Cruise and Walk the Coast of Norway

Fly from the UK to Bergen, Norway’s second-largest city. On arrival, we’ll discover the city’s highlights on a guided tour, including the colourful UNESCO-listed Bryggen wharf. We’ll also ride the Fløibanen funicular to the top of Mount Fløyen for excellent views across Bergen and its surrounding mountains. 

We stay overnight in Bergen and gather for dinner this evening. 

Today is free for you to explore Bergen at your own pace. You may like to browse the historic streets around Bryggen, visit the famous fish market or relax in one of the city’s cafés. 

In the early evening, we board MS Nordnorge and settle into our cabins. As we sail from Bergen along the historic Hjeltefjord, we’ll enjoy our first dinner prepared using fresh coastal produce. We’ll also meet the ship’s Expedition Team, who will organise talks, onboard activities and optional excursions throughout our voyage. 

This morning, we sail through Nordfjord and past Norway’s West Cape before entering Hjørundfjord, hidden among the dramatic Sunnmøre Alps. On arriving in the village of Urke, we disembark for a guided walk through a landscape of steep mountains, traditional farms and sweeping fjord views. 

After our walk, we continue by coach to Ålesund, where we rejoin the ship. Our final port of the day is Molde, known as the ‘City of Roses’. In clear conditions, its waterfront offers views across the 222 mountain peaks of the celebrated Molde Panorama. 

Distance: 5 miles (8 km) 
Ascent: 590 feet (180 m) 
 

We cruise into Norway’s Trøndelag region, where rolling hills, farmland and coastal settlements create a gentler landscape. On reaching the medieval city of Trondheim, we transfer to Bymarka Nature Reserve for a guided walk with our local leader. 

Our route follows established trails through woodland and past tranquil lakes, with open viewpoints along the way. This peaceful landscape provides an interesting contrast to the high mountains and deep fjords encountered elsewhere on our voyage. 

Back on board, we sail northwest past rocky reefs, small islands and the distinctive Kjeungskjær Lighthouse before continuing towards Rørvik. 

Early this morning, we cross the Arctic Circle, an occasion marked by a traditional onboard ceremony. During the height of summer, this is the land of the Midnight Sun, where daylight lasts around the clock. 

We call at Ørnes, close to the Svartisen glacier, before continuing to Bodø, overlooked by the Børvass mountain peaks. You can explore independently or join an optional excursion to Saltstraumen, known for its powerful tidal currents. 

This afternoon, we enter the Lofoten archipelago, where the thousand-metre peaks of the Lofoten Wall dominate the horizon. We arrive in Svolvær this evening, passing rows of traditional red fishermen’s cabins built beside the water. 

Distance: 3.75 miles (6 km) 
Ascent: 1390 feet (420 m) 
Descent: XX feet (XX m) 

We arrive in Harstad this morning, where there may be time for an early stroll. We then continue to Finnsnes, linked to the island of Senja by the impressive Gisund Bridge, before sailing north to Tromsø. 

From Tromsø, we transfer to the lower Fjellheisen station and begin our guided walk up the stone staircase built by Nepalese Sherpas. 

As we climb towards the mountain plateau, extensive views open across Tromsø, its surrounding islands and the neighbouring fjords and mountains. We leave the city in the early evening and sail past the Lyngen Alps towards the historic trading post of Skjervøy. 

Distance: 4.50 miles (7 km) 
Ascent: 850 feet (260 m) 
 

Our ship calls at Hammerfest this morning before continuing to Honningsvåg, the gateway to the North Cape. Here, we join our local leader for a guided walk along the Storfjellet Trail above the town. 

The trail offers broad views across Magerøya’s coastline and open Arctic tundra. We’ll also look out for the area’s birdlife and herds of reindeer. 

Back on board, we continue to Mehamn, our northernmost port of call, before sailing towards Berlevåg. Along the way, we pass Slettnes Lighthouse, the world’s northernmost lighthouse on the mainland. 

Distance: 3.75 miles (6 km) 
Ascent: 230 feet (70 m) 
 

We dock at Vadsø this morning, an important stopping point for migrating birds and one of the Arctic’s best-known birdwatching areas. Look out for hooded crows, sea eagles and other species from the ship. After breakfast, we arrive in Kirkenes, close to the Russian border. Here, we join our local guide for a relaxed coastal walk through Prestøya Nature Reserve. 

The reserve’s shoreline, low vegetation and open views offer a rewarding introduction to this remote Arctic environment. We then rejoin the ship as it turns south, revealing in daylight some of the ports visited overnight on our northbound journey. 

At Vardø, you may like to visit the striking Witches’ Monument or star-shaped Vardøhus Fortress before we continue to Båtsfjord and Berlevåg. 

Following early calls at Honningsvåg and Havøysund, we arrive in Hammerfest during the afternoon. You’ll have free time to explore this historic Arctic town. 

You may like to see the UNESCO-listed Meridian Column, visit the Royal and Ancient Polar Bear Society or walk to the viewpoint on Mount Salen. 

We then sail south to Øksfjord and the fishing port of Skjervøy. As we continue towards Tromsø, look out for views of the imposing Lyngen Alps. We dock shortly before midnight, with the summer’s extended daylight offering the opportunity for an evening stroll. 

Today is devoted to scenic cruising through the Lofoten and Vesterålen archipelagos, among the finest sections of Norway’s coastal route. 

After Finnsnes, we call at Harstad, where the Trondenes peninsula is home to the world’s northernmost medieval stone church. As we continue south, the landscape changes from rolling hills to steep mountains rising around 1,000 metres above the sea. 

We reach Svolvær this evening, overlooked by the distinctive Svolværgeita, or ‘Svolvær Goat’, mountain. The ship then continues to Stamsund beneath the granite cliffs of the Lofoten Wall. 

We cross the Arctic Circle once again this morning. Those wishing to follow maritime tradition can mark the occasion by tasting a spoonful of Norwegian cod liver oil. 

After a short stop at Nesna, we continue to Sandnessjøen, gateway to the Helgeland Coast. From the ship, admire the Seven Sisters mountain range, whose seven peaks rise to more than 1,000 metres. 

We reach Brønnøysund during the afternoon, where you can stroll around the marina and along Havnegata or visit the town’s 19th-century stone church. Our final call is Rørvik, an attractive fishing port in the Vikna archipelago. 

We return to Trondheim this morning, with free time to explore independently. You may like to visit Nidaros Cathedral, cross the colourful Gamle Bybro bridge or walk up to Kristiansten Fortress for views across the city. 

Later, we sail to Kristiansund, a harbour town spread across three islands. Known for its association with klippfisk, or dried and salted cod, it has a rich maritime heritage. Explore the old town’s cobbled streets and lively harbour, or climb to the former watchtower at Varden for panoramic coastal views. 

Our final morning offers views towards Nordfjord, which lies beneath the vast Jostedal Glacier. We call at Florø, where there may be time to admire the harbour and marina. 

Leaving Florø, we pass the much-photographed Stabben Lighthouse before crossing the mouth of Sognefjord, Norway’s longest and deepest fjord. The ship then weaves between islands and rocky skerries before following Hjeltefjord into Bergen. 

On arrival, we say farewell to the Captain and crew and transfer to the airport for our return flight to the UK.