Hurtigruten - the Voyage South to Bergen

The Norwegian Coastal Voyage from Kirkenes to Southern Norway

Oct 17, 2008

After a week heading north, the Norwegian coastal steamer retraces its route and heads south back to Bergen. But there is still more to see on this trip....

The Norwegian Coastal Steamer leaves Bergen daily, sailing north and stopping at 34 different ports before reaching Kirkenes on the Russian border. Among the highlights of the trip North are the visit to Tromso, Paris of the North, and seeing the North Cape. But on the voyage south there is still more for passengers to see, since ports visited at night going north are now stopped at during the daytime. So what are the highlights of this voyage?

Hammerfest styles itself Norway’s most northern town, claiming every settlement further north is a village! Be that as it may, it is a pretty place, with lots to see. Passengers can join the famous Polar Bear Society, which has over 130,000 members, and receive a membership card and certificate. They can then use the society’s rooms and museum for free!

Tromso at Night

This time the ship docks at Tromso near midnight. But this is not a problem, for in summer the town never sleeps! The sun may still be shining, since Tromso is north of the Arctic Circle, bars and restaurants are open till all hours, and there are many people around in the streets. One can truly see why it is termed 'The Paris of the North'.

These islands with their spectacular hilly scenery are some of the most beautiful in the world, and would probably be popular tourist attractions were they further south. As it is, they are unspoiled and uncrowded. A tour of the islands, joining the ship afterwards, is possible and well worth doing. There is also a Hurtigruten Museum here, documenting the history of the famous voyage.

After another amazing week, the ship arrives back at Bergen. For those who traveled in the summer, the last part of the voyage may be a little disappointing weatherwise. For often the sun shines and it is dry and clear in the far north, but once south of the Arctic Circle the weather tends to be mild, wet, and somewhat dreary.

However, nothing can mar the beauty of Norways’ fiord-indented coastline, and even after a fortnight, most passengers still enjoy staring out of the ship’s windows at the ever-changing scenery/. And although it is now all over, many people plan a return trip – perhaps in the winter to possibly see the famous Northern Lights.

So the author hopes to see all readers of this series on the Hurtigruten, someday…

The copyright of the article Hurtigruten - the Voyage South to Bergen in Cruise Lines & Routes is owned by Helen Krasner. Permission to republish Hurtigruten - the Voyage South to Bergen in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.