The Hurtigruten (Norwegian Coastal Voyage) ships have been part of the Norway’s lifeline for over a century. Beneath the Midnight Sun or the mystical Northern Lights, daily departures across the Arctic Circle from Bergen to Kirkenes, take us right to the heart of coastal Norway. Calling at 34 ports, most never visited by commercial cruise liners, our ships deliver freight, post and passengers to remote communities, some of which are home to just a few hundred people. Sailing along this beautiful coastline, through magical fjords to enchanted islands, we enjoy a genuine, friendly and unpretentious voyage which is truly Norwegian. As we weave in and out of narrow inlets, we sail along some of the world’s most beautiful coastline, nearly always in sight of land. Many of our ports of call are tranquil hamlets on tiny islands whose inhabitants depend for their very existence on the Hurtigruten ships to bring the communities essential supplies and reunite families and friends.
Tourists from across the world come to enjoy the magnificent scenery and informal atmosphere on board. Travelling on the Hurtigruten is the natural way to meet those who live and work along its shores. Many communities still depend on agriculture and fishing, as they have done for centuries. In cities such as Bergen and Tromsø, and towns like Svolvær, traditional wooden houses and churches and flanked by modern hotels and facilities. In the many small ports visited, such as Brønnøysund and Skjervøy, quaint little houses huddle in the midst of imposing landscapes.
This is an intimate encounter with history and culture. All guests on this coastal voyage experience a wonderful range of geology and geography, moods and moments. The 2000 km long coast takes our ships from the temperate climes of the south, to the wild, desolate Finnmark plateau, a journey that brings with it dramatic changes in climate and landscape.
Endless day, endless night. Each season casts its own spell on the Norwegian coastline. As the ship changes latitude it may feel as if you are travelling through all the seasons in a single journey. Between the extremes of Midnight Sun and polar night, and between the temperate south and the Arctic north, natural light always plays an important role, dramatising the scenery and enhancing the experience. Whenever you choose to travel, your voyage will be unique.
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