They say that Norway is one of the happiest countries in the world and with spectacular scenery, great food and friendly people it is easy to see why. Unlike more traditional Fjord Cruises that primarily stay south of the country, a traditional Hurtigruten Coastal Voyage will take you from south to north or in the reverse. I started my voyage in the beautiful and cosmopolitan city of Bergen. We set sail mid-afternoon onboard MS Trollfjord and I found my bearings very quickly. With just 9 decks including the Sun Deck, the ship was very easy to navigate. Holding a capacity of just 500 guests the ship boasts ample space for all aboard.
Our first stop took us to Andalsnes, a pretty port town that is home to the Golden Train. This has been deemed by National Geographic as Europe’s most scenic Railway. With breathtaking scenery, jagged mountains, lush greenery and cascading waterfalls, you see the very best of Norway from the comfort of your carriage.
On route to our next port of call, Traena, we passed by another of the Hurtigruten Ships. It is an old tradition that whenever this happens, the two ships have a competition which involves guests waving Norwegian Flags and blaring the horn to outdo one another! All the guests on board had such fun participating and again, added to the authentic nature of this cruise.
In Traena itself you can wander around the winding streets, treat yourself to a coffee and cake in the cafe, explore the old wooden church or if you’re feeling brave enough, take an Arctic dip followed by a warming Sauna!
Crossing the Arctic Circle on board is something really quite special. Sailing past the famous Globe signifies the crossing. Hurtigruten lead the celebrations with inviting the Captain to pour ice down the backs of willing participants! Don’t worry, they will give you an alcoholic beverage to warm you back up! I have to say, I was quite surprised at just how many people queued up for this!
Next it was on to Reine. This is a small finishing village which is used a lot by Norwegian people for their annual camping trips. Here you can try your hand at canoeing, catch the local bus into the neighbouring town or simply explore at your own leisure.
Once across the Arctic Circle, the chance of seeing the Northern Lights greatly increases. Something which most people dream a lifetime of seeing. I was fortunate enough to see them during this trip and the spectacle that they put on is astonishing. Hues of pink, purple and green light up the sky and you cannot help but feel a rush of excitement while staring up at the night sky in wonder. A sight truly to behold.
Our final stop took us to the North of Norway, Tromso. A bustling place where city and wilderness are interlinked. Rows of colourful wooden houses against the backdrop of the rugged mountains means that there is something here for everyone from a spot of shopping to a mountain hike.
Hurtigruten pride themselves on being the most traditional and authentic Norwegian Coastal experience and offer a few different versions of this. They have the Original Coastal Express which is used by the locals to get from A to B. You’ll see many ports enroute but stop times are much shorter. They then have the Signature Voyage which includes the North Cape Line which takes you right to the very top of Norway to Kirkeness or they have the Svalbard Line which goes from Bergen, across the Arctic Circle to Tromso, across to Svalbard and then back to Bergen all the while calling in at different ports there and back.
With the Signature Voyages, you have the option to dine in two restaurants. Flora which serves buffet breakfast and lunch and then a 3 course sit down meal for dinner, this is the perfect option for people who wish to try a range of authentic Norwegian cuisine. If you can’t decide what you’d like for your starter, main or dessert, why not take your pick of them all?! Arran is the Brasserie restaurant on board and is a wonderful option for light bites or a main meal from traditional Norwegian doughnuts to Reindeer Shank, Arran has you covered!
Rost is the Arctic Fine Dining restaurant and comes at an additional surcharge although is free for any guests staying in a Suite. Their three to five course menu, along with wine pairing is another great choice. Perfect for those who wish to indulge and feast on everything that the Norwegian coast has to offer.
Bar 1893 will serve you up everything from Coffee to Cocktails. Many of the drinks onboard will be brewed in Norway as a nod to the Nordic theme throughout the voyage. All drinks are included on the Svalbard Line and the North Cape Line but certain more premium beverages may carry an additional surcharge.
Hurtigruten was like no other cruise I have ever experienced. If you are looking for a truly authentic voyage, taking you deep into the heart of Norway and everything it embodies, then this is definitely the cruise for you.
