12D The Coastal Express – Roundtrip

Your voyage starts in Bergen, the second-largest city in Norway and gateway to the fjords. Founded in 1070AD, Bergen boasts architecture infl uenced by prosperous 14th-century German trading organisation, theHanseatic League. If you’ve time before your ship departs, visit the UNESCO-listed wharfs of the colourfulBryggen district, now an artisan quarter complete with cobblestone streets. Just across the street is thefamous Fish Market which serves delicious seafood. There’s also the Fløibanen funicular which takes you up tothe top of Mount Fløyen for views of the city. To get the most out of your visit to Norway, don’t forget that wecan also help you to arrange tours before or after your voyage, such as the Norway in a Nutshell programme.Your voyage begins Before boarding, you can relax in our comfortable guest lounge at the terminal. Onceaboard, enjoy the fi rst of many delicious meals made from fresh coastal produce as we depart Bergen and sailthe old Viking route along Hjeltefjord. You’ll also meet your ship’s Expedition Team who will be your guides aswe cruise Norway’s coastline, organising lectures, onboard activities, and optional hikes.
Departure: 20:30

Enjoy early morning in the Nordfjord near Torvik. We then sail past West Cape for our approach to Ålesund.Art Nouveau city Ålesund is renowned for its beautiful Art Nouveau architecture and Atlanterhavsparken, oneof Northern Europe’s largest saltwater aquariums. If you’re travelling with us in spring or winter, you’ll have most of the day to explore this picturesque town. Into the fjords In spring, from April to May, and in autumn, from September to October, your ship will sail to Hjørundfjord, hidden away in the Sunnmøre Alps. There’ll also be a call at the scenic village of Urke to gaze at the view of thousand-year-old farms, the fjord, and the lush mountainsides. In summer, from June to August, we set course for UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord. This isa protected and preserved piece of paradise with towering mountain cliff s and waterfalls like the famous Seven Sisters cascading into the fjord. Please note that the Hurtigruten ships do not dock at the cruise terminal pier. Instead passengers will be transported with tender boats by Geiranger Fjordservice from the ship to shore, or vice versa. Please arrive before 13:45 for the tender boat. Mountains and roses The last port of the day is Molde. In summer, there might just be enough daylight to see the amazing view of 222 mountain peaks across the fjord, called ‘the Molde Panorama’. From mid-June to late August, the streets and gardens here will be adorned with the sight and scent of roses of all shades, living up to Molde’s nickname as ‘The City of Roses’.

Also stopping at: Florø • Måløy • Torvik • The Geirangerfjord • Molde

This section of the voyage sees us enter the Trøndelag region of Norway, marked by crumpled hills, fi eldsdotted with farmsteads, and low-lying coastal settlements. Magical, medieval, and modern Founded by Viking king Olav Tryggvason in 997, Trondheim today is Norway’s third-largest city and a mix of historic buildings and a vibrant student population. You’ll have three hours to explore Trondheim and its array of highlights, either by yourself or on one of the optional excursions we off er. A must-see site of the city is Nidaros Cathedral, nicknamed “Norway’s Notre Dame” for its Gothic style and considered the most sacred building in all of Norway. Next door to the cathedral is the Archbishop’s Palace where Norway’s crown jewels are on display. Nearby, the old city bridge Gamle Bybro sits over Nid River, marking the entrance to the old Hanseatic district of Bakklandet. The neighbourhood’s colourful wooden wharves propped up on stilts by the river’s edge now house a variety of eateries. Up from Bakklandet is Kristiansten Fort which has beautiful panoramas of the city and fjord. Back on board In the afternoon, the ship sails northwest, passing the ochre-coloured Kjeungskjær Lighthouse, islets, and rocky reefs. After that, we head towards charming Rørvik.
Also stopping at :Kristiansund • Rørvik

We cross the Arctic Circle early in the morning, beginning your Arctic tour of Norway. We mark the moment with a traditional ceremony that’s sure to wake you up. Above the Arctic Circle, you can see the sun 24 hours a ay in summer, while in winter, your chances of seeing the Northern Lights greatly improve. Forces of nature At 10:00, we call into Ørnes, near to Norway’s second-largest glacier, Svartisen. The pier here is popular for theLove Bench where sweethearts have declared their lasting romance with a padlock. We then sail to Bodø, thesecond-largest city in Northern Norway, overlooked by the Børvass peaks. Admire fabulous street art or join anoptional boat excursion to Saltstraumen, the world’s most powerful maelstrom. Welcome to Lofoten Thatafternoon, the ship enters the Lofoten archipelago. The 1,000 metre-high Lofoten Wall is a stunning sight on the horizon, as if there to welcome us. Stamsund is home to one of the largest fi shing fl eets in the islands and busiest between January and April when Arctic cod, known locally as skrei, swim from the Barents Sea in the north down to Vestfjord to spawn. Come evening, when you see rows of traditional fi sherman’s huts on stilts, known as rorbuer, you’ve arrived in the pretty harbour of Svolvær, the main town of the Lofoten Islands.
Also stopping at: Brønnøysund • Sandnessjøen • Nesna • Ørnes • Stamsund • Svolvær

We dock into Harstad just after 07:00. You can go for a peaceful early morning stroll around town. The ship will then continue to Finnsnes which connects the beautiful island of Senja via the impressive Gisund Bridge. Keep on the lookout for a variety of seabirds with several colonies nearby, including puff ins. Gateway to theArctic We then sail to the historic Arctic exploration capital of Tromsø where you’ll have four hours to explorethe city or join an optional excursion. Along the waterfront you’ll find Polaria, a centre exhibiting environmental research in the Arctic with a small aquarium. Take your pick from the many shops and restaurants in the city centre, including Mack Brewery and favourite local watering hole Ølhallen pub. There are also cafés off eringdelicious cinnamon buns where baristas create innovative coffee art. Across the fjord from where the ship docks, you should be able to see the iconic Arctic Cathedral with its beautiful stained-glass mosaic. Leaving Tromsø in the early evening, we head north for the trading post of Skjervøy, founded in 1622. On our way, we’ll pass the Lyngen Alps which rise majestically from the sea.
Also stopping at :Stokmarknes • Sortland • Risøyhamn • Harstad • Finnsnes • Skjervøy

The ship reaches the town of Hammerfest on the island of Kvaløya early in the morning. In summer, the islandhas herds of reindeer migrating here in their thousands. You’ll know we’ve reached Havøysund when you seethe wind turbines of the landmark Havøyglaven wind farm which produces enough electricity to power 6,000local homes. At the top of Europe We arrive at Honningsvåg mid-morning, portal to the North Cape where aglobe monument marks the top of continental Europe. An optional excursion will take you to North Cape fromHonningsvåg by bus, passing herds of reindeer on the way, depending on the season. Sámi heartlands Nearthe entrance of Kjøllefjord village, look out for the striking, building-like rock formation Finnkirka, an ancientsacrifi cial site once used by the indigenous Sámi. You can join an optional summer excursion to meet localSámi, learn about their life reindeer herding, and listen to joik folk songs. Continuing north We reach ournorthernmost port of call, Mehamn, in the evening. If visiting in the months of February and March, you mightspot tons of cod drying on outdoor wooden racks called hjell, mainly destined for export. The ship then sets off for Berlevåg. On the way, we pass the tall Slettnes Lighthouse, the northernmost mainland lighthouse onEarth.
Also stopping at: Øksfjord • Hammerfest • Havøysund • Kjøllefjord • Mehamn • Berlevåg

We call at Båtsfjord and Vardø in the night, before docking at Vadsø early in the morning. Looking to the skiesThe area around Vadsø is one of the most scenic and popular birdwatching spots in the Arctic, lying directlyunder the migration path of birds fl ying from east to west. Watch for hooded crows and sea eagles. Near theNorwegian border By the time we reach Kirkenes after breakfast, you’ll have travelled further east than St.Petersburg and Istanbul. You’ll have a choice of optional excursions to explore the area. Journey’s turning pointKirkenes is where your Norwegian coastal cruise changes direction and the ship heads south. Several of theplaces we sailed to during the night we’ll now see during the day. Back in Vardø, you can visit the solemnWitches’ Monument and the star-shaped Vardøhus Fortress, built in 1737. The northernmost fortifi cation ofany kind, it remains a part of the military to this day. We return to the small, bustling port of Båtsfjord and thenmake for Berlevåg for late evening, crossing paths with the northbound ship.
Also stopping at :Båtsfjord • Vardø • Vadsø • Vardø • Båtsfjord • Berlevåg

We make stops at Mehamn and Kjøllefjord during the night before early morning visits to Honningsvåg andHavøysund. The northernmost city In the early afternoon, you’ll spend time in Hammerfest, which has thel argest population on a list of the world’s northernmost settlements. See the UNESCO-listed Meridian Column, shop for souvenirs at the Polar Bear Society, or take the path behind the town to the viewpoint atop Mount Salen. Mountains and marine mammals We continue cruising Norway’s coastline south to Øksfjord and then to Skjervøy, surrounded by mountain peaks. We’ve been docking at this vital fi shing port since 1896. If you’re visiting in winter, you might spot orcas and humpback whales that gather here to feed on herring. As we make our way to Tromsø, you might also glimpse views of the Lyngen Alps which boast some of the highest peaks in all of Norway. Midnight magic We dock at Tromsø just before midnight. In the summer months, you can stroll around the still busy city in glorious 24-hour daylight.
Also stopping at: Mehamn • Kjøllefjord • Honningsvåg • Havøysund • Øksfjord • Skjervøy

Today, you’ll be exploring the archipelagos of Lofoten and Vesterålen, real highlights of our Norway scenicroute. After Finnsnes early in the morning, the ship calls at Harstad where the white-washed TrondenesChurch, the world’s northernmost medieval stone church, sits on the peninsula. Next is our smallest port of callRisøyhamn and then Sortland where the landscape slowly transforms from hills to 1,000-metre-highmountains. Our birthplace Stokmarknes is where Captain Richard With began The Coastal Express in 1893.Visit Hurtigrutemuseet, a ship-in-a-bottle building that chronicles our legacy, centred around retired ship MSFinnmarken from 1956. A ship-sized fjord Sailing along Raftsund, the Captain may choose to take the ship intotiny Trollfjord if weather permits. The mountain walls will look so close you’ll think you can reach out andbrush them! To exit the fjord, the ship will rotate 180 degrees on the spot, then sail back out. Remember to lookout for sea eagles here too. Leaving Lofoten We reach Svolvær in the evening. The huge mountain that sitsabove the town is named the Svolvær Goat due to its supposed resemblance. See if you agree! The ship thensails for Stamsund, eventually passing the giant granite cliff s of the Lofoten Wall.
Also stopping at :Tromsø • Finnsnes • Harstad • Risøyhamn • Sortland • Stokmarknes • Stamsund

The ship calls at Bodø in the small hours of the morning and then Ørnes at 7am. We then cross over the ArcticCircle just after breakfast. Commemorate the moment with a tradition of tasting a spoonful of good ol’Norwegian cod liver oil! We make a short stop at Nesna before sailing on to Sandnessjøen, gateway to themagnifi cent Helgeland Coast. Legend has it… Admire the stunning landscape of the Seven Sisters mountainrange, with peaks up to 1,100m high. The tale goes that seven beautiful troll princesses, fleeing from anunwanted suitor, got caught out as the sun rose, turning them into the seven beautiful mountains you seetoday. You’ll also not want to miss views of Torghatten Mountain, with the distinctive hole in it. There is a local legend as to why and how this mountain came to have such a hole. Make sure you ask your Coastal Experience about it! We reach Brønnøysund mid-afternoon. Explore the bustling marina on a walk along Havnegata. In the centre of town is Brønnøy Church: a stone church in the Neo-Gothic style dating back to 1870. Our last stop of the day is the cosy fishing port of Rørvik in the picturesque Vikna archipelago.
Also stopping at :Bodø • Ørnes • Nesna • Sandnessjøen • Rørvikghts at the hotel.

Spend the morning in Trondheim, then sail past beautiful island scenery and some of Norway’s smallest communities before exploring Kristiansund and Molde. Capital of the Viking Age Stroll around Trondheim in the early morning as the city wakes. Visit the sacred Nidaros Cathedral, resting place of St. Olav. Then, walk toGamle Bybro bridge for a photo opportunity over Nid River. Treat yourself to quality coff ee and a Nordicpatisserie in one of the Bakklandet district’s many chic cafés then walk up to Kristiansten Fort for great views of Norway’s third largest city. Dealing in dried cod We dock at Kristiansund’s harbour in the late afternoon. The town is spread over three islands and known for being Norway’s “Bacalao Capital” for the salted cod that’s dried on the surrounding cliff s, called klippfisk in Norwegian. Take a walk around the cobblestone streets of the old town and tour the lively port. You can also head up to the old watchtower at Varden viewpoint for a lovely panorama. Peaks and petals The penultimate port of the day is Molde where you can spot the tops of the Romsdal Alps. Nicknamed “The City of Roses”, flowers should be in bloom between mid-June and late August.
Also stopping at: Kristiansund • Molde

Our Norwegian coastal cruise together, at least this time, will reach its end later today. During the previous night, we’ll call at Ålesund and Torvik. On our approach to Måløy, you might catch a glimpse of the northbound Coastal Express if you’re up early enough. Morning highlights You’ll have a chance to glimpse Nordfjord, under the enormous Jostedal Glacier, mainland Europe’s largest. The ship then docks at Florø in the morning whereyou can take in the harbour and marina. The home stretch Leaving Florø, you’ll spot Stabben Lighthouse, a favourite subject for photographers. There’s also stunning views to enjoy as we cross the mouth of Sognefjord, the longest and widest fjord in the whole of Norway. As we reach our final port in the afternoon, the ship will navigate through the last islands and skerries of our Norway scenic route, and sail down Hjeltefjord to arrive into Bergen. Explore more of Norway Sadly, it’s time to say farewell to the Captain, crew, and fellow guests. But your journey doesn’t have to stop after disembarkation. We off er a Bergen sightseeing tour as well as a range of post-voyage programmes that you can add to your trip, including seeing Sognefjord by train or a tour ofOslo.
Also stopping at: Ålesund • Torvik • Måløy • Florø
Arrival: 14:45