The Hurtigruten Story
When seasoned Norwegian Sea Captain Richard With came up with the idea of starting a year-round steam ship service to link northern and southern Norway, the local Governor asked his associates, "Is this captain a dreamer, or can it be done?"
It was the late 19th century, and though the Industrial Revolution had brought all kinds of comforts and technologies to Oslo and the ports of the south, the region beyond Bergen was still seen as a remote wilderness hemmed in by dramatic landscapes. Richard With's proposal for a service in daylight hours, from Trondheim to Hammerfest on a weekly basis, bringing mail, passengers and cargo was audacious enough, but he went further, claiming that in time, he would be able to sail this distance both day and night, both summer and winter. This was unheard of, as the first complete map of the Norwegian coast had yet to be made, and no pilot could possibly know all the topographical challenges.
The rugged landscape north of Bergen had for centuries only been accessible from the sea. From before the time of the Vikings, ships had sailed along the coast, exploiting the channels and harbours - kept free of ice by the Gulf Stream - in search of the best fishing grounds.
The route became a lively trading channel, as boats burdened first with dried fish and later flour, syrup and sugar provided isolated communities with commerce and provisions. The delivery of mail was the initial reason for the establishment of what was then known as the Coastal Express.
For ninety years, the Coastal Express was the most important communication link between south and north. It is from these times that the name Hurtigruten dates, translated as 'fast route', this was quite literally the quickest route to north Norway. Each ship had its own post office, its own stamp and its own post officer on board - indeed it was only in 1983 that mail delivery was transferred to planes and vehicles. Up until then, the Coastal Express was simply the most reliable of the alternatives, known for arriving on time all year around, regardless of weather conditions.
This symbiosis between the ships and the people may well account for the affection many Norwegians have for the route. Ask a coastal resident to tell you about Hurtigruten and they sometimes become emotional. The history and tradition of the route, and the epic endeavour of the captains and crews who have helped steer so many coastal communities into the modern age, have never been regarded with anything but admiration.
It is with this heritage and experience that the Hurtigruten fleet has moved forward to operate in Spitsbergen, Greenland and Antarctica, offering the most professional and proficient expedition voyage operation on the planet.
1830's - Pre-Hurtigruten
The 'Prinds Gustav' is the first steamship to head up the Nordland Channel. Lofoten locals are shocked and even frightened by the appearance of this smokebelching monster, while partyloving people of Tromsø¸ organise a civic ball to welcome the ship. Over the next few decades, other steamers ply the route, all sponsored by the Norwegian state as a means of unifying the country. It was the late 19th century, and though the Industrial Revolution had on the planet.
1893 - The First Sailing
In 1893 the Norwegian Government offers permission to operate ships on the route to three shipping companies. Two of these companies decline as they did not believe the voyage could be done. One company, however, decides to rise to the challenge. On 2nd July, the pioneer ship, “Vesterålen” sails north from Trondheim. It takes Captain Richard With 67 hours to reach Hammerfest on this first voyage, and he arrives in port twenty minutes ahead of schedule. After a short period of time, the other companies saw that this was possible and joined the Hurtigruten.
1905- Independence
Norway gains independence through peaceful treaty and separation from Sweden.
1914 - 1918 - The Great War Years
Kirkenes is included in the route. During the First World War delivery of coal from England stopped for a time and afterwards it was very expensive. This resulted in a reduction of speed of the ships and fewer dockings than usual.
1920 - 1938 - Depression and Boom
The Depression struck and one strike followed another, sometimes disabling the entire route of the Coastal Steamer. At this time, there were five sailings each week. As the twenties came to an end, and Norwegian governments raised their subsidies, a great period of Coastal Express history emerged. From 1936 daily sailings commence from Bergen and 14 ships are in Coastal Express service. Never have the numbers of visited harbours been higher, and over 230,000 passengers sail with the ships annually.
1939 - 1945 - Second World War
The Coastal Express suffers many losses during the Second World War, defending itself in the crossfire. Nine ships sink, and a total of 700 people go to a watery grave during these turbulent years. Paradoxically, the Allied Forces destroy twice as many ships as the Germans. Due to the black-out of all ships in traffic the coastal express ships are easily mistaken for enemy vessels. All in all half the Hurtigruten fleet is lost as a consequence of the war, on one occasion two ships being sunk in the space of two days.
1950 - 1970 - Rebuilding and Regrowth
Due to the dramatic reduction of the fleet during the war, it is a top national priority to rebuild the Coastal Express. The first four ships, delivered from an Italian shipyard in 1949 and 1950, set new standards for practical and comfortable shipping. Another three ships are delivered in 1952, and a further eight are launched in as many years.
1980's - 2006 - Into the 21st century
The impact of the car is felt as passenger numbers dramatically drop off. As a result, when the companies need new ships, they decide to go for ships designed to carry cargo, rather than passengers. As the eighties proceed, the Coastal Express's popularity increases once again and these new ships are only partially able to meet the demands from travellers. New ships are built with more cabins, and panoramic lounges are designed to provide more space and passenger comfort to meet this demand. A new generation of ships is needed at the beginning of the nineties, and facilities for travellers are increased further. In the years between 1993 and 2007, ten new ships are built and put into service for the new millennium.
HURTIGRUTEN TODAY - Norway and beyond
The Hurtigruten fleet is now a mix of different styles of ship, and everyone has their favourite. Many enjoy travelling on the more traditional ships, while others prefer the more modern vessels. The latest addition to our fleet, the MS Fram has been specifically designed for the Hurtigruten style of voyage. Moving beyond Norwegian shores, our captains and fleet are well equipped for expedition voyages worldwide, and our ships can now be found following the Hurtigruten traditions of expert seamanship and local knowledge exploring the coastlines of Spitsbergen, Greenland and Antarctica.
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