Last week we explored the Northbound journey on-board Hurtigruten with some of the highlights including the Arctic Cathedral in Tromso, Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim and of course the Northern Lights! The southbound journey Starts in Kirkenes which was also our last stop on the northbound journey. Some stops are so small and the arrival and departure times are during the wee hours that I have left them out. Some of the same ports are on the southbound journey too but arrivals are at different times, which allows you to experience different activities, such as the Midnight Concert in Tromso.
Southbound Norwegian Coast Cruise Highlights
The best ports to visit and what to see
1. Vardo
Offers the opportunity to take a bath in the ice cold sea! A plunge that merits more than a certificate but a memory that will last forever. There is also the opportunity to visit Vardohus Fortress at only a few minutes walk from the ships terminal or possibly you would like to visit the Pomor Museum. Housing documents of 300 years within the area and culture between Norway and Russia.
2. Hammerfest
Become a member of the famous Polar Bear Society established in 1963. Located within the tourist information centre directly located by the ships terminal. There are also several monument’s to go and see which include Musikkpaviljongen (Music Pavilion/bandstand), Radhuset, and if you have time to walk up the zikk zakk Veien (Zig Zag road created in 1891 there are great views along with a sculpture of a large Polar Bear.
3. Tromso
It’s a late stop in Tromso but ideal for the Midnight Concert at the Arctic Cathedral . A lovely opportunity to experience the wonderful acoustics inside the Cathedral and that of traditional and contemporary Norwegian music.
4. Harstad – Sortland
Early morning you have the opportunity to take an excursion – A Taste of Vesteralen . Explore the scenery and the northernmost medieval Church.
5. Stokmarknes
Visit the Hurtigruten Museum and discover the origins and history of the Hurtigruten and vessels. Explore on-board the MS Finnmarken (1956) once a working ship now preserved in its original state. The museum is free to guests arriving via a Hurtigruten ship.
6. Svolvaer
Both the Lofoten War Museum and Magic Ice are located within a short walk of the ship. Having missed the Ice Bar on the Northbound journey, we decided to visit this time round. The temperature inside is kept at a cool -6 degrees! Capes are provided to give extra warmth, however we had loads of layers on and found it a bit of a nuisance. The many ice sculptures varying in size are displayed throughout with ambient lighting, some with fur skins to sit and soak up the atmosphere. Don’t forget your gloves!
7. Trondheim
Early arrival in Trondheim today. This time round you may like to visit some of the attractions missed on the Northbound Journey such as the Nidaros Cathedral or the Gamle Bybro (Old Town Bridge).
8. Kristiansund
Experience the Bergtatt – Magnificent Marble Mine excursion with the ship. Great opportunity to visit a working white marble mine, enjoy a heart warming bowl of soup and drink the refreshing spring water.
9. Bergen
Why not do a post cruise stay ? Bergen is a lovely city to explore with it’s many islands and bridges. It also has a variety of shops and attractions such as the Funicular to experience the panoramic views or take the cable car up Bergen’s highest mountain – Mount Ullriken. (Please note cable car is closed throughout January 2016).
As always we would love to hear from you. Please leave any comments or questions below. We hope we have inspired you to visit Norway and cruise with Hurtigruten . If you enjoyed reading about Norway, don’t forget to share! Happy Travels:) x
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