Norwegian Border to Lofoten
Discover the stunning Vesterålen and Lofoten Islands, often called the most beautiful stretch of Norway's coast, and get to know Arctic Finnmark with visits to Honningsvåg, Hammerfest and Tromsø. Travelling from Kirkenes to Svolvær, the emphasis is on the sailing, with only brief port stops. So, if it’s a short cruise amidst Arctic beauty that appeals, this could be the one for you.
- 31 Oct 2026 – 02 Nov 2026
from $1,044 pp twin share / $1,761 pp solo * - 02 Nov 2026 – 04 Nov 2026
from $1,040 pp twin share / $1,752 pp solo * - 03 Nov 2026 – 05 Nov 2026
from $812 pp twin share / $1,296 pp solo * - 05 Nov 2026 – 07 Nov 2026
from $846 pp twin share / $1,363 pp solo * - 06 Nov 2026 – 08 Nov 2026
from $812 pp twin share / $1,296 pp solo * - 08 Nov 2026 – 10 Nov 2026
from $993 pp twin share / $1,659 pp solo * - 09 Nov 2026 – 11 Nov 2026
from $993 pp twin share / $1,659 pp solo * - 11 Nov 2026 – 13 Nov 2026
from $1,063 pp twin share / $1,798 pp solo * - 13 Nov 2026 – 15 Nov 2026
from $789 pp twin share / $1,251 pp solo * - 14 Nov 2026 – 16 Nov 2026
from $1,042 pp twin share / $1,755 pp solo * - 16 Nov 2026 – 18 Nov 2026
from $1,009 pp twin share / $1,690 pp solo * - 17 Nov 2026 – 19 Nov 2026
from $789 pp twin share / $1,251 pp solo * - 19 Nov 2026 – 21 Nov 2026
from $789 pp twin share / $1,251 pp solo * - 20 Nov 2026 – 22 Nov 2026
from $823 pp twin share / $1,318 pp solo * - 22 Nov 2026 – 24 Nov 2026
from $846 pp twin share / $1,363 pp solo * - 25 Nov 2026 – 27 Nov 2026
from $823 pp twin share / $1,318 pp solo * - 27 Nov 2026 – 29 Nov 2026
from $1,063 pp twin share / $1,798 pp solo * - 28 Nov 2026 – 30 Nov 2026
from $834 pp twin share / $1,341 pp solo * - 30 Nov 2026 – 02 Dec 2026
from $1,040 pp twin share / $1,752 pp solo * - 01 Dec 2026 – 03 Dec 2026
from $1,024 pp twin share / $1,721 pp solo * - 03 Dec 2026 – 05 Dec 2026
from $891 pp twin share / $1,453 pp solo * - 05 Dec 2026 – 07 Dec 2026
from $962 pp twin share / $1,597 pp solo * - 06 Dec 2026 – 08 Dec 2026
from $1,063 pp twin share / $1,798 pp solo * - 08 Dec 2026 – 10 Dec 2026
from $1,009 pp twin share / $1,690 pp solo * - 09 Dec 2026 – 11 Dec 2026
from $834 pp twin share / $1,341 pp solo * - 11 Dec 2026 – 13 Dec 2026
from $812 pp twin share / $1,296 pp solo * - 12 Dec 2026 – 14 Dec 2026
from $789 pp twin share / $1,251 pp solo * - 14 Dec 2026 – 16 Dec 2026
from $846 pp twin share / $1,363 pp solo * - 16 Dec 2026 – 18 Dec 2026
from $962 pp twin share / $1,597 pp solo * - 17 Dec 2026 – 19 Dec 2026
from $823 pp twin share / $1,318 pp solo *
* Prices and category availability are subject to change without notice.
Itinerary
Day 1 – All Aboard!
Your voyage begins in the Arctic in the town of Kirkenes, just a few miles from the Norwegian border, but further east than St. Petersburg and Istanbul.
WWII history
For those interested in history, the Varanger Museum in Kirkenes has exhibits about the town’s ordeal during WWII; bombed a total of 328 times in four years, making it the most bombed place during the war after Malta.
For more insights into this sombre period, visit the Andersgrotta WWII Bomb Shelter which can house up to 2,500 people underground.
Norway’s northern frontier
In the port of Vardø, you’ll find the star-shaped Vardøhus Fortress, built in 1737. The northernmost fortification of any kind, it remains a part of the military to this day.
We cruise Norway’s coastline to arrive in the small port of Båtsfjord in the evening and then on to Berlevåg. You might be able to make out Mount Tanahorn to the west, or see Kjølnes Lighthouse blinking atop a cliff overlooking the Barents Sea.
Day 2 – From the Top of Europe
We make stops at Mehamn and Kjøllefjord during the night before early morning visits to Honningsvåg and Havøysund.
The northernmost city
In the early afternoon, you’ll spend time in Hammerfest, which has the largest population on a list of the world’s northernmost settlements.
See the UNESCO-listed Meridian Column, shop for souvenirs at the Polar Bear Society, or take the path behind the town to the viewpoint atop Mount Salen.
Mountains and marine mammals
We continue cruising Norway’s coastline south to Øksfjord and then to Skjervøy, surrounded by mountain peaks. We’ve been docking at this vital fishing port since 1896.
If you’re visiting in winter, you might spot orcas and humpback whales that gather here to feed on herring.
As we make our way to Tromsø, you might also glimpse views of the Lyngen Alps which boast some of the highest peaks in all of Norway.
Midnight magic
We dock at Tromsø just before midnight. In the summer months, you can stroll around the still busy city in glorious 24-hour daylight.
Day 3 – High Peaks and Idyllic Islands
Today, you’ll be exploring the archipelagos of Lofoten and Vesterålen, real highlights of our Norway scenic route.
After Finnsnes early in the morning, the ship calls at Harstad where the white-washed Trondenes Church, the world’s northernmost medieval stone church, sits on the peninsula.
Next is our smallest port of call Risøyhamn and then Sortland where the landscape slowly transforms from hills to 1,000-metre-high mountains.
Our birthplace
Stokmarknes is where Captain Richard With began The Coastal Express in 1893. Visit Hurtigrutemuseet, a ship-in-a-bottle building that chronicles our legacy, centred around retired ship MS Finnmarken from 1956.
A ship-sized fjord
Sailing along Raftsund, the Captain may choose to take the ship into tiny Trollfjord if the weather allows. The mountain walls will look so close you’ll think you can reach out and brush them! To exit the fjord, the ship will rotate 180 degrees on the spot, then sail back out. Remember to look out for sea eagles here too.
Last stop in Lofoten
We reach Svolvær in the evening, the last stop on your voyage with us. The huge mountain that sits above the town is named the Svolvær Goat due to its supposed resemblance. See if you agree!
Highlights
- Comfortable cabin assigned to you at check-in
- Share your journey with locals along the coast
- Sail from Norway’s eastern border to Lofoten
Discover the stunning Vesterålen and Lofoten Islands, often called the most beautiful stretch of Norway's coast, and get to know Arctic Finnmark with visits to Honningsvåg, Hammerfest and Tromsø. Travelling from Kirkenes to Svolvær, the emphasis is on the sailing, with only brief port stops. So, if it’s a short cruise amidst Arctic beauty that appeals, this could be the one for you.
Inclusions
- Comfortable cabin assigned to you at check-in.
- From Norway’s eastern border to the Lofoten archipelago.
- Explore picture-perfect islands and sail into the spectacular Trollfjord.
- Share your journey with locals and experience everyday life on the coast and islands.
FAQs
You sail aboard the MS Kong Harald, MS Nordkapp, MS Nordlys, MS Nordnorge, MS Polarlys, MS Richard With, MS Vesterålen ships.
Cabin categories available on this voyage
- Arctic Superior
- Polar Outside
- Polar Inside
How long is this journey?
This itinerary runs for 3 days and 2 nights.
When can I travel?
Departures are currently scheduled between 31 Oct 2026 and 04 Jun 2027, subject to live availability.
Are there different departure options?
Yes, multiple departures may be available depending on your preferred travel period.
Can I travel solo?
Solo pricing may be available on selected departures, and final options can be confirmed at enquiry.
What is generally included?
Inclusions typically cover guided touring and selected experiences, with exact details listed in the itinerary.
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