HURTIGRUTEN CRUISES

Right to the heart of Norway and its people, is extraordinary voyage known as the Norwegian Coastal Express or Hurtigruten, meaning "Express Route" in the local tongue. This remarkable journey serves as a lifeline, transporting passengers, mail, and vital supplies to over 30 ports along the Norwegian coastline, many largely untouched by mainstream cruise liners.

Departing from Bergen, the Hurtigruten cruise embarks on a captivating odyssey, forging its way northward, traversing the Arctic Circle and beyond. With every twist and turn through the awe-inspiring wonders of the Norwegian coast, you will be immersed in a spectacle of nature's grandeur. Almost perpetually in sight of land, you will sail along one of the world's most breathtaking coastlines, navigating narrow inlets and uncovering the essence of this extraordinary expedition.

Enchanting hamlets pepper the route, nestled upon tiny islands, where the inhabitants rely on the arrival of Hurtigruten ships for their very survival. These vessels serve as a lifeline, delivering essential supplies and reuniting families and friends, perpetuating the symbiotic relationship between the communities and the sea.

Each Hurtigruten cruise ship possesses its own distinctive style and character, ensuring that no two journeys are ever alike. The ever-changing seasons, climate, flora, fauna, and encounters with local people, combined with the amiable English-speaking crew, transform each Hurtigruten voyage into a truly unique experience.

Fellow travelers from across the globe, sharing a mutual appreciation for extraordinary beauty, come together to revel in the splendorous landscapes and the relaxed ambiance on board. Many seize the opportunity to sail during the summer months, when the midnight sun casts its ethereal glow upon the horizon, bathing the breathtaking scenery in perpetual daylight.

As you step aboard your Hurtigruten ship, take pride in being part of a tradition that spans three centuries. It is this steadfast commitment to a rich heritage that has embedded Hurtigruten as an indispensable part of Norwegian life, ensuring its enduring significance for generations to come.

Hurtigruten has an old and illustrious history. Its meaning in Norwegian of "the express route" refers to the route's original use of facilitating the transport of goods between the two ends of the country. Nowadays, however, it is synonymous with a more leisurely, relaxed style of travel.

Often called "the world's most beautiful voyage", Hurtigruten voyages traverse Norway's western and northern coast between Bergen in the south and Kirkenes, deep in the arctic north. The approximately 780 miles (or 1,255 kilometres) of coastline between the two destinations are a dreamland of dramatic fjords, historic cities, incomparable seabird and marine life and, at certain times of the year, the mesmerising spectacle that is the Northern Lights.

Passengers joining one of our Hurtigruten Cruises have a choice of an extensive selection of comfortable cabins. Most outside cabins afford the opportunity to watch the panorama outside unfold through either a large picture window or a quaint porthole. Some of the suites also benefit from a private balcony. The views very much set the tone for the voyage itself, which aims to transport passengers away from their busy onshore lives in favour of immersion in the unique landscapes.

Life on board is relaxed and convivial. Food is traditional Norwegian-style and all ships are fully licensed. Expert lecturers accompany themed voyages but passengers on all voyages will find that there is a culture of sharing experiences of the trip with their fellow travellers.

Dress is informal although, of course, breathable, windproof and waterproof clothing is a must for voyages at any time of year. Winter departures necessitate thermal layers. UV sunglasses are useful throughout the year, even in winter due to the dazzling effect of even the thinnest streams of sunlight reflecting off ice and snow.

To add further interest to the voyage, all the ships are also working vessels. Their regular stops at the 34 ports along the route provide opportunities for the curious passenger to observe the loading and unloading of goods while also admiring the harbour areas.

The ports of call vary in size and purpose. Some belong to tiny island communities that rely on the Hurtigruten ships for supplies of food, mail, other essential goods and personal transport needs. Others are home to much larger communities whose wealth and status owes much to their background in the fishing, shipbuilding or mining industries. Bergen at the start of the voyage is perhaps the best-known location, with its Hanseatic mercantile history, its museums, shops and galleries, its fish market and the funicular railway offering spectacular trips to the summit of Mount Fløyen.

Beyond Bergen, every traveller is bound to find their own favourites. Perhaps it will be the pretty Art Nouveau town of Ålesund. Rebuilt after a devastating fire at the turn of the twentieth century, Ålesund is home to an impressive aquarium, which is actually built in to the coastline.

Fjord-lovers will adore the fairy tale landscapes of Geiranger. During the summer months, there is the additional opportunity to voyage into the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Geirangerfjord. Visitors can also opt to join onshore excursions to allow them to marvel at the fjords from an entirely different vantage point.

Synonymous for many with the Vikings, Trondheim is also Norway's ecclesiastical centre. In addition, it is home to one of Europe's most splendid Gothic cathedrals, Nidaros, and features a large number of picturesque and thoroughly photogenic wooden buildings, including the magnificent Stiftsgården palace.

The island chains of Lofoten and Vesterålen are a wildlife-lovers paradise. Sea eagles, guillemots, eider ducks, cormorants and puffins are only some of the bird species regularly spotted here. The area's rich marine life is also why so many fishermen make their livings here; their waterfront cabins (rorbuer) built on stilts are always much admired.

Few people can visit Norway without thinking of the herring trade. Harstad is the place to learn more, although this port town has also now embraced shipbuilding with equal gusto.

Hammerfest is the most northerly town in the world. Despite this, it remains mostly ice-free, thanks to the warming effects of the nearby Gulf Stream.

Kirkenes, where the coastal voyage turns south again for Bergen, lies only 10 kilometres from the Russian border. Largely insulated from the Gulf Stream, its deep harbour can become iced over in winter.

It may be difficult to decide which time of year to take a Hurtigruten Cruise. Spring is the ideal time to experience the contrast between the warmer south and the colder north, where ice has often not yet released its grip. The summer months are often the most popular, with many travellers keen to experience the “Land of the Midnight Sun”. Whatever time of year is chosen, passengers can be sure of a warm and hearty Norwegian welcome and an unforgettable encounter with some of the world's most awe-inspiring and beautiful landscapes.