The Cruise South
About Ålesund
Daily Departures, All Year
The Norwegian coast is one of the most exciting and varied adventure destinations in the world, with its stirring and varied landscapes. A voyage with Hurtigruten lets you explore highlights of this epic coast, and take you up close to the culture and the everyday life of people living here. Have breakfast at the North Cape, challenge yourself on a mountain hike in Hammerfest or Lofoten, explore the wilderness on a snowmobile or on a dog sledge, enjoy a hi-octane RIB adventure or discover cultural highlights.
North to South – A Beautiful Adventure
The northern shores of Norway offer spectacular scenery, including Finnmark’s wide plains, the North Cape and the Vesterålen and Lofoten Islands. As you cross the Polar Circle, the climate and landscapes become milder, but none the less impressive. On this southbound trip, we stop in Harstad, Lofoten and Trollfjorden during daytime. From there, we sail south along the Helgeland coast, passing the Seven Sisters mountains. You will continue to be impressed, when we sail through the overwhelmingly beautiful, unspoilt west coast landscapes.
Authentic Norway
Visiting 34 ports along the route is a great way to experience genuine Norway. See small settlements with less than 200 inhabitants and the big cities teeming with life. As you reach Bergen, the last port of call, you have completed a journey that has taken place along the Norwegian coast every day for the last 120 years. How’s that for authentic?
Natural Wonders During All Seasons
No matter what time of the year you travel, you will be surrounded by beautiful nature wherever you turn. Still, every season has its own charm.
Hopefully you will see the mesmerising Northern Lights, when sailing with Hurtigruten during wintertime. Above the Artic Circle, Hurtigruten will provide the best chances of experiencing the magic colour show as it changes from light green to dark purple, flickering silently across the Arctic sky.
Traveling between Kirkenes and Bergen during spring is an awesome experience. The contrast between northern and southern Norway is huge. Being above the Arctic circle, it is usually full winter and from mid May the midnight sun offers 24 hours of sun. As you sail south from Trondheim to Bergen, you will experience lush and green landscape in blossom in close to summer temperatures. It is just like experiencing three seasons in one journey. An absolute highlight on this trip during springtime, is the idyllic sailing through Lyngenfjorden.
Summer means Midnight Sun, which is literally sunshine at midnight. This is a natural phenomenon you can only experience north of the Arctic Circle. This means you have a chance to see all northern destinations in daylight. Daylight in the middle of the night is an intense experience, and you may have to force yourself to go to bed. Many of the 34 ports we call on along the route, are small ports that other cruise liners do not visit. With Hurtigruten, you will see more of Norway and experience more of its culture and traditions.
As summer fades, the first cool evenings summon the colors of autumn. The fresh and clear coastal air enhances the intense red and yellow that fills mountainsides, hilltops and woods. From the deck, you may see the sharp profiles of the highest peaks sprinkled with the first snow, against the background of an ice blue sky. Gradually, the evenings get darker and the days shorter. With a bit of luck, the Northern Lights will appear and give you a magical experience.
No matter which season you choose, a trip from north to south will create memories for life. As we dock in Bergen, you will have experienced a lot in a short amount of time, and you will most definitely long back for this adventure.
- Experience the natural wonders of Lofoten
- Explore the beautiful and exciting Norwegian coastline
- Search for the northern lights in winter, and the midnight sun in summer
- Join exciting sea- and land-based activities
- Voyage in the cabin category of your choice, on a full-board basis
- English-speaking Tour Leader on board
Engaging onboard activities and lectures:
- Onboard lectures and presentations on history, biology, geography, geology, and culture that provide context to your voyage and help you understand the destinations you will experience
- Introductory photo presentations, camera adjustment, and tips & tricks, as well as photo and film footage from the voyage
- Opportunities to casually engage with the Hurtigruten guides and other guests, including a welcome event, and daily gatherings to recap the day and prepare for the day to come
- Port presentations providing destination insight
- Excursion presentations
- Point of interest presentations out on deck
- Loan of trekking poles, snowshoes, head lamps, and crampons needed for optional hikes depending on season and conditions
- Captain’s dinner and a farewell event
- International flights
- Optional shore excursions with our local partners
- Hikes with our Hurtigruten guides
- Travel protection plan
- Luggage handling
- Prices are in USD ($) per person in an inside cabin, double occupancy
- Not all categories are available for all departures
- Single cabin pricing available on request
- Hurtigruten has a flexible pricing system and all prices are capacity controlled and subject to availability.
Sailing Plan
Your cruise prices includes
- Voyage in the cabin category of your choice, on a full-board basis
- English-speaking Tour Leader on board
Not included
- Flights & transfers
- Travel protection
- Optional excursions
- Luggage handling
Please note
- Prices are in USD ($) per person in an inside cabin, double occupancy
- Not all categories are available for all departures
- Single cabin pricing available on request
- Hurtigruten has a flexible pricing system and all prices are capacity controlled and subject to availability.
Sailing Plan
Learn more about what you will experience on the Classic Voyage South. The day-by-day program will give you a few ideas about what you can see and do on your coastal voyage, but this itinerary is only an indication of what you can experience. This is a sailing where the elements rule and weather conditions vary, which is why every expedition with Hurtigruten is unique.Itinerary
-
Capital of the Barents Region - Kirkenes - Berlevåg
Start your Classic Voyage South in the far northern town of Kirkenes (which, surprisingly, lies further east than Istanbul).
Kirkenes is only a few kilometres from the Russian border. Visit the border by bus (year-round)
Other possible excursions include:
- Riverboat safari
- Canoeing
- Border hikes
- ATV/quad-bike trek (summer)
- Fishing in the Arctic Ocean
You can also join an excursion to catch and dine on king crabs.
The region has many wintertime activities, including snowshoeing, dog-sledging and snowmobiling. You can also visit an Arctic Ice Dome.
Interested in history? Kirkenes has many small museums detailing the region’s rich heritage.
Southbound and down
After departing Kirkenes, we head due north, arriving at Vardø in the afternoon. Weather permitting, the brave may want to take a dip in the icy Arctic Ocean (strictly optional of course!).
We now head due west, cruising along the Varanger peninsula to Båtsfjord and Berlevåg, home to Norway’s most famous male choir, made up of local fishermen.
TIME IN PORT:
- Kirkenes: 09.00 – 12.30
- Vardø: 15.45 – 16.45
- Båtsfjord: 19.45 – 20.15
- Berlevåg: 21.45 – 22.00
-
Arctic magic and music - Mehamn - Tromsø
North Cape - 71 degrees north
We make a late night stop at Mehamn. During winter, you can join an amazing snowmobile trip here, through the vast Arctic wilderness. Experience snowy plains and valleys, crisp winter air and very possibly the Northern Lights in the starry sky above.
At Honningsvåg, join an overland excursion that crosses the island of Magerøy in time for you to enjoy breakfast atop North Cape (May - October). In Hammerfest, you can visit the UNESCO-listed Meridian Column, erected in 1854 to honour the first precise geographic measurement of the globe. During winter, join a mini-mountain expedition to experience the Arctic outdoors and learn about local polar hero and cook, Adolf Henrik Lindstrøm.
Tromsø – Paris of the North
We proceed south to Øksfjord, stopping briefly at the old trading post of Skjervøy. In spring, we sail through the beautiful Lyngenfjord, nestled beneath the snowy peaks of the Lyngen Alps.
We dock at Tromsø, in time to enjoy a magical Northern Lights concert at the Arctic Cathedral in winter, or Midnight Sun concert during summer. You can join a midnight excursion under the Midnight Sun to explore Tromsø by sea in a small boat. You may want to drop by Ølhallen to enjoy a beer and a chat with friendly locals.
TIME IN PORT:
- Mehamn: 00.45 – 01.00
- Kjøllefjord: 02.45 – 03.00
- Honningsvåg: 05.30 – 05.45
- Havøysund: 07.45 – 08.00
- Hammerfest: 10.45 – 12.45*
- Øksfjord: 15.30 – 15.45
- Skjervøy: 19.15 – 19.45
- Tromsø: 23.45 – 01.30
* 01.04. - 31.05. departure time from Hammerfest will be 11.45 due to diversion into Lyngen.
-
Lofoten, where nature amazes - Tromsø - Stamsund
History and culture
This morning, we arrive at Harstad, where you can join one of our classic excursions - A Taste of Vesterålen. Discover history, beautiful scenery, and cultural heritage sites on this tour that rejoins the ship at Sortland.
Those who stay on the ship experience our passage through the Risøyrenna, a shallow channel made for Hurtigruten in the 1920s.
Lofoten and Trollfjord
Get ready now for some amazing scenery as we sail through the world-famous islands of Lofoten and Vesterålen. Lofoten is known for its natural beauty, steep mountains, wild nature and picturesque fishing villages. Our daylight sailing route through the region is the voyage highlight for many.
After a short stop at the tiny village of Risøyhamn, we continue to Stokmarknes - where Hurtigruten began more than 125 years ago. You can visit the Hurtigruten Museum here.
Continuing south, it will look like we’re headed into a mountain wall, but don’t worry. We are in fact sailing through a passage into the narrow Raftsund, flanked by peaks rising 1,000 m out of the sea.
We now arrive at amazing Trollfjord. If conditions allow, we will sail between sheer cliffs that seem close enough to reach out and touch. It’s an unforgettable experience!
Next we arrive in Svolvær, where you can choose from several excursion options. Go horseback riding along a beach at sunset, head out on spectacular hikes, join a fast-boat tour on the fjord, or relax in town at one of many cafés, pubs and restaurants.
TIME IN PORT:
- Tromsø: 23.45 – 01.30
- Finnsnes: 04.15 – 04.45
- Harstad: 07.45 – 08.30
- Risøyhamn: 10.45 – 11.00
- Sortland: 12.30 – 13.00
- Stokmarknes: 14.15 – 15.15
- Svolvær: 18.30 – 20.30
- Stamsund: 22.00 – 22.30
-
A date with the Seven Sisters - Bodø - Rørvik
Trolls and mountains
Crossing the Arctic Circle is an important ‘rite of passage’. Today we celebrate the occasion on deck with a taste of Arctic tradition – a spoonful of cod liver oil.
Sailing along the Helgeland coast, you see the strange mountain, Torghatten (258 m above sea level), famous for the distinctive hole through its centre. The hole is 160 m long, 35 m high and 20 m wide, and was formed during the ice age. Participate on a hike up the mountain.
Another highlight is sailing past the Seven Sisters mountain range. It is easy to see how the peaks influenced ancient legend. The story goes that seven beautiful troll sisters were caught out at sunrise and turned to stone, thus creating the seven beautiful mountaintops.
From ducks to salmon
Next, we briefly stop at the idyllic trading post of Nesna before moving on to Sandnessjøen. From here, you can join an optional excursion to a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Vega Islands. The UNESCO status is due to the unique centuries-old interaction between the islanders and eider ducks. Learn how the locals sustain a livelihood of making down-filled duvets.
In Brønnøysund, join an excursion to the Norwegian Aquaculture Centre for an informative tour and taste of fresh salmon, from April through October.
Even though we’re south of the Arctic Circle, there are still good chances to see the Northern Lights in winter. The Midnight Sun may not shine, but you still experience seemingly endless daylight during late spring and summer.
TIME IN PORT:
- Bodø: 02.30 – 03.45
- Ørnes: 06.40 – 06.50
- Nesna: 10.25 – 10.35
- Sandnessjøen: 11.45 – 12.15
- Brønnøysund: 15.00 – 17.30
- Rørvik: 21.00 – 21.30
-
Gothic majesty and hidden lake - Trondheim - Ålesund
Trondheim
Today you have a chance to explore the wooden city of history: Trondheim. Be sure to visit the majestic Nidaros Cathedral, built over the burial site of King Olav II who reigned from 1015 to 1028.
Spectacular scenery and life of the sea
As we sail along the coast, you will realize the importance of fishing to Norway’s coastal communities.
Kristiansund is regarded as Norway’s ‘dried cod capital’ because of its long-time export of salted dry fish. Here you can join an excursion along the Atlantic Road, a National Scenic Route. The 8 km stretch of highway spans eight bridges, crosses picturesque landscapes and is surrounded by open sea.
Another interesting excursion is to the Bergtatt marble mine, which takes you inside a mountain and across an illuminated subterranean lake before serving you a meal in the mine´s ‘Grand Hall’.
Norwegian alps
Those who remain aboard at Kristiansund will experience the ship´s open sea crossing towards Molde - Norway´s ‘City of Roses’. From there, you can see the distant pointed peaks of the Romsdal Alps across the fjord, called ‘the Molde panorama’.
TIME IN PORT:
- Trondheim: 06.30 – 09.45
- Kristiansund: 16.30 – 17.00
- Molde: 21.00 – 21.30
- Ålesund: 00.30 – 01.00
-
Our return to Bergen - Ålesund - Bergen
Night-time stops
During the night, the ship calls at Ålesund, Torvik and Måløy, as our voyage draws to a close. Before docking in Bergen, there is fascinating scenery to see, including picturesque Nordfjord beneath Jostedal Glacier. Here the fjord widens to the east and forges 90 km inland.
Approaching Bergen
In the morning, we dock at Florø, Norway’s westernmost community.
A few nautical miles south of Florø, we cross the mouth of the mighty Sognefjord, taking in superb views of the magnificent island-studded coastline en route. Finally, you disembark in the Hanseatic city of Bergen with unforgettable memories of a truly unique part of the world. We hope to see you on board again in the very near future!
More adventures in Norway
If you would like to see more of Norway, we highly recommend our Bergen City Sightseeing excursion (only sold on board), or various Post-programmes to experience more Norwegian cuisine, culture and scenery.
TIME IN PORT:
- Ålesund: 00.30 – 01.00
- Torvik: 02.15 – 02.30
- Måløy: 05.15 – 05.45
- Florø: 07.45 – 08.15
- Bergen: 14.30
