Bergen – Honningsvåg – Oslo

The North Cape Express | Full Voyage from Bergen to Oslo (2024)

Price from

£2,398

Full board

Departure date

April 5, 2024

Duration

13 days

Ship

Solo travelers | No single supplement
iconic_bronnoysund-norway-hgr-151106-photo_jan_hvizdal

The North Cape Express | Full Voyage from Bergen to Oslo (2024)

Price from

£2,398

Voyage overview

Join the North Cape Express in the beautiful city of Bergen for an autumn, winter, or spring voyage to the roof of Norway at North Cape in the Arctic, perhaps under the Northern Lights. Your ship will then turn around and sail back south towards Lindesnes, bound for the cool capital of Oslo.

  • Sail the Norwegian coast, one of the world’s longest coastlines, from Bergen to North Cape in Arctic Norway, at the top of Europe, and back south to capital city, Oslo

  • Come aboard exceptionally designed MS Trollfjord, freshly refurbished in 2023 with the finest materials and ship craftsmanship  

  • Learn about local communities all along the coast, across a range of latitudes, and join a range of exciting optional seasonal excursions

  • Choose to sail in autumn, winter, or spring and experience warmer climate in the south to snow-covered mountains and maybe even the Northern Lights in the Arctic

Itinerary

The day-by-day programme will give you some ideas about what you can see during your voyage, but bear in mind that this itinerary is just an indication. After all, this is a sailing where the elements rule and weather conditions might vary.

bergen-norway-hgr-143160 1920-photo shutterstock

Day 1

Welcome to Norway

Bergen – gateway to the fjords

Welcome to Norway

Bergen – gateway to the fjords

It’s only fitting that your Norwegian adventure begins in Bergen, Norway’s cultural and artistic hotspot. Your ship, MS Trollfjord, will be waiting for you at the pier to depart by mid-afternoon. Once we’ve welcomed you aboard and 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.

Grab yourself a drink in the ship’s two-storey panorama lounge and meet your fellow guests. As the ship sails from Bergen and into Hjeltefjord, your scenic adventure along Norway’s coast is underway.

Aerial view of a beautiful fjord with mountains in Molde.

Day 2

Perfect panoramas

Molde – the City of Roses

Perfect panoramas

Molde – the City of Roses

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.

There are a number of optional activities organised by your Coastal Experience Team that add to your experience of Molde. Accessible nearby on an optional excursion is the Atlantic Road, an icon of the Norwegian coast that often features in Hollywood movies.

To get the best panoramic views of the area, join us on a hike to Varden viewpoint, following the trail from the town centre. Once you’re there, you can gaze at the town from above at the height of 402 metres above sea level and admire the 222 snowy peaks across Moldefjord.

If you prefer to stay closer to the ground, you can pop into the Romsdal Museum, one of Norway’s largest folk museums about ten minutes away from the town centre.

rorvik_norway_hgr_149568_1920_photo_shutterstock

Day 3

An ancient fishing town

Rørvik - surrounded by thousands of islands

An ancient fishing town

Rørvik - surrounded by thousands of islands

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 town and its surrounding areas have a long history, with burial mounds found there that date back to ancient times. The area’s maritime legacy is well-documented across Rørvik’s many museums, particularly The Norwegian Coastal Museum.

Similarly, at SalmoNor visiting centre, you can take a tour of a modern salmon farm and find out more about the Norwegian aquaculture industry that supplies the world with tasty Nordic salmon.

Another major export is cod, and the town even has an annual Cod Festival in March. This species of fish is especially common in the waters of the archipelago during winter, so why not indulge yourself in some fresh cod cakes while here.

Winter sunrise near Lodingen

Day 4

Village life and fjord nature

Lødingen

Village life and fjord nature

Lødingen

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.

We’ll dock at around midday, using Lødingen as a base for a few hours to explore more of Hinnøya island, Norway’s largest island south of Svalbard. Wander the streets near the port and admire the traditional red fishing huts, or rorbuer, that line the shore. As you walk, you’ll likely notice the calming atmosphere that village life brings.

The highlight of this visit has to be the breathtaking fjords and mountains that the Norwegian coast is so famous for. Branching off of Andfjord, Gullesfjord cuts into the north side of Hinnøya, bordered by pristine mountain ranges. The area is popular among campers, who stay on the campsite or in cabins and fish for cod in the fjord during winter.

From Lødingen, you can join a handful of optional excursions, including a fishing trip with a local, an immersive Sámi experience to learn more about their culture and history, or a visit to Dampskipsbrygga, Lødingen’s former wharf.

iconic_alta-norway-hgr-149921-photo_kay_fochtmann_39l-original

Day 5

The city of Northern Lights

Alta

The city of Northern Lights

Alta

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.

At 70 degrees north, this town is still far above the Arctic Circle. The area is known for particularly good Northern Lights visibility, so keep your camera ready. If the skies are clear and the conditions are right, you should be able to get some amazing shots of the lights dancing above you.

You can learn more about this incredible natural light show at the Northern Lights Cathedral, which can be visited on our optional guided tour of the town. The cathedral even has an exhibition showing how Alta became the epicentre for ground-breaking research of the Aurora Borealis between the 19th and 20th centuries. As part of the tour, you’ll also visit the Alta Museum which chronicles the discovery of Northern Europe’s largest concentration of prehistoric rock art at the head of nearby Altafjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Increased snowfall in the winter allows for some truly authentic Arctic excursions, like dogsledding. The snow and climate of Alta also creates the perfect conditions to build and maintain the Igloo Hotel, located on the banks of river Alta.

You’ll have the chance to visit and tour the world’s northernmost ice hotel, built out of snow and ice every winter and carved with different artistic themes by local sculptors. Head to the hotel’s ice bar, decorated with handcrafted ice sculptures and order a drink in an ice glass – no ice cubes needed.

The port of Honningsvåg covered in snow

Day 6

The northernmost point

Honningsvåg – gateway to the North Cape

The northernmost point

Honningsvåg – gateway to the North Cape

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.

Feel the snow crunching under your snowshoes as you hike across the plains. You might even be able to try your hand at ice fishing, a beloved winter tradition in the far north. Get a taste of the local delicacy, king crab, which is caught in the waters around Honningsvåg and served year-round. Admire local art in the Once Upon a Dream art gallery, and don’t miss the Honningsvåg Church. This is the oldest building in the area, dating back to 1885.

The highlight of any trip to Honningsvåg is a visit to the North Cape. This is one of the northernmost points of mainland Europe, and as we’re visiting in winter, we can get there by snowmobile. Standing near the northern edge of Norway and looking out over the Barents Sea under the polar night sky is a truly special experience. Add the ethereal Northern Lights dancing in the sky above, and you’ve got a sight you’ll never forget.

The cape is marked with a famous globe monument, which demands a selfie or two… or five. When you’re ready, head inside North Cape Hall to warm up, and learn about life in the High Arctic through a short film and a variety of exhibits.

Having reached the northernmost point of our voyage, we’ll turn around and begin going south as we sail away in the evening.

Arctic Cathedral and Tromso Bridge

Day 7

The gateway to the Arctic

Tromsø – gateway to the Arctic

The gateway to the Arctic

Tromsø – gateway to the Arctic

Today you’ll get the chance to see the Arctic Capital itself. Often called the “gateway to the Arctic”, Tromsø is Norway's northernmost university city, and the ideal place to enjoy some proper winter activities, like dog sledding and snowshoeing.

Sitting around 217 miles north of the Arctic Circle, Tromsø experiences Polar Night for just over a month in the winter, and will give you a great chance of seeing the Northern Lights.

This urban city is buzzing with life, with everything from trendy restaurants and cafés to boutique shops selling local crafts and produce, and even high fashion. MS Trollfjord will be in port here for 13 hours, giving you plenty of time to both join optional excursions and explore the city yourself.

Among the activities on offer is a guided tour of the Polar Museum which chronicles the city’s legacy of Arctic hunting and trade. For live animals, head to the Polaria centre, an aquarium home to a variety of Arctic marine species, including seals.

Across the water from Polaria, you’ll find the Arctic Cathedral, standing out in the cityscape due to its striking design and impressive stained-glass window. There may also be opportunity to visit some of Tromsø’s surrounding fjords and possibly the rugged island of Senja.

iconic_the-hurtigruten-museum-hgr-148050-photo_erik_lindner_aspelund_hurtigrutemuseet

Day 8

Lofoten islands and our historic birthplace

Svolvær – at the heart of Lofoten, Stokmarknes – the birthplace of Hurtigruten

Lofoten islands and our historic birthplace

Svolvær – at the heart of Lofoten, Stokmarknes – the birthplace of Hurtigruten

Today, we explore Lofoten, a striking group of islands that rise out of the Norwegian Sea. As soon as you see the towering peaks around you with fishing villages clinging to their sides, you’ll understand why this island chain is so often praised as one of Norway’s most stunning locations.

We can’t visit the area without spending some time in Stokmarknes. This historic town is part of Vesterålen, an archipelago just northeast of Lofoten. Of all the places we visit, this one is particularly special to us. It was here that the Original Coastal Express was founded in 1893 by shipping pioneer Richard With.

The Coastal Express soon became a lifeline for Norway’s remote coastal communities, and fittingly, our legacy has been immortalised in the place where it all began. Standing on the waterfront, you’ll find our 1956 ship MS Finnmarken, encased in a glass building like a ship in a bottle.

This is Hurtigrutemuseet, the museum that chronicles our history as Norway’s leading expedition cruise line from start to now. On a guided tour, you can explore the retired vessel and experience the atmosphere of a past era.

We’ll dock in the town of Svolvær in the afternoon. Located on the island of Austvågøya in the south of Lofoten, Svolvær is the biggest town of the archipelago, humming with shops, restaurants, galleries, and cafés to enjoy. You can also admire views of the Svolvær Goat, a nearby mountain named for resembling a goat and its horns.

A variety of optional excursions are available from Svolvær, including winter fishing, paddling along the coastline in a kayak, or embarking on a bus tour to learn more about Lofoten’s history.

Torghatten in winter, Norway

Day 9

Distinctive Nordic nature

Brønnøysund – coastal charm right in the middle of Norway

Distinctive Nordic nature

Brønnøysund – coastal charm right in the middle of Norway

Surrounded by islands and water, Brønnøysund sits on a narrow peninsula that juts out of the mainland. Around 5,000 people live in this small town, many in colourful houses against a backdrop of gentle slopes and dramatic mountain peaks.

Enjoy the bustling atmosphere of the harbour and take a walk along Havnegata. Drop into one of the pubs for a snack, or treat yourself to a meal in a local restaurant. Wander the visitors’ marina, or visit an 1870 Neo-Gothic stone church.

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 Centre on the island of Gardsøy 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.

On an island south of Brønnøysund, you’ll find Torghatten mountain, recognisable by a natural tunnel that runs through the centre. According to local lore, the hole is the result of a troll who fired an arrow at a young woman who had rejected his advances. As the Troll King threw his hat to protect her, the sun began to rise, turning the hat to stone with a hole in the middle from the arrow.

On an optional excursion, you can take an hour’s walk up to the hole in the mountain. Peer through the tunnel and enjoy the view of the islands around.

Ålesund in winter, Norway

Day 10

A picturesque town

Ålesund

A picturesque town

Ålesund

After a hearty breakfast on the ship, we’ll dock mid-morning at Ålesund, a town that spreads out across a string of islands.

As we approach the shore, you might first notice the distinctive style of architecture. Every detail of the buildings, from the bright colours to the rounded spires, was inspired by the Art Nouveau style, which was popular in the early 1900s. Almost the entire town received a makeover in the style when it was rebuilt after a major fire in 1904.

As you leave the waterfront, you’ll find yourself in a fairy-tale town, wandering narrow streets lined with unique houses. If your camera’s memory card isn’t already full after this, you can get impressive photos of the archipelago from the nearby Mount Aksla viewpoint. The 418 steps leading there might look intimidating, but the views are well worth the effort.

You can also visit the Atlantic Sea Park, Norway’s first marine science centre. This is one of Northern Europe’s largest saltwater aquariums, providing a home to seals, otters, and crabs, as well as many other kinds of marine life. You can even see Humboldt Penguins here, a species otherwise absent north of the equator.

Norway Haugesund Haraldshaugen HGR 163247 1920 Photo Ingun S

Day 11

Viking history

Haugesund, The Hardangerfjord

Viking history

Haugesund, The Hardangerfjord

Journeying south along Norway’s west coast, we sail past some of Norway’s most famous fjords, none more so than Hardangerfjord.

At 179 kilometres in length, it is the second longest fjord in the country, and fifth longest in the world.

The stunning waterway is one of Norway’s finest. See mountain scenery everywhere you look, with the white peaks that tower over the fjord being reflected in the shimmering water below.

The region is famous for its apple products, from jams and juice to its award-winning cider, which one food writer described as ‘Nordic Champagne’.

Weather permitting, we may be able to dock at Rosendal or one of the other picturesque settlements that cling to the shores by the fjord. A small, charming village, Rosendal’s main highlight is the 16th century Barony, a manor famous for its beautiful rose garden and landscaped grounds.

We’ll reach Haugesund, the ‘Home of the Viking Kings’ in the afternoon. The nickname is inspired by sites such as St. Olav’s Church, built in 1250 by King Håkon Hå. There’s also Haraldshaugen, a national monument reputed to be the first king’s burial site.

Why not step back in time to the Viking Age at Nordvegen Visiting Centre which features exhibitions presented by a fictional Harald Fairhair himself?

iconic shutterstock 1027711963

Day 12

The city of lighthouses

Kristiansand

The city of lighthouses

Kristiansand

Sitting along the southern tip of the country, Kristiansand is Norway’s fifth-largest city, with a population of 112,000 people. We aim to be alongside late afternoon, giving you a few hours to explore.

As you enjoy a guided walk, you might notice that the city is built on a very uniform grid plan, with several straight roads running from the harbour all the way through the city. Along these roads, you’ll find architecture from different eras, speaking to the extensive rebuilds the city had to go through after major fires in the 18th and 19th centuries, and even a World War II attack.

Kristiansand is on a mission to become the most sustainable port in Europe. Find out more about this admirable goal on an optional excursion that includes a visit to Odderøya Island. Here, you can see beautiful views of the ocean and city and visit 18th-century military barracks that have been transformed into creative artist studios running several sustainable initiatives.

Kristiansand’s 20th-century military past is the focus of an optional excursion to Batterie Vara. Originally built as a German fort in World War II, it features the world’s second-largest cannon ever mounted on land.

Another optional excursion takes you to the working Lindesnes Lighthouse, which marks Norway’s southernmost point. See the beacon that has been guiding seafarers to safety on dark nights since the early 20th century and learn about the site’s long history, which goes all the way back to 1656.

Back on the ship, we’ll end our voyage on a high note with an end-of-trip farewell dinner. Take this opportunity to trade photo highlights and experiences with your fellow travellers one last time.

 Winter in Oslo

Day 13

Discovering Norway's capital

Oslo

Discovering Norway's capital

Oslo

From the south to the north, and back down to the south, reflect on your journey as you watch our approach to our last port of call, Oslo, in the early morning.

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. During the journey, you’ll have experienced Norway’s varied climate, seen majestic mountains and fjords, and maybe gazed up in awe at the Northern Lights once or several times.

We hope you’ll cherish each of the memories of The North Cape Express that you’ll take home with you. Come sail with us again soon on another iconic voyage of our spectacular home: the Norwegian coast.

Map roundtrip Bergen-Northcape-Oslo

About your trip

What's included

Cabin guests

Enjoy an impressive range of included benefits when you choose from our selection of comfortable accommodation options: Polar Inside, Polar Outside and Arctic Superior cabins.

Cabin on the ship

  • Accommodation in a comfortable cabin with ensuite bathroom 

  • Choice of preferred cabin type and location

 Take a look at the cabins on MS Trollfjord

Food and drink on board  

  • All-inclusive food and drink at Flora and Árran

  • Unlimited select beer, wine, and spirits at Flora, Árran, and the 1893 Bar, served during restaurant and bar opening hours (excluding breakfast)

  • Unlimited all-day mineral water, tea, and coffee  

  • Afternoon snack in the 1893 Bar

  • Culinary demonstrations and food tastings 

Read more about your food and drink experience 

Life on board

  • Complimentary Wi-Fi

  • Multi-lingual Coastal Experience Team  

  • Dedicated onboard photographer

  • Daily themed lectures, photography guidance, arts and crafts  

  • Access to fitness room and sauna

  • Library with a selection of books and magazines

  • Selection of equipment for outdoor activities, photography equipment, and binoculars available to rent

Learn more about life on board MS Trollfjord

Suite guests 

For the premium onboard affair, quartered in beautifully appointed luxury accommodations, the Expedition Suite experience is the choice for you. 

Suite on the ship

  • Accommodation in a stylish, spacious suite with ensuite bathroom 

  • Choice of preferred cabin type and location 

  • Unlimited minibar (refilled twice a day)

  • Daily turn-down service 

Take a look at the suites on MS Trollfjord

Food and drink on board 

  • All-inclusive food and drink at Flora, Árran and fine-dining a la carte restaurant Røst

  • Unlimited select beer, wine, soft drinks, and spirits at Flora, Árran, and the 1893 Bar, served during restaurant and bar opening hours (excluding breakfast)

  • Premium drinks package at Røst, including a selection of beer, wine, soft drinks, and select spirits

  • Complimentary after-dinner cocktail

  • Unlimited all-day mineral water, tea, and coffee 

  • Choice of restaurant dining times 

  • Exclusive Røst Afternoon Tea with sparkling wine 

  • Exclusive dinner with the ship’s senior officers 

  • Culinary demonstrations and food tastings 

Read more about your food and drink experience 

Life on board  

  • Fast-track priority check-in including exclusive Espolin Johnson lounge access 

  • Hurtigruten Collection clothing package including shell jacket, sweater and wool hat 

  • Complimentary Wi-Fi 

  • Multi-lingual Coastal Experience Team  

  • Dedicated onboard photographer

  • Daily themed lectures, photography guidance, arts and crafts activities 

  • Access to fitness room and sauna

  • Library with a selection of books and magazines

  • Selection of equipment for outdoor activities, photography equipment, and binoculars available to rent

  • Two inclusive seasonal excursions of your choice

Learn more about life on board MS Trollfjord

Know before you go

Optional Excursions

Explore your destination even further with our wide range of exciting excursions. The excursion programme presented is an indication of some of the excursions that may be available during your voyage.