July 29-August 13, 2020
2020 Heritage Tour:
Norwegian Coastal Voyage
This tour was canceled. We look forward to traveling to Norway with you again.
You are invited to experience Hurtigruten’s classic northbound voyage along the Norwegian coast in a way only Vesterheim can offer. Your tour begins in the picturesque city of Bergen and the beautiful surrounding Hardangerfjord countryside before boarding Hurtigruten for “The World’s Most Beautiful Voyage.”
Enjoy seven days and six nights sailing through the calm, sheltered waters of Norway’s shoreline. The 34 ports of call range from major cities to small fishing hamlets with stops of a few minutes up to a few hours.
Your final port of call will be Kirkenes, one of the northernmost cities in Norway, nestled between Finland and Russia. The last days of your tour will be spent in Oslo, enjoying all that a capital city has to offer—museums, unique shops, and local spots to relax and take it all in.
With the help of your tour guide, Knut Werner-Hagen, every day of this incredible tour will be filled with opportunities to explore Norway and see breathtaking landscapes both on land and at sea. Knut’s knowledge and respect for the beauty and history of his beloved Norway will make this an unforgettable travel experience.
Day 1 Wed., July 29: Minneapolis-Bergen
Depart Minneapolis on your transatlantic flight to Bergen, Norway, via Reykjavik.
Day 2 Thurs., July 30: Bergen (D)
Arrive at Flesland Airport in Bergen. After arrival in the city center, take a few hours to explore this beautiful city before the welcome dinner and overnight at Clarion Hotel Admiral, Bergen.
Day 3 Fri., July 31: Bergen (B)
Begin your day with a guided walking tour of the Bryggen and the Fløibanen funicular. Afternoon and evening on your own to explore the city. Overnight at Clarion Hotel Admiral, Bergen.
Day 4 Sat., Aug. 1: Bergen-Lofthus (B/L/D)
Depart on a two-day journey through the inspirational Hardangerfjord area and its majestic mountains and waterfalls, with visits to the Steinstø Fruit Farm and the Kjeåsen Mountain Farm. Overnight at Hotel Ullensvang in Lofthus.
Day 5 Sun., Aug. 2: Utne-Lofthus (B/L/D)
Continue to explore the beautiful Hardangerfjord area with visits to the Hardanger Folkmuseum and the Utne Hotel for lunch. Overnight at Hotel Ullensvang in Lofthus.
Day 6 Mon., Aug. 3: Eidfjord-Coastal Voyage (B/L/D)
Begin the day at Norway’s largest national park, Hardangervidda National Park, before returning to Bergen to board the MS Nordnorge in time for dinner and the beginning of six days of sailing on the “World’s Most Beautiful Voyage.”
Day 7 Tues., Aug. 4: Florø-Maløy-Torvik-Alesund-Geiranger-Molde-Kristiansund (B/L/D)
Stroll around the town of Alesund. At the port in Geiranger, enjoy the beautiful waterfalls— Brudesløret (Bridal Veil), Friaren (Suitor), and Seven Sisters waterfalls, which dance down the mountain.
Day 8 Wed., Aug. 5: Trondheim-Rørvik (B/L/D)
Begin the day with a private tour of Trondheim, including Nidaros Cathedral. From Trondheim, sail past low hills and rolling farmland—a landscape seen nowhere else along the route. The ship will pass numerous islands before arriving in Rørvik.
Day 9 Thurs., Aug. 6: Bronnøysund-Sandnessjoen-Nesna-Ørnes-Bodø-Stamsund-Svolvær (B/L/D)
You will cross over the Arctic Circle before you are fully awake. Now in the land of the Midnight Sun, the ship will follow the mighty Børvass Mountains on its way into Bodø.
Day 10 Fri., Aug. 7: Stokmarknes-Sortland-Risøvhamn-Harstad-Finnsnes-Tromsø-Skjervøy (B/L/D)
The ship will call in Harstad at breakfast time and then will continue through Vågsfjord and Malangen before starting its approach to Tromsø, where you will have three hours to explore the capital of “Arctic Norway.”
Day 11 Sat., Aug. 8: Øksfjord-Hammerfest-Havøysund-Honingsvåg-Kjøllefjord-Mehamn-Berlevåg (B/L/D)
Arrive early in Hammerfest and enjoy the dramatic landscape of the Finnmark region. You will see lively ports bustling with activity. The ship will turn east across Austhavet toward the well-known fishing villages of Kjøllefjord, Mehamn, and Berlevåg.
Day 12 Sun., Aug. 9: Båtsfjord-Vardø-Vadsø-Kirkenes (B/L)
Arrive in Kirkenes in the morning and depart for a visit to the Borderland Museum and a close encounter with the Russian border. Overnight at Thon Hotel Kirkenes.
Day 13 Mon., Aug. 10: Kirkenes-Oslo (B)
After breakfast, we depart Kirkenes and fly to Oslo, with the remainder of the day free to explore Oslo on your own. Overnight at Thon Hotel Bristol.
Day 14 Tues., Aug. 11: Oslo (B/L)
Enjoy a morning guided city tour, including special stops at Vigeland Park, Norsk Folk Museum and lunch at Café Arcadia. Overnight at Thon Hotel Bristol.
Day 15 Wed., Aug. 12: Oslo (B/D)
Take the morning and lunchtime to relax, pack and visit the places you have missed in Oslo. Depart in the afternoon for the Ski Museum, Holmenkollbakken ski jump and a farewell dinner at Holmenkollen Restaurant. Overnight at Thon Hotel Bristol.
Day 16 Thurs., Aug. 13: Oslo-United States (B)
After breakfast, transfer to airport for transatlantic flight home.
Tour costs:
Price per person double occupancy $7,725
Single Supplement $2,000
Land Only $6,720
Minimum of 35 participants
Maximum of 45 participants
Price Includes (as listed in this itinerary):
• Roundtrip airfare, taxes and fuel surcharge on Icelandair from Minneapolis
• Accommodations for 8 nights
• Six-night cruise on the Hurtigruten
• Daily breakfast (B), 10 lunches (L), 10 dinners (D)
• Guided city tours in Oslo, Bergen, and Trondheim
• Gratuity for bus driver and guides
• Hire of first-class tour coach, including English-speaking driver
• All domestic ferry crossings and tunnels for coach and passengers
• Admission fees to all museums and attractions
• Comprehensive information kit
• Vesterheim travel gift including luggage tags
Please read “Tour Terms and Conditions.”
Reserve Your Spot on Tour
Tour Guide and Leader
GUIDE: Knut Werner-Hagen
Knut Werner-Hagen has been leading tours with Vesterheim since 2013. He holds a master’s degree in history from the University of Oslo and has written numerous articles and books. Knut served as an officer in the Norwegian Army for 30 years and, during the last 15 years of his career, he lectured on military history at the Norwegian Military Academy in Oslo.
LEADER: Katherine Johnson
Katherine Johnson, Vesterheim’s Coordinator of Tours to Norway, will make your tour experience worry-free, interesting, and memorable from your first inquiry to your last farewell. Her work in education, college recruiting, and planning international study tours contribute to delivering you a superior travel experience.