Experience Arctic Norway
Norway is a land of sublime natural beauty. Along its long isolated coast – still the true heart of the country- frozen waterfalls plunge into pristine fjords fringed by primal forests of pine and spruce. Majestic peaks blanketed in snow rise sheer out of the sea. The air is so fresh you can taste it, and through the polar night the refraction of light of the countless islands adds its own veil of mystery. It is an unspoilt, unimaginably captivating wilderness.
Travelling on Hurtigruten is the natural way to meet those who live and work along the coast. Our ships call at various ports along the coast, some of which are home to just a few hundred people. Many communities still depend on agriculture and fishing, as they have done for centuries.
As we cross the Arctic Circle and reach the latitudes of the far north of Arctic Norway, we encounter Sami people, the indigenous inhabitants who still today follow many of their traditional ways.
Hurtigruten provide an intimate encounter with history and culture of this part of Arctic Norway.
Short Breaks on land and sea
Many trips involve travel on the Norwegian Coastal Voyage, the daily ‘post ship’ service starting in Bergen and calling at 33 ports up to Kirkenes. Weaving their way throughout the islands and fjords of this dramatic coast, travellers can enjoy a twelve day round voyage to the far north and back again. Most itineraries in search of the Northern Lights however, will allow you to enjoy the highlights of this trip over a shorter time. All itineraries will take you across the Arctic Circle and beyond where the Northern Lights are more apparent in the period between October and March.
Nature offers some of the greatest opportunities to see wildlife along Norwegian shores, and there is an exciting range of winter activities available both on land and on board. Opportunities include spotting animated pods of Orca, you can snuggle up warm in an ice hotel, be led by huskies on an unforgettable dog-sledge safari, snowmobile across frozen lands or venture through ice caves in the realm of the polar bear.
View our itineries to discover short breaks and longer voyages with a difference, find opportunities to celebrate Christmas, New Year and Valentine’s in style, enjoy a departure with a more artistic theme or perhaps join one of our festival departure.
Cities we visit
Bergen
Gateway to the fjords, Bergen is an absolute delight to visit. A funicular railway can take you to the top of Mount Fløyen, for fine views over narrow cobbled streets and brightly coloured wooden warehouses that huddle around the sheltered harbour below.Trondheim
This attractive city was Norway’s first capital and it is here that the new kings of old Norway received their ceremonial blessing. The magnificent Nidaros Cathedral remains one of Europe’s foremost Gothic monuments.The Lofoten Islands
These beautiful, mountainous island chains are some of the oldest in the world. The traditional way of life based on the seas is very much in evidence as we explore the small settlements here. These islands are just a short distance from Tysfjord, where the Orca come to feed on herring from late October each year.Tromsø
Capital of Arctic Norway, Tromsø is a lively city famed for its New Year celebrations and the Northern Lights Festival. The start or end point of most of the trips described in this brochure, Tromsø has much to do and see both in and around the town itself. It is also the base for many exciting winter activities.Nordkapp
Exposed, barren and remote, the North Cape is the most northerly point of mainland Europe, and looking north there is nothing but sea between us, Spitsbergen and the frozen wastes of the high Arctic.Kirkenes
Just six miles from the Russian border, Kirkenes is one of Europe’s most remote outposts. Centre for a wide range of winter activities, two of the most popular are the King Crab Safari and bathing in the Barents Sea.Alta
Alta is home to one of Norway’s best kept winter secrets – the Alta Igloo Ice Hotel. Alongside this unique hotel experience, we offer winter activities such as dog-sledging and snowmobiling.Spitsbergen
500km north of mainland Norway, and just over 1000km from the North Pole, a visit to Spitsbergen on the Svalbard Archipelago is perhaps the ultimate winter experience. With a population of polar bears far outnumbering that of humans, this is the true Winter Arctic adventure. Do not miss the opportunity to witness Longyearbyen in early March, when the sun finally returns to these frozen lands and the locals celebrate the Festival of the Sun.
New Arctic Adventure Breaks & Voyages from only £516pp
...See voyages for details on the brand new collection of adventure short breaks and magical voyages with a difference. Fly from Heathrow, or from Stansted. Regional flight options are also available. Celebrate Valentine's in style or alternatively enjoy a themed voyaged .
Thrilling Excursions
...Enhance your experience by taking part of one of our inspirational excursions. Chill out at the Ice Hotel or take part an exhilarating Husky Dog sledging adventure, click here for more details....
