HURTIGRUTEN CRUISES

Right to the heart of Norway and its people, the Norwegian Coastal Express, or Hurtigruten (meaning "Express Route"), as it's known locally, carries passengers, mail and supplies to over 30 ports along the Norwegian Coastline, most never visited by commercial cruise liners.

With several departures each week, the Hurtigruten cruise begins in Bergen and travels north across the Arctic Circle and beyond as it meanders through the dramatic splendours of the Norwegian coast. As you weave in and out of narrow inlets, you will sail along some of the world's most beautiful coastline, nearly always in sight of land, and discover what makes this voyage unique.

Many of the ports of call are tranquil hamlets on tiny islands whose inhabitants depend for their very existence on the Hurtigruten ships to bring the communities essential supplies and reunite families and friends.

Each Hurtigruten cruise ship has a distinct style and character and no two journeys will ever be the same as the changing seasons, climate, flora and fauna, local people you meet and the friendly English speaking crew, make each Hurtigruten voyage a different experience.

Like-minded people from across the world come to enjoy the magnificent scenery and informal atmosphere on board. many take the opportunity to sail in summer during the period of the midnight sun, when the sun flirts with the horizon before curving skyward, bathing the glorious scenery in perpetual daylight.

As you board your Hurtigruten ship you can be proud that you are part of a tradition that has spanned three centuries. It is this commitment to a proud tradition that has made Hurtigruten an essential part of Norwegian life.

Hurtigruten has an old and illustrious history. Its meaning in Norwegian of "the express route" refers to the route's original use of facilitating the transport of goods between the two ends of the country. Nowadays, however, it is synonymous with a more leisurely, relaxed style of travel.

Often called "the world's most beautiful voyage", Hurtigruten voyages traverse Norway's western and northern coast between Bergen in the south and Kirkenes, deep in the arctic north. The approximately 780 miles (or 1,255 kilometres) of coastline between the two destinations are a dreamland of dramatic fjords, historic cities, incomparable seabird and marine life and, at certain times of the year, the mesmerising spectacle that is the Northern Lights.

Passengers joining one of our Hurtigruten Cruises have a choice of an extensive selection of comfortable cabins. Most outside cabins afford the opportunity to watch the panorama outside unfold through either a large picture window or a quaint porthole. Some of the suites also benefit from a private balcony. The views very much set the tone for the voyage itself, which aims to transport passengers away from their busy onshore lives in favour of immersion in the unique landscapes.

Life on board is relaxed and convivial. Food is traditional Norwegian-style and all ships are fully licensed. Expert lecturers accompany themed voyages but passengers on all voyages will find that there is a culture of sharing experiences of the trip with their fellow travellers.

Dress is informal although, of course, breathable, windproof and waterproof clothing is a must for voyages at any time of year. Winter departures necessitate thermal layers. UV sunglasses are useful throughout the year, even in winter due to the dazzling effect of even the thinnest streams of sunlight reflecting off ice and snow.

To add further interest to the voyage, all the ships are also working vessels. Their regular stops at the 34 ports along the route provide opportunities for the curious passenger to observe the loading and unloading of goods while also admiring the harbour areas.

The ports of call vary in size and purpose. Some belong to tiny island communities that rely on the Hurtigruten ships for supplies of food, mail, other essential goods and personal transport needs. Others are home to much larger communities whose wealth and status owes much to their background in the fishing, shipbuilding or mining industries. Bergen at the start of the voyage is perhaps the best-known location, with its Hanseatic mercantile history, its museums, shops and galleries, its fish market and the funicular railway offering spectacular trips to the summit of Mount Fløyen.

Beyond Bergen, every traveller is bound to find their own favourites. Perhaps it will be the pretty Art Nouveau town of Ålesund. Rebuilt after a devastating fire at the turn of the twentieth century, Ålesund is home to an impressive aquarium, which is actually built in to the coastline.

Fjord-lovers will adore the fairy tale landscapes of Geiranger. During the summer months, there is the additional opportunity to voyage into the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Geirangerfjord. Visitors can also opt to join onshore excursions to allow them to marvel at the fjords from an entirely different vantage point.

Synonymous for many with the Vikings, Trondheim is also Norway's ecclesiastical centre. In addition, it is home to one of Europe's most splendid Gothic cathedrals, Nidaros, and features a large number of picturesque and thoroughly photogenic wooden buildings, including the magnificent Stiftsgården palace.

The island chains of Lofoten and Vesterålen are a wildlife-lovers paradise. Sea eagles, guillemots, eider ducks, cormorants and puffins are only some of the bird species regularly spotted here. The area's rich marine life is also why so many fishermen make their livings here; their waterfront cabins (rorbuer) built on stilts are always much admired.

Few people can visit Norway without thinking of the herring trade. Harstad is the place to learn more, although this port town has also now embraced shipbuilding with equal gusto.

Hammerfest is the most northerly town in the world. Despite this, it remains mostly ice-free, thanks to the warming effects of the nearby Gulf Stream.

Kirkenes, where the coastal voyage turns south again for Bergen, lies only 10 kilometres from the Russian border. Largely insulated from the Gulf Stream, its deep harbour can become iced over in winter.

It may be difficult to decide which time of year to take a Hurtigruten Cruise. Spring is the ideal time to experience the contrast between the warmer south and the colder north, where ice has often not yet released its grip. The summer months are often the most popular, with many travellers keen to experience the “Land of the Midnight Sun”. Whatever time of year is chosen, passengers can be sure of a warm and hearty Norwegian welcome and an unforgettable encounter with some of the world's most awe-inspiring and beautiful landscapes.