Hurtigruten Sneak Peek: A Revolutionary Voyage from Longyearbyen to Bergen

November 26, 2024

*Arctic Midnight Adventure, Credit: Günter Eich / Hurtigruten, 2015*

One of our travel advisors, Barb Baumer, is currently off on an educational trip to Svalbard in the Arctic circle to experience the Norwegian coast on Hurtigruten’s vessel, MS Trollfjord. She has been surrounded by towering glaciers, and under the enchanting glow of the midnight Arctic sun.

Join us as we present and exclusive sneak peek into Hurtigruten’s mesmerizing Svalbard Express voyage from Longyearbyen to Bergen along the Norwegian coast.

Who is Hurtigruten?

Hurtigruten, established in 1893 by Captain Richard With, initially began as a steamship service connecting northern and southern Norway, facilitating the transportation of goods and passengers. This innovative service transformed the delivery of mail from central Norway to Hammerfest, reducing the journey time from three weeks in summer and five months in winter to merely seven days.

The term ‘Hurtig ruten’, meaning “the fast route” in Danish, aptly reflected this newfound efficiency, symbolizing the end of isolation for many communities. This marked a pivotal moment in the coastal region’s history, connecting once-remote areas and fostering growth and interaction.

In the 1960s, a significant infrastructure overhaul including road improvements and the development of a local airport network prompted Hurtigruten to pivot its focus towards tourism such as expanding its fleet to include more modernized ships equipped with amenities such as restaurants and hot tubs. Despite its evolution to cater more to the tourism sector, Hurtigruten maintains its commitment to serving both cargo and passenger demands, ensuring a seamless travel experience while preserving its rich maritime heritage and role in connecting Norway’s coastal communities.

Meet the MS TrollFjord

MS Trollfjord sailing along the coast of Nordland county, Norway.
Photo credit: Espen Mills. Copyright: Hurtigruten Norwegian Coastal Express

The MS Trollfjord, a small ship constructed in 2002, boasts a capacity to accommodate 500 passengers, offering an intimate cruising experience. The ship’s interior design exudes a timeless and classic ambiance, with meticulous details that transport passengers to a bygone era of small ship sailing, evoking a sense of nostalgia and charm.

Onboard the MS Trollfjord, guests are treated to a culinary journey that caters to diverse palates and flavor preferences. The three distinct restaurants onboard cater to a range of tastes and dining experiences:

— The main restaurant, Flora: Guests can indulge in hearty breakfast buffets and savor delectable à la carte lunches and dinners in a setting that celebrates the Nordic culinary heritage.

— Brasserie Árran: Offers a unique twist on traditional Norwegian cuisine.

— Røst: Showcases a dynamic fine dining experience with 3-5 course menus that change regularly throughout the voyage.

Additionally, guests can unwind and enjoy Nordic-themed cocktails while taking in the stunning vistas that surround them from the 1893 Bar situated on the ship’s top deck.

Adjacent to the bar, guests can find tranquility in the sauna and fitness room, complete with floor-to-ceiling windows that offer a serene backdrop of the natural scenery. This unique setting allows guests to stay active while immersing themselves in the beauty of the landscape. Guests’ intellectual and cultural interests are fed as well. The ship also features a library stocked with a selection of books and magazines, providing a quiet space for relaxation and contemplation. Additionally, a lecture hall hosts daily themed lectures and occasional movie screenings, enhancing the onboard experience with enriching and engaging content for curious travelers.

The Journey from Longyearbyen to Bergen

*The Fløibanen is a funicular railway in the city of Bergen, Norway. Photo Credit: Tommy Simonsen. Copyright: HX.*

Barb’s extraordinary journey began in Longyearbyen, a fascinating Arctic town situated fewer than 820 miles from the North Pole. As one of the world’s northernmost settlements and the bustling capital of Svalbard, Longyearbyen is cradled within a breathtaking fjord, offering a stunning backdrop for adventurers, scientists, and nature enthusiasts alike. Here, visitors can marvel at majestic glaciers, rugged mountains, and the enchanting Arctic wildlife, creating an atmosphere of unparalleled exploration and discovery.

*The Svalbard Express cruising map. Copyright: Hurtigruten.*

While Barb’s voyage continues, the next port of call is Ny-Ålesund, perched at the edge of the Brøgger Peninsula in Svalbard. This remote outpost provides a rare opportunity to witness walruses lounging on the shore and observe a multitude of migratory bird species, including puffins, king eiders, pink-footed geese, and guillemots.

Next up: Senja, a sprawling island in northern Norway hailed by CNN as one of the world’s top ten most stunning islands. Senja offers a diverse landscape showcased in Ånderdalen National Park, featuring ancient pines, majestic mountains, lush forests, and tranquil wetlands, creating a harmonious blend of nature’s wonders waiting to be explored.

Continuing southbound along the coast unveils Norway’s awe-inspiring landscapes in Lofoten, with striking green cliffs soaring dramatically from the ocean’s embrace, resembling towering teeth reaching towards the sky.

Idyllic villages and beautiful landscape of Lofoten, Norway.
Photo credit: Tommy Simonsen. Copyright: Hurtigruten.

The journey eventually reaches the Helgeland Coast, a renowned stretch with distinctive mountains steeped in captivating myths and local folklore, painting a picture of enchantment and intrigue.

A brief stop in Ålesund, celebrated for its Art Nouveau architecture and idyllic setting below Mount Aksla, offers a charming interlude. Guests can disembark for excursions and cargo offloading before the final leg of the cruise culminates in Bergen, a gem on Norway’s western coast. Surrounded by majestic peaks that earned the city the moniker ‘The City of Seven Mountains’, Bergen provides a picturesque conclusion to Barb’s remarkable expedition through Norway’s coastal wonders.

Conclusion

MS Trollfjorden seen from Keiservarden in Lofoten.
Photo credit/Copyright: Rune Kongsro / Hurtigruten.

As Barb Baumer’s thrilling adventure across the Norwegian coast comes to a close, we are reminded of the profound beauty and mystery that the Arctic and northern Norway offer. From the rugged terrains of Longyearbyen to the enchanting fjords of Bergen, each destination along Hurtigruten’s route has unfolded like a chapter in a mesmerizing tale of nature, culture, and adventure.

Stay tuned for Barb’s full recount of her voyage coming out next month, but in the meantime, reach out to Willamette International Travel at inquiry@wittravel.com or call us at (503) 224-0180 to reserve your journey with Hurtigruten and witness the majestic Norwegian coast firsthand!