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The Norwegian Coastal Express
Norway
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The Norwegian Coastal Express
Norway
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The Norwegian Coastal Express
Norway

Christmas - Northern Lights hunting on Norway's mail ship route



Itinerary (subject to change)

DAY 1:

Arrival in Bergen – Coastal Cruise with Havila

Arrival by plane to Bergen, Norway's second-largest and perhaps most beautiful city. It is picturesquely situated on the bays of the Byfjord. Bergen's most important attraction is the old Bryggen district. From the 14th to the 18th century, the Hanseatic trading post primarily traded stockfish, beer, and salt here; today, Bryggen is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Check-in is possible at the Havila Kystruten terminal from 4:00 PM, and you will have access to your cabins from appr. 6:00 PM. At 8:30 PM, it's time to cast off! for your journey on the mail ship route along Norway's west coast. Magnificent landscapes with high mountains, countless islands, and fjords alternate with picturesque coastal towns and bustling harbors. You'll enjoy the comfort of the new, modern Havila ship.

DAY 2:

Torvik – Aalesund – Molde B/L/D

On its way north, the ship passes numerous islands, the "entrance" to the approximately 200km-long Sognefjord, Norway's longest fjord, and the Holmengra lighthouse. Passing Florö, Norway's westernmost city, you continue to Aalesund, where you dock in the morning. The city has one of Norway's most important fishing and export ports and Art Nouveau architecture, unique in Northern Europe, created after a major fire in 1904. Particularly worth seeing here are the beautiful Art Nouveau buildings in the center and the view of the city and the sea from the local mountain, Aksla. The ship then continues north and reaches Molde, known for the Molde Panorama from Mount Varden – a view of over 200 mountain peaks.

DAY 3:

Trondheim – Rörvik B/L/D

In the morning, your ship docks in the university city of Trondheim. The most important sight here is Nidaros Cathedral – the largest religious building in Scandinavia. It is the coronation church of the Norwegian kings and a national shrine. Other attractions include the Archbishop's Palace, which now houses a museum, and the Stiftsgård Palace, built in the 18th century. This large, simple wooden building has 100 rooms with magnificent furnishings. Popular photo opportunities also include the colorful warehouses on the Nidelv River and the Bybrua Bridge. In the afternoon, the ship continues north, passing the pretty Kjeungskjær Lighthouse and through the narrow Stokksund Strait.

DAY 4:

Nesna – Bodø – Lofoten B/L/D

Early in the morning, you cross the Arctic Circle. The rest of the route is characterized by picturesque islands and takes you to Bodø – known as the city of the sea eagles. In the evening, you reach the Lofoten archipelago with its high mountains rising steeply from the sea. The jagged mountain ridge of the island chain is also called the "Lofoten Wall." With its unique landscape and picturesque fishing villages, the archipelago is one of the most beautiful travel destinations in Europe. Svolvaer, the most important town in the Lofoten Islands, is picturesquely situated on the island of Austvagöy, dominated by the 569-meter-high mountain Svolvaergeita (= Svolvaer Goat), so named because of its two rocky horns.

DAY 5:

Harstad/Vesteralen – Tromsø – Skervöy B/L/D

At night, the ship continues past the Vesteralen archipelago, with short stops in Stokmarknes, Sortland, and Risoyhamn. In the morning, the ship reaches Harstad and Finnsnes, and in the early afternoon, Tromsø. You will have a longer stay here. The university city is considered the "Gateway to the Arctic Ocean," as numerous Arctic expeditions started here. Incidentally, the university is the northernmost in the world! Worth seeing in Tromsø are the Arctic Cathedral and the Polar Museum, which displays fascinating exhibits on the polar expeditions of Amundsen and Nansen. You can take the cable car up the local mountain, Storsteinen, and enjoy the beautiful view of the city. Tromsø is also home to the northernmost brewery in the world.

DAY 6:

Havöysund – North Cape Island – Mehamn B/L/D

After a short early morning stop in Hammerfest, we continue to the North Cape island of Mageröya. The ship docks in the main town of Honningsvag in the late morning. From here, you can take a three-hour shore excursion to the North Cape (additional charge). Here, you'll see the rocky plateau rising steeply about 300 meters out of the Arctic Ocean and the North Cape Hall, which was partially built underground into the rock. It features an observation deck, an exhibition on the history of the North Cape, a restaurant with a fantastic view, and a bar. At the post office, you can purchase stamps and a North Cape certificate, and receive a special North Cape postmark. A spectacular film on a panoramic screen will also take you on a journey through the four seasons. The ship then continues north to the heartland of the Sami people. You'll pass their sacred site, the Finnkirka rock formation, before reaching the fishing village of Kjöllefjord. On an optional excursion, you can explore the beautiful landscape and learn about the Sami culture and way of life. You'll also listen to the joik, their evocative traditional song.

DAY 7:

Kirkenes – Vardö – Batsfjord B/L/D

The views of the coast become more dramatic the closer you get to Kirkenes. Early in the morning, you will reach Vadsö and shortly after breakfast, Kirkenes at 30° East – farther east than Istanbul and St. Petersburg. Kirkenes is known as the "Gateway to the East." Since the Russian border is only a few kilometers away, the street signs are written in Norwegian and Russian. Kirkenes has several small museums that showcase the remarkably rich history and heritage of this remote region. From Kirkenes, the ship now heads back south. Enjoy the view of the Arctic landscape from the deck or from the panoramic lounge. In the afternoon, the ship docks once again in Vardö, Norway's easternmost port. Continuing south, you will pass the Varanger Peninsula and reach Berlevag. Here, one of Norway's most famous male choirs is found.

DAY 8:

Havöysund – Hammerfest – Skervöy B/L/D

Today, you'll learn interesting facts about the island of Melköya – known for the northernmost gas terminal in the world. The ship will finally dock in Hammerfest, which advertises itself with the slogan "the northernmost city in the world." The Meridian Column was erected to commemorate the survey of the Scandinavian-Russian Meridian Arc, which was completed in Hammerfest in 1852. The Struve Arc is one of the most precise geodesic projects of the time. In addition to its importance for geodesy, it is also an early example of international scientific cooperation and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continue south past Oksfjord to Skjervöy, an old trading post and the birthplace of Richard With, who founded the mail ship route with his Hurtigruten in 1893. You'll then see the Lyngenfjord, lined with the high peaks of the Lyngen Alps. The ship docks in Tromsø late in the evening.

DAY 9:

Harstad – Risöyhamn – Stokmarknes – Lofoten B/L/D

In the morning, you'll reach Harstad on the Versteralen. The journey continues past numerous bays and the towns of Risöyhamn and Sortland to Stokmarknes, where the Hurtigruten was once founded. A visit to the Hurtigruten Museum is highly recommended. (optional). Soon you'll pass through the Raftsund, which separates the Vesteralen from the Lofoten Islands. The landscape, with its mountains, is impressive. Perhaps you'll be lucky and the ship will sail into the spectacular Trollfjord, which is only 100 meters wide in places (especially in winter, only possible under certain conditions). The region is also the realm of the sea eagle. Once you reach Svolvaer, the main town in the Lofoten Islands, you can choose from various optional excursions. For example, choose a guided fishing village tour. This will give you a good insight into the history and culture of the region. In the evening, it's time to cast off again and continue your course south.

DAY 10:

Nesna – Sandnessjöen – Bronnöysund B/L/D

Today you'll cross the Arctic Circle again. The ship stops briefly in Nesna, an idyllic, old trading post, and then continues to Sandnessjöen. You will soon reach the Vega Archipelago: The region is a bird paradise, especially for eider ducks, whose down is still collected here today. The Vega Archipelago is a UNESCO World Heritage Site – in recognition of the harmonious and sustainable coexistence of the island population with the eider ducks. The ship then stops for approximately 2.5 hours in Brönnöysund, beautifully situated in the heart of the Helgeland region, characterized by islands and mountains.

DAY 11:

Trondheim – Kristiansund – Molde B/L/D

After docking in Trondheim early in the morning, the ship continues through the Trondheimfjord. On a headland at its mouth, you can see the Agdenes Lighthouse. You will soon pass the hilly island of Hitra, the Terningen Lighthouse, numerous islands, and another beautiful lighthouse: Tyrhaug Lighthouse. The ship now passes the island of Edöya, with its small, old stone church. In the afternoon, you will reach the city of Kristiansund. The most important industry here is fishing and the processing of clipfish or stockfish.

DAY 12:

Florö – Bergen B/L/D

During the night, the ship will call at Aalesund, Torvik, and Malöy. After a stop in Florö in the morning, you will continue past countless islands, the mouth of the Sognefjord, and the Holmengra lighthouse. You will finally reach Bergen again through the Hedlafjord. Here, you can see the city's local mountains – Ulriken and Flöyen – from afar. Unfortunately, even the "most beautiful journey in the world" comes to an end. The ship docks in Bergen around 2:45 p.m. Here, you will be met for a city tour, during which you will discover numerous sights. You will also admire the former Hanseatic quarter of Bryggen with its densely packed, pretty wooden houses. The German merchants who lived here in past centuries isolated themselves from the Norwegians. They even had their own church – the Romanesque St. Mary's Church. Your customs were harsh and life hard: The living and business spaces of the wooden houses were unheated, as open fires were prohibited outside of the assembly rooms (Schotstuene) and the kitchens due to the fire hazard. After the city tour, you will check into your hotel in the center of Bergen. Dinner in the hotel (3-courses).

DAY 13:

Bergen – Return Flight  B

Today, unfortunately, it's time to say goodbye to Norway. You will be taken to the airport and fly back home – surely with many wonderful memories. And perhaps you will return soon, because Norway is, of course, also beautiful in summer!

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

TOUR PRICE INCLUDES: 

» 1 x flight with a reputable airline in economy class (connecting flights possible)

» Including all taxes, fees, and surcharges (as of January 2025)

» Frankfurt – Bergen

» Bergen – Frankfurt

» 1 x transfer from Bergen Airport to the port, including assistance

» 1 x 2-hour city tour of Bergen, including bus service from the port/to the hotel

» 1 transfer from the hotel to Bergen Airport

» Cruise with Havila Voyages: Bergen – Kirkenes – Bergen

» 11 overnight stays on board in the booked cabin category (based on a two-bed cabin inside)

» Full board on board (breakfast, lunch, dinner)

» 1 overnight stay including breakfast buffet at the Zander K Hotel Bergen or similar

» 1 x 3 –course dinner in Bergen

» Room with shower or bath/WC

SINGLE CABIN SUPPLEMENT: € 1800 for 12 nights. Single persons travelling alone must pay single cabin supplement. 

CABIN UPGRADE: outside (seaview superior) cabin € 1000 per person

SUPPLEMENTARY COSTS:  personal expenses, tips.

CHILDREN’S PRICE: only on request, please contact our office.

TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: valid US Tourist Passport for military and civilian personnel. Non US-citizens must meet proper Visa requirements.

CANCELLATION CHARGES:  up to 45 days prior to departure, € 100 per person will be charged; 44 - 30 days prior to departure, 50% of the tour price will be charged; 29 - 15 days prior to departure, 75% of the tour price will be charged; 14  - 7 days prior to departure, 85% of the tour price will be charged; 6 days until day of departure 100% of the tour price will be charged. NO REFUND FOR NOSHOWS!

TRAVEL INSURANCES: please book with our partner USAA on our website

INTERRA REISEN is not responsible for lost and stolen articles. Liability: We are only acting as agents for various contractors (hotels, bus companies, airlines etc.) and are therefore in no way responsible for the fulfillment of their obligations, nor are we to be held liable for accidents, delays, losses etc. The liability of all these contractors, remains unprejudiced. Right is also reserved to program changes and alterations as well as su.bstitution of services listed above, when and where necessary, without prior notice. INTERRA REISEN reserves the right to cancel the tour if minimum participation is not reached. Conditions accepted upon booking

Details


  • Prices & Dates

    22 December 2025 - 3 January 2026/ € 3499 per person double/twin bed inside cabin

    22 December 2025 - 3 January 2026/ € 5299 per person single inside cabin 

  • Duration

    13 Days / 12 Overnights

  • Pick up Points

    Frankfurt International Airport

Location


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