Credit: Stian Klo | Hurtigruten
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Follow the Lights (Northbound)
Thumbnails
Credit: Stian Klo | Hurtigruten
Alesund | Credit: Jan Hvizdal / Hurtigruten
Credit: Andrea Klaussner / Hurtigruten
Bergen | Credit: Andrea Klaussner / Hurtigruten
Honningsvag | Credit: Rune Kongsro / Hurtigruten
Honningsvag | Credit: Kay Fochtmann / Hurtigruten
Kirkenes | Credit: Hurtigruten
Lofoten Islands | Credit: Jan Hvizdal / Hurtigruten
Lofoten Islands | Credit: Stian Klo / Hurtigruten
Northern Lights | Credit: Ørjan Bertelsen / Hurtigruten
Credit: Hurtigruten
Scandinavia

Follow the Lights (Northbound) (Tour code: 11742)

Starts and Ends
Oslo to
Helsinki
Travel Periods
27 Sep 2023 - 27 Mar 2024
Experience
Travel Style
Cruise
Experience the wonder of the Northern Lights: Oslo and Bergen, “Norway in a Nutshell”, the northbound Coastal Voyage, Finland and Estonia.

Highlights

Travel on the famous Flåm Railway, with spectacular fjord views all the way to the beautiful village of Flåm.

Guided city tours of Oslo, Bergen, and Tallinn.

Husky and reindeer experiences in the Lapland wilderness 

Chances of seeing the Northern Lights

Be welcomed into the traditional tent of a local Sámi family and learn about their unique culture and lifestyle. 

Explore Ålesund, renowned for its beautiful Art Nouveau architecture.

A small group tour maximum of 24 Guests during the land tour!

18 days
From
AUD 8,450
per person
Travelling with kids? Read more 
All services are subject to availability.

Overview

From Norway’s capital Oslo, ride the world’s most famous train, the Flåm Railway, before joining Hurtigruten’s northbound coastal voyage. Visit charming hamlets, sail through picturesque fjords and see the magnificent Northern Lights on this journey into the heart of Norway. On arrival into the sleepy town of Kirkenes in Norway’s far north, head south into Finnish Lapland where you’ll see the night sky from inside your glass igloo. Then discover Finnish Lakeland, where you’ll stay in beautiful log accommodation. Take in Helsinki, Finland’s capital, and experience a day trip to medieval Tallinn in Estonia.

Inclusions

10 nights hotel accommodation – 4* Hotels
6 nights Hurtigruten cruise accommodation
1 night in a Glass Igloo
Meals as per itinerary
Norway in a Nutshell, Flåm Railway journey
First class coach from Kirkenes to Rovaniemi
2nd class rail journey from Rovaniemi to Helsinki
City tours of Oslo, Bergen & Tallinn
Reindeer Farm visit (sled ride, depending on weather)
Husky Farm visit (sled ride, depending on weather)
Santa Claus Village visit
SIIDA Museum visit
Return ferry ticket Helsinki – Tallinn (deck passage)
English speaking guide from start to finish
Northern Light promise

Day 1 Oslo

Arrive in Oslo, make your own way from the airport or train station to your hotel. Remainder of the day is at your leisure. In the evening, meet the rest of the group and your guide at our welcome dinner. 

Overnight stay in Oslo – 4 star Hotel - Scandic St. Olavs Plass or similar

Dinner
Oslo
Credit: Oslo | Hans Henrik Nilsen / Hurtigruten

Day 2 Oslo

After a leisurely breakfast, meet the group in the lobby of the hotel for an Oslo grand city tour including Vigeland Sculpture Park, Historical Museum, Oslo Opera house, Holmenkollen Ski Jump and more. 

Overnight stay in Oslo – 4 star Hotel - Scandic St. Olavs Plass or similar

Breakfast
Oslo
Credit: Opera House Norway | Ragnar Hartvig / Hurtigruten

Day 3 Flåm

After an early breakfast you will start your “Norway In a Nutshell” tour, catching the morning train to Myrdal where you change trains for the famous Flåm Railway, with spectacular fjord views all the way to the beautiful, tiny village of Flåm. 

Overnight stay in Flåm – 4 star Hotel - Flamsbrygga Hotel or similar

Breakfast, Dinner
Flåm
Flåm Railway | Credit: Torild Moland

Day 4 Bergen

The day starts with the ferry from Flåm to Gudvangen, passing through the narrow Nærøyfjord. From Gudvangen the journey continues by bus. Waterfalls line the road as we weave our way through the valley to Voss. There we board a train for the last leg of our “Norway in a Nutshell” journey, arriving in Bergen in the afternoon. The rest of the day is at your leisure. 

Overnight stay in Bergen – 4 star Hotel - Clarion Admiral Hotel or similar

Breakfast
Bergen
Credit: Bergen | Andrea Klaussner / Hurtigruten

Day 5 Bergen Hurtigruten Embarkation

(Day 1 of the voyage)  

After a relaxing morning, you will join a walking tour of Bergen, including St Mary’s Church, Håkon’s Hall and the UNESCO World Heritage listed Bryggen, before heading to Troldhaugen, the home of Norway’s most famous composer, Edvard Grieg. The tour ends at Bergen pier, where you will board the Hurtigruten ship. 

Overnight on board Hurtigruten

Breakfast, Dinner
Bergen → Hurtigruten Embarkation
Credit: Dr. Verena Meraldi | Hurtigruten

Day 6 Ålesund

(Day 2 of the voyage)  
You will navigate skerries and islands before reaching Ålesund, renowned for its beautiful Art Nouveau architecture. Leaving Ålesund we head north towards Trondheim. 

Overnight on board Hurtigruten

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ålesund

Day 7 Trondheim

(Day 3 of the voyage)  

Arrive early in the morning at Trondheim, with plenty of time to explore Norway’s first capital. 

Overnight on board Hurtigruten

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trondheim
Credit: Trondheim | Espen Mills / Hurtigruten

Day 8 Lofoten Islands

(Day 4 of the voyage)  

As you cross the Arctic Circle in the morning, the hunt for the Aurora Borealis begins. You will enter the dramatic and narrow Raftsund, and if the weather and ice conditions allow, you’ll sail to the entrance of the famous Trollfjord. Overnight on board the ship. 

Overnight on board Hurtigruten

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lofoten Islands
Lofoten | Credit: Jan Hvizdal

Day 9 Tromsø

(Day 5 of the voyage)  
After a morning stop in Finnsnes, the ship continues to Tromsø, a major cultural hub above the Arctic Circle, and famed as a viewing point for the Northern Lights. The city’s historic centre is distinguished by its centuriesold wooden houses. The 1965 Arctic Cathedral, with its distinctive peaked roof and soaring stained-glass windows, dominate the skyline. 

Overnight on board Hurtigruten

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tromsø
Tromsø | Credit: Yngve Olsen

Day 10 Honningsvåg

(Day 6 of the voyage)  
Honningsvåg is the nearest port to the North Cape – only 2000km from the geographical North Pole. 

Overnight on board Hurtigruten

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Honningsvåg
Honningsvåg | Credit: Espen Mills

Day 11 Kirkenes Disembarkation Saariselkä

Admire the dramatic coastal vistas as you approach Kirkenes, where you will disembark. Enjoy a short drive through Kirkenes, before arriving at Inari, the Sámi capital (traditional nomads of Scandinavia, reindeer herders), where you’ll visit the newly renovated Siida Sámi museum and visit a reindeer farm.

Overnight in Saariselkä – 4 star Hotel - Santa’s Hotel Tunturi

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Kirkenes Disembarkation → Saariselkä
Sámi culture | Credit: Arto Liiti Visit Finland

Day 12 Saariselkä

You’ll be welcomed into the traditional tent of a local Sámi family who’ll talk enthusiastically about their unique culture and lifestyle. Feed the family’s reindeer in the nearby paddock, maybe with the Northern Lights above, and practise your lasso skills under your host’s expert tutelage. 

Overnight in Saariselkä – 4 star Hotel - Santa’s Hotel Tunturi

Breakfast
Saariselkä
Saariselkä | Credit: Rob Smith Visit Finland

Day 13 Sinettä

Today you visit Santa Claus Village, where you will have free time to explore. In the evening, spend the night in a glass igloo. 

Overnight in Sinettä – 4 star Hotel - Arctic Snow Hotel (Glass Igloo)

Breakfast, Dinner
Sinettä
Santa Claus Village | Credit: Visit Finland

Day 14 Rovaniemi

You’ll spend the afternoon today taking a tour of a husky dog kennel, meeting its friendly residents, and learning how huskies are reared to become as fit and as hardy as they are. Enjoy a thrilling husky-drawn cart or sled ride through the Lapland wilderness before warming up with a snack around the campfire. 

Overnight in Rovaniemi – 4 star Hotel - Original Sokos Vaakuna or similar

Breakfast
Rovaniemi
Husky Ride | Credit: Juho Kuva Visit Finland

Day 15 Rovaniemi

Enjoy a day at your leisure to explore Rovaniemi.

Overnight in Rovaniemi – 4 star Hotel - Original Sokos Vaakuna or similar

 

Breakfast
Rovaniemi
Rovaniemi. Arktikum Museum

Day 16 Helsinki

Today, we leave the Finnish wilderness and head into Helsinki, Finland’s capital. Enjoy the remainder of day at your own leisure.

Overnight in Helsinki – 4 star Hotel - Scandic Grand Marina or similar

Breakfast
Helsinki
Temppeliaukio Church | Credit: Jussi Hellsten Visit Finland

Day 17 Helsinki Tallinn Helsinki

An early start with a full-day excursion to the medieval town of Tallinn in Estonia. Take the ferry followed by a combined bus and walking tour of the city. Stops will include the baroque Kadriorg Park and the seaside district of Pirita. Walk through the winding, cobblestoned streets of the Old Town continuing to Toompea Castle, home to the Estonian parliament. Visit Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and the Dome Church before and enjoying some free time before boarding the ferry to return to Helsinki. Tonight, enjoy a special farewell dinner.

Overnight in Helsinki – 4 star Hotel - Scandic Grand Marina or similar

Breakfast, Dinner
Helsinki → Tallinn → Helsinki
Tallinn | Credit: Hurtigruten

Day 18 Helsinki

After breakfast at the hotel.

END OF SERVICES.

Breakfast

Additional information

Official language
Danish, Swedish, Norwegian, Icelandic, and Faroese
Local currency
Danish Krone (DKK)
  • Northern Lights Promise: If the Northern Lights are not recorded during your Follow The Lights tour, including land component, Hurtigruten will offer a free northbound or southbound voyage. T&Cs apply
  • This itinerary is just an indication of what you can experience. After all, this is a sailing where the elements rule and weather conditions might vary, which is why every voyage with The Hurtigruten Coastal Express is unique.

Excluded

  • International airfares and taxes
  • Domestic airfares and taxes, unless otherwise specified in our holiday package
  • Visa expenses, processing and issuance fees
  • Meals other than as specified in our holiday package
  • Travel Insurance or expenses of a personal nature (mini-bar, phone call, laundry, etc.),
  • Tips or gratuities to guides, drivers, porters, hotel, restaurant or boat staff, etc.
  • Or any other travel expense that has not been included in our holiday package

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