The Coastal Journey South

DAY 1 Kirkenes - Berlevag
The journey starts in Kirkenes, only fifteen kilometres away from the Russian border. The ship then sails to Vardø, situated at the far edge of Norway, as far northeast as you can get, right in the middle of spectacular Arctic nature. with colourful houses. This evening there are short stops in the fishing village of Båtsfjord. Up to 10,000 boats come to this small village annually, and large catches are landed at several fishing facilities. The Barents Sea is one of the least polluted seas in the world, and the quality of fish here is second to none. The last stop for the night is Berlevåg. If it's a Monday, listen carefully as you arrive into Berlevag in case you can hear the famous male choir of local fisherman rehearsing.

Meals included: Lunch and dinner

DAY 2 Mehamn - Tromso
Stop in Hammerfest today, founded in 1789, over time it became Norway’s polar capital, serving as a base for hunting expeditions into the high Arctic. Here you can see the UNESCO-listed Meridian Column, erected in 1854 to commemorate the first precise, geographic measurement of the globe. Continue south towith a brief stop at the old trading post ofSkjervøy. Around midnight, dock at Tromsø which is specal in both seasons - winter this is one of the best places to view the Northern Lights, and in Summer the Midnight Sun is the perfect setting for a middle of the night city walk to explore this charming Arctic city.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

DAY 3 Finnsnes - Lofoten Islands
Sail through the island groups of Lofoten and Vesteralen offering some of the most stunning scenery you will see during the entire coastal voyage. Beneath the jagged mountains lie chalky white sandy beaches and fishing villages with a vibrant fishing industry and locals using the coastal ships for everyday trips and transport. Make a short stop in Risøyhamn, a small village with only 200 inhabitants, to deliver passengers, groceries and mail. Continuing southwards, it looks like you are sailing straight into the mountain wall, but inevitably the ship will slip through an opening leading to the narrow Raftsund to reach the spectacular Trollfjord*, only 2km long and 100m wide, surrounded by majestic mountains. If the weather and time permit, the captain makes a detour into the fjord. Steep cliffs hug the ship´s sides and the dramatic landscape conjures fairy tale images of an imaginary land of trolls. To exit the fjord, the ship will rotate 180 degrees on the spot, then sail back out. Remember to look out for sea eagles here too. In the evening, arrive in Svolvær, the capital of Lofoten, home to one of the world's largest cod fisheries.
*Possible in summer only - for the ship to enter the Trollfjord and it is dependent on the right weather conditions.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

DAY 4 Bodo - Brønnøysund - Rorvik
Crossing the Arctic Circle at 66°33’N is an important ‘rite of passage’. As you sail along the Helgeland coast, you pass hundreds of islets, fertile farmland and steep granite walls rich in local lore. On deck you can see the strange mountain Torghatten (rising 258m above sea level), famous for its distinctive hole right through the middle and the Seven Sisters mountain range. Stop this afternoon is in Brønnøysund, located in the middle of the Helgeland Archipelago it is the half way point of the Norwegian coastline, As the crow flies, it is equidistant from here to Lindesnes in the south to the North Cape in the north—840 kilometres each way and is the half way point of the Norwegian coastline.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

DAY 5 Trondheim - Molde
This morning provides an opportunity to explore the picturesque city of Trondheim with its colourful warehouses and the historic Nidaros Cathedral. Back on board, the ship sails along the coast to Kristiansund whose location has steadily provided the town with a wealth of opportunities in the fishing, shipbuilding and oil industries. Kristiansund is today regarded as Norway’s ‘dried cod capital’ because of its long time export of salted dry fish. Experience the ship´s crossing of the open sea on the way to Molde, known as Norway´s ‘City of Roses’.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

DAY 6 Alesund - Bergen
During the night, the ship calls at Alesund, Torvik, Maloy, as the world’s most beautiful voyage draws to a close. Before the ship docks in Bergen, there are some nautical miles of fascinating scenery ahead, including the picturesque Nordfjord below the enormous Jostedal Glacier. In the morning, call at Floro, a modern coastal seaport that is very much alive with a charming high street and good selection of shops. A few nautical miles south of Floro, the ship navigates the mouth of the mighty Sognefjord, and you will get to enjoy superb views of this magnificent island studded coastline en route. Finally, disembark in Bergen, taking with you memories of a unique journey filled with unforgettable experiences and meetings with local people, wildlife and stunning nature. After disembarkation your cruise concludes.

Meals included: Breakfast and lunch

Every day there are shore excursions befitting the season of travel, that you may join. We recommend these experienecs which will enhance your coastal journey as you interact more closely with the culture, nature and people of Norway. Ask your consultant today for more information including pricing and pre booking your spot.