Norway : Fjords Cruises - The Classic Round Voyage

After arriving in Bergen board the ship for the start of your Norwegian coastal voyage. The first evening is perfect for exploring the vessel and enjoying the scenery from the panoramic lounge.

In 1904 a fire spread through the town of Ålesund, destroying almost every building as a vicious gale lashed the flames from house to house. So savage was the destruction that donations came from across Europe to repair the damage. Rebuilt in the fashion of the day, Ålesund is a largely Art Nouveau town and has become a European centre for the movement.

Tours departing between mid-April and mid-September travel down the UNESCO recognised Geirangerfjord which is renowned for its waterfalls and archetypical fjord landscape.

For centuries Trondheim was a centre of power under its Viking rulers. Today the medieval city’s rich history makes it a favourite with visitors and a highlight on any Norwegian coastal voyage.

In the early hours of the morning the ship crosses the Arctic Circle and enters the land of the Midnight Sun. Optional activities for the day include a sea eagle safari and trip to the Saltstraumen maelstrom.

In the golden age of exploration Tromsø was used as a staging point for expeditions into the Arctic. A sense of adventure still clings to the town but nowadays visitors are greeted by the magnificent sight of the Arctic Cathedral and the cafés and shops of a modern municipality.

Tromsø is a midpoint on the north-bound leg of these Norwegian coastal voyages. Although it sits at high latitude it is very much a cosmopolitan place and is the last settlement of any considerable size before entering the wilderness of the far north.

After an early visit to Hammerfest the ship arrives at Honningsvåg. From here you can visit the cliff edge at North Cape – mainland Europe’s northernmost point.

The area around Kirkenes is characterised by dramatic cliff faces and rugged scenery. At over 1500 miles away from Bergen, this is the mid-point of the Norwegian coastal voyage. Recommended optional activities include trips to the Russian border, riverboat safaris, bathing in the Barents Sea and king crab fishing trips.

After a stop at Hammerfest, the world’s most northerly town, continue onto Tromsø for a chance to see a midnight concert at the Arctic Cathedral.

The Lofoten Islands are at a meeting of the Gulf Stream and the cold waters of the Arctic Sea. This peculiar position has blessed them with a richness and variety of sea life that rivals anywhere else in the world. Sailing through this mountainous island chain it is easy to see why it is globally recognised for its beauty. For many people the highlight of their Norwegian coastal voyage is passing through the Trollfjord.

Crossing the Arctic Circle in daylight, the ship passes several important places in Norse mythology including the Seven Sisters mountain range and Torghatten – the mountain that was pierced by a troll’s arrow.

Molde is beautifully situated and surrounded by nearly 90 high mountain peaks. Known as the City of Roses due to its lush parks and gardens, Molde has always been a popular port of call on Norwegian coastal voyages and was a favourite of early 20th century dignitaries like Wilhelm II and the Prince of Wales.

As your Norwegian coastal voyage comes to an end the landscape becomes increasingly lush on the approach to Bergen. Depending on the time of your flight you may have some time to explore the city before returning to the UK.