Norway: Magic lights on the famous Mail Ship Route - 13 days

A journey along Norway's magnificent west coast, with its countless islands, fjords, and snow-capped mountains, is a unique experience in winter! Even though the days are short in the far north, the lighting creates a special atmosphere: the pastel twilight, the coastal towns brightly lit, especially during Advent, and with a little luck – the magical Northern Lights. In winter, optional shore excursions with exciting activities are also offered, from snowshoe hikes to dog sledding.

On the new Havila ships, you'll travel in comfort and a relaxed atmosphere: cabins and public areas are furnished in a modern, Scandinavian design. Large panoramic windows offer expansive views of the coast and the starry sky. By the way, on the southbound route from Kirkenes to Bergen, you can experience other towns and landscapes due to the different docking times.

Day 1: Arrival in Bergen – coastal cruise with Havila - A
Following your own itinerary, you will travel to Bergen, Norway's second-largest and perhaps most beautiful city. It is picturesquely situated on the bays of the Byfjord. Bergen's most important attraction is the old Bryggen district. From the 14th to the 18th century, the Hanseatic trading center primarily traded stockfish, beer and salt here; today Bryggen is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Check-in is possible at the Havila Kystruten terminal from 4:00 PM, and you will have access to your cabins from approximately 6:00 PM. At 8:30 PM, it's time to cast off for your journey on the mail ship route along Norway's west coast. Magnificent landscapes with high mountains, countless islands, and fjords alternate with picturesque coastal towns and bustling harbors. Enjoy the comfort of the new, modern Havila ship.

Day 2: Torvik – Aalesund – Molde - F/M/A
On its northward journey, the ship passes numerous islands, the mouth of the 204km-long Sognefjord (one of the longest fjords in the world!) and the Holmengra lighthouse. Passing Florö, Norway's westernmost city, you continue to Aalesund, where you dock in the morning. The city is home to one of Norway's most important fishing ports and famous for its Art Nouveau architecture, which is unique in Northern Europe. Is has been bulit after a major fire in 1904. Particularly worth seeing here are the beautiful Art Nouveau buildings in the center and the view of the city and the sea from the local mountain, Aksla. The ship then continues north and reaches Molde, well-known for the Molde Panorama from Mount Varden – a view of over 200 mountain peaks.

Day 3: Trondheim – Rörvik - F/M/A
In the morning, your ship docks in the university city of Trondheim. The most important sight here is Nidaros Cathedral – the largest religious building in Scandinavia. It is the coronation church of the Norwegian kings and a national shrine. Other attractions include the Archbishop's Palace, which now houses a museum, and the Stiftsgard Palace, built in the 18th century. This large, plain-looking wooden building has 100 rooms with magnificent furnishings. Popular photo opportunities include the colorful warehouses on the Nidelv River and the Bybrua Bridge. In the afternoon the ship continues north, passing the beautiful Kjeungskjær Lighthouse and sailing through the narrow Stokksund Strait.

Day 4: Nesna – Bodö – Lofoten - F/M/A
Early in the morning, you cross the Arctic Circle. The further route is characterized by picturesque islands and takes you to Bodö – known as the city of the sea eagles. In the evening, you reach the Lofoten archipelago with its high mountains rising steeply from the sea. The jagged mountain ridge of the island chain is also called the "Lofoten Wall." With its unique landscape and picturesque fishing villages, the archipelago is one of the most beautiful travel destinations in Europe. Svolvaer, the most important town in the Lofoten Islands, is picturesquely situated on the island of Austvagöy, dominated by the 569 meter-high mountain Svolvaergeita (= Svolvaer Goat), so named because of its two rocky horns.

Day 5: Harstad/Vesteralen – Tromsö – Skervöy - F/M/A
At night, the ship continues past the Vesteralen archipelago, with short stops in Stokmarknes, Sortland and Risoyhamn. In the morning, the ship reaches Harstad and Finnsnes, and in the early afternoon, Tromsö. Here, you will have a longer stay. The city with the northernmost university in the world is considered the "Gateway to the Arctic Ocean," as numerous Arctic expeditions started from here. Worth seeing in Tromsö are the Arctic Cathedral and the Polar Museum, which displays fascinating information about the polar expeditions of Amundsen and Nansen. A trip with the cable car up the local mountain, Storsteinen, withn a beautiful view of the city, is also worthwhile. Tromsö is also home to the northernmost brewery in the world.

Day 6: Havöysund – North Cape Island – Mehamn - F/M/A
After a short early morning stop in Hammerfest, the ship continues to the North Cape island of Mageröya. The ship docks in the main town of Honningsvag in the late morning. From there, you can take a three-hour shore excursion to the North Cape (additional charge). Here, you'll see the rocky plateau rising steeply about 300 meters out of the Arctic Ocean and the North Cape Hall, which was partially built underground into the rock. It features a viewing platform, an exhibition on the history of the North Cape, a restaurant with a fantastic view, and a bar. At the post office, you can purchase stamps and a North Cape certificate, and receive a special North Cape postmark. A spectacular film on a panoramic screen will also take you on a journey through the four seasons. The ship then continues north to the heartland of the Sami people. You'll pass their sacred site, the Finnkirka rock formation, before reaching the fishing village of Kjöllefjord. On an optional excursion, you can explore the beautiful landscape and learn about the Sami culture and way of life. You can also listen to the joik, their evocative traditional song.

Day 7: Kirkenes – Vardö – Batsfjord - F/M/A
The coastal views become more dramatic the closer you get to Kirkenes. Shortly after breakfast, you'll arrive in Kirkenes at 30° East – farther east than Istanbul and St. Petersburg. Kirkenes is known as the "Gateway to the East." Since the Russian border is only a few kilometers away, the road signs are written in Norwegian and Russian. Kirkenes has several small museums that showcase the remarkably rich history and heritage of this remote region. From Kirkenes, the ship now sails back south. Enjoy the views of the Arctic landscape from the deck or from the Panorama Lounge. In the afternoon, the ship docks once again in Vardö, Norway's easternmost port. Continuing south, you'll pass the Varanger Peninsula and reach Berlevag, home to one of Norway's most famous male choirs.

Day 8: Havöysund – Hammerfest – Skervöy - F/M/A
Today you will learn interesting facts about the island of Melköya – known for the northernmost gas terminal in the world. The ship will finally dock in Hammerfest, which advertises itself with the slogan "northernmost city in the world." The Meridian Column was erected to commemorate the survey of the Scandinavian-Russian Meridian Arc, which was completed in Hammerfest in 1852. The so-called Struve Arc is one of the most precise geodesy projects of the time. In addition to its significance for geodesy, it is also an early example of international scientific cooperation and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The journey continues south past Oksfjord to Skjervöy, an old trading post and the birthplace of Richard With, who founded the mail ship route Hurtigruten in 1893. You will then see the Lyngenfjord, lined with the high peaks of the Lyngen Alps. The ship will dock in Tromsö late in the evening.

Day 9: Harstad – Risöyhamn – Stokmarknes – Lofoten - F/M/A
In the morning, you'll reach Harstad, a major town on the Vesteralen islands. The journey continues past numerous bays and the towns of Risöyhamn and Sortland to Stokmarknes, where the Hurtigruten was once founded. A visit to the Hurtigruten Museum (optional) is highly recommended. Soon, you'll pass through the Raftsund, which separates the Vesteralen from the Lofoten Islands. The landscape, with its steep mountains, is impressive. Perhaps you'll be lucky and the ship will sail into the spectacular Trollfjord, which is only 100 meters wide in places (in winter this is only possible under certain conditions). The region is also the domain of the sea eagle. Once you reach Svolvaer, the main town in the Lofoten Islands, you can choose from various optional excursions, such as a guided fishing village tour. This will provide you with a good insight into the region's history and culture. In the evening, it's time to cast off again and continue your course south.

Day 10: Nesna – Sandnessjöen – Bronnöysund - F/M/A
Today you cross the Arctic Circle again. The ship stops briefly in Nesna, an idyllic old trading post, before continuing on to Sandnessjöen. You will soon reach the Vega Archipelago: The region is a bird paradise, especially for eider ducks, whose down is still collected here today. The Vega Archipelago is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in recognition of the harmonious and sustainable coexistence of the island's population with the eider ducks. The ship then stops for approximately 2.5 hours in Brönnöysund, beautifully situated in the heart of the Helgeland region, characterized by islands and mountains.

Day 11: Trondheim – Kristiansund – Molde - F/M/A
After docking in Trondheim early in the morning, the ship continues through the Trondheimfjord. On a headland at its mouth, you can see the Agdenes lighthouse. You soon pass the hilly island of Hitra, the Terningen lighthouse, numerous islands, and another pretty lighthouse: Tyrhaug fyr. The ship then passes the island of Edöya with its small, old stone church. In the afternoon, you reach the city of Kristiansund. The most important industry here is fishing and the processing of clipfish or stockfish.

Day 12: Florö – Bergen - F/M
During the night, the ship calls at Aalesund, Torvik, and Malöy. After a morning stop in Florö, the journey continues past countless islands and through the Hedlafjord, you finally reach Bergen again. From afar you can see the city's local mountains – Ulriken and Flöyen. Unfortunately, even the "most beautiful journey comes to an end. The ship docks in Bergen around 2:45 p.m. Here, you will be awaited for a city tour, during which you will discover numerous sights. You will also admire the former Hanseatic quarter of Bryggen, with its densely packed, attractive wooden houses. The German merchants who lived here in past centuries isolated themselves from the Norwegians. They even had their own church – the Romanesque St. Mary's Church. Their customs were harsh and life was hard: The living and business spaces of the wooden houses were unheated, as open fires were prohibited outside the assembly rooms (Schotstuene) and kitchens due to the fire hazard. After the city tour, you will check into your hotel in the center of Bergen.

Day 13: Bergen – own programm - F
Today, it's time to say goodbye to Norway. You'll be taken to the airport and fly home – surely with many wonderful memories. And perhaps you'll return soon, because Norway is, of course, beautiful in summer as well!

The Havila ships
Havila Voyages' new hybrid ships are powered by liquefied natural gas and the world's largest battery packs. This allows them to cruise for up to four hours with zero emissions and virtually no noise. The shipping company places great emphasis on sustainability: waste heat from cooling water is used to generate heat on board, and most of the food used for meals comes from local suppliers. Passengers can also contribute to protecting the environment: https://www.havilavoyages.com/de/nachhaltigkeit/eco-voyager

The up to 640 passengers on board have a wide range of amenities on offer: including two restaurants, a café, a fitness room, a whirlpool, a wraparound promenade deck, and the Observation Lounge with an unobstructed view of the sky. The German-speaking staff on board regularly informs guests about the culture and nature along the route, the 34 ports, and possible excursions.

The 2-bed interior cabins (without windows) are approximately 10 square meters in size and feature bunk beds, a wardrobe, a TV, and a bathroom with a shower.
The 2-bed Seaview Superior cabins (with windows) are approximately 15 square meters in size and offer side-by-side beds or a double bed, a wardrobe, a TV, a desk, a refrigerator, a hairdryer, a coffee maker, and a larger bathroom.

Alternative return journey
If you'd like to shorten the trip, you can finish the cruise in Trondheim (arriving in the morning) and then fly back home from there. We'd be happy to provide you with a suitable offer.

Did you know...
that the Havila Polaris and the Havila Pollux (identical to the other two Havila ships) were included in the US-based TIME magazine's list of "World's Greatest Places of 2024"? TIME highlights the sustainable ship technology as well as the unique Norwegian dining and experience offerings.