Hurtigruten Classic 7 day Northbound Voyage
This voyage sails the iconic Norwegian coastline's sheltered waters from Bergen toward the Russian border town of Kirkenes in 7 days. En route you will stop at 34 ports, some of them big cities and some just small hamlets. Crossing the Arctic Circle and the North Cape are also some of the highlights.
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Itinerary: Day 1 Bergen – The Gateway to the Fjords The 7-day Classic North Voyage starts in Bergen, a city surrounded by seven mountains. Bergen was founded in 1070 AD, and was the capital of Norway for several years. Today this vibrant city has retained a great deal of local character and history. One example of this is the historic UNESCO-listed Bryggen district with colorful wharfs that date back to the 14th century. Before sailing from Bergen in the evening, you may wish to take a stroll around this charming, compact city. As the ship starts its northbound journey you can enjoy the myriad views of islands, small fishing communities and fjords. Day 2 Ålesund – the Art Nouveau City, Geirangerfjord or Hjørundfjord If you wake up early the next day you have the chance to enjoy the breathtaking beauty of Nordfjord, followed by a delicious breakfast. As we sail past the West Cape, we enter open sea for one of the few times during this voyage. The ship then navigates through skerries and islands before reaching Ålesund. This city is renowned for its unique concentration of Art Nouveau architecture. From the top of Mount Aksla you can enjoy an amazing panorama of the area. In the summer months we set course for the spectacular UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord passing sheer, 2,600 feet cliffs and impressive waterfalls en route. In fall we explore Hjørundfjord, situated amidst the majestic Sunnmore Alps. Its seclusion and unspoiled natural landscape are what give this fjord its special character. Far from the tourist bustle, we take passengers past steep rock walls, green meadows, isolated mountain farms and small villages. Day 3 Trondheim – The medieval capital of Norway In Trondheim you can discover the city’s secrets by strolling through its charming streets or sitting by the peaceful harbor. Be sure to enjoy the views from Gamle Bybrua (the Old Town Bridge) which dates back to 1861 and the restored wooden buildings of the backland district. Nidaros Cathedral, built between 1070 and 1300, is Norway’s largest Gothic edifice. In the afternoon the ship sets a northwest course, passing the distinct Kjeungskjær lighthouse and numerous charming islets and rocky outcrops. After passing through the narrow Stoksund, the ship arrives in Rørvik. Day 4 Arctic Circle and Lofoten Islands Today we cross the Arctic Circle between Nesna and Ørnes, marked by a globe on a small islet. Passengers sailing in Arctic waters for the first time can participate in the Arctic Circle ceremony on deck. After a break at Bodø you can enjoy the sight of the 3,280ft high Lofoten Wall appearing on the horizon. The charms of the Lofoten Islands are revealed in all the small, picturesque fishing villages with their bohemian atmosphere. Tucked in between majestic granite cliffs and white sandy beaches, these islands are an experience that is out of the ordinary. Stroll between stockfish racks and “rorbuer”, the traditional fisherman’s huts. Between Stamsund and Svolvær you can take part in an optional excursion stepping back in history at the authentic Lofotr Viking Feast which takes place in an impressive reconstruction of the largest Viking house ever found. Day 5 Tromsø – Gateway to the Arctic During the night the ship navigates the narrow Raftsund strait. After a stop in Harstad, we continue to Tromsø for a prolonged stay. Many epic Arctic expeditions used Tromsø as a starting point. With the presence of the Norwegian Polar Institute, the city has cemented its position as the Polar Capital of Norway. “Ishavskatedralen,” The Arctic Cathedral, is the city’s most famous landmark with its progressive design and extraordinary stained glass window. The world’s northernmost university and large numbers of tourists have created a vibrant cultural scene and the numerous restaurants and cafes are always teeming with life. Day 6 Honningsvåg and the North Cape After a brief stop in Hammerfest and Havøysund we arrive in Honningsvåg, the gateway to the spectacular North Cape. The optional excursion to the North Cape Plateau puts you at 71 10’ 21” N, only 1,2 miles from the Geographical North Pole. Standing atop the 1,000ft North Cape plateau gives you a sublime feeling of being at the end of the world. The area is also known for its birdlife. As we approach Kjøllefjord this evening, we pass the rock formation Finnkirka, an ancient sacrificial site of the area’s indigenous Sami people. Day 7 Kirkenes – the wild and beautiful northeast When we arrive at our destination in Kirkenes, at 30 East, we are actually further east than Istanbul and St. Petersburg. The Russian border is close by, and you may find it intriguing that the road signs are written in both Norwegian and Russian. Spending time in Kirkenes gives you an opportunity to take part in some of the adventurous activities offered in this Arctic environment. |
Trip Details at a Glance:
Duration: 7 days 2020 Departures: Daily Departures
2020 Seasons: Included: Not Included: *Sample Excursions: Kayaking The North Cape A Taste of Lapland Snowmobile Trip in Lapland |
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Trollhaugen Tours
612-816-1177
