Think of Norway and images of glassy fjords, snowy peaks and little red cabins clinging to the shore probably come to mind. This sliver of northern Europe is famed for its natural beauty and Arctic wildlife, and exploring it by water puts you front and centre, right in the heart of the scenery, with whales, sea eagles and working harbours drifting into view as part of everyday coastal life.
Norwegian cruise specialists Hurtigruten have marked 132 years of sailing along what’s often dubbed the world’s most beautiful coastline. To really get to grips with the landscapes here, it’s best to follow the same route Norwegians have relied on for generations. Since 1893, Hurtigruten has sailed the coast, connecting remote communities and offering an incredible insight into the country from the water.
Hurtigruten’s journeys are designed around the landscape itself, tracing narrow fjords, weaving between islands and skerries, and calling at small ports far from the usual tourist trail. Along the way, nature takes centre stage, from the wildlife that inhabits the seas and skies to the celestial displays that light up the Arctic night sky.
Wildlife, coast to coast
With its endless coastline and Arctic waters, Norway is one of Europe’s most rewarding places for wildlife watching. Encounters happen gradually all along the way, whether that’s eagles fleeing from a cliff edge, seals sprawled out on rocks, or seabirds lining the shore as the ship passes.
On land, the scenery is constantly changing, and snowy mountains give way to rolling tundra, and, depending on the season, reindeer can often be seen grazing close to the shoreline. Because Hurtigruten’s ships are smaller than your typical vessel, they can access narrow waterways and lesser-visited ports, allowing you to get even closer to these environments rather than just viewing them from afar.
Nature guided by experts
One of the best things about a Hurtigruten voyage is the onboard Expedition Team, made up of local experts and specialists with backgrounds in biology, geology, and history. They bring depth to everything you’ll experience, via a range of talks, lectures and deckside chit chats, explaining how Norway’s landscapes were formed, why particular species thrive here, and how people have adapted to life in such a demanding environment.
They also lead optional excursions and activities ashore, including guided nature walks and birdwatching, and the chance to explore alongside those who have spent years navigating these regions.
Time ashore
Norwegians have a deep relationship with the outdoors, so much so that they even have their own word for it: friluftsliv. It’s a way of life here, rooted in the belief that spending time outside, whatever the weather, is a necessity. On a Hurtigruten voyage, that mindset carries through to time spent on dry land, especially through the excursions available, which vary by season and location and are designed to suit different interests and vibes. They range from visits to well-known landmarks, such as the North Cape or the dramatic scenery of the Lofoten Islands, to more hands-on ways of experiencing the environment. In winter, that might mean dog sledding outside Tromsø, or joining a guided hike through the Arctic.
You can visit the seabird-filled cliffs of the Gjesværstappan islands, home to puffins, kittiwakes, cormorants, razorbills and skuas, or head out on whale-watching trips along the coast.
In the north, reindeer turn up almost anywhere, grazing or drifting slowly across open land. They’re herded by Sámi families and treated as part of everyday life rather than something to stop and stare at. In winter, the Arctic fox is harder to spot, and seabirds gather along cliffs and outlying islands.
Out at sea, the waters off Andenes and the Vesterålen coast lie close to the continental shelf, which explains why whales are seen so regularly here. Sperm whales are the most commonly spotted, but humpbacks, minkes, pilot whales, dolphins, and orcas also frolic.
Comfort amid the elements
Back on board, talks and casual conversations with the Expedition Team help put what you’ve seen into context, while activities like the Photo Club give travellers a chance to capture the wildlife and scenery yourself, whether using a camera or a phone.
Life on board is just as good as life ashore, with meals planned around seasonal Norwegian produce, served in dining rooms that look directly out onto fjords and open sea. Each ship features a main restaurant, a bistro-style spot and a fine dining option, all guided by Hurtigruten’s Norway’s Coastal Kitchen philosophy, which is built around seasonal menus rooted in local traditions.
Chasing the Northern Lights
For many visitors, the Northern Lights are the ultimate bucket list activity, and Hurtigruten’s winter voyages are perfectly placed to seek them out. The ships travel far from any light pollution, sailing north of the Arctic Circle, creating ideal conditions for spotting the aurora as it prances across the sky.
On board, Northern Lights alerts mean you don’t have to keep watch all night, while panoramic lounges and open decks make it easy to step outside when the sky starts to do its thing. Hurtigruten is even confident enough in the conditions on these routes that they offer a Northern Lights Promise on selected voyages: if the lights don’t appear, you’re invited back on a future cruise.
A voyage of discovery
With a Hurtigruten cruise you can experience Norway in its most authentic way, gliding slowly along the coast, and immersing yourself in each fascinating destination – travelling the way it’s always been done. For more travel information and inspiration and to plan your trip, visit Hurtigruten. Save up to 30 per cent on a Hurtigruten cruise for departures until March 2027, when you book by 28th February.
