June 17-30, 2023
2023 Heritage Tour:
Norwegian Coastal Voyage
This tour is currently full – we are accepting deposits for the waitlist.
You are invited to experience the classic northbound voyage along the Norwegian coast in a way only Vesterheim can offer. Your experience will begin in the picturesque city of Bergen and the breathtaking Hardangerfjord countryside before boarding a beautiful new Havila sailing ship.
Enjoy seven days and six nights sailing through the calm, sheltered waters of Norway’s shoreline aboard an environmentally friendly Havila ship. The ports of call range from major cities to small fishing hamlets with stops for as long as 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. Your last days of this fantastic 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 make this an unforgettable travel experience.
You will arrange your own round-trip flights to Norway and transportation to the Hotel Norge by Scandic in Bergen.
Day 1 Sat., June 17: Bergen (D)
Welcome dinner and overnight at Hotel Norge by Scandic, Bergen.
Day 2 Sun., June 18: 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 Hotel Norge by Scandic, Bergen.
Day 3 Mon., June 19: Bergen-Ulvik (B/L/D)
Depart on a two-day journey through the inspirational Hardangerfjord area and its majestic mountains and waterfalls, with a visit to the Kjeåsen Mountain Farm. Overnight at Brakanes Hotel, Ulvik.
Day 4 Tues., June 20: Utne-Ulvik (B/L/D)
Continue to explore the beautiful Hardangerfjord area with visits to the Hardanger Folkmuseum and the Utne Hotel for lunch. Overnight at Brakanes Hotel.
Day 5 Wed., June 21: Eidfjord-Coastal Voyage (B/L/D)
Begin the day at the Hardangervidda Nature Center in Eidfjord, the entrance to Norway’s largest National Park. Return in the afternoon to board the Havila Castor in time for dinner and the beginning of six days sailing the “World’s Most Beautiful Voyage. Each day of the cruise, Havila will offer multiple excursion opportunities to explore and discover Norway’s coastline.
Day 6 Thurs., June 22: 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 7 Fri., June 23: 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 8 Sat., June 24: 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 9 Sun., June 25: 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 10 Mon., June 26: 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 11 Tues., June 27: Båtsfjord-Vardø-Vadsø-Kirkenes (B/L)
Arrive in Kirkenes in the morning and depart for a visit to the Borderland Museum and the sandy shores of the Barents Sea. Overnight at Thon Hotel Kirkenes.
Day 12 Wed., June 28: 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 Grand Hotel.
Day 13 Thurs., June 29: Oslo (B/L/D)
Enjoy a morning guided city tour, including special stops at Vigeland Park, Norsk Folk Museum and lunch at the Fram Museum. Farewell dinner and overnight at Grand Hotel.
Day 14 Fri., June 30: Oslo-United States (B)
After breakfast, optional transfer to airport for your flight home.
Price:
Per person, double occupancy $6595
Single Supplement $2172
Maximum of 25 participants
Please read “Tour Terms and Conditions”
Price Includes:
– Accommodations for 7 nights
– Six-night cruise on Havila Castor
– 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 Note: The tour will involve standing, walking (including cobblestones and uneven terrain), and stairs. There may not be elevators at all sites. You will handle your own luggage at airports, and at hotels.
See “Tour Terms and Conditions” for more information.
The tour operator reserves the right to make changes necessary in order to give travelers the best experience possible.
For more information contact:
Rolf Svanoe
563-382-9681 ext: 240
NorwayTours@vesterheim.org
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: Rolf Svanoe
Vesterheim’s Coordinator of Tours to Norway looks forward to welcoming you on this “most beautiful voyage in the world.” Rolf has led tours all over Europe, as well as four tours to Norway, including the Coastal Voyage. His goal is to help make your experience a trip of a lifetime.