Have you already explored my previous article on HX Expeditions? Now you’re curious to learn more about one of the world’s oldest ferry companies, offering stunning cruises along the breathtaking Norwegian coast.

Welcome aboard Hurtigruten, where the perfect balance between serving local communities and transporting travellers through Norway’s wild, untouched landscapes awaits. Here, there are no casinos or water parks—the real show is outside, and Hurtigruten ensures you make the most of it.

The Hurtigruten Experience: Nature, Culture, and Sustainability

Hurtigruten attracts travellers who are passionate about nature, outdoor adventures, and immersing themselves in local cultures. These passengers aren’t your typical cruisers—they’re explorers, nature lovers, and eco-conscious photographers. Onboard, you'll meet people fascinated by historical sites, eager to dive into local culture, and keen to experience unspoiled natural beauty.

For over 130 years, Hurtigruten has been sailing along Norway’s coastline, connecting small villages with major cities. The ships, much smaller than most cruise lines, allow for stops at intimate, often hidden ports.

Sustainability at the Heart of Your Journey

Around 80% of the food and 60% of the beverages served onboard are sourced from local producers at the various ports of call. No other cruise line can boast such an extensive network of local suppliers across Norway. Not only does this enrich your dining experience, but it also significantly reduces the company’s carbon footprint. After all, food is a key part of any journey, and tasting local delicacies is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in a new culture.

Hurtigruten operates a fleet of nine ships, making it one of the most prominent operators along the Norwegian coast, with itineraries reaching into the Arctic Circle—prime territory for viewing the Northern Lights.

The Northern Lights Promise:
A unique offer awaits you: If you sail for at least 11 days between September 20th and March 31st, and don’t witness the Northern Lights despite the Northern Lights alert in your cabin, Hurtigruten will offer you a complimentary 6 or 7-day cruise the following year (in an inside cabin). A bold promise, ensuring they deliver an unforgettable experience.

Norway Through the Seasons

No matter the time of year, Norwegian landscapes change dramatically with the seasons, offering a renewed experience on every voyage.

• Spring (March to May): As winter melts away, southern Norway begins to warm up with temperatures around 16-18°C in Oslo, while in the far north at Longyearbyen, it remains cool (4-8°C). This is the season of longer days, snowmelt, and abundant wildlife, including eagles, cormorants, whales, and orcas.

• Summer (June to August): Above the Arctic Circle, you’ll experience

  the midnight sun, with never-ending days. Bring a sleep mask, as even blackout curtains may not fully block out the light. It’s the perfect time to explore turquoise fjords, powerful waterfalls, and vibrant wildlife, including puffins, dolphins, and other marine species.

• Autumn (September to November): Enjoy the tranquillity of fewer tourists and the start of Northern Lights season. Temperatures cool, but daylight is still long enough to spot orcas, dolphins, and seabirds.

• Winter (December to February): With sub-zero temperatures (-2°C in Oslo, -9°C in Longyearbyen), winter unveils spectacular snow-covered fjords, perfect for activities like snowmobiling, skiing, or snowshoe hiking. It’s also the ideal time for Northern Lights viewing and watching whales, dolphins, and cormorants in their natural habitat.

The Original Voyage: An Unforgettable Journey

The Original Voyage, or Coastal Express, is a 12-day cruise connecting Bergen to Kirkenes with 34 stops, crossing the Arctic Circle and passing through the Lofoten and Vesterålen islands. Operating since 1893, this historic route combines cargo and passenger transport with breathtaking scenery.

You’ll pass the polar circle, visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and stop in small fishing villages, all while witnessing Norway’s majestic fjords.

The ship makes brief stops of just a few minutes at the smaller ports, enough time to load and unload cargo and passengers. However, in larger cities or at significant sites, the stops last for several hours, giving you plenty of time to explore these locations at your own pace and fully enjoy your visit.

Other Options:
- Northern Coastal Express (Bergen to Kirkenes, 7 days): A shorter version with the same 34 stops, perfect for exploring Bergen, Trondheim, Tromsø, and crossing the polar circle.
- Southern Coastal Express (Kirkenes to Bergen, 6 days): Depart from the Russian border, passing the spectacular Lofoten and Vesterålen islands.
- Tailored Coastal Express (up to 5 days)*: Board at any port and disembark where you like—ideal for a road trip adventure.

What’s Included in Your Package:
Suite passengers enjoy additional perks such as priority boarding and a bottle of wine in their cabin. Standard inclusions for all guests:
- Three meals daily (breakfast and lunch buffet, dinner à la carte or buffet)
- Complimentary tea and coffee
- Starlink Wi-Fi
- Onboard lectures
* Please note that for Port-to-Port (tailor-made) journeys, meals and drinks are not included. You should budget £34 per person for breakfast, £51 per person for lunch, and £63 for dinner. However, you will also have the opportunity to enjoy meals at local restaurants during stopovers if you wish.

Hurtigruten’s Fleet for the Coastal Express

There are 8 ships that navigate amongst the Norwegian Cost, each with a capacity of 590 passengers: MS Kong Harald (hybrid ship), MS Midnatsol (formerly MS Maud), MS Nordkapp, MS Nordlys, MS Nordnorge, MS Polarlys, MS Richard With (hybrid ship), and MS Vesterålen (traditional, older ship).

Each vessel has a shop, gym, sauna, and two jacuzzis (except MS Vesterålen), plus a conference room. You’ll also find two bars, three restaurants (the Torget-Main restaurant, the Kysten- speciality restaurant for 295NOK/pp and the Brygga Bistro for a salad, a burger or a sandwich), and a bakery- the Multe.
All ships have interior cabin, window cabin and suites with a balcony. They accommodate one to 3 passengers.

Signature Voyages: A Tailored Experience

Signature Voyages offer longer stops and an all-inclusive service, with meals and drinks (alcohol, soft drinks, wine, beer) covered at the restaurants and bars. The itineraries focus on visiting the most beautiful destinations, with one or two stops per day, and double the number of experts onboard compared to the Coastal Express.

The itineraries:
- The North Cape Line (9 or 15 days): Oslo – Honningsvåg – Oslo, 14 stops.
- The Svalbard Line (8 or 15 days): Bergen – Longyearbyen – Bergen, 13 stops and more than 5 hours at each port.
Some of these cruises also offer the Northern Lights promise or feature astronomy experts to guide you in stargazing at Tromsø’s planetarium.

The MS Trollfjord is the ship that operates the Signature cruises. It was fully refurbished in 2023 and is entirely dedicated to these voyages. The ship can accommodate up to 500 passengers and features a shop, gym, indoor sauna, conference centre, panoramic bar, and three restaurants (including a specialty restaurant not included in the standard package).

Accommodation options include interior cabins, cabins with portholes or windows, and suites with balconies.

Unlike the Original cruises, the Signature cruises offer an all-inclusive base package that covers drinks.

What’s included in your package:
- Meals: Buffet breakfast, à la carte or buffet lunch and dinner.
- Drinks: Water, tea, coffee, house wines, beers, and spirits at the bars and restaurants.
- Wi-Fi.
- Onboard lectures.

Excursions: Tailored Adventures

One of the oldest companies in the world, Hurtigruten has been navigating the Norwegian coast for over 130 years, allowing it to build a vast network of strong partnerships with local communities. This results in carefully curated excursions designed to offer unforgettable experiences. You can explore forests, glaciers, and mountains on hikes, enjoy snowmobiling, snowshoeing, or dog sledding. You’ll also have the chance to visit fascinating museums, learn about architectural heritage through guided tours by experts, or meet locals by participating in unique activities such as king crab fishing. Hurtigruten offers over 130 excursions in total, and each cruise comes with its own programme, ensuring an adventure tailored to your preferences.

Why I love Hurtigruten?

What sets Hurtigruten apart is its genuine commitment to the environment and local communities. By 2030, the company aims to launch the world's first zero-emission ship. Hurtigruten is also advocating for stricter regulations in Norwegian fjords to limit the impact of polluting ships. The fleet already boasts three hybrid ships, which not only reduce emissions but also noise, providing a more eco-friendly and pleasant experience for passengers.

The company is also involved in a pilot project aimed at transforming organic waste into fertilisers for local farmers, thus creating a virtuous circle between travel and agriculture.

I particularly enjoy travelling with the Coastal Express because it offers a true immersion into local life and culture. You’ll have the chance to explore smaller ports and villages, as well as witness the comings and goings of goods and passengers. Moreover, the ships have plenty of communal spaces, which naturally encourage social interaction.

I probably don’t need to mention it, but the landscapes you’ll encounter are absolutely breathtaking, no matter the season. Sailing through certain fjords, surrounded by towering mountains, is a truly unforgettable experience! Also, depending on the season, you’ll have the opportunity to spot numerous marine mammals and bird species.

Another reason I love Hurtigruten is the quality of the food and the chance to discover new flavours! A cruise with Hurtigruten is a complete cultural immersion, offering insights into local life from every angle. My only advice? Go and try it for yourself—you won’t be disappointed!

Lastly, it’s worth mentioning that while the company may have the image of a ferry service with basic comfort, that’s simply not the case! The ships are very well equipped, and many have been recently renovated (so it’s important to choose the right ship!). Comfort is certainly a priority!

When do we set sail?

Are you ready to embark on the great adventure of a cruise with Hurtigruten? Feel free to contact me for my advice, tips, and tricks regarding destinations and the best cabins based on the ship! Remember, my advice is free, and a quote comes with no obligations!

FAQ - Expert Answers:

• Children are allowed on board with no age restrictions, but there is no Kids' Club or specific supervision for children.

• The primary languages spoken on board are English and Norwegian.

• The ships are equipped with European power sockets.

• The main currency on board is NOK (Norwegian Krone).