15 Night The Svalbard Line Cruise and Land Tour from Bergen

Welcome to Norway! You'll arrive in Bergen, a beautiful city on the west coast of Norway, and make your own way to the hotel. Admire views of the majestic peaks that famously surround the city, giving Bergen its nickname, "The City of Seven Mountains". What began as a small village was developed by King Olav Kyrre in 1070 AD and is now Norway's second-largest city. Nestled in the center is Vagen Bay, the historic core of the city, and home to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Bryggen quarter. There, you can wander down charming cobblestone streets and peruse local boutique shops. Across from Bryggen, you'll find the fish market, which cooks up fresh and delicious seafood dishes to feast on. As you're here in the summer, the days are long, giving you more hours of daylight to explore this historic city. One of the seven mountains in Bergen's nickname is Mount Floyen, accessible by walking up or taking the Floibanen funicular. At the top, enjoy some stunning views of the city and nearby peaks. Reward yourself and your thirst with some local 7 Fjell beer, before going to your hotel to get some rest, ready to embark on your Svalbard Express voyage the next day. ;Please note that if the date you make your booking is less than 90 days before your chosen departure date, your voyage will start on Day 2 in Bergen.

After you wake up in your hotel, enjoy some time in the early morning to further explore Bergen before your transfer arrives at the hotel to bring you to your comfortable guest lounge at the Bergen Terminal. Bergen has been the starting point for many Norwegian Coastal Express cruises for generations, and the stylish guest lounge here is exclusive for Hurtigruten guests. Sample finger-food from the Norway's Coastal Kitchen or talk to staff about securing a spot on any optional excursions still available. Once you're welcomed aboard, talk to your ship's Coastal Experience team, who will be your hosts and guides to the Norwegian coast and Svalbard. Meet your shipmates and take some time to settle into your new home-away-from-home. Enjoy your first meal aboard the ship, and watch the row of colorful buildings on the seafront get smaller behind you as you sail into the Norwegian Sea.

Our first port of call is Andalsnes, located along Isfjord at the end of Romsdalsfjord. After docking in the morning in the town center, you can explore this picturesque coastal town, home to about 2,000 people. From 1838 until 1964, the village of Andalsnes served as the administrative center of the old municipality of Grytten and was completely rebuilt after an attack during World War II. Andalsnes is now a modern town (it even has its own newspaper) in one of Norway's most stunning natural locations. The highlights (literally) of Andalsnes are the mountains that tower over the town. Experience the Norwegian concept of friluftsliv (a love of the outdoors) through a variety of activities, such as hiking to the Rampestreken viewpoint. For a calmer way to take in the sights, sit back on the relaxing Romsdal Gondola or travel the winding Trollstigen Pass by bus. Whichever activities you choose, today will bring you the best views of Isfjord, Romsdalsfjord, and the surrounding peaks.

We'll sail along the coast of the Helgeland region in the morning. When you see islands rising out of the water in the distance, you'll know we're almost at our next destination. Traena is an archipelago that sits at the edge of the Arctic Circle, 33 nautical miles northwest of the mainland. Made up of around 500 islands, islets, and skerries (only four of which are inhabited year-round), Traena is a quiet municipality, with birdlife thriving on the mostly uninhabited isles. Though small, this archipelago has a long history. Archeological finds indicate that the islands have been inhabited since the Stone Age. Some of these ancient relics have been found in a cave on the island of Sanna, which is now used as a venue for an annual music festival. Spend the afternoon in one of Norway's oldest fishing communities. Weather permitting, you may be able to enjoy activities like hiking and biking, or even island-hopping. With a large population of sea eagles, birdwatching is another activity you won't want to miss. For a truly authentic experience, step into the age-old shoes of a Norwegian fisherman and cast a line under the summer sun. When it's time to leave in the evening, take some time to rest and unwind onboard. We'll cross the Arctic Circle as we continue heading north, commemorating the moment with a little Norwegian ceremony.

Today, we explore the famed Lofoten Islands. Watch for the steep mountains rising from the sea as we approach from the south in the morning. We dock in Reine, an important - and picture-perfect - fishing village since 1743. This is one of the most-photographed landscapes in all of Norway, where red-painted rorbuer cling to a string of islands beneath sharp mountain ranges reflected in the waters below. Not far to the south of Reine, at the western tip of the Lofoten archipelago, you'll find A, one of the best-preserved traditional fishing villages in Norway. You can visit it on an optional excursion. At the heart of this tiny village is the Norwegian Fishing Village Museum, which covers the importance and development of fishing in Lofoten over the last 250 years.

Tromso is Northern Norway's urban Arctic hotspot, boasting impressive architecture, hip restaurants, and the world's northernmost university. Rich in polar history, it makes for a natural stopping point before we go farther north into the High Arctic. This modern city has a long legacy, with artifacts found that date back to the Ice Age. The city grew in importance after being declared a kjopstad, or 'market town' in 1794, despite only being home to 80 people. It became a center of Arctic hunting in the mid-1800s. By the end of the 19th century, Tromso was an established Arctic trade center. We aim to dock here in the morning, giving you a whole day to explore this historic Arctic city and its surroundings. Take your pick from a number of optional excursions. Learn more about the culture and polar history of Tromso on a city walk. Or go see seals at the Polaria center, one of the world's northernmost aquariums. Here, you can see various species of Arctic marine life up close. There may also be an option to visit the striking Arctic Cathedral, which has an enormous and colorful stained-glass window. Storsteinen Mountain towers over Tromso and the Fjellheisen Cable Car takes you up for exceptionally beautiful views of the city, mountains, and fjords.

Around mid-morning, we arrive at Honningsvag, the northernmost city in mainland Norway. Honningsvag is a young city, having only been declared as such in 1996, and it remains one of Norway's smallest cities today. You have several optional excursions to pick from here. These could include king crab fishing, meeting an indigenous Sami family, birdwatching, or a guided tour of what life is like at 71N. Honningsvag is also the gateway to the North Cape, the famed "northernmost point of Europe". The plateau stands a thousand feet above the sea, and is just over a thousand miles south of the geographical North Pole. Take a moment to gaze out across the sea from a top the soaring cliffs, watching the waves crash against the rocks below. Standing proudly on top of one of the cliffs is an iconic globe monument which invites all visitors to take a quick selfie. Selfie sorted, you'll also want to visit North Cape Hall, which has a variety of exhibits and a short film that tells of the cape's history. Sailing away from Honningsvag, we'll enjoy dramatic views of the plateau from the sea. The ship will head further into the Barents Sea, leaving mainland Norway's coast far behind us.

The southernmost island of the Svalbard archipelago, Bjornoya, sits just past the halfway point between mainland Norway and Spitsbergen. We'll be viewing this inaccessible land from the ship in the afternoon, so think of this as the prologue to your Svalbard adventure. Upon seeing the island, you might notice the lack of trees-there are hardly even bushes. Very little grows here, with the land partly being covered only by a layer of moss and lichen. Whatever grows here is fertilized by the abundant birdlife that nests on the sea cliffs. Get your camera ready to capture little auks, puffins, black-legged kittiwakes, and northern fulmars flying over dramatic cliff tops and steep slopes, alongside many other seabird species. Contrary to its name, which means 'Bear Island', the only native mammals are Arctic foxes. The island was named after a polar bear was spotted swimming in the waters nearby, but this is an unlikely sight this far south. Aboard the ship, learn about Bjornoya's history through polar history lectures. You might find out about the historic expeditions that led to its discovery and the subsequent claims that various countries have attempted to make over the island. Discover the strategic importance of this unreachable sanctuary, and the role Bjornoya played in World War II. Sailing on from Bjornoya, unwind in MS Trollfjord's sauna or fitness room. There will also be a photography workshop today to get your camera eye and lens in focus to capture the wildlife and wilderness awaiting us in Svalbard.

Today, we arrive at the Svalbard archipelago and make our way up to Spitsbergen, the largest of the three main islands. Magnificent brown and green mountains rise and ripple up from the High Arctic tundra while rivers of snow-melt trickle through the valley plains, glistening under the summer sun. Spend a moment just taking in Svalbard. You're at a latitude more than 78N and less than 820 miles from the North Pole. The air of this Arctic desert is fresh and pure. Temperatures in summer average between 32F and 46F, thanks to a warm northern branch of the Gulf Stream. Longyearbyen is nestled on the banks of a sweeping fjord. It is the biggest settlement in Svalbard and pegged as the world's northernmost settlement with a population over 1,000. Home to some 2,000 inhabitants from across the world, it originally sprang up as a coal mining colony in 1906. Today, it is a hub for adventure travelers and scientists and engineers attached to local research projects, like the famous Global Seed Vault. Spend time strolling around town. Admire its collection of galleries, pubs, restaurants, brewery, and the notable North Pole Expedition Museum. You'll also have optional excursions to pick from that bring you into the awe-inspiring landscapes surrounding Longyearbyen. Ever tried dog sledding without snow? This is your chance.

As we sail from Longyearbyen, you'll want to wake up early to enjoy impressive views of Kongsfjord, one of the largest fjords in the area. Its entrance is guarded by two colossal creaking glaciers that regularly deposit ice into the fjord. This stretch is great for spotting walrus basking on shore and for spotting different species of migrating birds, including puffins, king eiders, pink-footed geese, and guillemots. Arctic fox and Svalbard reindeer can sometimes be spotted on land, while the white beluga whale has also been known to surface in the waters here. If we're very lucky, we might even see a polar bear prowling the coast for bearded and ringed seals. At the tip of Brogger Peninsula, on one of Kongsfjord's shores, is Ny-Alesund. Like Longyearbyen, it began as a coal mine, but transitioned into a host for scientific stations from the mid-20th century. During the summer, there are over a hundred researchers based in the town, representing 20 glaciology and climate institutes from more than ten countries. Wander around what is one of the northernmost settlements in the world, drop in at the local museum and souvenir shop, or send a far-flung postcard back to friends and family from the small post office. You can also take a guided tour of the Amundsen monument, erected in honor of the great Norwegian explorer's record-breaking flight to reach the North Pole in 1926. Amundsen flew the airship Norge from Ny-Alesund and landed in Alaska three days later, successfully doing so via the North Pole.

Unfortunately, it's time for us to say farewell to Svalbard and to Spitsbergen and sail south back to mainland Norway. Use this day to relax aboard the ship. If the skies are clear, enjoy some summer sun on deck and keep an eye out for whales, dolphins, and porpoises. Or if it's not too warm out, head to the sauna for a steam. Catch a lecture from the Coastal Experience Team for fascinating insight into local history and wildlife. They may also offer a photography workshop to help sharpen your eye to capture stunning shots in the days to come. Enjoy the sumptuous food and drinks onboard, courtesy of the Norway's Coastal Kitchen concept that features the most flavorful local Norwegian produce. Treat yourself to tastings of regional specialties or demonstrations by the skilled onboard chefs in the show kitchen. You could also curl up with a good book in the lounge or chat with new-found friends in the bar while reminiscing about your favorite experiences of the cruise so far.

After a day at sea, we arrive back to mainland Norway. Our first stop of the day is Tromso, to drop off any cargo from Svalbard and pick up cargo bound for ports to the south, before we continue south to Senja. The island is one of the country's largest, and northern Norway's fast-rising star destination, as you'd expect for a place ranked among CNN's top ten most beautiful islands in the world. Often proudly described by locals as a 'mini Norway', Senja has a concentration of diverse landscapes that mirror different parts of the Norwegian coast, from the sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and lofty mountains of its northern coast to the rocky coastline and pine forests of southern Senja and Anderdalen National Park. You'll find rolling hills and birch forests to the east. Disembark in the charming fishing village of Torsken and explore by bus, e-bike, on foot, or take to the fjords on a wildlife safari on one of the optional excursions.

Start the day with a few hours in Stokmarknes, a historic town and the birthplace of Hurtigruten Norwegian Coastal Express. It's a fitting place for the Hurtigruten Museum, where you are immersed in the atmosphere of a different era on a retired 1956 ship, MS Finnmarken, proudly encased in glass on the waterfront. After Stokmarknes, we'll sail via Raftsundet and Trollfjord to Lofoten. The rest of the day is all about exploring this breathtaking archipelago. Hailed as one of the most spectacular areas in all of Norway, you'll understand why as you see its jagged green cliffs rise dramatically out of the ocean, climbing high into the sky like giant teeth. The beating heart of the archipelago is the town of Svolvaer where your ship will be based. There are shops and restaurants to enjoy, and the hours can be spent exploring and getting to know the town yourself. To experience the mountains, islands, and villages around Svolvaer, choose from a variety of handpicked top Lofoten excursions. You can go fishing, kayaking, or sit back and enjoy the incredible scenery on foot or on a bus tour.

The ship continues south and reaches the midpoint of the Norwegian coast. This is the Helgeland Coast, a well-known stretch full of distinctive mountains that have inspired charming myths and local folklore. As we sail, look out for the Vega archipelago, a cluster of some 6,500 islands, skerries, and islets. There's a UNESCO World Heritage center on the island of Gardsoy which showcases how highly prized eider down is harvested from the local eider ducks by providing little huts for them to build their nests in. We will base the ship in the town of Bronnoysund, which features a lovely marina and a Neo-Gothic stone church from 1870. Spend time exploring the town or join an optional excursion like kayaking, cycling, or an RIB cruise. Further along from Bronnoysund is the unique Torghatten Mountain. The first thing you'll notice about Torghatten is the hole that pierces right through its center. Legend has it that a spurned troll fired an arrow at his would-be lover after she rejected him, and Torghatten Mountain is the fossilized hat of the Troll King who attempted to block the arrow. At an easy pace, it takes about an hour to reach the hole in Torghatten on an optional excursion. The panoramic view of the trees and islands stretching out before you is well worth it.

The ship will make a brief stop in the town of Alesund, known for its Art Nouveau architecture and picturesque position on a peninsula below Mount Aksla. We'll offload any cargo here as well guests who are joining excursions. Nearby lies the magnificent Hjorundfjord, cutting through the peaks of the Sunnmore Alps. Its picture-perfect position embedded in the Sunnmore Alps means it is the area's hidden gem that most other ships never see. Those who discover Hjorundfjord rank it as a serious contender for their favorite fjord in Norway. Its deep-blue waters and verdant mountainsides seem perfectly proportionate and aligned, as if sculpted deliberately by nature's artistry. On the western banks of one of Hjorundfjord's branches is the idyllic village of Saebo. This is where the ship picks up the guests who left the ship at Alesund for an excursion. We are fast approaching the last day of our cruise. While bittersweet, what better way to celebrate our Svalbard Express experience than a merry farewell dinner on our last night. It'll also be a chance to look back at the many highlights of the journey we shared together.

We arrive back in Bergen in the morning. It's time to disembark the ship, but not before saying fond farewells to your fellow passengers and the crew of MS Trollfjord, who made your Svalbard Express journey so comfortable. You won't soon forget the slices of paradise you've seen along the Norwegian coast as part of this iconic cruise. If you've taken in optional excursions, you will have photos of you kayaking, hiking, fishing, or cycling in some of the most beautiful scenery you've ever seen. Your fond memories of the North Cape, Helgeland, Lofoten, Senja, Hjorundfjord, crossing the Arctic Circle, Tromso, Bjornoya, Longyearbyen, and Ny-Alesund will make your friends and family green with envy. This is the Svalbard Express.