 meters. According to local legend, these peaks are actually seven troll sisters who were turned to stone by the morning sun.

UNESCO Heritage – The Vega Archipelago

We make a stop in Nesna, before continuing to Sandnessjøen, where, in summer, you can join an optional excursion to the UNESCO-listed Vega Islands.

Charming Coastal Town

Brønnøysund is a welcoming town with a cozy main street and a scenic marina. You can visit the Norwegian Aquaculture Center, where you’ll get a guided tour and a taste of fresh Norwegian salmon (available from April to October).

⏳ Time in Port:

• Bodø: 02:30 – 03:30
• Ørnes: 06:25 – 06:35
• Nesna: 10:25 – 10:35
• Sandnessjøen: 11:45 – 12:15
• Brønnøysund: 15:00 – 17:25
• Rørvik: 21:00 – 21:30

We make another stop in Trondheim, giving you a chance to explore more of this historic city. Early risers may wish to explore on their own before we set sail southward.

Excursions and Activities:

Fishing, Landscapes, and Unique Excursions

Next, we arrive in Kristiansund, a town spread over four islands, known for its beautiful harbor that has been in use since the Stone Age. Today, Kristiansund is Norway’s clipfish (dried and salted cod) capital, exporting this product for hundreds of years.

• Atlantic Road – Join an excursion to one of the most scenic roads in the world, winding its way through breathtaking coastal scenery.
• Bergtatt Marble Caves – Explore an underground marble cave, sail on a lit subterranean lake, and enjoy a meal in the grand mining hall.

The Norwegian Alps

For those who stay aboard in Kristiansund, the ship will cross open waters to Molde, the “City of Roses”. On the way, you can enjoy stunning views of the Romsdal Alps on the horizon.

⏳ Time in Port:

• Trondheim: 06:30 – 09:30
• Kristiansund: 16:30 – 17:30
• Molde: 21:15 – 21:45

During the night, we stop in Ålesund, Torvik, and Måløy, as our journey draws to a close. However, we still have some breathtaking landscapes to enjoy before reaching Bergen.

Glaciers and Fertile Farmland

As we sail through the stunning Nordfjord, we pass beneath Jostedalsbreen, the largest glacier in mainland Europe. This region is rich in fruit farms, with glacier arms reaching down to the shimmering fjords. Early in the morning, we stop in Florø.

Back to Bergen

We navigate through the entrance of the mighty Sognefjord, admiring the many islands along the coast before docking in Bergen.

We hope you leave with memories of incredible landscapes, wildlife, and culture, and we look forward to welcoming you back on board in the future.

⏳ Time in Port:

• Ålesund: 00:30 – 01:20
• Torvik: 02:35 – 02:45
• Måløy: 05:45 – 06:00
• Florø: 08:15 – 08:30
• Bergen: 14:45