Havila Voyages: Norway winter cruise from Bergen to Kirkenes

Fly to Bergen, where you’ll hop on board a shuttle transfer for the short trip to the city centre and your harbourside hotel. Located just a stone’s throw from the city’s Hanseatic Bryggen Wharf – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – you’ll be perfectly placed to explore all that Bergen has to offer.

With the ship not departing until the evening, you have another day to enjoy Bergen and discover its interesting sights. Perhaps take the funicular railway, Fløibanen, up to one of the lookout points for a spectacular panorama of Bergen. Alternatively, head to the popular fish market to sample fresh seafood, afterwards taking a stroll through the narrow streets and along the quays of the lively harbour. This evening you'll start your coastal adventure, boarding your Havila ship to begin your voyage north.

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Gently travelling north overnight, you'll wake up to views of Havila's headquarters in Torvik shortly before arriving in Alesund, the cultural centre of the Sunnmøre region. The town is particularly renowned for its art nouveau architecture, spread over a multitude of islands extending into the ocean. Take the opportunity to explore this unique port town with an optional cultural walking tour. If you're feeling adventurous, perhaps opt to discover it all by kayak in the sheltered waters of Brosundet instead. There is also a chance to book a winter cruise to Geirangerfjord from Alesund, as you discover the raw nature of this region. Sailing during the winter months means you'll enjoy this UNESCO listed area all to yourself, admiring its beautiful rugged landscapes and snow-topped peaks. Once back on board, continue on towards Molde.

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As you enjoy breakfast on board, you'll dock in the historic city of Trondheim, notable for its food, history, art and culture. Choose between optional walking tours, tram rides or cycling trips as you discover the city's most interesting sights, from Norway's national shrine - the Nidaros Cathedral - to the historic colourful wharf houses along Nidelva river. Rejoin the ship as you sail further north into the neighbouring fjords and on through a spectacular archipelago en route to Rorvik. 

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As you cross the Arctic Circle - a moment marked by a small ceremony - you'll be treated to some of Norway's most breathtaking scenery, passing the small villages of Brønnøysund, Sandnessjøen and Nesna on your way to Bodø, the gateway to the Lofoten islands. Join a short optional hike along the shore, across sandy beaches for a taste of the arctic outdoors. As the evening draws in, turn your attention to the dark polar skies for the chance to spot the Northern Lights.

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Your voyage continues as you move deeper into the Norwegian Arctic, sailing past narrow fjords and wild mountains, before finally arriving in the city of Tromso. Known as Norway's Northern lights capital, winter provides your best chance of witnessing this spellbinding spectacle. What's more, with plenty of snow covering the city's surrounding fjords and mountains, it is also notable for its adventurous arctic activities. You'll have the chance to pick between optional husky sledding or a more gentle reindeer sled ride. Or, you might choose to simply enjoy the many delights of the town itself, where a seemingly endless choice of bars and restaurants look out across a pretty harbour and fjord.

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Today is a real trip highlight as you reach the most northerly point on mainland Europe – North Cape. Dramatic 300-metre-tall cliffs mark the point where the Atlantic Ocean meets the bitterly cold waters of the Barents Sea. Here in the polar landscape, nature is at its harshest and most desolate. Take in the spectacular views on optional trips to the North Cape plateau either by foot or by ATV on a winter safari, or try your hand at snowshoeing and ice fishing in Honningsvag. For a longer trip, there will also be a chance to embark on a snowmobiling excursion under the polar skies in nearby Kjollefjord. 

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The scenery becomes increasingly dramatic as you approach Kirkenes, an incredible 400km above the Arctic Circle, and the furthest point of the voyage. As a frontier town further east than Istanbul, it is most notable for its winter activities, king crab safaris and famous snow hotel. The latter will be your next stop as you conclude your voyage. An included transfer will take you on to Kirkenes Snowhotel, where you'll spend a magical night after enjoying a hearty and traditional three-course dinner. Winter offers much to do in the way of activities. There is a further chance to explore the surrounding snowy forests on optional excursions by snowmobile, husky sledding on scenic trails or king crab fishing in the Barents Sea. To top it all off, you'll have a last chance to look out for the aurora borealis this evening before a cosy night spent wrapped up in reindeer hides and blankets on a bed of ice.

Depart this morning with a transfer to the airport and flight, via Oslo, back to the UK.