Board a Hurtigruten Cruise to See the Magnificent Scenery of the Coast of Norway
Hurtigruten, the Norwegian Coastal Voyage along the stunning Norwegian coastline has been described as “The Most Beautiful Voyage in the World”. The route was established more than 110 years ago as an essential link to the outermost coastal towns and villages, that ferried cargo and passengers. The ships hardly ever departed far from their customary route, always keeping close to the jagged Norwegian coast, encountering some of least inhabited areas of Norway.
The Hurtigruten ships carry passengers, mail and provisions to 34 ports along the Norwegian coastline, most of which are almost never called on by commercial cruise ships. With regular daily departures, the voyage begins in Bergen and travels northward to the Arctic Circle and beyond as it meanders its way along the dramatic splendour of the Norwegian coastline.
Many of the ports along the route are tranquil hamlets on tiny islands where the residents depend for their survival on the Hurtigruten ships to bring the communities essential supplies and to reunite families and friends.
Each Hurtigruten ship has its own characteristics and personality and no two sailings will ever be the same, as the continually-evolving seasons, weather, fauna and flora, local people you meet, and the sociable English speaking crew make every trip a unique experience.
People journeying from far and wide come to experience the spectacular scenery and easygoing ambiance on board. A good many take the chance to voyage during the summer months, to experience the midnight sun when the sun dips to the horizon before arching to the sky, immersing the resplendent panorama in continuous sunlight. Others choose to voyage during the winter months when the Northern Lights often light up the night sky in an entrancing show of green lights.
The relationship between the vessels and local people might explain the attachment a lot of Norwegians have for the service. The history and culture of the service, and the mammoth efforts of the crews and captains that have helped navigate so many coastal communities into the contemporary age, has never been considered with anything other than commendation.
