Hurtigruten : 9D8N The North Cape Express Half Voyage (Northbound)

It’s only fitting that your Norwegian coastal experience begins in Bergen, Norway’s cultural and artistic hotspot. In many ways, Bergen is like a medieval living museum. Founded by King Olaf III in 1070 AD, Bergen was Norway’s capital for many years. As you wander its cobblestone streets and alleyways, you’ll note how this bustling city has lost none of its heritage and historic charm. 

After breakfast in your hotel, a transfer will meet you to whisk you over to MS Trollfjord, your home for the next week. Once we’ve  you’ve settled into your cabin or suite, you’ll meet your Coastal Experience Team. You’ll get to know each member of the team well as they give lectures and organise onboard activities for you throughout your voyage. 

Molde is the capital and commercial centre of Romsdalen, which sits on the southern coast of the Romsdal Peninsula. We’ve stopped at this port many times before on our Coastal Express route, but this time we’ll be making a much longer stop, so you’ll have all the time you need to get your fill of the town.

The Vikna archipelago is a chain of around 6,000 islands, islets and skerries. The largest of the chain, Inner-Vikna, is where we’ll make our next stop. We aim to dock at the port town of Rørvik around mid-morning, remaining there most of the day. 

The administrative centre of a municipality with the same name, Lødingen is a village on the southwestern shore of Hinnøya, with a population of under 2,000. This is a port that our ships used to visit on one of our earlier coastal routes and returning here is a kind of homecoming for us. 

Alta is one of the bigger coastal towns we visit, with a population of over 10,000 people. A particularly famous part of the town is Alta River, one of Norway’s best salmon rivers. Here, large salmon are regularly caught, with some even weighing up to 24 kg. You won’t regret trying some fresh grilled salmon in one of the local restaurants. 

The northernmost city on the mainland, Honningsvåg’s landscape is quite distinctive, with barely any trees or bushes. This far north, winters are long, and snowfall is high, so get ready for some fantastic winter scenery and activities.

Today, you’ll arrive at the Arctic Capital itself, sitting around 217 miles/350 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle. You’ll bid farewell to MS Trollfjord, and a transfer will take you to your hotel in the centre of Tromsø, where you’ll spend the final night of your journey.

Checking out of your hotel in Tromsø after breakfast marks the end of your travels with us. You’ve sailed on The North Cape Express, exploring Norway’s coastal cities and villages all the way to the top of the European continent.