Norway

Mellow and Magical Norway in Autumn

Expedition dates

Multiple Departures September and October every year
Starts From

Bergen, Norway

Ends At

Kirkenes, Norway
Trip duration

7 Days

Jump to itinerary
Activities and Attractions

UNESCO Heritage Sites, Fjords, Hiking, Kayaking, Dog Sledding, Picturesque Fishing Villages, Viking Heritage, Sámi Culture, Colourful Landscape, Hjorundfjord
Starting From Price per person

AED 6,036

*Flexible payment plan available

Expedition Overview

If you have always wanted to explore the beautiful Norwegian coastline, its famous fjords and witness the legendary Northern Lights, the season of autumn presents the perfect opportunity to do so. With the summer crowds thinning, the coast is more tranquil, giving you gentler space and more time to appreciate the brilliant reds, yellows and orange dominating the mountainsides, hilltops and woods. With shorter days and longer nights, October sees a fresh snow fall and return of the Northern Lights.

Your day-wise itinerary

Day 1 - (Begin your sailing)

Bergen

Explore this beautiful town on your own, before embarking ship in the evening

Day 2 - (Fløro to Molde)

The Hjørundfjord

We navigate through skerries and islands to reach this art nouveau town, open for exploration on foot

Day 3 - (Kristiansund to Rørvik)

Trondheim

As we stop by many ports, spend time ashore in Norway's third largest city - Trondheim

Day 4 - (Brønnøysund to Svolvær)

Bodø

Celebrate Arctic circle ceremony, enjoy 24 hour day light, and more opportunities through out the day to be on shore

Today we welcome you the Arctic as we cross the Arctic circle! This invisible line is situated at 66 degrees 33 minutes north and marks the border to the Arctic Region. If you are sailing in late September or Ocotber, from here begins our best chances of experiencing the first Northern lights of the season! Even if you aren’t awake to see the Arctic Circle, the captain makes sure that the occasion is a memorable event. If you are sailing in Arctic waters for the first time, you can participate in a daytime Arctic Circle ceremony on deck and mingle with guests. Before we reach Ørnes, you might see Norway’s second largest glacier, Svartisen, lighting up the land to the east. The view across the 50 km-long Saltfjorden, just south of Bodø, is magnificent. Here, the famous Saltstraumen tidal stream ows through a 150 m-wide strait spanned by a bridge. It is said to be the world’s most powerful tidal current. You will then have some time to explore Bodø before we cross the sea to Lofoten. On board, you can listen to the Hurtigruten Guide Team’s “Polar History” presentation and learn more about this part of Norwegian history. In Svolvær, you can visit to Viking museum for authentic dinner with chieftain and his family! Around late afternoon, the 1,000 m-high Lofoten Wall will appear on the horizon. The Lofoten archipelago resembles a formidable wall due to its high peaks and snow-clad, granite cliffs. For thousands of years, huge numbers of cod have migrated to the surrounding seas here every winter to spawn (January-April). These tastier, former cod are called skrei and are prized delicacies, beloved of chefs around the world. Much of the cod is traditionally hung on huge racks to be air dried by the wind. Continuing north, we sail through the narrow Raftsund. We highly recommend to be on deck for this experience. Depending on how the weather is, the captain will try to stop at the foot of Trollfjord - famous for its troll story. Don’t forget to try hot fish cakes served by our chef out on the deck. You also hear the story of ‘The battle of Trollfjord’, which took place here in the winter of 1890. If you look closely, you might see trolls up in the steep mountains. Or you might not. Once its dark, join us on the deck every night from today to possible sight for the northern lights!

Day 5 - (Stokmarknes to Skjervøy)

Tromsø

A day full of activities awaits, as we dock at "arctic city capital"

Today’s the time to unpack the adventure gears to full throttle! Early in the morning after we first dock at Harstad, situated on Norway’s largest island Hinnøya, with a mix of old and contemporary architecture. Dubbed “the pearl of Northern Norway”, Harstad plays host to many arts festivals making it a cultural hub, and its many delightful cafés and restaurants have earned it a reputation as the gourmet city of the north. Go ashore and discover Harstad, then return to the ship in time for breakfast. As we leave Harstad, we pass Trondenes Church, the world’s northernmost, surviving medieval building. The church traces back to the Viking era. The ship then docks in Finnsnes for half an hour, just enough time to on and o load goods and mail and let locals embark and disembark the ship. Many of our guests like to gather on deck and watch this part of everyday life along the Norwegian coast. The route becomes narrower as we approach the island of Kvaløya. The area is covered with historical sites such as the remnants of dwellings and burial mounds. Early in the afternoon, we arrive at Tromsø for a prolonged stay. Many epic Arctic expeditions used Tromsø as their starting point, giving rise to its nickname “Gateway to the Arctic”. The city’s highlights include the landmark Arctic Cathedral, the Polaria Centre and a cable car that offers stunning views of the city and its surroundings. Tromsø is one of our main excursion hubs, so come ashore to explore the amazing nature, culture and history of the area. With a day full of activities, you can join our expedition team for a ‘Polar History Walk’, where we learn about explorers and Arctic hunters or complete your stay with a thrilling husky dog sled ride across a frozen landscapes with stunning view of mountains, oceans and open plateaus. During the polar night, the only light comes from headlamps, the starry sky, and, if we’re lucky, the magical Northern Lights. Why not test your coordination skills and have some winter fun by joining a cross-country skiing or snowshoeing adventure or go deep-sea fishing on an Arctic fjord. You can also join the Expedition team for hikes and discover more of Tromsø and its surroundings. As the darkness descends, the mesmerizing Northern Lights can show its magic anytime! As we continue sailing for the night, we gather on deck to have possible sightings of the breathtaking phenomenon.

Day 6 - (Øksfjord to Berlevåg)

Honnigsvåg

Join the excursion to North Cape, meet the indigenous Sámis at Finkirka

Enjoy magnificent sub-Arctic landscape as we cross the 71st parallel on our journey towards North Cape, one of the northernmost points on the European continent. After a brief and early stop at Hammerfest, The ship arrives in Honningsvåg. The compact city centre features colourful houses and gardens that, even at 71°N, have trees - although rarely more than 3-4m tall. Come ashore to visit North Cape museum, North Cape House or Honningsvåg Church. Or you can choose to join our optional excursion to visit the North Cape where most of the guests from the ship gather to relive the moment. As our ship sails further north, we cross the heartland of indigenous Sami people, Finkirka, make a short stop at the famous fishing village of Kjollefjord, and arrive to Finnmark Coast, where you can be part of snowmobile trip to one of Europe’s extreme and exciting natural areas, with complete chances to experience snow-clad valleys, fresh winter air and perhaps the mesmerizing Northern Lights. For those choosing to stay back onboard, the expedition team continues to host lectures and gatherings on Sami people, their traditions, history, culture. As the ship continues, you will see Nordkinn peninsula, which appears to be carved from the sea. Although it does not protrude as far north as North Cape (at 71 ̊ 10’ 21’’N), the tip of Nordkinn is mainland Europe’s northernmost point at 71 ̊ 11’ 0’’N. We sail north of this peninsula, passing the Smørbringa bird colony along the way. Further up the fjord is the fishing village of Mehamn, where we stop for 15 minutes. Then it’s time for dinner. By now, you will have discovered that Norway’s culinary traditions have much in common with the scenery of the coastline. It is always fresh, distinctive and full of variety. Local produce is integrated into every element of the culinary experience on board. Based on the season’s best ingredients, you can enjoy three- course dinners or lavish buffets.Enjoy the evening on board, watching small coastal communities and the Arctic wilderness go by. The Expedition Team gathers crowd on deck to catch glimpses of the Northern Lights. As we cross Austhavet, it is time for bed.

Day 7 - (End your sailing)

Kirkenes

We disembark at Norway's northernmost settlement

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The Experience Northern Lights Activities Unique Culinary Young Explorers The Ship Multiple Departures

See Light and Leaves turn all hues of gold

Shades of yellow, red, orange, & gold paint the forests of the coast, enhanced by the soft sunlight of the season. Autumn offers the chance to sail into hidden gem of a HJørundfjord flanked by steep Sunnmøre Alps

Call at 34 different ports

Sail deeper into heart of Norway than anyone else. Visit cities, towns, small villages. Our Expedition Consultants provide a sailing schedule, detailing time at each port. With one major stop every day, there is a lot to see & do!

Best time for photography

The landscape is a kaleidoscope of dazzling autumn colours - reds, oranges & yellows, set against the verdant evergreen forests, & the white & grey of the mountainsides. A perfect time to take that perfect shot!

Enjoy chances to sight this phenomenon

As we sail towards north, the days grow shorter. With the polar nights about to begin, we sail directly beneath auroral zone, so the Northern Lights might be tempted to make an early autumnal appearance!

Exciting land and sea based excursions

Make this incredible journey even more memorable with a great selection of optional shore excursions. We advise you on some of the most-liked autumn activities by our guests, from among 30 different activities!

Hiking

Get even closer to nature with a Multi-Hiking Pass, or simply participate in single hikes at different ports of call. These hikes give you sense of "friluftsliv" - The Norwegian passion of being outdoors & being in the moment!

Kayaking

Observe city of Trondhiem in a different perspective through kayak expedition. The certified guides will glide you through colourful buildings and local stories, showing you sights that at times are only seen by kayak.

RIB safari to Saultstraumen

Witness the wondrous forces of nature The world's most powerful tidal current upclose in Saltstraumen, that have captured the imagination of artists and authors for generations.

Feast with the Vikings (summer)

Experience the magic & excitement as a Vikings chieftain & lady of the house invite you to join them for an authentic Viking meal in the banquet hall inside an original reconstructed Viking longhouse

Dog Sledding

Join for mini polar expedition across snowy plateaus in Tromso with our mushy friends! This exhilarating experience often gets greeted with northern lights giving you a complete Arctic wilderness joy!

Birdwatching Safari

See one of Norway´s largest and most impressive bird cliffs, near North Cape. Take in the breathtaking scenery surrounding the nature reserve close to a fishing village

King Crab Adventure

Travel by RIB out on the fjord together with experienced fishermen and learn how to catch, prepare and most importantly eat these giants from the Barents Sea. Enjoy the catch meal in a traditional boat house

And many more!

Meet the Sami, stay in a snow hotel, take the flam rail as pre or post tour, the list goes on! Our expedition consultant will guide you on many adventures available, and share details during booking

The Coastal Kitchen Experience

With the autumn harvest, taste sumptuous lobster, game, lamb, porcini & chanterelle mushrooms, as well as apples & berries, all sourced fresh from local producers of ports visited during the journey

For Families Traveling with Kids

A complimentary program for kids aged 7-13. Run by an experienced host, the program focuses on fun-filled learning around wildlife, historical explorers ,environmental protection etc. Contact our expedition consultant to enroll your kid

Multiple Ships, Multiple Styles

Over 7 ships sail this route every other day, giving you flexibility to choose your ship based on your taste. The Interiors are designed to engage in watching the outdoors all times. Their small sizes make sailing deep into otherwise inaccessible areas their speciality

Choice of Cabins

With capacities ranging between 250 - 1000, a wide variety of cabin grades are available on each ship. From Inside cabins to Suites, whether you are solo, couple, family, there is a comfortable option for you all

Select your preferred month

and we help you choose the date!

A ship is scheduled to sail every alternate day of the season! While June - mid July see midnight sun above arctic circle, August sees last of summer fun. Our Expedition Consultant guides on best date fit for you, as per highlights

What's Included

Expedition Cruise in cabin grade of your choice
All meals with beverages (breakfast, lunch, dinner, early riser and afternoon treats)
Guidance from English-speaking Tour Leader on board
Loan of trekking poles, snow shoes, head lamps, ice-spikes needed for optional hikes depending on conditions
Engaging onboard activities

Not Included

International Flights
Visa
Optional Shore Excursions
Hikes with the Expedition Guides
Travel Insurance
Luggage Handling
Optional Gratuities

Special Notes

Prices indicated above are on twin sharing basis
The above itinerary is only indicative, and weather, ice and sea conditions determine the final framework of exploration. A safe experience at all times will be the priority
The above itinerary follows a flexible pricing system and all prices are capacity controlled and subject to availability
Single cabin pricing available on request
We offer flexible payment plans on request basis. Please ask your consultant for same at time of booking