A Norwegian Coastal Voyage

The Norwegian coast

This article was produced by Hurtigruten, the Norwegian cruise specialist. It helped me when planning a holiday to that part of the world. I hope you find it useful  

There are many highlights on a cruise along the Norwegian coast. The Norwegian fjords are naturally on top of the wish-list for many visitors, and doing so aboard Hurtigruten’s Original Coastal Voyage (on-going since 1893) is an experience like no other.

Aside from the stunning scenery, there are many other things to see and places to explore. Here are the monuments, natural wonders and impressive architecture to keep an eye out for during this discovery.

 

North Cape:

About 2102 km from the North Pole you will find one of Norway’s most popular attractions. The beauty of the North Cape simply must be experienced.

 

Sunnmøre Alps:

The mountains around Hjørundfjord in Møre & Romsdal country are nothing short of spectacular, offering some of the most challenging and rewarding hikes along the Norwegian coast.

 

The Lyngen Alps:

Nestled amidst the majestic Lyngen Alps, Lyngenfjord is a great region for adventurous travellers. It was also recently chosen as one of the world’s top 100 sustainable destinations. World-class skiing, fantastic hikes, whale watching, mountain biking, glacier walks, fishing and unique Northern Lights photography are just some of the activities you can enjoy here.

 

The Helgeland Coast:

If you sail between Rørvik and Ørnes, you will experience the Helgeland Coast, a region of many highlights.

 

The Vega Islands with their 6,500 islands, islets and skerries and a special bird that produces prized down feathers, have been recognised in UNESCO’s world heritage list since 2004.

 

The Seven Sisters: Seven mountaintops alongside each other, are so beautiful that a local legend tells that they are female trolls turned to stone.

 

Then there’s Torghatten with its 30-metre high, 25-metre wide and 160-metre deep hole right through the mountainside.

 

Lofoten and Vesterålen

Lofoten is a rare wilderness outpost that offers a unique landscape of majestic mountains, deep fjords and long, surf-swept beaches.

 

The neighbouring Vesterålen islands form an archipelago characterized by contrasts, from white beaches and idyllic farmlands to mountain peaks rising from the sea.

 

Risøyrenna:

Risøyrenna is an inland canal made especially for smaller ships, such as Hurtigruten. It is only 7 metres deep and therefore inaccessible by bigger ships.

 

Finnkirka:

While cruising along the Norwegian coast, look out for Finnkirka, a dramatic cathedral-shaped sea cliff that rises into view as you enter Kjøllefjord.

 

Hestmannen:

A rock formation that inspired great myths, Hestmannen is an iconic landmark close to the Arctic Circle.

 

Architecture   Kjeungskjær Lighthouse:

Kjeungskjær is one of Norway’s most distinctive lighthouses that guides traffic in and out of the Trondheim Fjord.

 

The Atlantic Ocean Road:

Dubbed by The Guardian newspaper as “the world’s most scenic drive”, the Atlantic Ocean Road (Atlanterhavsveien) crosses eight bridges between islets and skerries where the ocean washes against the north-western shores of Norway. 

 

Trondenes Church:

A historically important Roman Catholic church, built to fool sea bandits, Trondenes church north of Harstad is definitely worth a visit.

 

Bryggen, Bergen:

In the city of Bergen, see the stretch of wooden houses built in the Middle Ages. These have since been rebuilt several times after fires.

 

It you love stunning scenery, this is the voyage for you!

By Vicki Williamson

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Your MTA Luxury Travel Expert