The Coastal Express

Your journey starts in Bergen, Norway’s second-largest city and gateway to the fjords. Founded in 1070 A.D., the city’s architecture reflects the influence of the 14th-century Hanseatic League, a German trading group.

If time allows before departure, stroll through the UNESCO-listed Bryggen district, now home to artisan shops and picturesque cobblestone streets. Nearby, the famous fish market offers fresh seafood, and the Fløibanen funicular provides stunning views from Mount Fløyen.

Before boarding, relax in the guest lounge at the terminal. Once on board, enjoy your first meal made with fresh coastal produce as the ship sails from Bergen along the historic Viking route through the Hjeltefjord.

You'll also meet the Coastal Experience Team, who will guide you along Norway’s coastline with lectures, activities, and optional hikes during the voyage.

Begin your day in the Nordfjord near Torvik, then sail past the West Cape toward Ålesund.

Famous for its stunning Art Nouveau architecture, Ålesund also boasts Atlanterhavsparken, one of northern Europe’s largest saltwater aquariums. In spring or winter, you'll have plenty of time to explore this charming town.

This section of the voyage brings us to the Trøndelag region of Norway, marked by crumpled hills, fields dotted with farmsteads, and low-lying coastal settlements.

Magical, medieval, and modern
Trondheim was founded by Viking King Olav Tryggvason in 997 A.D. and is now Norway’s third-largest city. It features a mix of historic buildings and a lively student population.

You’ll have about three hours to explore Trondheim and its various highlights.

You cross the Arctic Circle early in the morning, kicking off your Arctic adventure. A traditional ceremony marks the occasion and will definitely wake you up.

In summer, enjoy 24 hours of daylight above the Arctic Circle, while in winter, your chances of spotting the Northern Lights increase dramatically.

The ship docks in Harstad around 7 a.m., giving you time for a peaceful morning stroll.

The ship will then continue to Finnsnes, which connects the beautiful island of Senja via the impressive Gisund Bridge. Keep your eyes peeled for a variety of seabirds, including puffins, as there are several colonies nearby.

The ship arrives in Hammerfest on Kvaløya island early in the morning. In summer, thousands of reindeer migrate here.

Havøysund is reached when the wind turbines of the landmark Havøygavlen wind farm come into view, producing enough electricity to power 6,000 local homes.

The ship stops at Batsfjord and Vardø overnight, arriving in Vadso early in the morning.

The area around Vadso is a prime birdwatching destination, positioned under the migration path of birds flying east to west. Keep an eye out for Hooded Crows and Sea Eagles.

You make stops at Mehamn and Kjøllefjord during the night before early-morning visits to Honningsvåg and Havøysund.

In the early afternoon, you spend time in Hammerfest, which has the largest population on a list of the world’s northernmost settlements. See the UNESCO-listed Meridian Column, shop for souvenirs at the Polar Bear Society, or take the path behind the town to the viewpoint atop Mount Salen.

Continue cruising Norway’s coastline south to Øksfjord and then continue to Skjervøy, surrounded by mountain peaks. You dock at this vital fishing port, which has been part of the route since 1896. If you’re visiting in the winter, you might spot the orcas and humpback whales that gather here to feed on herring.

As you make your way to Tromsø, you might also glimpse views of the Lyngen Alps, which boast some of the highest peaks in all of Norway.

You dock at Tromsø just before midnight. In the summer months, stroll the still-busy city in glorious 24-hour daylight.

On this day, you’ll be exploring the archipelagos of Lofoten and Vesterålen, true highlights of your scenic Norwegian route.

After a call at Finnsnes in the early morning, the ship calls at Harstad. Here lies the world’s northernmost medieval stone church on the peninsula: the white-washed Trondenes Church.

Next, stop at Risøyhamn, your smallest port of call. Then it’s off to Sortland, where the landscape slowly transforms from hills to mountains towering over 3,280 feet high.

The ship arrives in Bodo early in the morning, then stops at Ornes at 7 a.m. After breakfast, you cross the Arctic Circle and celebrate with the traditional tasting of Norwegian cod liver oil.

Next, enjoy a brief stop at Nesna before continuing to Sandnessjøen, the gateway to the stunning Helgeland Coast.

Admire the stunning landscape of the Seven Sisters mountain range, with peaks stretching up to 3,600 feet. According to legend, seven beautiful troll princesses were caught outside as the sun rose, as they fled from an unwanted suitor. The sun turned them into the seven beautiful mountains you see today. Don’t miss the distinctive hole passing straight through Torghatten Mountain! There is also a local legend as to how the mountain came to have such a hole. Make sure you ask your Expedition Team about it!

You reach Brønnøysund in mid-afternoon. Explore the bustling marina on a walk along Havnegata. In the center of town is Brønnøy Church, a Neo-Gothic style stone church dating back to 1870.

Your last stop of the day is the cozy fishing port of Rørvik in the picturesque Vikna Archipelago.

You spend the morning in Trondheim before sailing past beautiful islands and small communities, heading to Kristiansund and Molde.

Stroll around Trondheim in the early morning as the city wakes. Then visit the sacred Nidaros Cathedral, the resting place of St. Olav. Walk to the Gamle Bybro bridge for a photo opportunity over the Nid River.

Perhaps treat yourself to quality coffee and a Nordic patisserie in one of the Bakklandet district’s many chic cafés. Then walk up to Kristiansten Fort for sweeping views of Norway’s third-largest city.

The ship docks at Kristiansund’s harbor in the late afternoon. The town is spread over three islands and is known for being Norway’s ‘Bacalao Capital’ (called klippfisk in Norwegian) for the salted cod that’s dried out on the surrounding cliffs.

Take a walk around the cobblestone streets of the old town and tour the lively port. You can also head up to the old watchtower at Varden viewpoint for lovely panoramic views.

At least for this time around, your voyage reaches its end today. During the previous night, we called Alesund and Torvik. On your approach to Maloy, you might glimpse the Norwegian Coastal Express heading north (if you're up early enough). You can see the Nordfjord, under the enormous Jostedal Glacier, mainland Europe's largest. The ship then docks at Floro in the morning. There, you can take in the harbor and marina. Leaving Floro, you see Stabben Lighthouse, a favorite subject for photographers. Enjoy stunning views as we cross the mouth of the Sognefjord, the longest and widest fjord in all of Norway.

As you reach your final port in the afternoon, the ship navigates through your scenic route's last islands and skerrie and sails down the Hjeltefjord into Bergen.