PARTNER CONTENT
Norway’s magnificent coastline stretches for almost 103,000 kilometres, serpentining around fjords, islands and skerries in a way that has always made the sea seem almost more important than the land. For generations, boats were the only trusty way to travel, trade and stay connected to one another, and the coast became the country’s backbone.
That’s why seeing Norway by ship just feels right. A smaller ship means front-row seats where you’re closer to the cliffs, deeper in the waterways and far from crowds on the bigger ships. Dramatic fjords appear out of nowhere, mountains drop straight into icy water, and you drift into small ports where daily life carries on amid medieval churches and weathered quays.
Wonder
awaits
From Arctic skies to working harbours, Norway’s coast tells its story slowly, best followed from the deck of a Hurtigruten ship
Long before roads were built, the sea was the main way people travelled around Norway, serving as a working highway that connected fishing villages, trading towns, and places of worship along the coast. Many of those same communities still sit right where they always have, and Hurtigruten sails between them, just as people have for centuries.
In places like Trondheim, a lot of the story still centres around the cathedral and the city’s past. Nearby, the Old Town Bridge adds a splash of colour, and the line of brick-and-wood storehouses along the water make for great photo opportunities. Travel further north and things feel different, like in Lofoten, where small families live close to the water, planning work and daily life around fishing seasons and the time of year. Fishing is still a key industry here, with cod seen drying on wooden racks and harbours still used by working boats.
Journey into the past
Hurtigruten has been sailing this coastline since 1893, back when these ships were part of everyday life in Norway, not just a lovely holiday. They carried everything from letters and supplies to people between towns that relied on the sea to stay connected. And they still do: even today, Hurtigruten ships continue to deliver cargo and post to coastal communities.
On board, that knowledge is shared in a very down-to-earth way by the Expedition Team, whether that’s via a chat about old trade routes, wartime stories or how people live in the far north now.
Often, a story is told just as you’re sailing past the place it happened, which makes it easier to picture real lives rather than just dates and facts. You hear about a place from the very people who know this coast inside out, then see it for yourself as you sail past. And if you take The Svalbard Line to Longyearbyen, the smaller ships slide right into proper Arctic wilds, with reindeer wandering around and chances to spot sea eagles and whales as you cruise waters the big ships can’t reach.
Learn from the experts
As you sail with Hurtigruten, the ship carries you through Norway’s coastal stretch where the Northern Lights are at their best, and along the northern coast, winter nights stretch long and pitch black, creating the best backdrop for nature’s spectacle than anywhere else in the world.
On a Hurtigruten voyage, the search for the aurora becomes very much part of the journey rather than just one single moment. As you sail, the ship keeps cruising along the coast, away from light pollution and beneath the vast Arctic skies. And when the lights do appear, there’s no hurry to board a bus or need to stand in a cold field.
Instead, handy Northern Lights alerts keep you in the loop without any all-night deck duty required, and panoramic lounges and open decks mean you can step straight out when the show begins, and simply watch as the skies twirl and dance above you. At the same time, the Expedition Team explains what you’re seeing and why, from the shifting colours on view to the science and folklore that surround this magnificent display.
On selected sailings during the Northern Lights season, Hurtigruten also offers Astronomy Voyages – a dream for anyone who’s ever found themselves gazing up at the night sky and wondering what exactly is going on up there. You’ll get to sail alongside a guest astronomer, while enjoying fascinating talks and insights into the aurora and the wider cosmos, and even an exclusive visit to Tromsø’s planetarium.
Along Norway’s breathtaking coast, the odds of spotting the Northern Lights on a Hurtigruten voyage are so high that they back it with a Northern Lights Promise, offering a free cruise if the Aurora doesn’t appear during your trip.
Under the Aurora
In Norway, fjords carved by deep glaciers offer a clear path to glide through, next to snow-dusted cliffs that tower out of the water as a cruising backdrop. As you sail through places like Geirangerfjord or Trollfjord, the sheer scale of them becomes difficult to comprehend, and the ship feels minuscule amid the vast landscape.
Along the way, the coastline is constantly changing, with smooth islands giving way to jagged headlands, beaches popping up in unlikely places, and waterfalls meandering down rock faces in spring and summer, fed by melting ice higher up.
From the deck, it’s easy to see how closely land and sea are one here, with fishing villages popping up along strips of shoreline, and houses built where the ground allows rather than where anyone might practically choose, shaped by generations of life lived by the coast.
Natural wonders
nature
Norway is often talked about for its incredible landscapes and wildlife, but there’s a lot more to discover when you step ashore. Small-ship cruises make these visits easier, with quick docking in towns and the flexibility to call at smaller communities that large cruise ships cannot include on their itineraries. In Oslo, museums and modern architecture sit beside centuries of history, while in places like Honningsvåg, you can hop up to the North Cape and hang out on the edge of Europe. All along the coast, each city and each port has its own little slice of culture to offer.
In Bergen, that story starts on the waterfront, with Bryggen’s wooden warehouses built to store goods and conduct business, back when dried cod was the link between Norway and Europe. There’s also the nearby Bryggen Museum, full of archaeological and historical discoveries, allowing you to learn more about the everyday lives of the medieval people of Bergen and Western Norway. If art is more your thing, the KODE galleries spotlight Norwegian art and design from the Golden Age to the present day.
In Trondheim, much of the area’s culture is evident along the river, and the incredible Nidaros Cathedral reflects the city’s role as medieval Norway’s spiritual centre. While the Archbishop’s Palace and the NTNU University Museum explore its Viking past and long history as a place people travelled to with intent.
Further north, Tromsø and Hammerfest tell their stories through museums such as the Polar Museum, Polaria, and Hammerfest Museum, which show how people have lived, worked, and coped with life in the harsh Arctic.
In many of the smaller stops that Hurtigruten’s smaller ships can access with ease, you can find culture all around you, like Ålesund’s Art Nouveau streets, Stavanger’s street art among old houses, or at the Hurtigruten Museum in Stokmarknes, which traces the line’s history and origin as a working coastal lifeline through old photos, original cabins and interactive exhibits.
Culture capitals
Cultural exploration on a Hurtigruten cruise doesn’t halt when you step back on board, where the Expedition Team helps you make sense of what you’re seeing as you sail, whether that’s pointing out landmarks from the deck, explaining passing landscapes, or hosting informal talks along the way. You might stop for a tasting of local food, or learn more about the wildlife you’ve spotted from the deck.
Along each voyage, there’s also an excellent variety of excursions to choose from, from city walks, cathedral visits, or time spent with indigenous communities, to more active pursuits, like kayaking, hiking, dog sledding, or even quad biking near the North Cape. For foodies, there’s also everything from brewery tours to king crab fishing.
On Hurtigruten’s Signature Voyages, even more activities and experiences are included within your trip, meaning you can get even more deeply immersed both on land and on board. These premium, all-inclusive voyages are ideal for travellers who want to slow the pace a little, with longer time in each port and carefully curated experiences that give you the freedom to really explore each destination.
Enriching experiences
One of the most enjoyable ways to immerse yourself in a country’s traditions, culture and way of life is via their cuisine, and Norway has a thriving scene to explore at the ports en route. In Bergen, Spisekroken is a cosy spot for modern Norwegian dishes, while Colonialen Fete is all about small plates and impeccably sourced produce. There’s also Bryggeloftet, Bergen's oldest restaurant, where local delicacies are the focus, such as reindeer fillet served with game sauce and lingonberries.
In Trondheim, pop into Sellanraa, a fiercely seasonal spot loved by locals, or chow down on just-baked goods and coffee at cult-favourite Emmer Håndverksbaker. Further north, food gets even wilder, shaped around traditional preservation methods like drying and salting. In the Lofoten Islands, feast on fresh skrei or stockfish dishes at Restaurant Børsen Spiseri in Svolvær. While in postcard-pretty Honningsvåg, stalls serving delicious, just-caught king crab are a must-visit.
Hurtigruten also offers a dedicated Culinary Voyage from Bergen to Tromso, with foodie excursions part of the schedule. Tastings range from salted cod and stockfish to Sámi-inspired dishes and Arctic whisky, shared with the people who make them. You might tour a historic brewery above the Arctic Circle, sit down to a home-style dinner at a family-run farm in Lofoten, or learn all about Sámi cooking traditions from a local chef.
From fjord to fork: A Nordic foodventure
Life on board a Hurtigruten ship tastes just as good as life ashore, and dining here is built around Norway’s Coastal Kitchen philosophy, which means what’s on your plate changes as the ship sails, influenced by the seasons and the coastline. You might start to recognise flavours and names along the way, realising dinner is often coming from places you sailed past earlier that day.
Tuck into fish that’s just been caught, slow-cooked meats, seasonal veggies and berries, and breads baked fresh that morning. Across the ship’s restaurants, there’s everything from laid-back bistro-style dining to more refined à la carte experiences.
One evening you might see Arctic char or cod on the menu, the next lamb or reindeer, served with cloudberries or a wedge of Norwegian cheese. Most of the ingredients come from small producers and local suppliers, stocking the ship as it moves along the coast.
Sail into flavour
Hurtigruten seafarers have been sailing this route since 1893, and nobody knows it better than they do. Ships cross the Arctic Circle under the glow of the Midnight Sun (the magical summer effect north of the Arctic Circle when the sun never quite sets, even at midnight), and trace winter coastlines beneath the Northern Lights, following the same routes season after season, year on year.
On board, that sense of place only deepens with Hurtigruten’s onboard Expedition Team – a crew of savvy guides and storytellers, born and raised along the coast, who know these waters better than anyone – adding context through everything from talks, walks and activities, linking what you see and experience on your journey with the stories behind it, from geology and wildlife to food, folklore and history.
Whales Norway’s waters teem with wildlife, and you may spot sperm whales, humpbacks, or orcas, especially off the Vesterålen coast, where rich feeding grounds attract these magnificent ocean giants.
An Arctic safari
Discover Norway’s ‘Big Five’ as you sail along the coast
Longyearbyen
Oslo
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There’s plenty to do in this vibrant capital: delve into art at the MUNCH Museum, enjoy views over Oslo fjord from Holmenkollen Ski Jump or explore viking history at the Bygdøy Peninsula.
Sea eagles White-tailed sea eagles are a regular sight along the coast, their large wingspans easy to spot as they soar and glide over cliffs, harbours, nearby towns, and fishing areas.
Reindeer In northern Norway, you can often see reindeer near the coast, herded by Sámi families, sometimes grazing by roads and shorelines, a sight locals are used to seeing in everyday life.
Seabirds Seabirds gather in huge numbers on cliffs and islands, and it’s common to see puffins, kittiwakes, cormorants, razorbills, and skuas along Norway’s rugged coastline throughout much of the year.
Arctic fox Thanks to conservation efforts, Arctic foxes are making a comeback in Norway, and although they keep a low profile, lucky visitors may still catch a glimpse in the wild.
culture
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Cruising through Geiringerfjord you can experience the vast beauty of Norway's majestic landscape
From breathtaking nature to compelling history, culture, and cuisine, Norway has it all
In many of the smaller spots that Hurtigruten’s ships can access with ease, you can find culture all around you
Torget Fish Market, Trondheim This working market sells fish from the coast right in the city centre. Locals stop by, chat, and browse, making it part of their daily life rather than an attraction.
Hammerfest Museum This small museum packs in big stories, from wartime destruction to rebuilding life above the Arctic Circle. It’s practical, personal and closely tied to the town it sits in.
Polar Museum, Tromsø A glimpse at life in the far north, focusing on real people, challenging decisions and tough conditions, rather than heroic myths or glossy tales of Arctic adventure.
Nidaros Cathedral, Trondheim The world’s northernmost medieval cathedral, which has attracted pilgrims for close to 1,000 years. It’s big, impressive and still very much part of everyday life.
Bryggen, Bergen Wander past wonky wooden buildings that were once part of the fishing industry and wider trade. It’s a reminder of Bergen’s seafaring past, best explored slowly, with time to explore the backstreets and eat the freshest of seafood.
Your Nordic dish-list
Get a true taste of Norway with these must-try local dishes
cuisine
You can choose from a wide variety of excursions, from city walks to active adventures
Enjoy just-caught fish and seasonal veggies and berries
Your to-view list
These must-visit cultural spots will help you get to know the real Norway
history
Elusive Arctic berries with a tart, sweet, honey-like flavour, usually foraged, not farmed, and often served with cream or on desserts when they’re briefly in season.
Cloudberries
Arctic char is the northernmost freshwater fish in the world and has long been an important food in Arctic communities. It’s now valued as a sustainable alternative to salmon.
Arctic char
Salted cod once shipped all over the world, now most often eaten in hearty bacalao-style stews that feel warming and perfect after a day exploring the chilly Norwegian outdoors.
Klippfisk
Hover on each image to reveal info
A northern staple with deep Sámi roots, lean and rich, best enjoyed in stews, roasts, or thin slices, and often served with lingonberries and seasonal veggies.
Reindeer
Air-dried cod that’s been feeding coastal Norway for centuries. You’ll probably see it hanging on wooden racks in Lofoten: chewy, salty, and a true must-taste.
Stockfish
Hover on each image to reveal info
Your back-in-time bucket list
Historical highlights to tick off on your Hurtigruten cruise
With a Hurtigruten cruise you can experience Norway in its most authentic way, gliding slowly along the coast, and immersing yourself in each fascinating destination – travelling the way it’s always been done. For more travel information and inspiration and to plan your trip, click the button below. Save up to 30 per cent off selected Coastal Express, North Cape Line and Svalbard Line voyages for departures until March 2027 when you book by 28th February 2026.
A voyage of discovery
PARTNER CONTENT
Produced by Independent Ignite
Project Manager: Ellie Horsfall-Tait | Editor: Laura MacBeth | Head of Design: Loraine Fajutag | Illustration: Kate Evans (Folio) | Images: Alamy, Getty and Hurtrigruten
With its colourful coastal houses, postcard-pretty Nusfjord is a must-wander.
Take a wander under the rust-red Old Town Bridge in scenic Trondheim
The distinctive triangle of the iconic Hammerfest Church serves as a symbol of the Holy Trinity.
At The Hurtigruten museum you can learn about the line’s history through interactive exhibits
Discover Norway’s compelling Viking past at the Archbishops Palace in Trondheim
Delve into centuries of Norwegian art, craft, design and music at Kode Gallery
What's on your plate changes as the ship sails, influenced by the seasons and coastline
Coffee and cake lovers alike should head to cult favourite Emmer Håndverksbaker
In Trondheim, head to Sellanraa for seasonally-focused foods beloved by resident foodies
Bryggeloftet, Bergen’s oldest restaurant, serves local delicacies, such as reindeer fillet and lingonberries
Hurtigruten has been sailing the coastline since 1893, and still delivers cargo and post to communities
Rising dramatically from the sea, these seven peaks are steeped in local legend, said to be troll princesses turned to stone. They’ve shaped stories and seafaring lore for centuries.
Seven Sisters Mountain Range, Helgeland Coast
Sitting quietly above the city, this old fortress once guarded Trondheim from attack. Today it’s perfect for imagining watchmen scanning the fjord for trouble, with epic views over the city.
Kristiansten Fortress, Trondheim
These wonky wooden buildings once powered Bergen’s trading life. Today, the narrow alleys that still stand make it easy to picture merchants, sailors, and everyday chaos along the harbour.
Bryggen Wharf, Bergen
Step inside a full-scale Viking longhouse built on the original site, where cooking fires, tools and living spaces show what daily life was really like beyond the armour and legends.
Lofotr Viking Museum, Lofoten
A unique Norwegian cheese made from whey, with a smooth, caramel-like flavour. It’s an everyday staple, typically sliced onto bread or waffles on tables across Norway.
Brunost (Brown Cheese)
Elusive Arctic berries with a tart, sweet, honey-like flavour, usually foraged, not farmed, and often served with cream or on desserts when they’re briefly in season.
Cloudberries
Salted cod once shipped all over the world, now most often eaten in hearty bacalao-style stews that feel warming and perfect after a day exploring the chilly Norwegian outdoors.
Klippfisk
A northern staple with deep Sámi roots, lean and rich, best enjoyed in stews, roasts, or thin slices, and often served with lingonberries and seasonal veggies.
Reindeer
Air-dried cod that’s been feeding coastal Norway for centuries. You’ll probably see it hanging on wooden racks in Lofoten: chewy, salty, and a true must-taste.
Stockfish
Arctic char is the northernmost freshwater fish in the world and has long been an important food in Arctic communities. It’s now valued as a sustainable alternative to salmon.
Arctic char
A guest astronomer will share fascinating insights into the aurora and wider cosmos
As you sail along the northern coast, the vast, pitch-black Arctic skies form the best backdrop for the Lights
The sea was the main way people travelled: a working highway connecting places
Bergen
Oslo
Svolvær
Honningsvåg
Tromsø
Further north along the coast, that same way of life shaped by the sea continues in ports like Hammerfest and Skjervøy, where boats come and go with the tides and fishing is part of everyday life. In winter, in Skjervøy you might even spot orcas and humpback whales feeding on herring. You’ll also stop at smaller Arctic spots such as Havøysund and Kjøllefjord, cliffside fishing towns sheltered by a backdrop of rolling hills, where life feels simple.
Hurtigruten has countless routes that tell the storied history of Norway, but routes such as The Coastal Express, travelling from Bergen to Kirkenes and back via Trondheim, is a classic, following the sea lanes almost exactly as they’ve been used since 1893. In Vardø and Hammerfest, history shows up everywhere, all along the harbour, in old fortifications and former trading posts that quietly tell the story of life on Norway’s Arctic land, and make for fascinating wanders around Norway’s past.
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Stunning panoramas of fjords and mountains await, as well as lively music, art and foodie scenes. The harbour district of UNESCO-listed Bryggen, with its colourful wooden houses, is a must-see.
Bergen
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The world's northernmost town might be surrounded by Arctic wilderness but expect a warm welcome from the local community. Around 1000 people live here (meaning there are more polar bears than humans), working in eateries, shops and research centres.
Longyearbyen
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Its position in the Arctic Circle makes Svolvær in the beautiful Lofoten islands a great place to catch the ethereal aurora borealis and experience the Midnight Sun. You can also explore breathtaking peaks, fjords and quaint fishing villages.
Svolvær
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Known as the ‘gateway to the arctic’, in magical Tromsø adventure awaits in the form of hiking, dog sledding and whale safaris. Or opt for culture via trips to the Polar Museum and the Arctic Cathedral.
Tromso
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This fishing town is the place to enjoy seafood: think king crab, cod and halibut. It's also perfectly placed for experiencing natural phenomena from the Aurora to the Midnight Sun and ink-black Polar Night and where you can reach the North Cape (the northernmost point in Europe).
Honningsvåg
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