Cruising Norway is Warm, Unique, and Affordable
Fjords, Reindeer, & Outdoor Adventure Showcase the Best of Norway
Apr 13, 2009
With the Gulf Stream bathing it in warm currents swept up from tropical climes, the coast of Norway is typically 10–30 (F) degrees warmer than Alaskan ports of call at the same latitude. For Arctic cruise enthusiasts the unique Norwegian coastline, rugged spirit of the people, and the potential for unique outdoor adventures tilt the cost to life-reward matrix firmly in favor of a gentle passage along the Norwegian coastline.
Norwegian Coastal Cruises
Cruising the coast of Norway has been referred to as “the World’s Most Beautiful Sea Voyage”. Vessels duck in and out of the towering green walls of the Geirangerfjord (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) to see the beautiful Brudesloret, Friaren and Seven Sisters waterfalls. Itineraries include stops at picturesque fishing villages and visits with the native Sami people.
Though some areas like the Geirangerfjord are open only in the summer season, others like Kierkenes (along the Russian border) and the Nordkapp (marked as the northernmost point in Europe) are accessible year-round. Additionally, Bergen, Norway’s second largest city, and home to Bryggen (a restored Hanseatic trading community and UNESCO World Heritage Site) is open year-round and is a prime departure point and destination for Norwegian coastal cruises.
For photographers and dreamers alike, the greatest adventure on a Norwegian Coastal Cruise may come with crossing the Arctic Circle and having the chance to see the Northern Lights (the Aurora Borealis). That said, trips along the coast often include optional shore excursions and adventures, that may include:
Norwegian Winter Adventures
- Snowmobile Safari
- Dog Sledding
- Reindeer Sledding
- Lofotr Viking Feast
- King Crab Safari
- Kierkenes Snow Hotel
- City Tours
Summer Adventures in Norway
- RIB Safari to Norway’s second largest glacier
- Sea Eagle Safari
- ATV/Quad Safari to the Russian Border
- Arctic Cathedral (Midnight Concert)
- City Tours
Hurtigruten is “The Fast Route”
While there may be other cruise lines servicing the coast of Norway, the name everyone knows and trusts is Hurtigruten. Literally meaning “Fast Route”, and synonymous in Norwegian with “coastal ship”, the name is a throwback to the days when the most expeditious way to get goods and people up the Norwegian coast was by boat, and the Hurtigruten ships were the pinnacle of service.
In the late 1800s Capt. Richard With led the first Hurtigruten voyage from Trondheim, Norway to Hammerfest, Norway. With so many years in service, the Hurtigruten line remains the best way to see the coast of Norway. Though it’s the “fast route”, Hurtigruten ships are considered “working” boats, and as such they stop in many small remote ports to exchange cargo and supplies, exposing passengers to a decidedly intimate side of the Norwegian Coast.
While the company’s roots lie on the service side, today’s ships are state of the art, offering luxury amenities, but not fawning excess. Emphasis is placed on experiencing the natural world and the ports of call. While there are no casinos aboard and no “shows”, the passing view testifies to the fact that the fjords, villages and snow-covered mountains are entertainment enough.
With year-round cruising schedules, Hurtigruten often offers shoulder and “off season” discounts and package deals that make the notion of winter cruising an inviting prospect.
Common Ports of Call on Norway's Coast
- Bergen
- Alesund
- Tromso
- Trondheim
- Bodo
- The Lofoten Islands
- Honningsvag
- Kierkenes
Norway’s ice free ports, pleasant year-round itineraries, abundance of natural splendor and adventures for all levels of ability make Norwegian Coastal Cruises an adventurous, relaxing and affordable cruising option. With cruise lines that have operated along the coast for more than a century; travelers are assured of seeing the best that Norway has to offer.
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