The Norwegian Coastal Route with Havila Voyages
The Norwegian Coastal Route stretches from Bergen to Kirkenes, following approximately 2,500 nautical miles of fjords, islands, fishing communities and Arctic landscapes. Havila Voyages sails this historic route throughout the year, calling at 34 ports as its modern ships continue a service that has connected coastal Norway since 1893. Choose the complete 12-day round voyage, sail north or south, or experience just one section of a journey where Norway itself is always the main attraction.
Follow the coast far beyond the familiar
More Than a Norwegian Fjords Cruise
A conventional Norwegian fjords cruise may visit a handful of famous ports before returning to sea. The Norwegian Coastal Route is different. Havila follows the coastline continuously from western Norway into the Arctic, calling at major cities, small towns and remote communities along the way.
The complete voyage passes through changing landscapes and latitudes, from Bergen and the fjords of western Norway to Trondheim, the Helgeland coast, Lofoten, Tromsø, the North Cape region and Kirkenes near Norway’s far north-eastern frontier.
Is Havila Voyages a Cruise or a Ferry?
Havila offers the comforts of a cruise holiday, including private cabins, full-board dining, panoramic lounges, shore excursions and modern onboard facilities, but its ships also perform a genuine transport role along the Norwegian coast.
Throughout the journey, local passengers embark and disembark, goods move between communities and the ships maintain a scheduled service between 34 harbours. Guests can even book simple port-to-port journeys rather than a complete cruise-style voyage. These shorter transport journeys have different inclusions, with meals purchased separately rather than automatically included.
That combination creates a very different atmosphere from a conventional cruise. You are not simply visiting Norway. For a few days, you become part of the route that helps connect it.
Following a coastal lifeline established in 1893
A Route with More Than 130 Years of History
The first express shipping service along Norway’s western coast began in 1893, creating a faster connection between communities separated by mountains, fjords and vast distances. Kirkenes was later added to the route in 1908.
Today, the service is formally known as the Coastal Route Bergen to Kirkenes, or Kystruten. Havila Voyages became the tenth shipping company to operate the route, continuing its role as both an essential coastal connection and one of Norway’s most distinctive ways to travel.
Bergen to Kirkenes and Back Again
The 12-Day Round Voyage
The complete 12-day Round Voyage is the most immersive way to experience the Norwegian Coastal Route. Travel north from Bergen through the fjords and across the Arctic Circle before reaching Kirkenes, then turn south and discover the coastline from an entirely different perspective.
The round voyage takes in all 34 ports, with full board, complimentary Wi-Fi and cabin accommodation included. Qualifying winter departures are also covered by Havila’s Northern Lights Promise.
One of the great advantages of travelling in both directions is the changing schedule. Places passed at night on the northbound voyage can be seen in daylight on the return journey, revealing new landscapes and communities even though you are following the same coastline.
Bergen to Kirkenes in 7 Days
The Northbound Voyage
Sail north from Bergen on a 7-day voyage through all 34 ports, travelling from the softer landscapes of western Norway into the Arctic.
The journey brings opportunities to experience Ålesund, seasonal fjord sailing, Trondheim, the Arctic Circle, Lofoten and Tromsø before continuing towards Honningsvåg and Kirkenes. The schedule is designed so several major northern highlights can be experienced during the daytime.
Between 1 April and 31 August, the northbound route includes Geirangerfjord. From 1 September to 31 October, this seasonal diversion changes to Hjørundfjord.
Kirkenes to Bergen in 6 Days
The Southbound Voyage
The 6-day southbound voyage is not simply the northbound route in reverse. Different sailing times reveal a new side of the coast, including daytime travel through much of Lofoten and the island-studded Helgeland coast.
From Kirkenes, Havila sails south through Arctic Norway towards Tromsø, Lofoten and Trondheim before continuing towards Bergen. The southbound itinerary calls at 33 ports and provides a particularly rewarding way to experience stretches of coastline that northbound guests may pass after dark.
Highlights Along the Norwegian Coastal Route
From famous fjords to communities at the edge of the Arctic. Every section of the route has its own character, but several destinations help define the journey between Bergen and Kirkenes.
Bergen
Colourful Bryggen, lively harbour streets and the mountains surrounding Norway’s western capital provide the starting point for the northbound adventure. Bergen has long served as a gateway between Norway and the sea beyond.
Geirangerfjord & Hjørundfjord
Seasonal northbound voyages enter two of Norway’s most dramatic fjord landscapes. Geirangerfjord is visited from April through August, while Hjørundfjord becomes the seasonal route during September and October.
Trondheim
Norway’s former capital sits roughly midway up the coast, with the medieval Nidaros Cathedral among its best-known landmarks. Longer calls provide time to explore before Havila continues towards the Arctic Circle.
Lofoten
Sharp peaks, sheltered fishing villages and narrow sounds make Lofoten one of the most distinctive stretches of the route. Havila visits the islands in both directions, with different timings providing changing perspectives across the complete round voyage.
Tromsø
Surrounded by mountains and islands, Tromsø marks a dramatic transition into northern Norway. Winter darkness creates opportunities for aurora sightings, while summer brings extraordinary periods of almost continuous daylight.
The North Cape Region
Honningsvåg is the gateway for optional excursions towards the North Cape Plateau, rising above the Barents Sea. The northbound schedule provides an opportunity to visit this celebrated landmark before continuing towards Kirkenes.
Kirkenes
Kirkenes marks the northern terminus of the Coastal Route, close to Norway’s borders with Finland and Russia. For round-voyage guests, it is where the journey changes direction and an entirely new perspective on the coast begins.
34 Ports, 34 Different Windows into Norway
Part of the character of the Norwegian Coastal Route is its rhythm. Some ports provide several hours to explore, while calls in smaller communities may last only 10 to 45 minutes. Other ports are passed during the night as the ship maintains its coastal schedule.
These shorter stops are not failed cruise calls. They are part of the working nature of the route. Local passengers board, cargo moves between communities and the ship continues north or south according to its timetable.
Longer stops create opportunities for independent exploration or optional excursions, while shorter calls can offer fascinating glimpses into everyday life along the Norwegian coast.
Which Havila Voyage Should You Choose?
Decide how much of the coast you want to experience.
Best for: Seeing as much of the Norwegian coast as possible.
Travel from Bergen to Kirkenes and back, visiting all 34 ports and seeing many places at different times of day in each direction.
Best for: Fjords and a gradual journey into the Arctic.
Sail from Bergen to Kirkenes through all 34 northbound ports, including seasonal Geirangerfjord or Hjørundfjord and daytime opportunities around the Arctic Circle and North Cape region.
Best for: Lofoten, Helgeland and a shorter Arctic-to-Bergen journey.
Depart Kirkenes and travel south through 33 ports, with particularly rewarding daytime sailing through Lofoten and the Helgeland coast.
Best for: Adding Havila to a wider Norway holiday.
Havila also offers two and three-day sections of the route, while port-to-port tickets can be booked between any of the 34 harbours for more flexible coastal travel.
Norway Through the Seasons
The same route becomes a different journey throughout the year. Havila sails between Bergen and Kirkenes in every season, and the changing light can transform the experience.
Winter
Snow-covered mountains, long Arctic nights and opportunities to see the Northern Lights create one of the route’s most atmospheric seasons.
Spring
Daylight returns quickly, while snow can remain across the mountains even as the coastal landscapes begin to change.
Summer
North of the Arctic Circle, the Midnight Sun transforms evenings into extended periods of golden light. The summer season also brings the route into Geirangerfjord.
Autumn
Changing colours appear along the coast, Hjørundfjord replaces Geiranger on the seasonal itinerary during September and October, and darker nights signal the return of the aurora season.
Turn longer port calls into deeper experiences
Shore Excursions Along the Route
Optional Havila excursions provide opportunities to venture further from the ship during selected calls. Depending on the season and direction of travel, experiences can include fjord landscapes, wildlife, Norwegian history, Sámi culture, winter adventures and journeys towards the North Cape.
Excursion availability is tied closely to the ship’s schedule, so activities are designed to return guests before Havila continues along the route.
Havila’s menus change with the Norway outside
Taste the Coast as You Travel
The coastal journey influences more than the view. Havila’s Food Stories concept follows the route through four regional food universes, with the main restaurant changing breakfast, lunch and dinner menus every few days to reflect the part of Norway through which the ship is sailing.
Local Norwegian ingredients and regional culinary traditions turn meals into another way to experience the journey, while Havila’s à la carte approach also helps reduce unnecessary food waste.
Follow the Norwegian Coast with Havila Voyages
The Norwegian Coastal Route is as much about the journey between ports as the destinations themselves. Watch mountains emerge from morning mist, cross the Arctic Circle, sail beneath summer’s Midnight Sun or step outside after dark in the hope of seeing the Northern Lights overhead.
Whether you choose six days, seven days or the complete 12-day voyage, Havila offers a way to experience Norway that feels connected to the coast rather than simply passing through it.