Norwegian Cruise Through the Fjords of Norway
Bring your camera (and extra batteries) to the North Cape.
From snow-covered fjords to lighthouses in all shapes and sizes, a cruise up the Norwegian coast with Hurtigruten is a photographer's paradise
On this northbound Norwegian cruise, through the fjords of Norway, we get an up-close look at the region’s dramatically changing landscape from verdant coastal villages and snow-covered fjords to the sheltered bays of the Lofoten Islands. All of the footage was taken on the Hurtigruten Nordnorge during a seven-day cruise from Bergen to Kirkenes, Norway.
Hurtigruten’s Expedition Style Voyages highlight the local culture and topography of the ports of call as well as showcase points of interest along the way, including Ålesund, Tromsø and Norway’s third-largest city, Trondheim. This new style of cruising includes cultural programming and lectures as well as complementary guided hikes.
Many travelers book a Norwegian cruise with Hurtigruten hoping to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights. Northern Light viewing begins as early as September but is strongest January through March. On a northbound cruise, the likelihood for the Aurora Borealis increases once the ship crosses the Arctic Circle. And, although Hurtigruten won’t come straight out and say it, the chances of viewing the lights during a seven- or 14-day cruise are really, really good. The onboard Expedition Team gives a daily report of Northern Lights activity so that guests can plan ahead, and Hurtigruten offers an opt-in service that alerts guests throughout the night if a sighting is reported.
One of the prettiest sights in Norway is the North Cape in Finnmark county. Hurtigruten offers a half-day guided excursion that’s filled with excellent anecdotes about the surrounding islands, Sami people, wildlife and the local fishing industry. The scenery is jaw dropping, and there’s plenty of time to photograph and explore Europe’s most northern point.
Kirkenes, located on the Russian border, is the end point for the northbound Norwegian cruise. The journey doesn’t have to end there, however. Courageous, warm-blooded individuals can opt for a night swaddled in a sleeping bag, braving the sub-zero temperatures of Kirkenes Snowhotel. It’s an adventurous, once-in-a-lifetime experience and wild way to cap off a weeklong Norwegian cruise with Hurtigruten.
Dogsledding is one of may excursions available at the Krikenes Snowhotel.
My trip to Norway was made possible by Hurtigruten and Visit Norway. Views expressed are my own.