Get Out & Get Active

During your cruise, you’ll have various opportunities to further explore this part of the world’s magnificent scenery. Join your Expedition Team on a series of guided hikes at various ports, depending on the weather. From thrilling kayaking excursions to quiet nature hikes, an assortment of optional active tours is available. These are perfect for customizing your Scandinavian journey, based on your interests. On the ship, you can also rent bicycles, should you want to cover more ground at the port calls.

Please note that all active events are seasonal and weather dependent.

Bergen: With its Viking roots and provincial charm, Bergen is indeed a Norwegian treasure. Established as a trade center in the 12th century, this city’s history is as rich as its wooden buildings are colorful. You’ll visit Bryggen Wharf, Bergen’s historic harbor district and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stroll by the serene harbors and savor the city’s modern cuisine, eclectic art scene, and bustling marketplaces.

Bask in nature’s scenic vistas on this unforgettable Norwegian cruise through 1,250 miles of pristine coastline. Depending on your departure date, you may revel in springtime's Arctic bloom, witness the midnight sun during the summer months, or watch the scenery come alive with autumn’s fiery color palette. No matter the season, Norway delivers exquisite natural beauty and cultural appeal. Choose your departure date based on the experiences you seek from this Scandinavian journey!

Seasonal Beauty: Since we offer departures spanning three seasons, you won’t miss a moment of the natural beauty for which this country is renowned.

• In spring, Norway transforms into a mixture of snowcapped peaks and budding greenery
• During the summer, Norway’s mountains trade their snowy veils for green expanses; open fields bloom under the radiant midnight sun
• Fall is ideal to see landscapes bursting into fiery colors and migrating birds creating patterns across the sky

Ålesund: With its undeniable beauty and artistic spirit, Ålesund is not to be missed. This charming seaport town is spread across several islands in Norway’s western fjord country. Witness its breathtaking views of glimmering ocean water, regal mountains, and glistening fjords.

At Sea: Check the Arctic Circle off your bucket list as you cross into northernmost Europe. Vivid skies stretch overhead as ice shimmers along the sea’s surface and the crisp air invigorates. Cruise past a variety of scenic landmarks, including the Lofoten and Vesterålen Islands, the Grip and Hitra islands, and the remarkable Seven Sisters mountain chain.

During your Nordic cruise, your shipmates will be a mix of local and international travelers. This provides for a unique opportunity to make international connections at sea. Your Adventure Leader will also give presentations while aboard your Hurtigruten ship. Designed to illuminate this region’s unique culture and enrich your discoveries, you’ll enjoy learning about the following topics:

• Life in Norway
• Second World War — Norway's involvement
• Facts and Myths — Vikings in Scandinavia
• Norwegian Cooking Culture
• Norwegian Language Lesson
• The Topography of Norway

You’ll have additional opportunities to experience Norway’s art and culture while visiting these unique cities and towns:

• Bergen:
• During a city tour of Bergen, note the traditional architecture and extraordinary street patterns
• Pay a visit to Troldhaugen, the former summer residence of composer Edvard Grieg. Inspired by the history, scenery, and legends of his homeland, Grieg’s talent and passion marked him as one of Norway’s most celebrated pianists. Stroll through the grounds, including the family villa, the Edvard Grieg Museum, the hut he used to compose music, and his gravesite
• Ålesund: In addition to its natural beauty, Ålesund features an incredible display of art nouveau architecture just waiting to be admired. Rebuilt after an early 20th-century fire destroyed most of it, this Nordic town has an intriguing mix of styles and an undeniable artistic spirit, which we’ll explore during a walking tour

The Hurtigruten’s onboard Expedition Team is comprised of specially trained experts to guide you through Norway’s natural wonders. Here is how they will enhance your adventures:

• Enjoy exciting Expedition Team discussions on board, providing insight on Norway’s history and the indigenous Sámi tribe culture
• Enhance your tour with dozens of seasonal activities, including guided hikes
• Onboard skits that bring local culture and customs to life
• Your Expedition Team will always be on watch for the Northern Lights, ensuring you see the most of this phenomenon from the top deck

Good photography depends on light — and Norway has plenty of it! From 24 hours of sunshine during the summer months to the winter’s Northern Lights, here are a few ways to take the best photographs throughout your Norwegian adventure:

• Chronicle the distinctive landscapes along the Atlantic Road, sometimes considered often “the world’s most beautiful drive”
• Depending on your departure, you could experience the Arctic landscapes and glimpse reindeer, or temperate weather’s soft glow. You never know what you’ll witness, so always keep your camera near!
• From early September to April, the Aurora Borealis can be seen on clear, dark nights. To capture the lights correctly, you’ll need a DSLR with a manual setting and a tripod. Adjust your ISO to 1600 or lower; set your aperture to the lowest number possible and adjust your shutter speed according to the light levels

Birdwatching is a beloved pastime in Norway, as more than 300 bird species make their home here. Some of the birding opportunities you may enjoy include:

• An optional birdwatching safari to the small fishing village of Gjesvær, where you’ll be introduced to the local flora and fauna. Then, visit one of the world’s most exciting nature reserves, Gjesværstappan. From the ship, you’ll study the region’s largest flock of puffins, together with large numbers of kittiwakes
• Thousands of migratory birds fly along Norway’s coast in the spring and autumn. Depending on the season, you may be treated to an unforgettable aerial showcase!

Your solo-friendly small ship cruise has been enhanced with special features catering to independent travelers, including:

• A lively social media night and musical performances most nights
• Solo-friendly social activities, including a Solo Connection mixer
• Onboard entertainment, lectures, and cooking demonstrations

Some of our top Concierge suggestions for this Norwegian adventure include:

• Explore the beautiful waters around Bergen with a guided kayak tour of Herdla
• Bergen Segway tours