5 Norwegian towns you don’t want to miss while aboard the MS Trollfjord
In 2023, Hurtigruten Norwegian Coastal Express marks its 130th year of sharing remote and rugged Norway with the introduction of two new itineraries, The Svalbard Express (16 days) and The North Cape Express (16 days), which take voyagers beyond the typical tourist route and into a breathtaking world of cosy communities and majestic fjords. Aboard the fully refurbished MS Trollfjord, guests will experience these sights surrounded by creature comforts such as cabins with modern Scandinavian designs, an a la carte restaurant with tasting menus, cooking classes, a cocktail bar, and beer, wine and whisky tastings.
Luxuries aside, it’s the spellbinding scenery of coastal Norway that demands attention while aboard the ship and during half- or full-day port visits (optional). Here are five sights you won’t want to miss in the land of the Midnight Sun and the Northern Lights.
Longyearbyen
The archipelago of Svalbard is where you’ll find the remote coal-mining town of Longyearbyen, which is home to 2368 hardy souls who live among the frosted white slopes of polar-bear country. MS Trollfjord voyagers can experience the mesmerising resilience of the world’s northernmost settlement on the aptly named The Svalbard Express (departing 3 June 2023), a revived icon of Norwegian oceanic travel.
A famed Hurtigruten route during the 1960s, The Svalbard Express immerses travellers in the history of the trade route with on-board storytelling and a mid-20th century inspired menu during the 16-day roundtrip.
Roam the streets of this microcosmic melting pot, trek the challenging landscapes, and marvel at the dizzying fjords before relaxing with a frightfully strong stout at the world’s northernmost brewery.
North Cape
North Cape is the northernmost point of Norway and Europe, one of the premier spots to observe the famed midnight sun from late April until early August (aboard the MS Trollfjord as part of The Svalbard Express).
If exploring the famed cape in winter for a chance to see the Northern Lights is more to your taste, join The North Cape Express (departing 26 September 2023) – the only crowds you’ll deal with are your travelling companions as you soak in views of the 307m high plateau-topped cliff from your private balcony. And, if the Northern Lights do not appear during your time on The North Cape Express, you will receive a 6- or 7-day Classic Voyage for FREE. This is Hurtigruten’s Northern Lights Promise.
Lindesnes
Quite literally the opposite of North Cape, the Agder county municipality of Lindesnes is home to Norway’s southernmost point; Lindesnes Lighthouse (Norwegian: Lindesnes fyr), a nautical icon so synonymous with the district that it decorates the local coat of arms.
Guests of the 16-day The North Cape Express will experience picturesque Lindesnes in Norway’s south as well as the northernmost point at North Cape and all the glorious natural beauty between.
Lofoten
North of the Arctic Circle, Lofoten is an archipelago renowned for its picture-postcard scenery – dramatic mountain peaks, granite sea and picturesque villages that hug the shore of sheltered bays.
During late September and early March, Lofoten is considered one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights, even on nights with very low activity. Both MS Trollfjord itineraries take in the beauty of this pristine region but those aboard the maiden voyage of The North Cape Express (26 September 2023) will be the first guests to experience the natural phenomenon.
Oslo
The epicentre of Norwegian history, cuisine and entertainment, Oslo is where the city’s 1.5 million residents enjoy one of the highest standards of living in the world.
For the first time, Hurtigruten Norway Coastal Express will sail into Oslo, allowing guests to immerse themselves in rich Norwegian culture or simply marvel at the late-setting sun over the compact city as it shimmers to life.
Both itineraries are now available for purchase at your preferred travel agent or at hurtigruten.com.au. Rates for The North Cape Express and The Svalbard Express start at AU$4054pp and AU$6049pp twin share for inside cabins, respectively.
Book now to be one of the fortunate few who experience the wild north of one of the world’s remaining unspoiled landscapes from the sleek comfort of the MS Trollfjord.
This article is brought to you by Hurtigruten Norwegian Coastal Express.
