Embark on the southbound section of Hurtigruten's revived historic route that connects mainland Norway with Svalbard, at the edge of the world
Enjoy life aboard exceptionally designed MS Trollfjord, freshly refurbished in 2022 with the finest materials and ship craftsmanship
Visit a variety of charming coastal communities on mainland Norway and on Svalbard and take your pick from authentic, locally run optional excursions
Experience variations of summer the length of Norway, basking in 24 hours of daylight from the glorious Midnight Sun at the height of the season
Itinerary
From the edge of the world in Longyearbyen, Svalbard, board the newly refurbished MS Trollfjord and set sail across the Barents Sea on a magical journey along the Norwegian coast.
Deepen your understanding of Norway’s culture as you visit a variety of coastal communities, small and large, before bidding farewell in Bergen
DAY 1: Longyearbyen
At the edge of the world
Your High Arctic experience begins by arriving in Spitsbergen, the largest of Svalbard’s three main islands. Gaze in awe as magnificent brown and green mountains rise and ripple up from the High Arctic tundra while rivers of snow-melt trickle through the valley plains, glistening under the summer sun.
Take a moment to just be here, now, in Svalbard. You’re at a latitude more than 78°N and under 820 miles / 1,500 kilometres from the North Pole itself. The air is fresh and pure, and the overall temperature in summer is mild thanks to a warm northern branch of the Gulf Stream.
You'll make your own way to Longyearbyen, Svalbard's biggest settlement, home to some 2,000 inhabitants from across the world. It originally sprang up as a coal mining colony in 1906. Today, it is a hub for adventure travellers, as well as scientists and engineers attached to local research projects, like the famous Global Seed Vault.
Your home at sea for the next week, MS Trollfjord, awaits in the harbour. Come evening, the ship will sail further even north towards your next destination: Ny-Ålesund.
DAY 2 : Ny-Ålesund
Science on the Arctic frontier
Arise early today to enjoy impressive views of Kongsfjord, one of the largest fjords in the area. Its entrance is guarded by two colossal creaking glaciers that regularly deposit ice into the fjord.
This stretch is also a good place to look out for walrus basking on the shores and for many different species of migrating birds, including puffins, king eiders, pink-footed geese, and guillemots.
Arctic fox and Svalbard reindeer can sometimes be spotted on land while the white beluga whale has been known to surface in the waters here too. If we’re very lucky, we might even see a polar bear prowling the coast for bearded and ringed seals.
At the tip of Brøgger peninsula, on one of Kongsfjord’s shores, is Ny-Ålesund. Like Longyearbyen, it began as a coal mine but became host to scientific stations from the mid 20th century. During the summer, there are over a hundred researchers based in the town, representing 20 glaciology and climate institutes from more than 10 countries.
Wander around what is one of the northernmost settlements in the world, drop in at the local musuem and souvenir shop, or send a far-flung postcard back to friends and family from the small post office.
You can also take a guided tour of the Amundsen monument, erected here in honour of the great Norwegian explorer’s record-breaking flight to reach the North Pole in 1926. Amundsen flew the airship Norge from Ny-Ålesund and landed in Alaska three days later, successfully doing so via the North Pole.
DAY 3 : At sea
Leaving Svalbard
Unfortunately, it’s time for us to say farewell to Svalbard and to Spitsbergen and sail south back to mainland Norway.
On board the ship, use the day to relax. If skies are clear, enjoy some summer sun out on deck and keep on the lookout for whales, dolphins, and porpoises. Or if it’s not too warm out, head to the sauna for a soothing steam.
For some fascinating insights into local history and wildlife, catch a lecture delivered by the Coastal Experience Team. They may also offer a photography workshop to help sharpen your eye to capture stunning shots in the days to come.
Enjoy the sumptuous food and drinks on board, courtesy of our Norway’s Coastal Kitchen concept that features the finest, most flavoursome, local Norwegian produce. As a treat, there might be tastings of regional specialities or demonstrations by our skilled onboard chefs in the show kitchen.
You can also simply curl up with a good book in the lounge or chat with new-found friends in the bar while reminiscing together about your favourite experiences of the voyage so far.
DAY 4 : Tromsø and Senja
Exploring ‘Little Norway’
We’ve arrived back to mainland Norway. The ship will make a brief stop near Tromsø to drop off any cargo from Svalbard and pick up cargo bound for ports to the south.
Calling back into Tromsø after being up at Svalbard follows in the footsteps of history. Most explorers and sailors returning from their Arctic expeditions would descend on the city. The fashion and food they found there seemed so stylish and refined compared to the stark frontier towns that they nicknamed Tromsø ‘the Paris of the North’.
The ship then continues south towards Senja, one of the country’s largest islands and northern Norway’s fast-rising star destination, as you’d expect for a place ranked among CNN’s top ten most beautiful islands in the world. Often proudly described by locals as a ‘mini Norway’, Senja seems to have a concentration of landscapes inspired by different parts of the Norwegian coast.
To best explore this fairytale island, we’d recommend disembarking in Tromsø and joining one of our optional excursions.
DAY 5 : Svolvær
Fall in love with Lofoten
Today is all about exploring the Lofoten archipelago. Hailed as one of the most spectacular areas in all of Norway, you’ll understand why as you see its jagged green cliffs rise dramatically out of the ocean, climbing high into the sky like giant teeth.
Pretty fishing villages appear as strings of red-roofed houses on stilts that cling picturesquely to the edges of mountainous islands. Here and there, single fishermen huts known locally as rorbuer dot the islands, specks of red amidst a ceylon blue sea and the lush mountainside greens.
You’ll find that life in Lofoten is supremely calm and peaceful. Time seems to stand still here, as if stopped in its tracks by the islands’ sheer beauty.
The beating heart of the archipelago is the town of Svolvær where the ship will be based for most of the day. There are shops and restaurants to enjoy, and hours can be spent exploring and getting to know the town yourself.
To experience the mountains, islands, and villages that can be discovered around Svolvær, you’ll have a variety of handpicked top Lofoten excursions that will help you do just that.
Engage in an optional hike to one of the local white-sand beaches where you can help us in a beach clean-up before going for a swim. Alternatively, join us on a kayaking tour to explore the raw beauty and crystal-clear waters of Henningsvær.
DAY 6 : Brønnøysund
Highlights of the Helgeland Coast
The ship continues south and reaches the midpoint of the Norwegian coast. This is the Helgeland Coast, a well-known stretch full of distinctive mountains that have inspired many a charming myth and local folklore.
As we sail, look out for the Vega archipelago, a cluster of some 6,500 islands, skerries, and islets. There’s a UNESCO World Heritage Centre on the island of Gardsøy which showcases how highly prized eider down is harvested from the local eider ducks by providing little huts for them to build their nests in.
We will base the ship in the town of Brønnøysund which features a lovely marina and a Neo-Gothic stone church from 1870. Spend your time exploring the town or joining optional excursions such as kayaking, cycling, or a cruise by RIB.
Further along from Brønnøysund is the unique Torghatten Mountain. The first thing you’ll notice about Torghatten is the hole that pierces right through its centre. Legend states that the hole is the work of an arrow fired by a spurned troll at his would-be lover and that Torghatten Mountain itself is the fossilised hat of a Troll King who attempted to block the arrow.
At an easy pace, it takes about an hour to reach the hole in Torghatten on an optional excursion. The panoramic view of the trees and islands stretching out before you is well worth it.
DAY 7 : Ålesund and Hjørundfjord
Secret of the Sunnmøre Alps
The ship will make a brief stop in the town of Ålesund, known for its Art Nouveau architecture and picturesque position on a peninsula below Mount Aksla. We’ll offload any cargo here as well guests who are joining excursions.
Near to Ålesund, cutting through the peaks of the Sunnmøre Alps, some 1,700 metres high, is magnificent Hjørundfjord. Its picture-perfect position embedded in the Sunnmøre Alps means it is the area’s hidden gem and a secret from most other ships.
Those who do discover Hjørundfjord rank it as a serious contender for their favourite fjord in Norway. Its deep blue waters and verdant mountainsides seem perfectly proportionate and aligned, as if sculpted deliberately by nature’s artistry.
On the western banks of one of Hjørundfjord’s branches is the idyllic village of Sæbø, This is where the ship will pick up guests who had previously left the ship at Ålesund to go on an excursion.
We are fast approaching the last day of our voyage. While bittersweet, what better way to celebrate our Svalbard Express experience than a merry farewell dinner on our last night. It’ll also be an opportunity to look back fondly at the many highlights of this journey we’ve all shared together.
DAY 8 : Bergen
End of your voyage
We arrive in Bergen in the morning, a beautiful city on the west coast of Norway. Majestic peaks famously surround the city, giving Bergen its nickname, “The City of Seven Mountains”.
It’s time to disembark the ship, but not before saying fond farewells to your fellow passengers and to the crew of MS Trollfjord who made your Svalbard Express journey such a comfortable one.
You’ve travelled as part of this historic, iconic voyage to pieces of paradise along the Norwegian coast you won’t soon forget. If you’ve engaged in optional excursions, will you have photos to share of you kayaking, hiking, fishing, cycling in some of the most beautiful scenery ever seen?
We know you’ll take fond memories home with you and we wish you a safe onward journey. This has been The Svalbard Express. We hope to see you back here with us soon.
The day-by-day program will give you a few ideas about what you can see and do on your voyage, but bear in mind that this itinerary is just an indication of what you can experience. After all, this is a sailing where the elements rule and weather conditions might vary, which is why every voyage with Hurtigruten is unique.
OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS
Explore your destination even further with our wide range of exciting excursions. The excursion programme presented is an indication of some of the excursions that may be available during your voyage. The final programme will be available and bookable 180 days prior to sailing. Kindly note this list is not definitive and is subject to change.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
Cabin guests
Enjoy an impressive range of included benefits when you choose from our selection of comfortable accommodation options: Polar Inside, Polar Outside and Arctic Superior cabins.
Cabin on the ship
- Accommodation in a comfortable cabin with ensuite bathroom
- Choice of preferred cabin type and location
Take a look at the cabins on MS Trollfjord
Food and drink on board
- Full board with all-day dining in Flora and Árran
- Unlimited selected drinks at Flora, Árran, and the 1893 Bar, served during restaurant and bar opening hours
- Unlimited mineral water, tea, and coffee
- Afternoon snack in the 1893 Bar
- Culinary demonstrations and food tastings
Read more about your food and drink experience
Life on board
- Multi-lingual Coastal Experience Team
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
- Daily themed lectures, photography guidance, arts and crafts
- Access to fitness room and sauna
- Movie nights, music entertainment, and library access
- Selection of equipment for outdoor activities
Suite guests
For the premium onboard affair, quartered in beautifully appointed luxury accommodations, the Expedition Suite experience is the choice for you.
Suite on the ship
- Accommodation in a stylish, spacious suite with ensuite bathroom
- Choice of preferred cabin type and location
- Unlimited minibar
- Daily turn-down service
Take a look at the cabins on MS Trollfjord
Food and drink on board
- Full board with all-day dining at Flora, Arran and fine-dining à la carte restaurant Røst
- Unlimited selected drinks at Flora, Arran, Røst and the 1893 Bar, served during restaurant and bar opening hours
- Unlimited mineral water, tea, and coffee
- Choice of restaurant dining times
- Exclusive Røst Afternoon Tea with sparkling wine
- Exclusive dinner with the ship’s senior officers
Read more about your food and drink experience
Life on board
- Fast track priority check-in including exclusive Espolin Johnson lounge access
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
- Multi-lingual Coastal Experience Team
- Access to fitness room and sauna
- Daily themed lectures, photography guidance, arts and crafts activities
- Movie nights, music entertainment and library access
- Culinary demonstrations and food tastings
- Selection of equipment for outdoor activities
- Hurtigruten Collection clothing package including shell jacket, sweater and wool hat
- Two inclusive seasonal excursions of your choice
MS Trollfjord
Flagship of The Svalbard Express and The North Cape Express, MS Trollfjord takes its name from a small but spectacular fjord in the Vesterålen archipelago.
What to expect on MS Trollfjord
A magical voyage deserves a magical onboard experience. Whether you’re sailing on The Svalbard Express or The North Cape Express, beneath the Midnight Sun or the Northern Lights, on MS Trollfjord you’ll find everything you need to deepen your enjoyment and understanding of the adventures that lie ahead.
Facilities on MS Trollfjord
- A range of thought-provoking lectures with the Coastal Experience Team
- Double-storey observation lounge on the upper decks
- Large outdoor sun deck with comfortable furniture
- Panoramic sauna and fitness room
- Shop stocked with snacks, essentials, and souvenirs
- Library with a selection of literature and brochures
- Espolin Johnson lounge
- Wi-Fi throughout the ship
- A series of culinary demonstrations and tastings throughout the ship
- Flora, the main restaurant, is open for three meals a day
- Brasserie Árran offers all-day dining in a relaxed, bistro setting
- Experience à la carte fine dining in Røst
- Stylish 1893 Bar serves a wide range of beverages
CONTACT US TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS TRIP
Claire Maguire - Travel Expert on Antarctica & Artic Expeditions Adventure Travel Worldwide
- Call Us +1 714-822-8647
- claire.maguire@cruiseplanners.com
- antarcticatravelagent@gmail.com
- bucketlisttraveltrips@gmail.com
- www.antarcticatravelagent.com
- www.bucketlistraveltrips.com