Sailing Norway’s North Cape with Hurtigruten – Arctic Voyage
Embarking on Hurtigruten’s North Cape Line voyage on March 22, 2025, was an unforgettable journey along Norway’s dramatic coastline. I was very fortunate to sail on this 6-day Arctic expedition aboard the MS Trollfjord offered breathtaking landscapes, immersive cultural encounters, and extraordinary excursions, making it the ultimate adventure for nature lovers and explorers alike.
Ports of Call: Discovering Norway’s Arctic Wonders
Our journey began in Tromsø, known as the Gateway to the Arctic. With its lively city vibe, Arctic Cathedral, and chances to see the Northern Lights, Tromsø was the perfect starting point for our Arctic voyage. The Polaria Museum and the Fjellheisen cable car also provides travellers with fantastic insights into Arctic wildlife and stunning panoramic views.
From there, we sailed south, stopping at:
- Honningsvåg – The northernmost city in Norway and our access point to the legendary North Cape (71° North), one of the highlights of our voyage. This remote town, with its colourful harbour, offered a glimpse into life in extreme latitudes. The nearby Gjesværstappan Nature Reserve is home to thousands of seabirds, including puffins and gannets.
- Alta – A city famous for the Northern Lights, ancient rock carvings, and a strong Sami heritage. The Alta Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage site, showcases prehistoric rock carvings that tell stories of life in Norway thousands of years ago. We also visited the Northern Lights Cathedral, a stunning modern architectural wonder.
- Bodø – The gateway to the Arctic, where we crossed the Arctic Circle and witnessed the world’s strongest tidal current, the Saltstraumen Maelstrom. This lively coastal town also serves as a gateway to the Lofoten Islands, famous for their rugged mountains and fishing villages.
- Trondheim – Norway’s historic capital, home to the Nidaros Cathedral, Scandinavia’s largest medieval church. The charming Bakklandet district, with its colourful wooden houses and cozy cafes, made for a delightful stroll. The city’s Ringve Museum, dedicated to music and instruments, offered a unique cultural experience.
- Ålesund – Famous for its Art Nouveau architecture and incredible viewpoints, Ålesund offered a beautiful introduction to Norway’s coastal charm. We climbed the 418 steps to Aksla viewpoint, which provided breathtaking views of the surrounding fjords and islands. The town’s Atlantic Sea Park also gave us an up-close look at Norway’s rich marine life.
- Bergen – Our final stop, this historic city is renowned for its Bryggen Wharf, lively fish market, and panoramic views from Mount Fløyen. We explored the Hanseaic Museum, which detailed Bergen’s fascinating maritime trade history, and took the Fløibanen funicular for one last breathtaking view of Norway’s fjordland.
Each port brought us closer to the heart of Arctic Norway, blending history, natural beauty, and culture in a way that only Hurtigruten can offer.
Unforgettable Excursions
One of the best aspects of this journey was the carefully curated shore excursions, allowing us to experience the Arctic’s magic up close.
From Honningsvåg we ventured to the North Cape (71 Degrees North)
Standing at Europe’s northernmost point, staring at the endless Arctic Ocean, was an unforgettable moment. The North Cape Visitor Centre provided insights into the region’s extreme climate, while the iconic globe monument made for the perfect photo opportunity. The wind was wild, and we were also very fortunate to see whales playing in the wild ocean. Watching their powerful bursts of air through their blowholes, which condensed into a visible cloud of mist was an experience I will never forget.
Sami Experience in Alta
In Alta, we immersed ourselves in Sami culture, meeting indigenous reindeer herders and learning about their traditions. A wonderful husband and wife told us all about their wonderful family and we also discovered the resilience of the Arctic’s indigenous people. Being able to stroke and feed the reindeer was truly magical.
Ice Hotel Visit
One of the most unique experiences was exploring the Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel, an incredible structure made entirely of ice and snow. The detailed ice carvings, glowing ice bar, and serene ambiance made this a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience. The wonderful experience ended with a glass of blue Nowreigen spirit in an ice glass, which was very slippery to hold!
The Atlantic Road
What an experience to drive along the Atlantic Road, a coastal voyage showcased Norway’s rugged beauty in a way that mirrored the thrilling island-hopping bridges of this iconic route. Driving over the famous bridge feature in James Bond, no Time To Die, was thrilling as a James Bond fan!
Life Onboard the MS Trollfjord
Sailing with Hurtigruten means more than just a cruise—it’s an expedition. Onboard the MS Trollfjord, we enjoyed locally sourced cuisine, engaging lectures from Arctic experts, and the warmth of Norwegian hospitality. Every night, we gathered on deck, hoping to witness the dancing Northern Lights above the Arctic sky.
Dining Onboard: A Taste of Norway
One of the highlights of the voyage was the exceptional food onboard, showcasing Norway’s finest ingredients. The Røst Restaurant delivered a gourmet experience inspired by Norwegian traditions, serving dishes such as king crab, reindeer fillet, and Arctic char, all sourced from local fishermen and farmers. The menu was carefully curated to reflect the regions we passed, making every meal an extension of our journey.
For more casual dining, the Bistro provided fresh seafood, warming soups, and traditional Norwegian comfort food. The Explorer Lounge & Bar was the perfect place to relax with a drink, offering Norwegian craft beers, aquavit, and cocktails infused with Arctic flavours. Every evening, we indulged in locally sourced specialties while watching the ever-changing scenery of Norway’s dramatic coastline glide by.
Conclusion: A Voyage of a Lifetime
Hurtigruten’s 6-day North Cape Line voyage was a truly extraordinary experience. From witnessing the raw beauty of the Arctic landscape to engaging with Sami traditions and standing at the edge of Europe, every moment was breathtaking. The culinary journey onboard only enhanced the experience, making each meal a reflection of the Arctic’s rich flavours and traditions. If you’re looking for a once-in-a-lifetime Arctic adventure, this voyage should be at the top of your travel bucket list. This truly was a trip I will never forget and would recommend to any traveller!
