Classic Voyage South: Kirkenes – Bergen

Day 1: Embarkation in Kirkenes Berlevag

Start your Classic Voyage South in the far northern town of Kirkenes, which lies further east than Istanbul! The region has many wintertime activities, including snowshoeing, dog-sledging and snowmobiling. You can also visit an Arctic Ice Dome.

After departing Kirkenes, your ship heads due north, arriving at Vardo in the afternoon. Weather permitting, the brave can take a dip in the icy Arctic Ocean! You will then head due west, cruising along the Varanger peninsula to Batsfjord and Berlevag, home to Norways most famous male choir, made up of local fisherman.

Day2: Mehamn Tromso

Your ship will make a late-night stop at Mehamn. During winter, you can join an amazing snowmobile excursion here, through the vast Arctic wilderness. Experience snowy plains and valleys, crisp winter air and very possibly the Northern Lights in the starry sky above.

At Honningsvag, join an overland excursion that crosses the island of Mageroy in time for you to enjoy breakfast atop North Cape. In Hammerfest, visit the UNESCO-listed Meridian Column, erected in 1854 to honour the first precise geographic measurement of the globe. During winter, join a mini-mountain expedition to experience the Arctic outdoors and learn about local polar hero and cook, Adolf Henrik Lindstrom.

Your ship will then proceed south to Oksfjord, in time to enjoy a magical Northern Lights Concert at the Arctic Cathedral in winter, or Midnight Sun concert during summer. You can join a midnight excursion under the Midnight Sun to explore Tromso by sea in a small boat. You may want to drop by Olhallen to enjoy a beer and a chat with the friendly locals.

Day 3: Tromso Stamsund

This morning, youll arrive at Harstad, where you join one of the classic excursions. Discover history, beautiful scenery, and cultural heritage sites on this tour that rejoins the ship at Sortland. Those who stay aboard the ship experience the passage through the Risoyrenna, a shallow channel made for Hurtigruten in the 1920s.

Get ready now for some amazing scenery as you sail through the world-famous Lofoten and Vesteralen Islands. Lofoten is known for its natural beauty, steep mountains, wild nature and picturesque fishing villages. Your daylight sailing route through the region is the voyage highlight for many here.

After a short stop at the tiny village of Risoyhamm, your ship continues to Stokmarknes where Hurtigruten began more than 125 years go. You can visit the Hurtigruten Museum here. Continuing south, your ship will sail through a passage into the narrow Raftsund, flanked by peaks rising 1,000m out of the sea.

The ship now arrives at Trollfjord and if conditions allow, will sail between sheer cliffs that seem close enough to reach out and touch. Its an unforgettable experience!

Next, your ship will arrive in Svolvaer, where you can choose from several excursion options. Go horseback riding along a beach at sunset, head out on spectacular hikes, join a fast-boat tour on the fjord, or relax in town at one of many cafes, pubs and restaurants.

Day 4: Bodo Rorvik

Crossing the Arctic Circle is an important rite of passage. Today you will celebrate the occasion with your fellow passengers and crew on deck with a taste of Arctic tradition a spoonful of cod liver oil!

Sailing along the Helgeland coast, you see the strange mountain, Torghatten, famous for its distinctive hole through the centre. Another highlight is the Seven Sisters mountain range. It is easy to see how the peaks influenced ancient legend. The story goes that seven beautiful troll sisters were caught out at sunrise and turned to stone, thus creating the seven beautiful mountaintops.

Next, your ship briefly stops at the idyllic trading post of Nesna before moving on to Sandnessjoen. From here, you can join an optional excursion to a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Vega Islands. The UNESCO status is due to the unique centuries-old interaction between the islands and the eider ducks. Learn how the locals sustain a livelihoodof making down-filled duvets.

In Bronnoysund, join an excursion to the Norwegian Aquaculture Centre for an informative tour and taste of fresh salmon, from April to October.

Even though you are now south of the Arctic Circle, if youre travelling in winter there is still a good chance of seeing the Northern Lights. The Midnight Sun may not shine, but you will still experience seemingly endless daylight during late spring and summer.

Day 5: Trondheim Alesund

Today, you have the chance to explore the wooden city of history: Trondheim. Be sure to visit the majestic Nidaros Cathedral, built over the burial site of King Olav II who reigned from 1015 to 1028.

As your ship sails along the coast, you will realise the importance of fishing to Norways coastal communities. Kristiansund is regarded as Norways dried cod capital because of its long-time export of salted dry fish. Here, you can join an excursion along the Atlantic Road, a National Scenic Route. The 8lm stretch of highway spans eight bridges crosses picturesque landscapes and is surrounded by open sea.

Those who remain on the ship at Kristiansund will experience the ships open sea crossing towards Molde, Norways City of Roses. From there, you can see the distant pointed peaks of the Romsdal Alps across the fjord, called the Molde panorama.

Day 6: Alesund Bergen

During the night, the ship calls at Alesund, Tovik and Maloy, as your voyage draws to a close. Before docking in Bergen, there is fascinating scenery to see, including picturesque Nordfjord beneath Jostedal Glacier. Here the fjord widens to the east and forges 90 km inland.

In the morning, your ship will dock at Floro, Norways westernmost community. A few nautical miles south, you will cross the mighty Sognefjord, taking in superb views of the magnificent island-studded coastline en route. Finally, you disembark in the Hanseatic city of Bergen with unforgettable memories of a truly unique part of the world.

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