Hurtigruten is fine-tuning its Norwegian coastal routes for the winter season so that travelers can enjoy the most beautiful sea voyage in the world with the Complete Original Journey, stopping at 34 ports, sailing through more than 100 fjords and 1000 mountains, or crossing the Arctic Circle while discovering the beautiful winter landscapes of the coast accompanied by the magical phenomenon of the Northern Lights.
This year, to commemorate the company's 130th anniversary, some itineraries start from Norway's capital, Oslo, known for its iconic landmarks, including the famous Karl Johans gate street and the impressive National Opera House.
Other highlights of the autumn tour include sailing along the 179-kilometer-long Hardangerfjord, the second longest in the country; Molde, the “City of Roses”; the historic and cultural Farsund; the beautiful Lofoten Islands; Tromsø; and the final stop on the Hurtigruten journey, Bergen, one of Norway’s most beautiful cities, with the historic Bryggen district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its colorful docks and wooden buildings dating back to the 14th century.
During the journey, passengers will also admire the stunning Arctic scenery as they cross the 71st parallel towards North Cape, the northernmost point of Europe, just 2,000 kilometers from the North Pole. An iron sphere marks this point, standing atop a cliff 307 meters above sea level and offering breathtaking views.
Winter is the perfect time to visit the Norwegian coast aboard Hurtigruten, as, in addition to the snow-covered landscapes seen during the day, the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) grace the skies at night. These are the undisputed stars of this season, appearing between October 1st and March 31st once you're in the Northern Hemisphere.
Nordic nights are painted with the unique spectacle of multicolored curtains of the Northern Lights, but aboard Hurtigruten, far from light pollution, visitors have the opportunity to witness their green, red, and purple hues even more intensely. Thus, once the Northern Lights appear, the ship's captain, using the company's announcement system, notifies all guests in both public areas and cabins so they can witness this phenomenon, either outdoors or in the panoramic indoor lounges.
In addition, Hurtigruten is reinstating its Northern Lights Promise to guarantee viewing of the natural phenomenon. This commitment means that if viewing the Northern Lights is not possible due to weather conditions, Hurtigruten will offer guests a free trip from Bergen to Kirkenes or from Kirkenes to Bergen during the next Northern Lights season on the full route.
The traveler can also combine sailing with a wide variety of activities including a stroll along the beaches of Farsund, enjoying a live concert at the Royal Neptun Hall, visiting a modern salmon farm, or delving into Norwegian culture and history with onboard lectures or discovering fishing villages and Viking settlements, among others.
Scheduled departure from Barcelona on October 7, 2023, with a duration of 15 days.
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