The Hurtigruten:Crossing Arctic Circle (4th Day)
Norwegian Coastal Steamer Crosses to the Region of the Midnight Sun
Sep 23, 2008
On the fourth day after leaving Bergen, the Norwegian Coastal Voyage starts to become really exciting. The ship is now approaching the real far north, and scenery becomes more Arctic, with snow even in summer, and less and less trees and other vegetation. There are also less towns and settlements near the coasts, and the whole area has a grandeur and beauty unique in the world.
Crossing the Arctic Circle
Passengers need to be up early if they are not view the actual crossing of the Arctic Circle, as it happens between 7.00 and 7.30 am. There is a globe on the small island of Vikingen to mark the point, and the captain announces that the ship has passed 66 degrees 33 minutes north, the most southerly point where the sun shines for 24 hours on at least one day during the year.
Later in the morning there is a small ceremony on board ship to commemorate the crossing of the Arctic Circle. One of the crew dresses up as King Neptune, and everyone has drinks…and ice down their necks! It’s a lot of fun.
The Aviation Museum at Bodo
In the afternoon the ship stops for two and a half hours at Bodo. This small town has a famous aviation museum full of exhibits from Norwegian aviation history. For passengers with even a passing interest in aviation, this museum, which is shaped like a propeller, is a must! But for those with other interests, there is also the Nordland Museum. Care must be taken not to miss the bus back to the ship.
The Lofoten Islands
In the late afternoon one can see the 100 kilometre long Lofoten mountain range rising from the sea, some miles off the Norwegian coast. The Lofoten islands are stunningly beautiful, and at 9.00 pm the ship stops for an hour in one of their towns – Svolvaer. It is a pleasant place to stroll along the quay and look up at the distinctive sheer rock formation of ‘The Svolvaer Goat’.
The ship leaves at 10 pm and takes a trip into the narrow Trollfjord. One can’t see much, but it should be better on the southbound voyage. All places visited at night when going north are visited during the day on the southbound trip, so passengers doing the whole voyage have a chance to see it all!
Other Articles in This Series
The Hurtigruten – Norway’s Famous Coastal Voyage
The Hurtigruten – Leaving Bergen and Second Day
The Hurtigruten - Tromso's Cathedral (5th Day)
 |
 |
