Discover Norway with Summer Snowhotel Stay

Depending on when you arrive, you may have time to explore this beautiful and compact city. The Flytoget Airport Express train takes around 20 minutes to travel from the airport to central Oslo, and one leaves every few minutes. Tickets can be bought in the train station. Alternatively, if you’re tired after your journey, you may wish to use the time relaxing and recharging. Check-in at your airport hotel get ready for your journey to Norway’s far north in the morning.

After breakfast, it’s time to leave the hotel, make your own way to the check-in area of the airport and board your flight heading north. You’ll fly the length of Norway’s mainland all the way to Kirkenes, going from around 60 to 70 degrees north. When you step off the plane, you’re approximately 400km north of the Arctic Circle, on the very edge of Norway. The Arctic town of Kirkenes is a place of adventures in wild landscapes, with a unique blend of cultures. The transfer bus will take you to the Snowhotel. From here we start our included excursion, a king crab safari by RIB boat. The tour includes a look at the fjord surroundings, as well as catching king crabs and steaming them in a rustic boathouse restaurant, where they will be prepared in the northern Norwegian style, with bread, mayonnaise and lemon. After this exciting excursion, which will also feature tastings, you’ll return to the Snowhotel for check-in. Later, there will be an introduction and welcome, which includes a three-course dinner. Then, retire to your snow room for a night in one of Europe’s most unique hotels experiences.

This morning you’ll start the day off with a hotel breakfast. Then, it’s time to check out and go on your included excursion to the Norway-Russia border. Here, in beautiful surroundings, you’ll learn about the eventful shared history of the two countries. We’ll drive through the Pasvikdalen valley, home to brown bears and an impressive array of other flora and fauna, and cross over the serene Pasvik River. Also part of the tour is a visit to the guarded border at Storskog – something you’ll just need to remember as no photos are allowed! At around lunchtime, you’ll be dropped at the ship, along with your luggage. Ahead of you lies five days filled with dramatic landscapes, UNESCO World Heritage sites and delicious onboard dining with Norway’s Coastal Kitchen. To begin with, you’ll briefly sail into the three small ports of Vardø, Båtsford and Berlevåg, situated around the wild Varanger peninsula before night falls on this first part of your journey south.

We make stops at Mehamn and Kjøllefjord during the night before early morning visits to Honningsvåg and Havøysund. In the early afternoon, you’ll spend time in Hammerfest, which has the largest population on a list of the world’s northernmost settlements. See the UNESCO-listed Meridian Column, shop for souvenirs at the Polar Bear Society, or take the path behind the town to the viewpoint atop Mount Salen. We continue cruising Norway’s coastline south to Øksfjord and then to Skjervøy, surrounded by mountain peaks. We’ve been docking at this vital fishing port since 1896. As we make our way to Tromsø, you might also glimpse views of the Lyngen Alps which boast some of the highest peaks in all of Norway. We dock at Tromsø just before midnight. In the summer months, you can stroll around the still busy city in glorious 24-hour daylight.

Today, you’ll be exploring the archipelagos of Lofoten and Vesterålen, real highlights of our Norway scenic route. After Finnsnes early in the morning, the ship calls at Harstad where the white-washed Trondenes Church, the world’s northernmost medieval stone church, sits on the peninsula. Next is our smallest port of call Risøyhamn and then Sortland where the landscape slowly transforms from hills to 1,000-metre-high mountains. Our birthplace, Stokmarknes, is where Captain Richard With began The Coastal Express in 1893. Visit Hurtigrutemuseet, a ship-in-a-bottle building that chronicles our legacy, centred around retired ship MS Finnmarken from 1956. Sailing along Raftsund, the Captain may choose to take the ship into tiny Trollfjord if the weather allows. The mountain walls will look so close you’ll think you can reach out and brush them! To exit the fjord, the ship will rotate 180 degrees on the spot, then sail back out. Remember to look out for sea eagles here too. We reach Svolvær in the evening. The huge mountain that sits above the town is named the Svolvær Goat due to its supposed resemblance. See if you agree! The ship then sails for Stamsund, eventually passing the giant granite cliffs of the Lofoten Wall.

The ship calls at Bodø in the small hours of the morning and then Ørnes at 7am. We then cross over the Arctic Circle just after breakfast. Commemorate the moment with a tradition of tasting a spoonful of good ol’ Norwegian cod liver oil! We make a short stop at Nesna before sailing on to Sandnessjøen, gateway to the magnificent Helgeland Coast. Admire the stunning landscape of the Seven Sisters mountain range, with peaks up to 1,100m high. The tale goes that seven beautiful troll princesses, fleeing from an unwanted suitor, got caught out as the sun rose, turning them into the seven beautiful mountains you see today. You’ll also not want to miss views of Torghatten Mountain, with the distinctive hole in it. There is a local legend as to why and how this mountain came to have such a hole. Make sure you ask your Expedition Team about it! We reach Brønnøysund mid-afternoon. Explore the bustling marina on a walk along Havnegata. In the centre of town is Brønnøy Church: a stone church in the Neo-Gothic style dating back to 1870. Our last stop of the day is the cosy fishing port of Rørvik in the picturesque Vikna archipelago.

Spend the morning in Trondheim, then sail past beautiful island scenery and some of Norway’s smallest communities before exploring Kristiansund and Molde. Stroll around Trondheim in the early morning as the city wakes. Visit the sacred Nidaros Cathedral, resting place of St. Olav. Then, walk to Gamle Bybro bridge for a photo opportunity over Nid River. Treat yourself to quality coffee and a Nordic patisserie in one of the Bakklandet district’s many chic cafés then walk up to Kristiansten Fort for great views of Norway’s third largest city. We dock at Kristiansund’s harbour in the late afternoon. The town is spread over three islands and known for being Norway’s “Bacalao Capital” for the salted cod that’s dried on the surrounding cliffs, called klippfisk in Norwegian. Take a walk around the cobblestone streets of the old town and tour the lively port. You can also head up to the old watchtower at Varden viewpoint for a lovely panorama. The penultimate port of the day is Molde where you can spot the tops of the Romsdal Alps. Nicknamed “The City of Roses”, flowers should be in bloom between mid-June and late August.

Our Norwegian coastal cruise together, at least this time, will reach its end later today. During the previous night, we’ll have called at Ålesund and Torvik. On our approach to Måløy, you might catch a glimpse of the northbound Coastal Express if you’re up early enough. You’ll have a chance to glimpse Nordfjord, under the enormous Jostedal Glacier, mainland Europe’s largest. The ship then docks at Florø in the morning where you can take in the harbour and marina. Leaving Florø, you’ll spot Stabben Lighthouse, a favourite subject for photographers. There’s also stunning views to enjoy as we cross the mouth of Sognefjord, the longest and widest fjord in the whole of Norway. As we reach our final port in the afternoon, the ship will navigate through the last islands and skerries of our Norway scenic route, and sail down Hjeltefjord to arrive into Bergen. But luckily your journey is not over yet. After disembarkation you’ll take a transfer bus to your hotel to check in. Spend the afternoon discovering the city known as the ‘Gateway to the Fjords’. Founded in 1070 CE, Bergen retains much of its historical charm and character, making it a fascinating place to explore. Perhaps start by visiting the UNESCO-listed Bryggen district, where colourful wharfs dating back to the 14th century stand as a testament to the city's rich trading history. Stroll through the cobblestone alleyways lined with quaint shops, art galleries, and cozy cafes. Enjoy a meal at a café or restaurant, sampling local delicacies such as fresh fish and traditional Norwegian dishes. For a bird's-eye view of the city, take a trip on the Fløibanen funicular to the top of Mount Fløyen. The panoramic views from the summit are truly captivating, offering a great perspective of Bergen and the surrounding fjords. Don't miss the famous fish market, where you can sample an array of fresh seafood and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of this bustling port city. With its blend of historical sites, natural beauty, and lively culture.

After a good breakfast, a transfer bus will take you to the railway station in Bergen. This is where your train journey on the Bergen Line to Oslo through the breathtaking landscape of Western Norway begins. It is Northern Europe’s highest railway line, with Finse being the highest train station at 1,222 metres above sea level. Today, you’ll cross the Hardangervidda National Park, onto the Hardangervidda plateau, Europe’s largest high mountain plateau. So, sit back and enjoy the views of cascading waterfalls, deep fjords and majestic mountains. Depending on which train you book, arrival in Oslo is at either in the afternoon or early evening . Once you arrive in Oslo, make your way to the hotel, which is only a two-minute walk away from the train station, and enjoy the rest of the evening at your leisure.

The journey ends here in Oslo, but only after you have enjoyed a proper Norwegian breakfast buffet. But there are plenty of things to see and do in Oslo, if you have time before your return journey. You are welcome to extend your trip with us if you have not yet discovered enough of Norway.