Lazing in the lush, lucid landscapes of Norway's dreamy Lofoten Islands
Cruising with help from the Midnight Sun through an array of mesmerizing Arctic environments
Embracing Norwegian culture, heart, and art with city stints in Oslo and Bergen
Encountering ethereal landscapes from the window of one of the world's most scenic railway routes
Whitewater river rafting during an adrenaline-pumping Voss adventure












It's your last morning on land — for now — so after breakfast, you'll have free time to experience Kirkenes in any way that appeals to you. Your ship will depart at 12:30 p.m., so rather than wait idly, you can tap into the area's war history. Kirkenes double as a war buff's dream; the Borderland Museum features World War II relics, such as the Soviet Ilyushin fighter plane, while the Varanger Museum and the Andersgrotta World War II Bomb Shelter likewise reflect this storied history. Regardless of whether you visit a war exhibit, go for a walk, or venture toward the Russian border — it's less than 30 minutes away — head to the port before midday. As your ship sets sail, wave goodbye to this historic town and get ready to experience even more of Norway as you drift south. On today's docket, you'll cruise along the coastline to three destinations. First up, in the port of Vardø, you’ll find the star-shaped Vardøhus Fortress, built in 1737. As the northernmost fortification of any kind, it remains in use by the military to this day. From Vardø you'll glide to the small port town of Båtsfjord and, later, Berlevåg. Along the way, you may be able to make out Mount Tanahorn to the west, or see the blinking Kjølnes Lighthouse — a cliffside beacon overlooking the Barents Sea.
As your Hurtigruten cruise begins today, you'll venture further into Norway, reaching remote places and port towns best accessed by way of the water. When your six-day journey begins this afternoon, you'll have time to settle in at your leisure, making the most of the midnight sun's endless daylight and tucking in to your ship's high-end dining options, which source ingredients from local producers to bring the flavors of your environment directly to your plate.
Cruise ship food tends to pale in comparison to the ship's surroundings and views, but Hurtigruten is pulling from those very landscapes, utilizing the best of Norway. In total, Hurtigruten's food program — dubbed "Norway's Coastal Kitchen" — relies on some 70 local businesses, which include farms, bakeries, and producers from all over the country. With this dedication to high-quality and traditionally Norwegian cuisine, you'll have the chance to try local beer, fresh cod, and Norwegian cheeses, like the famous brown cheese, brunost, among a multitude of other delectable bites.
Climb aboard for the adventure of a lifetime. Over the next few days, you'll sleep in a comfortable cruise ship cabin, where you'll awaken to views of the magnificent Norwegian waters and ever-changing, always amazing surroundings. Known as the Norwegian Coastal Express, Hurtigruten will lead you along the Norwegian coast in a journey that's often been described as the "World's Most Beautiful Sea Voyage."
Location:
Hurtigruten HQ
Phone:
+18889693127
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