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Hurtigruten Coastal Express

About Hurtigruten Coastal Express

The Hurtigruten Norwegian Coastal Express is the proud legacy of Hurtigruten Group. It is a national icon which has sailed what is considered the world’s most beautiful voyage along the Norwegian coastline since 1893. Today, its seven ships stop at 34 ports between Bergen and Kirkenes, connecting communities, delivering freight, and showcasing the splendour of the Norwegian coast to guests from around the world.

Hurtigruten Coastal Express Intro Video

Why Choose Hurtigruten Coastal Express

A better, greener future

By 2024, in one of the largest environmental ship upgrades in Europe and in our 130-year history, we will have transformed all seven of our ships with major green upgrades.

Our entire fleet will be more energy efficient, cutting CO2 emissions by 25% and NOx by 80%, and three ships will be upgraded to hybrid power.

Weather in Norway

The weather in Norway is very changeable, meaning you can experience all four seasons in one day.

Spring | March, April and May are the most exciting months to visit Norway, when you can enjoy the best of both sun and snow in one sailing. 

  • Experience Norwegian ‘springfulness’ on the coast in nature and culture
  • See all the phases of spring as you sail from south Norway to the Arctic
  • A time when fresh seafood and the year’s first produce fill the menus
  • Have fun with Easter activities and a Norway Day parade on board

Summer | Throughout June, July and August, visitors can witness a special phenomenon: the Midnight Sun. Other highlights include:

  • Powerful and majestic waterfalls in full flow
  • A host of exciting excursions, including boat rides, sea eagle safaris, kayaking and hiking
  • Special sailings into three pristine and beautiful fjords
  • A lush landscape and mild temperatures

Autumn | September, October and November are a great time to discover the Norwegian coast, as summer crowds disappear and make it easier to enjoy serene sailings in spectacular scenery.

  • Sail into enchanting fjords like Trollfjord and Hjørundfjord
  • Enjoy fresh locally sourced cuisine, delivered directly to the ship
  • Don you hiking boots and enjoy the scenery 
  • Experience coastal Norway at its most colourful

Winter | Sailing with Hurtigruten in December, January and February, away from light pollution, provides the best and most reliable chances for experiencing the Northern Lights. But you can also:

  • Immerse yourself in the wild and untamed Norwegian winter scenery
  • Explore the vast wilderness by snowmobile or dog sled 
  • Enjoy the cold, crisp air and Arctic light in different colours
  • Experience polar nights above the Arctic Circle

Norway’s Coastal Kitchen

Fresh ingredients, sourced where we sail.

Cuisine that brings you closer | On a voyage with us you won’t just see the Norwegian coast; you’ll taste it too. As we sail its length, we pick from its pantry, sourcing the finest homegrown produce from the ports we visit.

We are proud to support 50 local farms, bakeries, and producers from across Norway. In our onboard restaurants, enjoy the likes of melt-in-your-mouth cod from Vesterålen, award-winning cheeses from Lofoten, and quality craft beer from Bergen. 

Our onboard restaurants | In general, each of our ships has a main restaurant, a bistro-style eatery, and a fine-dining à la carte restaurant, all true to our food concept of authentic local cuisine.  

Dining rooms typically have floor-to-ceiling windows so you can enjoy views of the fjords while you dine, connecting you to the very places where our ingredients are sourced. 

Head Chef Øistein Nilsen | Native son of northern Norway, Øistein spent much of his childhood exploring the great outdoors and appreciating the freshness and flavours of food from the wild.  

As Head Chef for Norway’s Coastal Kitchen, he brings his vision of locally sourced cuisine to our iconic ships, while also championing homegrown talent, ingredients, and suppliers.

Culinary Ambassadors | We’re cooking up an exciting partnership with two award-winning Head Chefs from the Norwegian coast, Astrid Nässlander and Halvar Ellingsen, to enhance our menus and inspire the next generation of Norway’s Coastal Kitchen chefs.  

Working closely with our own Head Chef Øistein Nilsen, they will do what they do best: craft locally inspired, sustainably produced, and delicious seasonal dishes, which will be unique to our voyages.  

Sustainable and seasonal | Sourcing our food locally isn’t just about fresh, farm-and-fjord-to-table flavours. It’s also about achieving the lowest footprint possible and making sure there is minimal food waste.  

By carefully managing supply and seasonality, we believe cuisine can and should be kind to the planet while still tasting authentic and amazing. 

Rewards Programmes

A better, greener future

By 2024, in one of the largest environmental ship upgrades in Europe and in our 130-year history, we will have transformed all seven of our ships with major green upgrades.

Our entire fleet will be more energy efficient, cutting CO2 emissions by 25% and NOx by 80%, and three ships will be upgraded to hybrid power.

Weather in Norway

The weather in Norway is very changeable, meaning you can experience all four seasons in one day.

Spring | March, April and May are the most exciting months to visit Norway, when you can enjoy the best of both sun and snow in one sailing. 

  • Experience Norwegian ‘springfulness’ on the coast in nature and culture
  • See all the phases of spring as you sail from south Norway to the Arctic
  • A time when fresh seafood and the year’s first produce fill the menus
  • Have fun with Easter activities and a Norway Day parade on board

Summer | Throughout June, July and August, visitors can witness a special phenomenon: the Midnight Sun. Other highlights include:

  • Powerful and majestic waterfalls in full flow
  • A host of exciting excursions, including boat rides, sea eagle safaris, kayaking and hiking
  • Special sailings into three pristine and beautiful fjords
  • A lush landscape and mild temperatures

Autumn | September, October and November are a great time to discover the Norwegian coast, as summer crowds disappear and make it easier to enjoy serene sailings in spectacular scenery.

  • Sail into enchanting fjords like Trollfjord and Hjørundfjord
  • Enjoy fresh locally sourced cuisine, delivered directly to the ship
  • Don you hiking boots and enjoy the scenery 
  • Experience coastal Norway at its most colourful

Winter | Sailing with Hurtigruten in December, January and February, away from light pollution, provides the best and most reliable chances for experiencing the Northern Lights. But you can also:

  • Immerse yourself in the wild and untamed Norwegian winter scenery
  • Explore the vast wilderness by snowmobile or dog sled 
  • Enjoy the cold, crisp air and Arctic light in different colours
  • Experience polar nights above the Arctic Circle

Norway’s Coastal Kitchen

Fresh ingredients, sourced where we sail.

Cuisine that brings you closer | On a voyage with us you won’t just see the Norwegian coast; you’ll taste it too. As we sail its length, we pick from its pantry, sourcing the finest homegrown produce from the ports we visit.

We are proud to support 50 local farms, bakeries, and producers from across Norway. In our onboard restaurants, enjoy the likes of melt-in-your-mouth cod from Vesterålen, award-winning cheeses from Lofoten, and quality craft beer from Bergen. 

Our onboard restaurants | In general, each of our ships has a main restaurant, a bistro-style eatery, and a fine-dining à la carte restaurant, all true to our food concept of authentic local cuisine.  

Dining rooms typically have floor-to-ceiling windows so you can enjoy views of the fjords while you dine, connecting you to the very places where our ingredients are sourced. 

Head Chef Øistein Nilsen | Native son of northern Norway, Øistein spent much of his childhood exploring the great outdoors and appreciating the freshness and flavours of food from the wild.  

As Head Chef for Norway’s Coastal Kitchen, he brings his vision of locally sourced cuisine to our iconic ships, while also championing homegrown talent, ingredients, and suppliers.

Culinary Ambassadors | We’re cooking up an exciting partnership with two award-winning Head Chefs from the Norwegian coast, Astrid Nässlander and Halvar Ellingsen, to enhance our menus and inspire the next generation of Norway’s Coastal Kitchen chefs.  

Working closely with our own Head Chef Øistein Nilsen, they will do what they do best: craft locally inspired, sustainably produced, and delicious seasonal dishes, which will be unique to our voyages.  

Sustainable and seasonal | Sourcing our food locally isn’t just about fresh, farm-and-fjord-to-table flavours. It’s also about achieving the lowest footprint possible and making sure there is minimal food waste.  

By carefully managing supply and seasonality, we believe cuisine can and should be kind to the planet while still tasting authentic and amazing. 

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