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The Independent
06-02-2025
- The Independent
Delve into Norway's rich history with an expert tour
Norway's compelling past is etched into its coastline, from the Viking era to the modern day. From centuries-old fishing villages, to UNESCO World Heritage sites and ancient churches, there's a vast amount to explore, and no better way to do so than with a cruise around the key ports and hard-to-get to places where you can really immerse yourself in Norway's fascinating and diverse history. What's more, on a Hurtigruten cruise, you'll be accompanied by a local Coastal Experience Team who know this sliver of the world better than anyone else. Hurtigruten has sailed the Norwegian coast since 1893, uncovering the country from a locals' perspective and providing years-honed insights into the nature, culture and history you'll encounter en route. They also offer original experiences that look beyond the typical tourist spots, with specialised team members hosting lectures and leading guided hikes and bespoke activities along the way. Read on to discover just some of these historical highlights… Norway's historical treasures All the routes on Hurtigruten cruises offer the opportunity to step straight into a history book, but even more so on The Coastal Express route that starts and ends in Bergen, swinging by Kirkenes. This voyage passes through some of Norway's coolest historical hotspots. In Bergen, you can visit the UNESCO World Heritage site, Bryggen. Meander between narrow rows of colourful wooden buildings dating back to the early 12th century, standing as a reminder of Bergen's vital role in Northern Europe's maritime ship also docks in Trondheim, where guests can explore the Trøndelag region of Norway. It was founded by Viking king Olav Tryggvason in 997 AD, and is equal parts magic, medieval and modern. Today it's Norway's third largest city yet still boasts numerous reminders of its ancient past, such as Scandinavia's largest medieval building, Nidaros Cathedral, often called Norway's Notre Dame. This architectural masterpiece lies next door to the Archbishop's Palace, where Norway's crown jewels are proudly displayed. Head on a guided tour of the city to learn more, take in the stunning city views from Utsikten, and spend some time exploring the cathedral. Life in the Arctic By day six of this voyage, you'll reach the town of Hammerfest on the island of Kvaløya (if you're sailing in summer, you might just see the thousands of reindeer on their annual migration from their southern winter grazing grounds to greener spring pastures). By mid-morning, you'll be at the portal to the North Cape, Honningsvåg, the gateway to the northernmost point of Europe. Depending on the season, the Midnight Sun might shine bright, or the Northern Lights may put on a show – Hurtigruten even have a Northern Lights Promise: a free cruise if you don't see them during the season (valid on 11-day plus voyages from 22nd September to 31st March). From here, you'll enter the heart of Sámi, Kjøllefjord, where the building-like rock formation Finnkirka lies, a cathedral-shaped sea cliff and ancient sacrificial site once used by the indigenous Sámi people, seafarers and fishermen. Soak up the sights on board, or take a snowmobile day trip to meet the Sámi, listen to their stories and learn about their lives as reindeer herders. You'll even get to hear traditional joik folk songs. Viking legends and local huskies No adventure in Norway would be complete without deep diving into the age of the Vikings, and many Hurtigruten excursions include visits to sites, such as the Lofotr Viking Museum in Borg, where you can stroll around an old reconstructed longhouse and reimagine life as a Viking. On The Svalbard Line, part of their Signature Voyages collection, including premium, all-inclusive food and beverages and longer time spent in each port, you'll start in Bergen, before heading to Svalbard and back to Bergen again. You'll encounter everything from majestic fjords and remote islands to quaint Norwegian towns. While docked at Longyearbyen on the banks of Isfjorden, the second longest fjord in the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard, you'll have ample time to wander around its pubs, galleries and restaurants. Check out the North Pole Expedition Museum to hear the stories of pioneers who set off to reach the North Pole in the early 1900s. For those eager to explore more of this remarkable region, there's an optional excursion that takes you beyond Longyearbyen and into the scenic Advent Valley to Camp Barentz. Here you can learn about the history and heritage of the local huskies, tuck into Norwegian waffles and learn all about the King of the Arctic – the majestic polar bear. You'll also stop by the Svalbard Museum, which offers insights into over 400 years of the archipelago's history. A taste of Norway Norway's food tells the story of its history, influenced by its rugged landscape and long winters. Local ingredients like berries, root vegetables, and reindeer meat take centre stage, especially on a cruise with Hurtigruten. As they sail along Norway's abundant coastline, they source the finest homegrown produce from ports along the way, which you can enjoy at their onboard restaurants. This delicious and diverse cuisine is available as an all-inclusive option on Signature Voyages, their premium cruise offering. On board the beautifully designed MS Trollfjord, which sails The Svalbard Line and The North Cape Line, every restaurant champions Norwegian cuisine in all its glory, with a strong focus on sustainability, from fjord or field to fork. The main onboard restaurant, Flora, plates up seasonal dishes like Arctic char and wild game, while Brasserie Árran is all about hearty Sámi-inspired dishes such as reindeer stew. There's also Røst for a more fine-dining experience, spotlighting Norwegian seafood like stockfish, salmon, and sea urchins. Whether you're experiencing Norway's storied past via your tastebuds or wandering around Viking relics, a Hurtigruten cruise promises one thing: an unforgettable journey into Norway's magnificent history alongside those who know it best.
The Independent
28-01-2025
- The Independent
Culture cruise: From galleries and museums to cuisine, delve into enriching Norwegian experiences
Culture lovers will feel right at home in Norway. Whether you want to delve into its ancient Viking history, learn more about Norwegian traditions, or just explore the countless museums and galleries, there is something for all curious culture seekers. From the colourful fishing villages of Lofoten to the Indigenous Sámi traditions in the north, Norway's got it all. The best way to learn about the Norwegian way of life is to go on a Hurtigruten cruise alongside their local Coastal Experience Team, who know Norway better than anyone. Between them, they have many years of knowledge and are on hand to help you delve deep into Norway's compelling culture. They also provide unique experiences beyond typical tourist spots, with specialised team members hosting lectures and leading optional, guided hikes and activities. Choose from an Original Voyage or a Signature Voyage, both offering the chance to wholly experience Norwegian history and culture. The former follows the original Coastal Express route founded by Hurtigruten over 130 years ago, traversing up to 34 diverse ports, with opportunities to hop off and explore charming towns, fascinating sites and local experiences, and enjoy delicious Norwegian dishes as you sail, with regional ingredients sourced along the way. While on premium Signature Voyages, you can enjoy a journey around up to 14 handpicked destinations. Between lengthy on-shore visits, you can enjoy all-inclusive options at the onboard restaurants serving fine Norwegian cuisine amid exquisite surroundings. Every meal tells a story of Norway's bountiful coastline, from fresh Arctic char and cod to cloudberries and reindeer on to discover cultural must-sees and dos you can experience en route… Coastal hotspots and cultural gems Start your cultural exploration in Bergen, Norway's second-largest city and the starting point for the iconic Coastal Express route, founded in 1893 and one many describe as the world's most beautiful voyage. This old city goes back to the year 1070 and is brimming with cultural hotspots, like the UNESCO-listed wharves of the colourful Bryggen district. If you have time before you depart, grab lunch from the famous fish market before swinging by the KODE art museum, where you can see works from iconic Norwegian artists like Edvard Munch. You could also hop on the Fløibanen funicular to Mount Fløyen for epic views of the city and surrounding fjords. Further along the route, you'll visit the Trøndelag region, Norway's third-largest city, dotted with historic buildings like Nidaros Cathedral, nicknamed Norway's Notre Dame. It's considered the most sacred building in all of Norway and sits side by side with the Archbishop's Palace, home to Norway's crown jewels belonging to the monarchy, dating back more than a thousand years. The Lofoten Islands are a highlight on the Coastal Express route. This stunning archipelago is known for its towering peaks, fishing villages, and thriving art scene. Visit local galleries scattered around the region, each housing a curated collection that tells a story inspired by the soaring Lofoten peaks and the Arctic waters. Magic Ice Lofoten in Svolvær celebrates ice art and coastal culture, while The Glass Hut Vikten is on the outskirts of the island Flakstadøya and is all about rustic works of art made from glass, inspired by the rugged nature of Norway. And if you want to explore the landscapes behind this, there are also plenty of hiking trails leading to breathtaking viewpoints or the chance to kayak among the waterways. Sámi culture and Arctic highlights Some routes also stop at Mehamn, where you can go on an excursion among the Sámi, Europe's northernmost indigenous people. Sámi history and culture are deeply connected to Arctic nature, which has played a pivotal role in their traditional nomadic way of life. They're known for their reindeer herding, traditional crafts, and unbreakable bond with nature. You'll get to spend some time alongside a Sámi family and learn about their traditions, reindeer culture, and traditional crafts, known as duodji. You'll also have ample time to explore Tromsø on Hurtigruten's North Cape Line on one of their premium, all-inclusive Signature Voyages. It's the gateway to the Arctic and home to the Polar Museum, where you can learn all about exploration in the region. The Northern Norway Art Museum here celebrates Norwegian and international art, including contemporary Northern and Sámi art and crafts. You'll have plenty of time here, so enjoy a meal at Bardus in Tromsø for authentic Norwegian dishes, like reindeer steak with lingonberries, or try Fiskekompaniet for locally sourced fish and shellfish, all prepared in a traditional Norwegian way. Whether feasting on fish in Tromsø or gallivanting around the museums of Lofoten, Hurtigruten Cruises provide the perfect way to get to know the history, heritage and culture of Norway alongside those who know it best.
