Follow the Northern Lights – Norway to Finland - 2027/2028

Welcome to Oslo. Despite its compact size, our capital offers a wide range of experiences, from contemporary architecture to long-standing cultural traditions. Make your own way from the airport to your centrally located hotel and settle in. The city is easy to explore on foot. Grünerløkka is known for its independent cafés and relaxed atmosphere, while the Barcode district showcases modern waterfront design. Art is central to Oslo’s identity, so pay a visit the Munch Museum, home to an extensive collection of works by famed Norwegian artist Edvard Munch, including The Scream. Ekeberg Park combines outdoor art with elevated views across the city and fjord. For a broader insight into Norwegian history, the Bygdøy Peninsula is home to several museums, including the Norsk Folkemuseum, where traditional buildings and a preserved stave church illustrate life through the centuries. This evening, meet your guide and fellow travellers before enjoying a welcome dinner at the hotel. Overnight in Oslo.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before boarding your private coach and meeting your English-speaking local guide for a three-hour city sightseeing tour. This guided introduction to Oslo takes you past some of the capital’s most recognisable landmarks. Visit Vigeland Sculpture Park, home to more than 200 sculptures set within Frogner Park. Continue to the Oslo Opera House, where contemporary architecture rises directly from the waterfront, and to Holmenkollen Ski Jump, a symbol of Norway’s deep-rooted skiing tradition. (Please note that entrance fees are not included.) The tour offers a broader perspective on the city – from historic districts to modern developments – while your guide provides context on Oslo’s culture and daily life. The afternoon and evening are at leisure to explore further, or perhaps enjoy one of the city’s restaurants.

After breakfast at the hotel, take a short walk to Oslo Central Station to begin the renowned Norway in a Nutshell journey. Travel by train to Myrdal, passing through farmland, forests and increasingly dramatic mountain scenery as you climb inland. At Myrdal, change trains for the iconic Flåm Railway, one of the steepest standard-gauge railways in the world. The descent towards the fjord is striking, with waterfalls, steep valley walls and wide views unfolding along the route. On arrival in Flåm, walk the short distance to your hotel and check in. The afternoon is at leisure to explore this small fjord-side village at your own pace, perhaps along the waterfront or in the surrounding landscape. Dinner is served in the hotel restaurant this evening. Overnight in Flåm.

After breakfast, depart Flåm and begin today’s fjord journey. Cruise through the UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord, one of the narrowest arms of the Sognefjord. Sheer mountain walls rise from the water, waterfalls thread down the rock face and small farms cling to the slopes, offering a sense of scale that is distinctly Norwegian. On arrival in Gudvangen, continue by coach through a valley landscape shaped by rivers and cascading falls. Travel onward to Voss, where you board the train for the final stretch to Bergen. Once we arrive in Bergen, transfer by private coach to your hotel and check in. The remainder of the evening is at leisure to explore Norway’s second-largest city or enjoy dinner at one of the restaurants along the harbour. Overnight in Bergen.

After breakfast, meet your local guide for a walking tour of Bergen, Norway’s historic gateway to the fjords. Stroll through the UNESCO-listed Bryggen, where colourful wooden warehouses line the harbour and reflect the city’s Hanseatic heritage. Continue to St Mary’s Church and Håkon’s Hall, both reminders of Bergen’s importance during the medieval period. Your tour concludes with a return journey on the Fløibanen funicular to the top of Mount Fløyen. From here, enjoy wide views across the city, surrounding mountains and open sea. Later, transfer to the Hurtigruten terminal for check-in and embarkation procedures. In the evening, your ship departs Bergen and we begin our northbound voyage along the Norwegian coast. Dinner tonight is served on board.

Wake early as the ship sails through Nordfjord near Torvik, where steep mountains and sheltered waters signal your continued journey north. Later, pass Stadlandet and West Cape before approaching Ålesund, one of Norway’s most distinctive coastal towns. Rebuilt in Art Nouveau style after a fire in 1904, Ålesund is known for its decorative façades, curved lines and detailed stonework. Pastel-coloured buildings line the harbour, and towers, turrets and ornamented windows reflect a period of confident design. You’ll have much of the day to explore at your own pace – perhaps wandering through the town centre, visiting a museum, or climbing the steps to Mount Aksla for wide views across the archipelago and surrounding peaks. The Atlantic Sea Park is another option, offering insight into marine life along this stretch of coast. In the evening, the ship calls at Molde. From the water, you may glimpse the Molde Panorama, a sweeping chain of mountain peaks rising across the fjord.

Arrive in Trondheim early in the morning, giving you ample time to explore Norway’s first capital independently or join an optional excursion. Founded in 997 by Viking king Olav Tryggvason, Trondheim blends medieval heritage with the energy of a modern university city. At its heart stands Nidaros Cathedral, Norway’s national sanctuary and an important pilgrimage site. Its Gothic façade and intricate stonework dominate the skyline and reflect centuries of history. Cross the red-painted Gamle Bybro over the River Nid and enter Bakklandet, the old Hanseatic district. Today, its colourful wooden warehouses on stilts house cafés and small shops. For wider views over the city and fjord, walk up to Kristiansten Fortress. In the afternoon, we resume our northbound voyage. Sailing northwest, we pass the ochre-coloured Kjeungskjær Lighthouse before continuing towards Rørvik.

Early this morning, we cross the Arctic Circle, marking your entry into Arctic Norway. The moment is traditionally celebrated on board – a light-hearted ceremony that signals the start of a new chapter in the voyage. In winter, daylight is brief and the quality of light changes quickly. Above the Arctic Circle, your chances of seeing the Northern Lights increase, particularly on clear evenings when the sky is dark and open. Later in the morning, the ship calls at Ørnes, close to Svartisen, Norway’s second-largest glacier. Continue to Bodø, Northern Norway’s second-largest city, framed by the Børvass peaks and exposed to the open sea. In the afternoon, we enter the Lofoten archipelago. The dramatic mountain chain known as the Lofoten Wall rises sharply from the water, forming a striking horizon line. Calls at Stamsund and later Svolvær reveal a landscape shaped by the cod fisheries, where traditional rorbuer stand along the harbour and fishing boats gather in season.

We call at Harstad in the early morning, offering the option of a quiet walk ashore before continuing north. The voyage then takes us to Finnsnes, gateway to the island of Senja, connected to the mainland by the Gisund Bridge. By midday, we arrive in Tromsø, often referred to as the Arctic capital. You have several hours to explore independently or join an optional excursion. The compact city centre is easy to navigate, with shops, cafés and restaurants clustered around the harbour. Visit Polaria to learn more about Arctic research and marine life or stop by Mack Brewery and the historic pub of Ølhallen, for a taste of local brewing traditions. Across the water stands the striking Arctic Cathedral, its angular form and stained-glass window reflecting the Nordic light. In the early evening, we depart Tromsø and sail north towards Skjervøy, passing the jagged peaks of the Lyngen Alps rising directly from the sea.

During the early morning we stop at Hammerfest and Havøysund before arriving in Honningsvåg, one of the northernmost towns on the mainland. Honningsvåg serves as the gateway to the North Cape, where a globe monument stands on the cliffs high above the Barents Sea, marking the northern edge of continental Europe. An optional excursion takes you by coach across the stark plateau to the North Cape. Along the way, you may see reindeer grazing across the open landscape. Continuing north, we approach Kjøllefjord. Near the entrance to the harbour, look for the distinctive rock formation Finnkirka, an ancient sacred site for the Sámi people. By evening, we reach Mehamn. In February and March, wooden racks known as hjell may be lined with drying cod, part of a fishing tradition that remains central to life along this coast. Later, we sail past Slettnes Lighthouse, the northernmost mainland lighthouse in the world, en route to Berlevåg.

After a final breakfast on board, we arrive in Kirkenes and disembark, marking the end of the sea voyage and the beginning of the land journey. From the quay, you’ll continue by long-distance coach to the Snowhotel Kirkenes. Here, you can join the included King Crab Experience. The excursion begins with an expert introduction to the Arctic king crab, offering insight into its habitat and importance along this stretch of coast. Afterwards, enjoy a tasting featuring freshly prepared king crab, served in a simple, seasonal style that highlights the quality of the ingredients. Later, we continue by coach across the border into Finland, travelling through open Arctic landscapes and forested terrain. By late afternoon, arrive in Saariselkä, a small village set deep within Finnish Lapland. Check in to your hotel before dinner in the restaurant. The evening is at leisure. Optional excursions may be available, including Northern Lights experiences, depending on the conditions.

This morning we travel to Inari, widely regarded as the cultural centre of Finland’s Sámi community. Here, traditions remain closely connected to the land, lakes and forests that shape daily life in the north. Accompanied by a local guide, spend the day learning more about Sámi history and contemporary culture. At the Siida – Sámi Museum and Nature Centre, exhibitions explore reindeer herding, seasonal rhythms and the deep relationship between people and the Arctic environment. Set beside Lake Inari, the museum’s location reflects how closely culture and landscape are intertwined. Later, head out onto frozen Lake Inari by snowmobile sleigh and try your hand at traditional ice-fishing – a quiet, hands-on experience that offers a glimpse into everyday northern life. During the excursion, enjoy lunch at a local wilderness hotel, where simple regional dishes are served in warm surroundings. Return to Saariselkä in the afternoon. Dinner is at your own leisure this evening.

Today is a day at your leisure in Saariselkä. This small village sits on the edge of Urho Kekkonen National Park, where forests and open fell landscapes stretch far beyond the last houses. You may choose to explore independently, relax at the hotel, or join one of the optional excursions available locally. In the evening, gather for dinner at the hotel before setting out on a guided aurora hike. Accompanied by your guide, you’ll walk at a gentle pace into the surrounding landscape. The trail is accessible and suitable for all abilities, leading to a sheltered Aurora hut where you can warm up and learn more about the science and stories behind the Northern Lights. Away from artificial light, this quiet setting offers an ideal vantage point to watch for movement of the aurora across the darkness. Afterwards, we’ll return to the hotel later in the evening.

After breakfast, we depart Saariselkä and travel south towards Rovaniemi, the official hometown of Santa Claus. En route, we pause in Sodankylä for a short stop to view its historic Old Church, a simple wooden structure that reflects Lapland’s rural heritage. Continue to the Santa Claus Village, located on the Arctic Circle. Here, you’ll have time to explore at your own pace – cross the Arctic Circle line, browse local shops, or simply take in the atmosphere of this well-known landmark. Lunch is at your own arrangement. In the afternoon, travel onward to Sinetta and check in at the Arctic SnowHotel & Glass Igloos. This evening, enjoy dinner in the hotel restaurant before settling into your Glass Igloo accommodation. The heated glass roof offers uninterrupted views of the night sky from the comfort of your bed. The evening is at your leisure. Optional activities such as snowshoeing or aurora photography excursions may be available, weather permitting. Overnight in a Glass Igloo.

Enjoy a relaxed morning before departing for one of today’s highlights – a husky safari in the forests of Finnish Lapland. At the kennels, learn how the enthusiastic dogs are trained and cared for, and get an insight into the preparation required to keep them fit for the Arctic environment. Then set out on a guided husky ride through the landscape. Depending on conditions, the journey takes place by sled or cart, but the route and overall experience remain the same. This is not a self-driving tour, allowing you to focus on the scenery and the energy of the dogs as they move along the trail. Please note that the sleds will only be used if there is enough snow, otherwise the pulled carts will be used. Following the safari, warm up with a simple soup lunch before spending time with the huskies. Later, continue to Rovaniemi and check in to your hotel. The evening is at leisure, with optional excursions available locally.

We’ll continue heading south and transfer to Rovaniemi railway station for your train journey to Helsinki. As the train departs Lapland, the landscape gradually shifts from Arctic forest and open fells to lakes, farmland and small towns, offering a final view of Finland’s changing scenery. You’ll arrive in Helsinki in the late afternoon and make the short walk to your centrally located hotel. Finland’s capital presents a different pace – broad boulevards, neoclassical architecture and a strong maritime character shaped by its position on the Baltic Sea. This evening, gather with your fellow travellers for a farewell dinner at the hotel. It’s an opportunity to reflect on the experiences shared over the past 17 days – from Norway’s fjords and Arctic coastline to the winter landscapes of Finnish Lapland. Note: If you have chosen to extend your journey another night in Helsinki, you will have an additional day to your itinerary.

Note: This only applies to guests who have extended their journey by 1 night in Helsinki. For all other guests, their journey ends on the previous Day 16.After breakfast at the hotel, your escorted journey comes to an end. Depending on your onward travel plans, you may have time for a final walk through Helsinki’s centre or along the waterfront before making your own way to the airport or onward destination. From Norway’s coastal voyage to the winter landscapes of Finnish Lapland and the vibrant capitals of Oslo and Helsinki, this 17-day journey has followed the light northward and back south again. Post-programme available for those staying on in Helsinki If you’re still in the mood for adventure, why not consider our post-programme, on which you’ll travel to Tallinn in Estonia. Enjoy a self-guided return ferry crossing between Helsinki and Tallinn, followed by a three-hour guided walking tour of Estonia’s capital. Explore the lively Rotermann Quarter before entering UNESCO-listed Tallinn Old Town, one of Northern Europe’s best-preserved medieval centres. Discover cobbled streets, Gothic spires and historic merchant houses, then enjoy free time to dine, browse galleries or visit museums independently.

Itineraries are subject to change. 

Vessel Type: Expedition Ship

Length: 121.8 m

Passenger Capacity: 577

Built/Refurbished: 1993/2016/2023

MS Kong Harald is a tribute to Norway’s reigning monarch and his lifelong love of the sea. Named after King Harald V, a three-time Olympic sailor, this hybrid-powered ship offers both tradition and innovation. Refitted with advanced green technology in 2023, it now features battery packs and efficient engines that reduce emissions by up to 25%, alongside modern Arctic-inspired interiors that reflect Norway’s natural elegance.

Life aboard is warm and inviting, embracing the Norwegian spirit of koselig. You’ll find three restaurants, a bakery and ice cream bar, panoramic lounges, two outdoor hot tubs, a fitness room, sauna, and the Explorer Bar for relaxing with a view. The Expedition Team offers fascinating insights and guided excursions along the Norwegian coast. With its cosy cabins, eco-conscious upgrades, and maritime charm, MS Kong Harald blends sustainability, comfort, and cultural discovery.

Vessel Type: Expedition Ship

Length: 123.3 m

Passenger Capacity: 473

Built/Refurbished: 1996/2016/2022

MS Nordkapp, named after Norway’s iconic North Cape, has been a proud part of the Hurtigruten fleet since 1996 and was refurbished in 2016 with a sleek Arctic-inspired design. The ship features three distinct restaurants serving local Norwegian cuisine, a cosy bakery, a panoramic Explorer Lounge & Bar, a sauna and fitness room, and two outdoor hot tubs with stunning coastal views. With a warm, Nordic atmosphere, MS Nordkapp offers a relaxed and immersive way to experience the dramatic Norwegian coast.

The ship accommodates up to 473 guests in a variety of cabin types, from comfortable outside cabins to spacious expedition suites. Guests are accompanied by an expert Expedition Team offering lectures, excursions, and guided hikes that bring Norway’s nature, culture, and history to life. Whether you're enjoying fresh waffles at Multe or sipping cocktails as the Northern Lights dance above, MS Nordkapp is designed for a memorable, meaningful journey along one of the world’s most scenic coastlines.

Vessel Type: Expedition Ship

Length: 121.8 m

Passenger Capacity: 505

Built/Refurbished: 1994/2019/2024

MS Nordlys, named after the ethereal Northern Lights, embodies the magic of Norway’s Arctic skies with its vibrant, aurora-inspired art, décor, and colors, refreshed during renovations in 2019 and 2024. Accommodating 505 guests in cabins (590 including deck space), this modern Hurtigruten ship offers a cozy yet stylish ambiance with panoramic lounges, a large outdoor sun deck, and two hot tubs perfect for soaking in the breathtaking coastal scenery. Guests can unwind in comfy reclining chairs, stay active in the fitness room, or relax in the sauna, all while enjoying free Wi-Fi and a welcoming compass area with reception, shop, and Expedition Team facilities.

The onboard experience is enriched by the Expedition Team, who share their expertise on Norway’s culture, nature, and history through engaging lectures and guided hikes. Dining aboard MS Nordlys celebrates Hurtigruten’s Norway’s Coastal Kitchen, featuring locally sourced ingredients across three distinct venues: Torget, the main restaurant with buffet and set-menu options; Kysten, offering exquisite à la carte dining; and Brygga, a casual bistro serving Nordic-inspired dishes. The Multe bakery delights with fresh pastries and cloudberry-topped waffles. Currently replaced by MS Vesterålen until June 3, 2025, MS Nordlys promises an unforgettable journey through Norway’s iconic fjords and mountains.

Vessel Type: Expedition Ship

Length: 123.3 m

Passenger Capacity: 452

Built/Refirbished: 1997/2016/2022

Named for the rugged and captivating northern Norway, much of which lies above the Arctic Circle, MS Nordnorge offers a modern yet cozy retreat with its Arctic-inspired interiors, fully renovated in 2016. Accommodating 452 guests in cabins (590 including deck space), the ship features a spacious compass area with a reception, tour guide, conference room, and shop, alongside two outdoor hot tubs and a panoramic lounge perfect for soaking in Norway’s dramatic coastal vistas. Its claim to fame includes a 2011 Guinness World Record for the longest uninterrupted live TV documentary, broadcasting a 134-hour voyage from Bergen to Kirkenes.

MS Nordnorge delivers an immersive coastal experience with its Expedition Team, who share insights on Norway’s culture, nature, and history through engaging lectures and guided hikes. Dining celebrates Hurtigruten’s Norway’s Coastal Kitchen, sourcing local ingredients for three unique venues: Torget, offering buffet and set-menu dining; Kysten, an elegant à la carte restaurant; and Brygga, a casual bistro with Nordic flair. The Multe bakery serves fresh pastries and cloudberry-topped waffles, while the Explorer Lounge & Bar invites guests to relax with cocktails and stunning views. With amenities like a sauna, fitness room, and free Wi-Fi, MS Nordnorge ensures a memorable journey through Norway’s Arctic wonders.

Vessel Type: Espedition Ship

Length: 123 m

Passenger Capacity: 507

Built/Refurbished: 1996/2016/2023

Named after the mesmerizing "polar light" of the Aurora Borealis, MS Polarlys captures the essence of Norway’s Arctic allure with its modern, Arctic-inspired interiors, refurbished in 2016. This Hurtigruten vessel, accommodating 507 guests in cabins (650 including deck space), offers an inviting atmosphere with panoramic lounges, a sun deck, and two outdoor hot tubs perfect for soaking in the stunning coastal views. Equipped with a sauna, fitness room, and a compass area housing the reception, Expedition Team, and conference facilities, MS Polarlys ensures a comfortable and engaging journey along Norway’s iconic coastline.

The onboard experience aboard MS Polarlys is enriched by the Expedition Team, who deliver lectures and lead hikes to deepen guests’ understanding of Norway’s culture, nature, and history. Dining reflects Hurtigruten’s Norway’s Coastal Kitchen, featuring local ingredients in three distinct venues: Torget, the main restaurant with buffet and set-menu options; Kysten, an elegant à la carte dining experience; and Brygga, a casual bistro serving Nordic-inspired dishes. The Multe bakery delights with fresh pastries and cloudberry-topped waffles. Whether sailing on a roundtrip voyage or chasing the Northern Lights, MS Polarlys offers a cozy, immersive adventure steeped in Arctic wonder.

Vessel Type: Expedition Ship

Length: 108.55 m

Passenger Capacity: 274

Built/Refurbished: 1983/2019/2022

MS Vesterålen, one of the smallest and most storied ships in the Hurtigruten fleet, offers a unique blend of tradition and modern comfort along Norway’s stunning coastline. Named after the picturesque Vesterålen archipelago and the first Coastal Express steamship from 1893, this traditional vessel carries a rich maritime heritage. Freshly refurbished in 2019 and 2022, MS Vesterålen features bright, informal public areas, upgraded Arctic Superior cabins, mini suites, and modernized amenities including a revamped restaurant, café, gym, and the scenic Fyret Panorama Lounge on deck 7. With a capacity for 274 guests in cabins (490 including deck space), the ship provides an intimate experience, emphasizing Hurtigruten’s commitment to authentic coastal exploration.

Life on board MS Vesterålen is designed to immerse guests in Norway’s culture, nature, and maritime operations through an engaging "behind the scenes" focus. Passengers can enjoy educational lectures in English and German, handpicked hikes, and insights from the onboard Tour Leader about the region’s wildlife and heritage. The ship’s Norway’s Coastal Kitchen highlights local flavors, sourcing ingredients from 50 Norwegian farms and producers, served in The Restaurant with a mix of buffets and set menus, or at Kafé Galleriet on deck 4, offering traditional dishes like the signature shrimp sandwich. From iconic roundtrip voyages to northbound and southbound journeys, MS Vesterålen delivers a memorable adventure steeped in Norwegian tradition and breathtaking scenery.