Northern Exposures

By Michele Sponagle

When cruising with Hurtigruten, dive deeper into Norway’s beauty with unique excursions, from horseback riding on remote beaches to king crab safaris. Just mind the trolls…

Imagine this: you just slipped into a onesie survival suit and you’re getting ready to board a small inflatable boat to pull up king crab traps in the Barents Sea. You know one of these massive creatures – weighing up to 10 kilos and spanning nearly two metres wide – has your name on it! Once you’ve got your catch of the day, it’s time to head to a renovated fishing shack to boil the crab, crack it open at a large wooden table, dip chunks of meat into melted butter, and repeat until you’ve had your fill.

This king crab safari in Kirkenes, about a two-hour flight from Oslo, is the starting point for Hurtigruten’s southbound trips, which focus on the coastline of Norway, from Kirkenes, north of the Arctic Circle, to Bergen in the south. The Cruise South itinerary features 30 ports of call over six days. Some stops are less than 20 minutes and happen in the middle of night, while others are hours long for guests to enjoy.

As a cruise passenger, typically when you see your ship pull away from port and you’re not on it, panic may ensue. Things are a bit different with Hurtigruten; the ships are lifelines for smaller cities and tiny remote communities – picking up locals and dropping off everything from construction materials to fresh vegetables. With frequent stops, passengers who sign up for excursions can spend the day exploring, then meet the ship further along its route.

Hurtigruten devotees understand that the company’s ships are in a category of their own. While comfortable and equipped with all the essentials, you won’t find perks like climbing walls, water slides, spas or swimming pools. It’s the scenery that is the star attraction here, whether viewed from a lounge chair on the upper deck or while soaking in the small hot tub onboard. You’ll want to dive deeper into local attractions via excursions that can be added to your cruise package. Fortunately, Hurtigruten offers many that showcase off-the-charts locations and YOLO experiences.

For some travellers, viewing the Northern Lights is a big draw. Norway’s wide-open spaces make it an ideal spot. Hurtigruten’s Snowmobile Trip in the Polar Night excursion puts participants on snowmobiles to roar through the mountains between Kjøllefjord and Mehamn, the world’s northernmost mainland town. Available in the winter up until late spring, you may find yourself surrounded by the undulating blues, greens and golds of the aurora borealis under the night sky.

Any time of year, night owls can book a ticket to attend a midnight concert hosted by the iconic Arctic Cathedral in Tromsø. While listening to hymns and Norwegian folk songs, take in the design of this futuristic-looking church, built out of concrete and metal in 1965.

There are times when visiting northern Norway that you feel like you’re at the outer edges of the planet. Many areas have an untouched, wild quality that make you appreciate the stunning natural beauty of the country. That’s especially true in the Lofoten Islands, known for its seascapes, jagged snow-capped mountains, long stretches of sand and archeological sites from a time when Vikings ruled. Small towns focused on cod fishing dot the shoreline, providing a snapshot of rural Norway where, according to Scandinavian folklore, trolls still live under rocks.

Hurtigruten passengers can explore this largely undeveloped region on horseback. Even rookie riders will feel at ease on the back of Icelandic horses, known for their gentle temperament, as they trot along the empty beaches and trails of Gimsøy by the Norwegian Sea. Local guides share their knowledge of Lofoten’s history, dating back to 250 BC.

For those who prefer a faster pace, a motor coach tour covers ground between the towns of Svolvær to Stamsund. Among the highlights is a stop in the village of Henningsvær, a favourite for tourists who want a glimpse of traditional fishing life. It also has a surprising hip side. The KaviarFactory is an art gallery featuring contemporary works by emerging Norwegian and international artists – some who can be described as avant-garde.

Its modernity is an anomaly in the midst of brightly painted wooden cottages, large racks of fish drying in the sea air and boutiques selling local handicrafts. But as many visitors to Norway find, discovering the unexpected is the key to its enduring charm.

Think of your Hurtigruten voyage as the ultimate journey. You begin in Kirkenes, gateway to the Barents region and close to the Russian border. Heading westward and then south, you’ll see some of the world´s most beautiful islands and coastal mountains travelling towards the milder fjord climate and cozy charm of Bergen.

* Day 1: Kirkenes

* Day 2: Mehamn – Tromsø

* Day 3: Tromsø – Stamsund

* Day 4: Bodø – Rørvik

* Jour 5 : Trondheim – Ålesund

* Jour 6 : Bergen

Contact your travel advisor today to find out how you can enjoy up to $200 USD per person onboard credit by booking an Hurtigruten Norway Coastal cruise before August 31!