If you’ve read anything about visiting the Norwegian fjords, you’ve probably come across "Hurtigruten". But what is this epic journey, and why is it so popular? Here’s everything you need to know about this coastal voyage.
It all starts and ends in Bergen, Norway’s second largest city. Taking you all the way to Kirkenes in the north – through the most mind-blowing fjords, past the highest mountains and deepest forests – this might be the world’s most beautiful sea voyage. One where the journey truly is the destination.
The same route, but now operated by two companies
As of December 2021 the journey between Bergen and Kirkenes is operated by two companies. Hurtigruten - Norwegian Coastal Express still operates the route, while Havila Voyages is "the new kid on the block".
Photo: C.H. - Visitnorway.com
But is the Bergen-Kirkenes coastal route for me?
Yes, yes it is. Unless you’re terribly afraid of boats. Just make sure you set aside enough time: The entire voyage is about 12 days long. If you only have a week, or a few days, you can choose to sail only one direction – or just certain parts of the journey. But with so many stops along the coast, and so much to see, you’ll want to take your time and experience as much as possible.
Two journeys - northbound and southbound
The route has daily departures, divided between Hurtigruten - Norway Coastal Express and Havila Voyages. If you don’t have time for the entire Bergen-Kirkenes-Bergen roundtrip, but still want a complete experience, there are two main journeys from which to choose: northbound and southbound.
The Geirangerfjord. Photo: Havila Voyages
These journeys don’t have exactly the same stops on their route. Which one is the most beautiful? That is largely in the eye of the beholder. Need help choosing? Check out the difference between the Hurtigruten routes here! And here you can find the Havila Voyages routes.
Can I go ashore?
You not only can, you most definitely should go ashore! With a couple of exceptions, the ship is docked at most harbors for at least 30 minutes. For some stops, like the bigger cities along the coast, there can be 3-6 hours of time to explore. With this many charming and dazzling stops along the Norwegian coast, you have to get out there and experience them close up. This, after all, is the beauty of the journey between Bergen and Kirkenes – you get both unique pacific views, and the chance to be "up close and personal" with what the coast of Norway has to offer.
Photo: Madis Särglepp
If you’re particularly interested in some of the destinations along the journey, you can book complete adventure packages in advance. With these tours, a shuttle bus will be ready to pick you up at the harbor, and bring you along for a land-based exploration of your choosing. Who wouldn't want to try a snow scooter safari or cross-country skiing during the winter season, or what about a themed city walk or a visit to a local farm?
Northern lights or the midnight sun?
While this route used to only have a busy summer season, nowadays you can also experience full ships during winter. Eager passengers aim to catch the northern lights between October and the end of March. On the other hand, if you go in May-July, you can experience the midnight sun. So which phenomenon would you like to choose; the northern lights or the midnight sun?
Photo: Gaute Bruvik - visitnorway.com
A final tip - don’t miss Bergen
Whether you choose the northbound or southbound journey, you will at some point find yourself in the heart of the fjords. Many passengers choose to combine their voyage with an overnight stay in this historically and culturally rich coastal city. This is something we couldn’t recommend more. We might be biased, but thousands of happy and satisfied visitors every year aren’t – this place is something special.
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Bryggen in Bergen- Photo: Sverre Hjørnevik - www.fjordnorway.com
Here are just some of the things you can do in Bergen!
to add an item to your Itinerary basket.
