Hurtigruten North Cape Express and Northern Lights
Meet in Bergen to join Vesterheim friends for a special trip along the entire coast of Norway! Hurtigruten is offering a brand-new coastal voyage. The cruise sails from Bergen to the North Cape and then back down all the way around the southern tip of Norway to Oslo. This express voyage will have fewer stops and offer different excursion opportunities than previous summer tours.
There will be unique winter excursion opportunities along the way including fishing, dog sledding, snowmobiling, and a visit to the Northern Lights Cathedral, among many others. Because of the 12 hours of night this time of the year, Hurtigruten is offering expanded onboard programming with presentations and demonstrations each evening. Included in the price are their all-inclusive dining and unlimited drinks.
Many people would love to see the Northern Lights in person, and there is no better place to experience them than in northern Norway. Scientists predict increased solar activity this coming year, making your chances of seeing the Northern Lights even better. And one of the best places to get away from the city lights is on board the Hurtigruten. All cabins have a “Northern Lights” alert system. Best of all, Hurtigruten is offering a guarantee – if you don’t see the Northern Lights, you will get a future free trip.
We sail on the MS Trollfjord, newly renovated in 2023 with a capacity of 500 passengers.
Once we dock in Oslo, our Vesterheim group will extend our time one day for a special tour of the capital city and a farewell dinner together. We’ll offer a shuttle to the airport to fly home on your own. We’re thrilled to travel the Norwegian coast with you!
Day 1 Thur., March 27: Bergen
Arrive in Bergen, Norway’s cultural and artistic hotspot, and meet your tour mates! Overnight at Clarion Hotel Bergen in the Bryggen area.
Day 2 Fri., March 28: Bergen (B, L, D)
After breakfast at your hotel, enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of Bergen. Visit well-known sites like Nordnes Peninsula, medieval Håkon’s Hall, the Renaissance-era Rosenkrantz Tower, the 12th-century St Mary’s Church, and the UNESCO-listed buildings in the Bryggen district. Board the MS Trollfjord for lunch and a late afternoon departure.
Day 3 Sat., March 29: Molde (B, L, D)
Explore Molde, the capital and commercial center of Romsdalen, including the Romsdal Museum, one of Norway’s largest folk museums.
Day 4 Sun., March 30: Rørvik (B, L, D)
Enjoy this town in the Vikna archipelago, a chain of about 6,000 islands, islets, and skerries. Explore the maritime legacy or learn about salmon farming.
Day 5 Mon., March 31: Lødingen (B, L, D)
Wander the streets near the port and admire the traditional red fishing huts that line the shore. The highlight of this visit is definitely the breathtaking fjords and mountains that have made the Norwegian coast so famous.
Day 6 Tues., April 1: Alta (B, L, D)
Get your camera ready! Alta is known for good Northern Lights visibility. You will have the chance to see prehistoric rock art, as well as learn the science behind the Northern Lights.
Day 7 Wed., April 2: Honningsvåg (B, L, D)
Near this northernmost city on the mainland, marvel at the stunning views and photograph the iconic globe monument at the North Cape.
Day 8 Thur., April 3: Tromsø (B, L, D)
This Arctic Capital, 217 miles north of the Arctic Circle, is an urban center buzzing with life. It’s another great chance of seeing the Northern Lights and local excursions connect you with outdoor activities and local culture.
Day 9 Fri., April 4: Stokmarknes (B, L, D)
Explore Lofoten, a striking group of islands that rise out of the Norwegian Sea and one of Norway’s most stunning locations. We’ll dock in Svolvær in the afternoon, a town humming with shops, restaurants, galleries, and cafés.
Day 10 Sat., April 5: Brønnøysund (B, L, D)
Surrounded by islands and water, Brønnøysund sits on a narrow peninsula that juts out from the mainland. Enjoy the bustling atmosphere of the harbor and stroll along Havnegata or visit an 1870 stone church built in neo-Gothic style.
Day 11 Sun., April 6: Ålesund (B, L, D)
Enter this fairy-tale town, filled with narrow streets lined with unique houses. Every detail of the buildings, from the bright colors to the rounded spires, were inspired by the Art Nouveau style, which was popular in the early 1900s. Take a walking tour and taste some of the best local beer from a small brewery, or take a scenic bus tour to Alnes to experience the Saga Islands, see a lighthouse, and hear countless tales of the Vikings.
Day 12 Mon., April 7: Haugesund (B, L, D)
Journey south along Norway’s west coast past some of Norway’s most famous fjords, including Hardangerfjord. Stop at Haugesund, the ‘Home of the Viking Kings,’ whose nickname is inspired by sites such as St. Olav’s Church, built in 1250 by King Håkon Hå, and Haraldshaugen, a national monument reputed to be the first king’s burial site. Step back in time to the Viking Age by visiting the fascinating exhibits at Nordvegen History Centre.
Day 13 Tues., April 8: Kristiansand (B, L, D)
Explore Kristiansand’s WWII history or join a walking tour focusing on the green initiatives of this port city.
Day 14 Wed., April 9: Oslo (B, D)
We’ll disembark from the ship in the morning for a guided group tour of the capitol city including a visit to Vigeland Park and the National Folkmuseum where you can purchase lunch. The afternoon with be a chance to explore Oslo on your own. We gather again for a farewell dinner together and overnight at Thon Hotel Bristol in the heart of Oslo.
Day 15 Thur., April 10: (B)
Morning coach shuttle to the airport.
Price:
Per person, double occupancy $4100
Single Supplement $2380
Deposit: $1000 per person
Full invoice will be sent out August 1 with final payment due by September 1.
Minimum 20 participants; Maximum 35
Please read “Tour Terms and Conditions”
Price Includes:
– All meals and overnight on board the Hurtigruten
– Farewell dinner and Hotel overnight in Oslo
– Oslo City tour in a comfortable motor coach
– Gratuity to bus driver and tour guide
– Admission fees to museum
– Vesterheim luggage tags, name badges and tour information
Please Note: The final day in Oslo will involve standing, some walking and some stairs at Vigeland Park. Lunch is on your own at the Norwegian Folk Museum. You will handle your own luggage.
Each stop includes time to explore on your own or choose special optional activities.
Excursions are not included in the price. Participants can sign up for excursions when they get on board depending on availability, or ahead of time through Vesterheim. Below is a list of excursions with dates, prices, and locations. Click on the Excursion Code for a full description on the Hurtigruten website. If you want to register for excursions when you register, include the Excursion Code and information on your registration form.
HRI-MOL2A
The Atlantic Road – A Scenic Bus Tour from Molde
29/03/2025 08:00-12:00 $179.00
MOLDE
HRI-RVK3A
Timetravel through Rørvik
30/03/2025 10:00-11:30 $79.00
RØRVIK
HRI-RVK3C
Nærøya: The Island of the Gods
30/03/2025 10:00-13:00 $239.00
RØRVIK
HRI-LOD4F
Fishing with a Local
31/03/2025 14:00-16:00 $239.00
LØDINGEN
HRI-LOD4B
Steamship Wharf and Coastal Culture
31/03/2025 14:00-16:00 $90.00
LØDINGEN
HRI-LOD4A
Sámi Experience
31/03/2025 14:00-16:00 $239.00
LØDINGEN
HRI-ALF5D
UNESCO Rock Art & Northern Lights Cathedral
01/04/2025 13:00-16:00 $169.00
ALTA
HRI-HVG6A
North Cape and King Crab Experience – Winter
02/04/2025 08:00-14:00 $279.00
HONNINGSVÅG
HRI-HVG6AB
The North Cape
02/04/2025 08:00-14:30 $179.00
HONNINGSVÅG
HRI-TOS7B
Dogsledding in Winter Wonderland
03/04/2025 08:00-11:30 $339.00
TROMSØ
HRI-TOS7A
Tromsø, The Arctic Capital – Winter
03/04/2025 08:00-11:30 $139.00
TROMSØ
HRI-SVJ8A
Lofoten Winter – Art, History, and Henningsvær
04/04/2025 15:30-18:00 $129.00
SVOLVÆR
HRI-SKN8C
The Coastal Express Heritage Tour
04/04/2025 09:00-10:00 $99.00
STOKMARKNES
HRI-SKN8A
Best of Vesterålen Winter – History, Arts & Culture Tour
04/04/2025 09:00-12:00 $209.00
STOKMARKNES
HRI-SKN8H
Winter Mountain Hike in Vesterålen
04/04/2025 09:00-12:00 $109.00
STOKMARKNES
HRI-BNN9D
A Winter’s Walk and Mini-Concert in Brønnøysund
05/04/2025 10:00-11:50 $109.00
BRØNNØYSUND
HRI-BNN9A
Legends of Torghatten and Brønnøysund – Winter
05/04/2025 10:00-12:45 $159.00
BRØNNØYSUND
HRI-AES10C
Saga Islands Bus Tour to Alnes – Winter
06/04/2025 10:30-13:30 $179.00
ÅLESUND
HRI-AES10B
Architecture & Breweries – Ålesund on Foot
06/04/2025 10:00-12:30 $129.00
ÅLESUND
HRI-HAU11D
Viking Experience by Small Boat RIB
07/04/2025 15:00-17:40 $309.00
HAUGESUND
HRI-HAU11C
Haugesund Art Walk with a Local Artist
07/04/2025 15:00-17:00 $89.00
HAUGESUND
HRI-HAU11B
E-Bike the Coast of Haugesund
07/04/2025 15:00-17:00 $139.00
HAUGESUND
HRI-HAU11A
Haugesund Viking Tour by Bus
07/04/2025 15:00-17:50 $139.00
HAUGESUND
HRI-KRS12B
Kristiansand WWII History Tour
08/04/2025 10:30-13:30 $119.00
KRISTIANSAND
HRI-KRS12A
Highlights of South Coast & South Cape
08/04/2025 10:00-16:30 $339.00
KRISTIANSAND
HRI-KRS12D
Green Walking Tour of Kristiansand
08/04/2025 10:00-12:00 $53.00
KRISTIANSAND
Reserve Your Spot on Tour
For more information about upcoming tours:
Rolf Svanoe
563-382-9681, ext. 240
Vesterheim is aware of concern about the impact travel has on the environment. We are committed to encouraging travel and cultural exploration, while taking responsibility for a fair share of the environmental cost tours incur. Starting in 2025, for each tour to Norway, Vesterheim will invest in the National Philanthropic Trust: Rick Steves’ Europe Climate Smart Fund. Read more here.
Tour Leader
LEADER: Laurann Gilbertson
Laurann Gilbertson is Vesterheim’s Chief Curator. Since 2003, she has planned and led more than 10 Textile Study Tours, including one to North Norway.