Hurtigruten’s Norway – The undisputed expert in Norway

That is how Lonely Planet describes Hurtigruten’s Coastal Voyage. And a fact Norwegians and passengers have known since 1893 — when Hurtigruten began sailing the spectacular fjord-filled west coast of Norway year-round. The voyage invites visitors to take in the beauty of Norway’s scenery, the friendliness of its people and the diversity of its wildlife, and acts as a lifeline to the many remote coastal towns and villages. The scenic fjords have had many awards and honors bestowed on them over the years, most recently by National Geographic Traveler, which named it the world’s most celebrated and iconic travel destinations.

Hurtigruten’s fleet of 14 intimate ships (11 on the Coastal Voyage) sail deep into the heart of a unique and spectacular landscape on six to 12-day itineraries — from the cultural center of Bergen to Kirkenes, high above the Arctic Circle, and back again. New Year’s Eve on the North Cape, Opera in Oslo, Viking history and myth, the midnight sun, the Northern Lights, stunning fjords, wildlife at every turn… the list of cruise and land opportunities goes on and on. Spring in Norway brings with it a wonderful awakening of the landscape — as the winter wonderland of twinkling dusk on snow-covered mountains and countryside melts away to reveal lush mountain forests, blooming gardens and the inevitable pick-up in activity at each of the ports.  And what better time to discover this stunning landscape than summer, when 24 hours of sunshine bathes the fjord filled coast during the Midnight Sun.

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Guests have the opportunity to explore tiny fishing villages, the rugged Lofoten Islands, Art Nouveau Alesund, the medieval Viking capital of Trondheim, and Norway’s “Paris of the North,” Tromso — just a few of the 34 ports of call in both directions. And the comfortable size of the ships allow for secure but easy on/off access for independent exploring and a variety of included and optional excursions.

And the excursions, both included and optional, are equally as intriguing. Imagine: venturing out on the Barents Sea, where guests can float in a survival suit while their team leader dives for the evening’s meal of King Crab — a wonderful way to combine a sea frolic with the need to catch dinner; enjoying a Viking feast with a Viking Chieftain in Lofotr; experiencing dog sledding on the frozen landscape; striking out for the North Cape and its incredible view near the top of the world; ride snowmobiles on a winter safari; staying overnight at the Kirkenes Snow Hotel; or taking in a midnight concert in Tromsø’s Arctic Cathedral.

Rates include accommodation in cabin of your choice, all meals, full board, educational lectures and all aspects of the onboard program. Flights, optional excursions and cruise fuel surcharge are extra.

Hurtigruten is a world leader in expedition cruising, sailing to the most remote of destinations including Antarctica, Greenland and the Arctic’s Spitsbergen as well as year round along Norway’s coast and Europe in the spring and fall. Additional information on all of these adventures, as well as brochures and reservations, can be obtained from travel agents or Hurtigruten’s visitor-friendly website, www.hurtigruten.us; or by phone: 877-301-3117; fax (888)-524-2145; for brochures (800) 582-0835, 24 hours a day.

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