Breaking coverage from the Koblenz Post Office on November 24, 24th
Embark on an unforgettable adventure along Norway's picturesque coastal route, where individual exploration meets breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural experiences. Each day, a coastal ship departs from the port of Bergen, inviting travellers to join a 12-day journey that showcases the world's most beautiful sea voyage.
Hurtigruten Highlights and Experiences
The itinerary, running between Bergen and Kirkenes, offers a diverse array of experiences. One of the most recommended sections is the Svolvær to Honningsvåg stretch, sailing past the famous Lofoten and Vesterålen islands. Passengers can marvel at rugged mountains, fishing villages, and sandy beaches, with opportunities to spot whales and seals and stop in Tromsø and Honningsvåg—the gateway to North Cape, the northernmost mainland point in Europe.
Another highlight is the Helgeland coast, known for the UNESCO-listed Vega islands with 6,500 islets, the dramatic Seven Sisters mountains, and charming fishing villages like Sandnessjøen and Nesna. This section is best experienced southbound during an overnight journey for maximum daylight scenery.
Hurtigruten ships function as a working ferry service, adding a functional travel aspect alongside the cruise experience, rather than a purely luxury cruise vibe. Passengers often praise the fresh local food onboard, such as shrimp sandwiches made fresh in front of guests on stretches such as between Harstad and Tromsø.
Havila Voyages Highlights and Experiences
Havila Voyages offers a similar full 12-day service between Bergen and Kirkenes, with flexible booking options for segments of the journey. Travelers highlight memorable moments like sailing through Trollfjord under the midnight sun, which is visually spectacular and unique to this region.
The cabins are modern, clean, and comfortable with sea views, designed with passenger comfort in mind. Food on Havila cruises is described as excellent quality with adequate portions, reflecting Norwegian culinary tastes. Excursions and activities are a noted part of the Havila experience, including opportunities for dog sledding in the Arctic, whale watching, visiting fjords like Geirangerfjord, and exploring culturally rich towns such as Trondheim and Tromsø.
Havila cruises emphasize immersive coastal experiences combined with fine dining and expedition-style excitement, attractive for travellers looking for both comfort and adventure.
A Bucket-List Experience
Both lines offer a deeply scenic voyage showcasing Norway’s fjords, Arctic landscapes, fishing communities, and distinct cultural heritage with comfortable cabins and local cuisine. Hurtigruten tends to have a strong functional ferry aspect, while Havila emphasizes modern comfort and curated excursions.
The combination of natural wonders—including the Lofoten Islands, Vega archipelago, North Cape, and fjords like Trollfjord and Geirangerfjord—with onboard experiences such as fresh regional food, wildlife sightings (whales, seals, orcas), and Northern Lights viewing opportunities make these coastal voyages bucket-list experiences unique to Norway.
Live Reportage: Norway - Along the Coastal Route
On November 24, 2024, professional photographer Klaus-Peter Kappest will present his live reportage "Norway - Along the Coastal Route" at Kinopolis Koblenz. Tickets can be purchased at www.neissen-events.de, www.kinopolis.de/ko, and directly at the Kinopolis Koblenz box office.
For more information about the lecture series, visit www.neissen-events.de.
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- The memorable coastal route of Norway offers unique travel experiences, combining transport on a working ferry service with Hurtigruten, or enhancing comfort and excursions with Havila Voyages.
- Throughout the 12-day journey between Bergen and Kirkenes, travelers can indulge in fresh local food, explore picturesque landscapes such as the Lofoten Islands and North Cape, and engage in exciting activities like dog sledding and whale watching.
