This classic Norwegian voyage sets sail from the city of Bergen, gateway to the fjords, and explores one of the world’s most scenic coastlines. You’ll spend 11 nights on board as you cruise to the northernmost port of Kirkenes and back again, taking in breathtaking fjords, remote coastal towns and villages, and the beautiful Lofoten Islands. A highlight will be reaching the North Cape plateau, high above the Arctic Circle.
2023 celebrated the 130th anniversary of the coastal route between Bergen and Kirkenes, Norway’s most significant coastal route transporting goods, mail and passengers the length of the country. Many shipping companies have operated the route over the years; Havila Kystruten began their operation in 2022 with the brand new Havila Capella and Castor, the most environmentally friendly ships sailing the Norwegian coast.
During this unforgettable Havila coastal cruise you’ll spend 6 nights voyaging north from Bergen to Kirkenes, visiting some of the world’s most beautiful fjords before you cross the Arctic Circle and sail around the North Cape plateau at the very top of Europe.
Returning south for 5 nights you’ll explore Lofoten’s many ports, sail between the myriad islands of the Helgeland coast, and visit Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim as well as having time to sample some of the city’s culinary delights.
From October to March keep an eye on the night skies for the elusive aurora borealis – head out on deck or enjoy the comfort of the observation lounge. During the voyage you’ll also have time to head ashore on one of the many excursions available.
Itinerary
Arrive in Bergen and overnight in a hotel in the city. Explore the iconic wharf of Bryggen, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or take a ride on the Floibanen funicular to the summit of Mount Floyen for views of the Bergen Peninsula.
Morning free in Bergen. This afternoon make your way to the port and check in for the voyage.
After the first night on board, you can start your day by waving to the Havila Voyages headquarters just off Torvik. Ålesund, is renowned for its art nouveau architecture with beautiful brick houses and warehouses. In the spring and summer the ship continue to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Geirangerfjord, which has steep mountainsides and dramatic waterfalls. In the winter months opt for a small boat cruise into Geirangerfjord from Alesund (additional cost).
This morning dock in the historic city of Trondheim, which was founded over a thousand years ago. Nidaros Cathedral is the landmark of the city; it is Norway’s national shrine and one of the largest cathedrals in Northern Europe. After your visit here, the voyage continues out into the fjord, into an abundant archipelago and heads for northern Norway.
Mark crossing the Arctic Circle with a ceremony and continue onward into the Arctic regions. It means midnight sun in the summer, while winter days are merely a shade less dark than night-time and, possibly, Northern Lights in the evenings. Nature is powerful with northern Scandinavia’s largest glacier, the world’s strongest tidal current and encounters with the majestic sea eagle. In the evening, Lofoten’s fishing villages, steep mountains and Vikings await.
The voyage continues on through narrow fjords and past wild mountains to Tromsø, a city characterised by hunting and fishing, polar expeditions and courage. Now you have also reached the land of the Sami, Norway’s indigenous people
As far north as you can get – by land and sea. For many, the North Cape is a high point and a goal for voyages along the Norwegian coast. Up here in the polar landscape, nature is at its harshest and most desolate, but between bare plains and rugged cliffs people cling on and reap nature’s bounty.
You are now as far east on your voyage as you can go. The border with Russia is only a few kilometres away, and the road signs in Kirkenes are in Norwegian and Russian. You can go as far as the border on one of the additional excursions, or how about a visit to the Snowhotel where everything is made of ice and snow?
The polar landscape changes as you sail towards the west and south again. The great expanses are replaced by steep peaks, and in the evening you sail into Tromsø. You can take a stroll in the midnight sun or under the Northern Lights and explore the nightlife of the city dubbed “The Paris of the North”.
Return to the wild, idyllic Lofoten Islands . Beneath the jagged mountains lie chalky white sandy beaches and fishing villages with a vibrant fishing industry and locals using the coastal ships for everyday trips and transport. If the weather permits, you’ll enter the narrow Trollfjord. There is a strong possibility of spotting sea eagles here.
Now you have come so far south that you’re crossing the Arctic Circle and sailing away from the polar night and the sunlit nights. But you can still see the northern lights in the winter, and it is never completely dark during the summer nights. Here you sail past a myriad of small islands, islets and skerries and past the special mountain, Torghatten, which has a hole in the middle.
Sail through the wide Trondheim fjord that is bounded by rolling farmland on both sides and return to the coast and the open sea. You can book an optional excursion to disembark in Kristiansund and be driven along the Atlantic Ocean Road, which has been called the world’s most beautiful drive. The road meanders along islets and skerries, and afterwards you re-embark in Molde.
The last day of the voyage takes you through a diverse coastal landscape of bare rocky mountains and a maze of sounds and waterways between many islands. The great fjords and glaciers are situated inland. Bergen awaits at the end of the voyage. On arrival in Bergen make your way to your hotel for an overnight stay.
Depending on your flight you may have tome to explore Bergen this morning before making your way to the airport in time to check in for your flight.
Prices & departures
What's Included
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2 nights hotel accommodation in Bergen with breakfast
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Shipboard accommodation
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All breakfasts, lunches & dinners on board
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24 hour emergency assistance from our team during your holiday
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No surcharge guarantee
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Full financial protection
From £2201 Excluding Flights
13 Nights
Year Round
Price is based on two people sharing a Seaview Superior twin cabin with a private bathroom. Prices may vary based on the departure date, cabin type, included activities, travel season and time of booking. Early booking is strongly advised to secure the best available prices. We will confirm the exact price for your holiday in your individual quotation.
Beverage packages
Beverage packages are available to be booked in advance. Please contact your travel specialist for more details.
Make this trip yours
Every trip you see here can be adapted to suit you using inside-out knowledge to create one-off experiences created just for you.
Darren
3
Successful northern lights hunts
10
Whale watching trips
We create holidays that are as individual as you are. And we’ve been doing it for 40 years, crafting each and every holiday using our in-depth knowledge and enthusiasm for our destinations. Whatever your brief, we’ll create an amazing trip for you to get excited about. That might mean adapting one of our existing itineraries or we’ll build you one from scratch.
Experts with real experience
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Kieran
Travel Specialist
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Rosie
Travel Specialist
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Lauren
Travel Specialist
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Doug
Travel Specialist
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Ben
Travel Specialist
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Phoebe
Travel Specialist
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Darren
Travel Specialist
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Dawn
Head of Customer Experience
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Freya
Travel Specialist
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Jenna
Travel Specialist
