11 Night Classic Roundtrip Voyage Bergen to Kirkenes and Back Cruise from Bergen

Your cruise starts in the lovely city of Bergen. Before departure, you may want to explore this colorful gateway to the fjords. Bergen was founded in 1070 AD, and retains a great deal of its character, charm, and history. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Bryggen district with colorful wharfs dating back to the 14th century. You may enjoy a stroll in the cobblestone alleyways, a bite at an outdoor cafe or restaurant, a trip on the Floibanen funicular, or a visit to the famous Fish Market. Spoil your taste buds and enjoy a tasty dinner buffet made from fresh coastal produce. We sail north from Bergen along the Viking route of Hjeltefjord. Spend the rest of the evening relaxing as you admire the spectacular landscapes from the deck or in the Panorama lounge. Time in port: Bergen 2:30 pm-8:30 pm.

Enjoy early morning in the breathtaking Nordfjord - followed by a delicious breakfast. We then sail past West Cape for our approach to Alesund. Art Nouveau city: Alesund is renowned for its beautiful Art Nouveau architecture and famed Atlanterhavsparken aquarium. Our tour to the aquarium includes a visit to see resident penguins before we continue to nearby Mount Aksla for an amazing view. Into the fjords: In the summer, we set our course for the spectacular UNESCO World Heritage-listed Geirangerfjord, passing sheer 2,625-foot-high cliffs and dramatic waterfalls. In autumn, we explore Hjorundfjord in the majestic Sunnmore Alps. The fjord's pristine natural landscape of steep rock walls, lush green meadows, lonely mountain farms, and tiny villages is unforgettable. Mountains and roses: Molde is known as the 'City of Roses' because of its lovely municipal gardens. This attractive coastal town has an amazing view of 222 mountain peaks across the fjord, called the 'Molde Panorama'. Time in port: Floro: 2:45 am-3 am; Maloy: 5:15 am-5:30 am; Torvik: 8:20 am-8:30 am; Alesund (1.11-31.5): 9:45 am-8 pm - Alesund (1.6-31.10): 09:45 am-10 am - Geiranger (1.6-31.8): 2:25 pm-2:45 pm - Alesund (1.6-31.8): 7 pm-8 pm - Urke (1.9-31.10): 12:15 pm-3:45 pm - Alesund (1.9-31.10): 6 pm-8 pm; Molde: 10:35 pm-11:05 pm.

Charming Trondheim is home to great history and a rich cultural life. Magical, medieval, and modern: Founded by Viking King Olav Tryggvason in 997, Trondheim today is a unique mix of the ancient and modern. Join an optional excursion to the soaring Nidaros Cathedral, Norway's only Gothic cathedral and the burial place of St. Olav. Marvel at the cathedral's exquisite works of art, architectural details, and medieval statues. In spring and summer, we continue to Ringve Museum of Musical History, where Norwegian music's past is brought to life in a grand manor with a fantastic view. Excursions for every taste: From September to May, experience Trondheim with a unique carriage tour on the world's northernmost tram line. You can also explore Trondheim by kayak on the River Nid or experience the city by bicycle. Be sure to ride the world's only bicycle lift, near the quaint Bakklandet neighborhood, from April to September. You can also join the Hurtigruten guides for a hike to discover more. Back onboard: In the afternoon, the ship sails northwest, passing the Kjeungskjaer lighthouse, islets, and rocky reefs. After that, we head toward charming Rorvik. Time in port: Kristiansund: 2:45 am-3 am; Trondheim: 9:45 am-12:45 pm; Rorvik: 9:40 pm-10 pm.

Today we cross the Arctic Circle, increasing your chances to see the northern lights in winter and experience the midnight sun in summer. We mark the occasion with a fun Arctic Circle ceremony on deck. Forces of nature: Ornes is the site of Norway's second-largest glacier, Svartisen. In summer, join a trip to the Svartisen Tourist Center to admire this enigmatic world of ice, and visit a moose farm. We then sail along the beautiful coast of Helgeland to Bodo, where you can experience Saltstraumen, the world's most powerful maelstrom, by small boat. Majestic Lofoten: That afternoon, the 3,300-foot-high Lofoten Wall looms on the horizon, ushering us toward majestic granite cliffs and white-sand beaches. Meet the Vikings: At Stamsund, visit the Lofotr Viking Museum, where you are welcomed into the chieftain's house for a real Viking feast. Going organic: Between Stamsund and Svolvaer, you can experience life on an organic herb and cheese farm, or visit the Lofoten's only craft brewery, in Svolvaer. Hunting the northern lights: In winter, crossing the Arctic Circle means an intense hunt for the northern lights, and a multimedia show, "The Magic Light, Aurora Borealis", is presented to you. As we sail through the narrow Raftsund, we stop at the entrance to Trollfjord, a dramatic natural wonder that should not be missed. Time in port: Bronnoysund: 1:35 am-1:45 am; Sandnessjoen: 4:35 am-4:50 am; Nesna: 6 am-6:10 am; Ornes: 10 am-10:10 am; Bodo: 1:05 pm-3:20 pm; Stamsund: 7:15 pm-7:40 pm; Svolvaer: 9:20 pm-10:15 pm.

We briefly dock at Risoyhamn, Harstad, and Finnsnes in the morning. Polar history and beer: We then sail to the Arctic exploration capital of Tromso for a prolonged stay. Join a 'Polar History Walk' in winter to learn more about explorers and Arctic hunters, and taste beer from the world's second northernmost brewery. Beyond your imagination: In winter and spring, you can complete your stay in Tromso with a thrilling dog sled ride, as huskies pull you over the frozen landscape past stunning views on the snowy plateaus. The only light during the polar night comes from our headlamps, the starry sky, and, if we're lucky, the magical northern lights. Why not have some winter fun by joining a cross-country skiing or snowshoeing adventure, or go deep-sea fishing on an Arctic fjord? All year, you can join the Hurtigruten guides for hikes and discover more of the Tromso area. Get close to marine wildlife: Want to experience serenity on the sea? Join a kayaking excursion in summer along Tromso's coastline - a great way to get close to marine wildlife. Sailing from Tromso, we continue to search for the northern lights from September to March. Time in port: Stokmarknes: 1:30 am-1:40 am; Sortland: 2:55 am-3:10 am; Risoyhamn: 4:35 am-4:50 am; Harstad: 7:10 am-7:45 am; Finnsnes: 11 am-11:30 am; Tromso: 2:15 pm-6:15 pm; Skjervoy: 10:10 pm-10:25 pm.

Enjoy magnificent landscapes as we sail to the North Cape, one of the northernmost points on the European continent. In summer, you may see herds of reindeer and small camps of indigenous Sami people in the area. Experience the North Cape: After a brief stop in Hammerfest, we arrive in Havoysund. Join a small boat excursion here to see the North Cape from the sea, visit the world's northernmost fishing village, and ride by bus to North Cape plateau. The ship continues to Honningsvag, from where you can join a birdwatching excursion to Gjesvaerstappan, home to millions of birds during nesting season. Sailing north: The ship continues north into the heartland of the Sami people. Visit Kjollefjord, where you can learn about the Sami way of life and hear traditional joiking (song). Adrenaline and northern lights: In winter, you can join an unforgettable snowmobile trip across snowy plains and perhaps spot the northern lights in the starry sky. Sami traditions: 'Sami Autumn' is a fall excursion to learn about the Arctic's natural 'pantry and pharmacy', sampling dried-reindeer meat, crowberry juice, herbal tea (nettle), and roseroot tincture. You may also feel the presence of the Sami shaman, noaidi. Time in port: Oksfjord: 1:50 am-2 am; Hammerfest: 5:05 am-5:45 am; Havoysund: 8:30 am-8:45 am; Honningsvag: 10:55 am-2:30 pm; Kjollefjord: 4:40 pm-7 pm; Mehamn: 6:55 pm-7:15 pm; Berlevag: 10 pm-10:10 pm.

We arrive early today in Vadso before docking in Kirkenes - the ship's turning point for the return journey. Streets with Russian names: The Russian border is a just few miles from Kirkenes and you'll notice local road signs in both Norwegian and Russian. There are many ways to visit the Russian frontier: year-round bus tours, a riverboat safari, via canoe, hiking, or ATV/quad-bike trek in summer. You can also join an excursion to catch and eat giant king crab from the Barents Sea. Winter wonder: Kirkenes offers a wide range of classic winter activities, such as dog sledding, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and visiting an Arctic Ice Dome. Southbound and down: As the ship starts its voyage south, remember that you've seen only half of what Norway's coastline offers. The ports we visited by night on the northbound cruise are now seen during the day. Ice dipping: Docking again at Vardo, you may be invited to swim in the icy Arctic Ocean in winter. We then cruise along Varanger peninsula to Batsfjord and Berlevag, home to a famous male choir of local fishermen. Time in port: Batsfjord: 12 am-12:30 am; Vardo: 3:30 am-3:45 am; Vadso: 6:55 am-7:10 am; Kirkenes: 9 am-12:30 pm; Vardo: 4:05 pm-5 pm; Batsfjord: 8 pm-8:30 pm; Berlevag: 10:25 pm-10:35 pm.

Around midnight, we dock at Mehamn with the option to join in winter a snowmobile trip to hunt the aurora. North Cape breakfast: We again dock at Honningsvag, where you can join an excursion that includes eating breakfast at the North Cape. The ship continues to Hammerfest, where you can see the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Meridian Column. You can also join a mini-mountain expedition and learn about local polar hero Adolf Lindstrom. We continue south to Oksfjord with a brief stop at the old trading post of Skjervoy. Midnight adventures: We then dock at Tromso, just in time to enjoy a midnight concert at the Arctic Cathedral. You can also explore Tromso under the midnight sun by boat in summer. You may want to drop by Olhallen, a classic pub for a friendly beer. Time in port: Mehamn: 1:20 am-1:30 am; Kjollefjord: 3:25 am-3:35 am; Honningsvag: 5:45 am-6 am; Havoysund: 8 am-8:15 am; Hammerfest: 11 am-12:45 pm; Oksfjord: 3:50 pm-4:05 pm; Skjervoy: 7:30 pm-7:45 pm; Tromso: 11:45 pm-1:30 am.

We arrive in Harstad, where you can join the excursion 'A Taste of Vesteralen'. Amazing scenery: The island groups of Lofoten and Vesteralen offer some of the most stunning natural scenery of the entire voyage. Lofoten is renowned for its steep mountains, sandy beaches, wild nature, and picturesque fishing villages. Hurtigruten's birthplace: We make a short stop at Risoyhamn, population 200, to deliver passengers, groceries, and mail, and then continue to Stokmarknes, where Hurtigruten was founded more than 125 years ago. Go ashore and visit the Hurtigruten Museum. Continuing south, we slip through a passage into the narrow Raftsund, past peaks rising more than 3,000 feet from the sea. Spectacular Trollfjord: We now reach spectacular Trollfjord, only one-mile long, 330 feet wide, and surrounded by majestic mountains. If possible, we sail inside, where the dramatic landscape inspires images of fairy tales and trolls. Just north, you can opt to see sea eagles up close by boat. Heart of Lofoten: At Svolvaer, you can select several excursion options, including a sunset horseback ride on a beach, an exhilarating boat ride, or a guided fishing village walk. We then proceed to Stamsund along the massive Lofoten wall. Time in port: Tromso: 11:45 pm-1:30 am; Finnsnes: 4:20 am-4:40 am; Harstad: 8 am-8:30 am; Risoyhamn: 10:45 am-11 am; Sortland: 12:30 pm-1 pm; Stokmarknes: 2:15 pm-3:15 pm; Svolvaer: 6:30 pm-8:30 pm; Stamsund: 10:15 pm-10:30 pm.

Celebrate crossing the Arctic Circle with a 'taste' of Arctic tradition - a fun ceremony highlighted by a spoonful of cod liver oil. Mountain with a hole: As we sail along the Helgeland coast, you'll see the strange mountain Torghatten, famous for its distinctive hole in the center. The opening is 525 feet long, 115 feet high, and 66 feet wide, and was created during the ice age. If the weather allows, join a hike with your Hurtigruten guides up the mountain. Myths and legends: We also sail past the Seven Sisters mountain range - with peaks up to 3,600 feet high. The story goes that seven beautiful troll sisters got caught out at sunrise and turned to stone, thus the seven beautiful peaks. UNESCO heritage: We next make a short stop at Nesna before moving on to Sandnessjoen, where you can join an optional excursion in summer to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Vega Islands. Charming coastal town: Bronnoysund is a pretty little town that offers a charming main street and marina. You can join an excursion to the Norwegian Aquaculture Center for an interesting tour and taste of fresh salmon from April throughout October. Time in port: Bodo: 2:30 am-3:30 am; Ornes: 6:25 am-6:35 am; Nesna: 10:25 am-10:35 am; Sandnessjoen: 11:45 am-12:15 pm; Bronnoysund: 3 pm-5:25 pm; Rorvik: 9 pm-9:30 pm.

We revisit Trondheim to further explore its colorful history. Join an excursion 'Trondheim with Nidaros Cathedral' to learn more. Fishing, scenery, and excursions: Next is Kristiansund, a city spread across four islands, with an excellent harbor that has been active since the Stone Age. Today, it is Norway's 'cured cod capital' because of its centuries-old export of dried fish. Join an excursion to the renowned Atlantic Road - one of the most scenic routes in the world. Another interesting excursion is to the Bergtatt marble mine, which includes going inside a mountain and sailing across an illuminated subterranean lake, before enjoying a meal in the mine's 'Grand Hall.' Norwegian Alps: Those choosing to stay onboard at Kristiansund will cross the open sea to Molde, known as Norway's 'City of Roses'. Along the way, you will take in the steep peaks of the Romsdal Alps on the horizon. Time in port: Trondheim: 6:30 am-9:30 am; Kristiansund: 4:30 pm-5:30 pm; Molde: 9:15 pm-9:45 pm.

During the night, the ship calls at Alesund, Torvik, and Maloy, as our cruise draws to a close. But before we dock in Bergen, there is some fascinating scenery ahead of us. Glaciers and lush farmland: We sail through picturesque Nordfjord beneath the Jostedal Glacier. This rugged coastal region features farms with fruit orchards and glacial fingers that stretch toward glistening lakes. In the morning, we call at Floro. Back to Bergen: We navigate the mouth of the mighty Sognefjord and enjoy superb views of the island-studded coastline before you disembark in Bergen. We hope you will take home memories of stunning nature, wildlife, and fascinating culture, and we hope to see you onboard again in the near future! Enjoy even more of Norway: To see more of Norway, an excursion Bergen City Sightseeing (only bookable onboard) is highly recommended or join one of the post-cruise Land Adventures to experience more Norwegian cuisine, culture, and scenery. Time in port: Alesund: 12:30 am-1:20 am; Torvik: 2:35 am-2:45 am; Maloy: 5:45 am-6 am; Floro: 8:15 am-8:30 am; Bergen: 2:45 pm.