Follow the Northern Lights with Hurtigruten

DAY 1 – OSLO

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.

DAY 2 – 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.

DAY 3 – FLAM

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.

DAY 4 – BERGEN

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 you 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.

DAY 5 – 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.

DAY 6 – ALESUND

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.

DAY 7 – TRONDHEIM

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, you resume your northbound voyage. Sailing northwest, pass the ochre-coloured Kjeungskjær Lighthouse before continuing towards Rørvik.

DAY 8 – STAMSUND

Early this morning, you 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, you 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.

DAY 9 – TROMSO

You call at Harstad in the early morning, offering the option of a quiet walk ashore before continuing north. The voyage then takes you to Finnsnes, gateway to the island of Senja, connected to the mainland by the Gisund Bridge.

By midday, you 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.

DAY 10 – HONNINGSVÅG

During the early morning you 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, you 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, you 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, sail past Slettnes Lighthouse, the northernmost mainland lighthouse in the world, en route to Berlevåg.

DAY 11 – KIRKENES

After a final breakfast on board, you 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, 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.

DAY 12 – SAARISELKA

This morning you 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.

DAY 13 – SAARISELKA

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.

DAY 14 – SINETTA

After breakfast, depart Saariselkä and travel south towards Rovaniemi, the official hometown of Santa Claus. En route, 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.

DAY 15 – ROVANIEMI

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.

DAY 16 – HELSINKI

You’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.

DAY 17 – HELSINKI

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.