The Coastal Express – South

Kirkenes marks the point where the Norwegian Coastal Express turns south. Many of the places visited overnight will now be seen during the day.

In Vardø, visit the Witches’ Monument and the star-shaped Vardøhus Fortress, built in 1737. This northernmost fortification is still in use by the military today.

Later, you return to the bustling port of Båtsfjord before heading to Berlevåg in the evening, crossing paths with the northbound ship.
 

In the early afternoon, you’ll 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.

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.

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

In Trondheim, stroll as the city awakens, visit Nidaros Cathedral, and take photos at Gamle Bybro bridge. Enjoy coffee and a pastry in Bakklandet before heading to Kristiansten Fort for views of Norway’s third-largest city.

In the late afternoon, you dock in Kristiansund, known as Norway’s ‘Bacalao Capital’ for salted cod dried on cliffs. Explore the cobblestone streets and the lively port, and visit Varden viewpoint for panoramic views.

Your second-to-last stop is Molde, where you can see the Romsdal Alps and enjoy blooming flowers from mid-June to late August in this ‘City of Roses.’

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.