Photo by Havila Kystruten | Ronny M. Olsen
Norwegian winter cruise from the Arctic to the Fjords
Picture this: You're somewhere between the Arctic wilderness and the dramatic fjords, sipping hot chocolate on deck, as the Northern Lights dance overhead. This Norwegian coastal cruise from Kirkenes to Bergen isn't just transportation – it's eight days of crisp, pure winter magic. Enjoy reindeer encounters, a night in the famous Kirkenes Snowhotel, and front-row seats to nature's greatest light show.
This winter itinerary in Norway combines the best Norwegian winter activities with the comfort of a heated cabin and three-course dinners on the renowned Hurtigruten or Havila Voyages. From nearly the northernmost point to Bergen's colorful wharf, you'll experience the Arctic Norway cruise adventure that dreams are made of.
The Northern Lights are calling your name – make your reservation now!
8 day itinerary
Photo by Fredrik Ahlsen | Visit Norway
Welcome to Oslo
Welcome to the start of your Norwegian adventure! Your journey begins with your arrival in Oslo, Norway's vibrant capital. Read our guide on how to travel to your hotel from Oslo Gardermoen Airport. Check in at your centrally located hotel, carefully selected to place you in the heart of the city.
Spend your first night in Oslo resting up for the days ahead. It’s also a great chance to wander the city’s streets, where every turn reveals cozy cafés and inviting restaurants.
Accommodation
Night in Oslo
Highlights
Photo by Snowhotel Kirkenes
Photo by Snowhotel Kirkenes
Photo by NTC
Welcome to the borderlands
Day 2 takes you across the Arctic Circle with a morning flight to Kirkenes, a charming town by the serene Barents Sea. On arrival, you’ll be met and transferred to Snowhotel Kirkenes for an unforgettable stay in a room crafted entirely from ice and snow—a true winter wonderland.
During your stay, enjoy gourmet meals at the Snowhotel’s Låven Restaurant, with breakfast and dinner included. Known for its cozy ambiance and creative use of fresh, local ingredients, the restaurant offers an authentic taste of Arctic cuisine.
Your Snowhotel stay includes a warm thermal sleeping bag and a brief demonstration to ensure a comfortable night’s sleep amid the ice. You can also visit the Snowhotel’s reindeer, husky, and puppy farm to meet the animals and learn about their role in Arctic culture. After a day of adventure, unwind in the hotel sauna for the perfect contrast to the frosty surroundings.
Included Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Included Transport
Flight Oslo-Kirkenes, Transfer airport-Snowhotel
Accommodation
Night in Kirkenes
Photo by Uavpic | Havila Voyages
Voyage of discovery begins
After breakfast in Kirkenes, your journey continues as you set sail on a captivating cruise. Your first destination is Vardø, Norway's easternmost town, a place steeped in history. As the ship glides smoothly along the scenic Varanger Peninsula, you can enjoy the stunning landscapes that unfold before you.
As evening falls, the ship will make its way to Båtsfjord in the evening and then on to Berlevåg, marking a peaceful end to an exhilarating day. While onboard, you'll be treated to all meals (breakfast, lunch and 3-course dinner). Your accommodations for the night will be aboard the ship, where you'll spend a total of five nights.
Included Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Included Transport
Coastal cruise
Accommodation
Night aboard the ship
Journey through the Arctic coast to Tromsø
As dawn breaks, your cruise continues its enchanting journey along the Arctic coast, heading towards the town of Hammerfest. From there, the voyage crosses the Sørøysund strait towards the scenic Øksfjord, navigating through waters that reflect the serene beauty of the surrounding landscapes.
The adventure doesn't stop as the ship sets its course across the Lopphavet open sea, with expansive views. The journey seeks out the calm waters near Skjervøy island, guiding you through a path of scenic wonder.
Your destination today is Tromsø, where you will arrive in the late evening. The city is renowned as one of the best places in the world to experience the mesmerizing dance of the auroras in the night sky.
Included Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Transport
Coastal cruise
Accommodation
Night aboard the ship
Photo by Havila Kystruten | Ronny M. Olsen
Svolvær in Lofoten. Photo by Bob Engelsen
Exploring Vesterålen and the Lofoten Islands
On day five, your journey takes an enriching turn with the "A Taste of Vesterålen" onshore excursion. This scenic adventure through the Vesterålen archipelago offers an immersive glimpse into the region’s unique natural beauty and cultural history, including a visit to a medieval church that stands as a testament to Norway's deep-rooted heritage. After exploring Vesterålen, you’ll rejoin the ship in Sortland and continue your journey south.
As the ship sails toward the Lofoten Islands, prepare to be captivated by some of Norway’s most iconic landscapes. The Lofoten Islands are renowned for their rugged mountain peaks, pristine coastlines, and vibrant fishing villages. In the evening, the ship arrives in Svolvær, the capital of the Lofoten Islands, a charming town that serves as a gateway to this remarkable region's natural wonders and cultural attractions.
Included Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Transport
Coastal cruise
Accommodation
Night aboard the ship
Photo by Ronny M. Olsen | Havila Kystruten
Journey along the Helgeland Coast
The journey takes you along the Helgeland coast with an early morning call at the quaint village of Ørnes. The voyage gracefully proceeds, weaving through the stunning landscapes with short but memorable stops at Sandnessjøen and Brønnøysund. Each stop is an opportunity to witness the local way of life and engage with the welcoming communities.
The Helgeland coast itself is renowned for its remarkable beauty. This stretch of coastline showcases an array of unique mountain formations that rise majestically from the sea. As you sail through this enchanting region, you'll also cross the Arctic Circle, an invisible line that marks that you are leaving the realm of midnight sun and polar nights.
Included Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Transport
Coastal Cruise
Accommodation
Night aboard the ship
Exploring the historical Trondheim
On the seventh day, your journey brings you to Trondheim, one of Norway’s most historic and picturesque cities. After breakfast on board, step ashore to discover this charming city that has been a vital center of Norwegian history and culture for over a thousand years.
Your morning in Trondheim includes a guided 2-hour city sightseeing tour, offering an excellent introduction to the city’s most significant landmarks and stories. The highlight of this tour is a visit to the magnificent Nidaros Cathedral, renowned as the northernmost medieval cathedral in the world. This architectural marvel, with its intricate Gothic details and breathtaking rose window, stands as a testament to Trondheim’s historical importance as Norway’s spiritual and cultural heart.
Included Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Transport
Coastal cruise
Accommodation
Night aboard the ship
Arriving in Bergen
Your extraordinary cruise adventure concludes with an afternoon arrival in Bergen. Upon disembarking, you'll check into a centrally located hotel, strategically placed to allow easy exploration of this vibrant and picturesque city. You'll spend one night in Bergen.
No visit to Bergen is complete without taking the Funicular to Mount Fløyen. This short yet scenic ride provides you with panoramic views of the city and the surrounding seascape, a perfect backdrop for memorable photographs. At the summit, you can enjoy leisurely walks along the marked trails or simply soak in the breathtaking vistas.
For those interested in marine life, the Bergen Aquarium presents an exciting opportunity to meet a diverse array of sea creatures, from local fish species to more exotic animals.
The tour ends after breakfast and check-out from the hotel next morning.
Included Meals
Breakfast, Lunch
Included Transport
Coastal cruise
Accommodation
Night in Bergen
What's included in this trip
- Hotels with breakfast buffet in Oslo and Bergen.
- Snow Hotel: 1 night with breakfast, 3-course dinner (excluding drinks), warm sleeping bags, morning sauna
- Coastal cruise: 5 nights in a Hurtigruten or Havila Voyages standard outside cabin with all meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner). Drinks are not included. Cruise operator depends on selected travel date. Please remember to specify dietary restrictions during checkout.
- Flight Oslo-Kirkenes
- Transfer Kirkenes Airport-Snowhotel
- Transfer Snowhotel-Hurtigruten or Havila Voyages port
- 1 activity in Kirkenes
- A taste of Vesterålen excursion
- Trondheim with Nidaros Cathedral excursion
- You’ll have access to a dedicated support line for assistance if you're stuck or need help during your trip. The emergency line is staffed from 08:00 to 21:00 outside of office hours.
- Due to the nature of certain activities included in this tour, we have a minimum age requirement of 7 years. This ensures that all participants can safely enjoy the experiences, which may involve outdoor adventures, guided excursions, and varying physical activity levels.
FAQS
Here you´ll find answers to some of the most common questions we get asked.
At the time of booking, a non-refundable deposit of 20% of the total price is required. This deposit is refundable only if we are unable to confirm your booking. Full payment is due 65 days before departure for tours including a cruise with Hurtigruten or Havila Voyages, and 45 days before departure for all other tours. If you book within 65 or 45 days of departure, full payment is required at the time of booking.
A Fjord Travel Norway tour is the perfect way to explore the very best of Norway at your own pace. Our self-guided tours combine scenic public transport—such as buses, boats, and trains—with carefully selected accommodations and unique experiences.
Each itinerary is thoughtfully crafted for convenience, but also offers the flexibility to personalize your journey. You can easily add activities or upgrade your accommodations to suit your preferences when booking. With everything you need organized in one seamless itinerary, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy an unforgettable Norwegian adventure.
The best time to see the Northern Lights in Norway is between October and March. During these months, the nights are long and dark, providing ideal conditions for viewing the Aurora Borealis. While sightings can never be guaranteed, visiting northern regions like Tromsø or the Lofoten Islands during this period gives you the best opportunity to witness this natural wonder.
Wait for the booking confirmation before you order.
You will receive access to all tour information and travel documents in My Page, once full payment is made. The Tickets section in My Page includes the suppliers' reference numbers, and additional PDF tickets (where applicable). Segments that include a separate PDF ticket are marked with 3 vertical dots, click to download. It is not necessary to print anything, you can show the tickets via your smartphone. We also recommend to check My Page for any updates and changes to your itinerary.
To check prices and availability, click the 'Book Now!' button or open the order details card in the bottom right corner. Here, you can enter the number of travelers, how many rooms you need and select your preferred travel dates. Note that prices may vary daily due to dynamic pricing from our partners.
For a more customized experience, you may add excursions or activities, choose your preferred hotel and select your room or cabin type at checkout.
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