World Famous Scenic Beauty
Sail from Hamburg and follow Hurtigruten’s traditional coastal route on this extensive Norwegian fjord cruise with spectacular natural beauty.
Fjords and Cities
Our first stop in Norway is historic Bergen – a Hanseatic city featuring well-preserved medieval architecture and a waterfront ideal for strolling, before rejoining the ship for our trip north. We then cruise the Geirangerfjord and visit the Art Nouveau town of Ålesund, followed by Trondheim, a great city to explore by foot, and Bodø, home of the dramatic Saltstraumen tidal current.
Lofoten and the North Cape
Next is Lofoten and the classic Hurtiguten stop at Svolvær, a site of great Viking history. From there, the captain sails into magical Trollfjorden and Raftsundet.
We continue towards Tromsø – with rich Arctic exploration history and panoramic views. Stopping at Honningsvåg and Hammerfest provides opportunities to visit Norway´s northernmost town and North Cape.
Southbound Gems
Returning southbound, we sail through scenic Tjeldsundet before stopping at Reine, a Lofoten gem. We also call on the charming, picturesque town of Brønnøysund, the island city of Kristiansund, and Molde – “the City of Roses.” Værlandet is our last port of call before arriving back in Hamburg.
- Discover the less-visited gems of the magnificent fjords with the experts
- Sail on our advanced hybrid-powered expedition ship
- See the highlights of our traditional coastal voyage
- Get the chance to visit North Cape
- Hurtigruten expedition cruise in the cabin grade of your choice
EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR AN ADVENTURE
- A rich program of included activities on all voyages designed to immerse you in the destinations you visit, including onshore exploration with the expedition team
- Professional English-speaking expedition team - an international handpicked team of highly educated experts in various academic fields with profound knowledge of the region we sail in
- Complimentary wind- and water-resistant jacket
- Loan of boots, trekking poles, and equipment needed for optional and included activities
ENGAGING ONBOARD ACTIVITIES AND EDUCATION
- In-depth lectures on science, history, biology, geography, geology or culture that provide context to your voyage and help you understand the destinations you will experience
- Explorer Science program, with educational and Citizen Science activities that let you learn about the sights you’ll see while contributing to research
- Introductory photo lecture, including camera adjustments and tips and tricks
- Photos and film/video footage from the voyage shared in the Expedition Logbook
- Casual opportunities to engage with the expedition team and other guests, including a welcome event, daily gatherings to recap the day and prepare for the day to come
- Opportunities to dine and interact with the expedition team and officers
- Destination-focused onboard library
- Port presentations providing destination insight
- A farewell event
PREMIUM ONBOARD COMFORT
- All meals including beverages (beer and wine, sodas and mineral water in all ship restaurants)
- Coffee and tea included throughout the day
- Early riser and afternoon treat offered in addition to breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Fredheim restaurant meals included
- A la carte restaurant (only for suite guests)
- Gym, outdoor hot tubs and sauna with windows
- Rejuvenating wellness areas with separate treatment rooms, infinity pool, outdoor gym, running track
- Free Wi-fi onboard for all guests. Be aware that we sail in remote areas with limited connection. Streaming is not supported.
- No gratuities expected
- International flights
- Optional shore excursions with our local partners
- Optional small-group adventures with our expedition team such as kayaking, long hikes (availability pending weather conditions and safety)
- Travel protection plan
- Luggage handling
Itinerary
Canals and Gardens - Hamburg, Germany - Embarkation
The second-largest city in Germany is one of the greenest urban areas in Europe – featuring large parks, botanical gardens and nature reserves. Before embarking on MS Fridtjof Nansen, spend some time and enjoy a harbor barge tour to explore some of the city´s canals.
Towards the Norwegian Coast - At sea
Enjoy an idyllic day at sea as we head towards the beautiful Norwegian coast. Take in the panoramic views from lookout points around the ship, relax with a book or sit in on one of the onboard lectures.
Beautiful Bergen - Bergen - Half Day
Explore the historic harbor area, fronted by wooden houses of Bryggen dating back as far as the 1300s. Stroll through Bergen’s charming narrow alleyways or take a trip up to Mount Fløyen on the Fløibanen funicular, which reaches the top in just six minutes to enjoy amazing views over the city.
Included activity:
University Museum of Bergen - Plastic Whale (1hr)
Visit the University Museum of Bergen, featuring artefacts from the cultural and natural history of the city. Learn about the famous "plastic whale" that was found on the island of Sotra in 2017 with more than 30 plastic bags and other plastic items in its stomach. This Cuvier's beaked whale was found stranded in shallow local waters and had to be put down - a tragic reminder about plastic pollution in the oceans.
Fjords and Art Nouveau Highlights - Geiranger & Ålesund - Half Day
We sail into the UNESCO-listed beauty of Geirangerfjord for an unforgettable morning.
Our afternoon is spent in Ålesund, an Art Nouveau town which seems to be right out of a fairy tale. Visit the Art Nouveau Center or walk up the 418 steps to Aksla Mountain for sweeping views!
Included activity:
Art Nouveau Walk (1hr 30min)
Distinguished by its spires, towers and highly detailed ornamentation, Ålesund is renowned across the world for beautiful Art Nouveau architecture. A devastating fire burned much of the city to the ground in 1904, allowing the entire town to be rebuilt in the fashionable style of the time, Art Nouveau.
Your tour of Ålesund will begin on the pier, where you will be met by a guide who will take you on a pleasant walk through the streets of this enchanting town. Along the way you will pass the picturesque fishing port of Brosundet, the special Apotekertorget square, Jugendstilsenteret, the national centre for Art Nouveau and the beautifully decorated main street.
The Viking City - Trondheim - Half Day
Trondheim was founded by the Viking ruler, Olav Tryggvason, in 997, and today features a rich cultural life. There are plenty historic sites to take in as you wander through this historic city, enjoying the architecture and surroundings that create a beautiful, almost mystical atmosphere.
Included activity:
Town walk with local guides (3hrs)
Your walk starts at the 19th century harbor, then on to the royal residence of Stiftsgården, before continuing to the Market Square to take a look at the statue of Viking King Olav Tryggvason. From here, we stroll to Nidaros to get to know the world’s northernmost medieval cathedral.
Next, we cross the old city bridge with its red gateway known to the locals as “the portal of happiness”. On the other side is Bakklandet, which has managed to preserve its charming wooden architecture. Originally, this was the industrial part of the city, but old factories have now been converted to housing, shops and gourmet restaurants and the area features the world’s only bicycle lift.
North of the Arctic Circle - Bodø & Svolvær
After crossing the Arctic Circle, we arrive in Bodø, a city surrounded by sea and fjord. Sailing over to Lofoten, we call on the picturesque town of Svolvær, where age-old maritime traditions prevail. We then cruise through Raftsundet Strait while keeping a sharp eye out for white-tailed sea eagles.
Included activity:
Fiskeværsvandring (1hr)
This cultural walk takes in the history of fisheries, merchants, and modern sights in the center of Svolvær. This is the perfect introduction to fascinating tales of the harsh life of Arctic Norway. During our 3km cultural walk, we make several stops.
We reach Svinøya to gather under the fish racks and sample a taste of stockfish while learning about the importance of this local product dating as far back as 1,000 years ago.
Gateway to the Arctic - Tromsø - Full Day
Tromsø is often described as the “Paris of the North,” and boasts friendly locals, wonderful shopping and great restaurants. The Arctic Cathedral is a highlight, as well as the Arctic Aquarium, the world’s northernmost botanical garden and the Fjellheisen cable car.
Included activity:
Polaria Arctic Aquarium (1hr)
Set in a spectacular building representing two ice floes, the Polaria Arctic Aquarium informs and entertains with films and installations that lead you along the "Arctic walkway". You can learn more about the melting Arctic ice and how it affects wildlife. And you can discover how researchers conduct their Arctic studies as well as enjoy seeing the resident bearded seals.
Top of the World - Honningsvåg - Full Day
Honningsvåg is the gateway to spectacular North Cape. An optional excursion to the North Cape plateau puts you at 71°10’21´N, only 1,200 miles away from the geographic North Pole.
Included activity:
The North Cape (3hrs)
Enjoy the magnificent landscape as you cross the 71st parallel on our journey towards the North Cape, one of the northernmost points on the continent. The North Cape plateau rises 307 meters almost vertically from the Arctic Ocean.
The iconic Globe sculpture on the plateau is a popular place to get that all-important picture. At the North Cape Hall, you can view an impressive 180° panoramic film about the region. Other facilities at the site include a souvenir shop, scenic viewpoint, small chapel and, perhaps surprisingly, a Thai Museum.
The Northernmost Town in the World - Hammerfest - Half Day
Hammerfest has gravesites dating back to the Stone Age and was an important fishing and Arctic hunting settlement long before it was given market town rights in 1789. The town is also home to the UNESCO-listed Struve Geodetic Arc – a chain of survey triangulations stretching to the Black Sea.
Included activity:
Sami Experience (2hrs)
Learn about Sámi history and culture at Mikkelgammn Sámi camp seated on reindeer skins around an open fire. Enjoy a special Sámi performance with joiks, or chants. The joik has no actual words and may be used to describe a particular mood, nature, character or person. Each Joik is personal and unique. The Sámi people present will be wearing their colourful national costumes.
Idyllic Reine - Reine - Half Day
A true gem of Lofoten, Reine´s beauty has inspired artists like Gunnar Berg since the 1880s. Traditional fisherman’s cottages - known as Rorbuer - perch on stilts at the water’s edge with a backdrop of steep granite peaks. Take your time here to soak in the deep serenity.
Included activity:
Fishing Museum in Å (2hrs)
Enjoy a scenic bus ride through spectacular Lofoten that takes you all the way to the where the road ends at Å. Visit the fishing museum to see and hear the story of Å - one of the best-preserved fishing villages in northern Norway.
You are guided through the adventures of Lofoten’s fisheries, and told fascinating stories about vagabonds and local heroes of the past.
Closer to Torghatten - Brønnøysund - Full Day
The pretty little fishing town, Brønnøysund, is rich in history and maritime atmosphere. Ambling through the marina, take in the fleet of small fishing boats and bustling sailing life. There will be an option to come close to iconic Torghatten, the famous mountain with a distinctive hole through the middle.
Included activity:
Torghatten (2hrs 30min)
Enjoy a scenic bus ride to Torghatten. This iconic landmark has been called ‘Nature's Cathedral’ due to the hole’s 35-metre-high ceiling. The mountain’s summit is 258 m above sea level. Take a leisurely hike to the hole and admire the beautiful surrounding landscapes along the way.
From Bacalao to Roses - Kristiansund & Molde - Half Day
As we sail along the coast, you will see the importance of fishing to Norwegian coastal communities. Kristiansund’s location has steadily provided the town with a wealth of opportunities in the fishing, shipbuilding and oil industries. We continue to Molde, known as the “City of Roses.”
Included activity:
Romsdal visit (2hrs)
Your tour will start in the outdoor museum with a performance by a children’s folk dance group, after which you will have the chance to tour open houses with guides.
Next we will move on to Krona, the main building, and get an introduction to the museum´s folk costume section and other exhibitions. Throughout the visit coffee, tea and local “lefse” will be available.
Hiking Opportunities - Værlandet - Full Day
Værlandet is a small island group situated north of Sognefjorden. This unique place features excellent hiking possibilities for all levels of fitness. Maybe a jaunt up 1,200 ft high Mount Alden will tempt you. The view is stunning.
Included activity:
Museum, hike options, bike rental (2hrs)
Stretch your legs on the small islands of Værlandet & Bulandet by hiking or walking around the village or take a bike around the island on your own. You can also learn more about the area´s cultural history at the local museum.
Relax and Unwind - At sea
On our final day at sea, relax in our comfortable lounges or out on deck and be sure to join the expedition team for one of the many lectures during the day.
Return to Hamburg - Hamburg - Disembarkation
After breakfast, it’s time to disembark and leave your base for the past 15 days. Head ashore in Hamburg for a final bit of exploration before you make your way home.
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