Havila Voyages: Norway Round-Trip Winter Voyage

Your Norwegian winter adventure begins in Bergen, a delightfully picturesque city on the country’s spectacular west coast, surrounded by a labyrinth of fjords and mountains. On arrival, a private transfer will bring you to your elegant downtown hotel, Opus XVI, which occupies a beautifully restored red brick building that pairs grand marble columns and polished granite walls with contemporary Scandinavian design. It’s perfectly located for exploring all that Bergen has to offer, including its famous fish market (just a few steps away) and the UNESCO-listed harbour district, Bryggen (a 5-10 minute walk away). If you’re visiting in December, meanwhile, you might also be tempted to stop by the Christmas market at Festplassen and the world’s largest gingerbread town, Pepperkakebyen, at Kong Oscars gate. You’ll find plenty of excellent dining options within striking distance, too, including the wonderfully atmospheric Frescohallen, which comes highly recommended. 

After breakfast, you’ll have plenty of time to explore Bergen in more depth as your Havila cruise doesn’t depart until the evening. We’ve included tickets for a return journey on the Fløibanen funicular, which takes you up to the observation platform on Mount Fløyen, where you’ll be met by terrific views overlooking Bergen and out across the surrounding mountains. There are several short, easily accessible hiking trails here that wind between lakes and forests, offering a tranquil escape to nature. Later on, make your way to the ferry terminal to board your modern, eco-friendly Havila ship, which will be your home at sea for the next 11 nights. Take some time to settle into your stylish sea view cabin and familiarise yourself with the ship’s common areas before enjoying your first delicious dinner at Havrand restaurant. Dining onboard is based on seasonal, locally sourced Norwegian ingredients, with menus that change regularly throughout the voyage. It's also possible to book a five-course fine dining experience at Hildring restaurant for an additional supplement.

If you’d like to upgrade your onboard accommodation to a suite – which comes with either floor-to-ceiling windows or a private balcony, along with a complimentary welcome pack and premium dining options – please speak to one of our specialists.

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Sailing north overnight, you’ll soon arrive in Ålesund, a port town spread across several islands and renowned for its elegant Art Nouveau architecture. You’ll have the option to disembark here, perhaps joining a guided walking tour (including a hike to Mount Aksla) or a kayaking and sauna experience. Alternatively, you could embark on an excursion to Geirangerfjord, which forms part of the West Norwegian Fjords UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s one of Norway’s most spectacular fjords, flanked by steep mountains and waterfalls that tumble down sheer cliffs (though these can freeze over in the winter months). Later on, your voyage continues north from Ålesund to Molde, a city on the northern shore of Romsdalsfjord. 

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You’ll arrive in Trondheim this morning, with ample time to disembark and explore Norway’s third-largest city and former capital during the Viking era. You may opt to join a historical walking tour, visit the majestic Nidaros Cathedral (the world’s northernmost medieval cathedral), or take to the water on a kayaking adventure on the Nidelva River, paddling alongside Trondheim’s colourful wooden wharves. There’s also the possibility to explore Trondheim by bike, river boat, or vintage tram – the choice is yours. Later on, you’ll reboard the ship to continue your voyage north, sailing along the Trondheimfjord before weaving along the coast through a scattering of islands en route to Rørvik. 

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Today, you’ll cross the Arctic Circle at 66°33'N, marking this significant moment in the voyage with a ceremony onboard. North of this latitude, the sun doesn’t rise above the horizon during the darkest days of winter and the Northern Lights are a regular sight illuminating the night sky. Shortly afterwards, you’ll arrive in Bodø, the second-largest city in Northern Norway behind Tromsø. Here, you can join a historical walking tour to learn about Bodø’s transformation from a Stone Age settlement into the European Capital of Culture 2024. Alternatively, you may set out on a coastal hike or a boat excursion or a boat tour to Saltstraumen, the world’s strongest tidal current. Once back onboard later on, the next stretch of your voyage brings you to the Lofoten Islands, an awe-inspiring archipelago of jagged granite peaks, remote beaches and colourful, timber-clad fishing villages. As darkness sets in, be sure to keep a lookout for the Northern Lights – if the skies are clear, you’ll have a strong chance of witnessing this celestial spectacle.

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Sailing between rugged, snow-capped islands and narrow fjords, your next port of call is Tromsø, Norway’s ‘Capital of the Arctic’. The city is spread across the island of Tromsøya, which is connected to the mainland by a couple of bridges. Its downtown area is compact and easy to explore on foot, which you’ll be able to do either independently or on a guided walking tour. There’s also the chance to ride the Fjellheisen cable car, which brings you to a viewpoint on Mount Storsteinen with fabulous views overlooking Tromsø and the surrounding Arctic landscape. Alternatively, you might be interested in visiting a local Sámi reindeer camp or venturing out on a snowshoeing or cross-country skiing adventure. This region is renowned as one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights, so as you continue sailing north this evening, you’ll have another opportunity to observe this endlessly captivating phenomenon. 

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Your voyage reaches its northernmost point today as you sail around the North Cape before arriving in the port town of Honningsvåg, where you’re able to disembark for a choice of optional excursions. You could take a trip to the North Cape plateau, where steep cliffs plunge into the icy waters of the Barents Sea, marking the final frontier of mainland Europe. There’s also the option to try your hand at ice fishing or venture out on a thrilling snowmobile or ATV safari across the snow-cloaked wilderness. Whichever activity you choose, it’s sure to be one of the most memorable days of your voyage as you experience a taste of life deep inside the Arctic Circle. Later on, your voyage continues along Norway’s northern coastline towards Berlevåg.

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Today, you’ll arrive in Kirkenes, a remote town tucked away right in the northeastern corner of Norway, around 400 kilometres within the Arctic Circle. This is the furthest extent of your coastal voyage before beginning the journey back towards the south. Take the opportunity to disembark for a choice of excursions, such as husky sledding, snowmobiling, King Crab fishing, or perhaps a visit to the Snow Resort Kirkenes, where you can meet the local reindeer and enjoy a cocktail in the ice bar before returning to the ship. With a little luck regarding the weather conditions and solar activity, tonight brings another chance to spot the Northern Lights.

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Sailing through the night, you’ll have the chance to disembark in Mehamn for a truly unique experience – a snowmobiling safari in the Polar Night, gliding across the Arctic wilderness under the cover of darkness (and perhaps beneath the Northern Lights). If you join this excursion, you’ll reboard the ship at the next port, Kjøllefjord. There are further opportunities to disembark, first in Honningsvåg (for breakfast at the North Cape) and then in Hammerfest (for a guided walking tour) before arriving back in Tromsø in the evening. Here, you may wish to attend a Midnight Concert at Tromsø Cathedral, featuring hymns, folk tunes, traditional Norwegian melodies, ballads, and Sámi cultural pieces.

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Continuing south, you’ll soon approach the port town of Harstad on the northern shore of Hinnøya – Norway’s largest island (excluding Spitsbergen in Svalbard). Here, you can join a bus tour taking in Trondenes Church (the world’s northernmost medieval stone church), Trondenes Historical Centre and a medieval farm, before reboarding the ship in Sortland. You’ll then sail through the dramatic coastal landscape of the Vesterålen archipelago, which is one of the best whale watching destinations in Norway. In the winter months, humpbacks and orcas are especially prevalent. For a more in-depth introduction to Vesterålen, you can disembark in Sortland for a scenic drive that includes a stop at the beautiful Hadsel Church and a guided visit to the Coastal Express Museum. You’ll then continue to the Lofoten Islands, where you can join an excursion to the historic fishing village of Kabelvåg or enjoy a brewery tour and beer tasting in Svolvær. 

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Your voyage leaves the Arctic Circle behind today as you sail past myriad small islands, islets and skerries en route to Brønnøysund. This port town is spread along a narrow peninsula at the geographical halfway point of the Norwegian coastline. The nearby mountain of Torghatten, famous for the hole that runs through the middle of it, is well worth visiting. Later on, you’ll sail south towards the fishing village of Rørvik in the Vikna archipelago. 

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Returning to Trondheim, today is a chance to take in some of the sights you might have missed the first time round. For instance, you might go kayaking on the Nidelva River, or dedicate more time to exploring Nidaros Cathedral. Or, you could simply explore at your own pace, perhaps taking a stroll through the cobbled streets of the charming Bakklandet neighbourhood and crossing the Old Town Bridge (Gamle Bybro), where you’ll be met by postcard-worthy views of Trondheim’s colourful wooden wharves. Continuing south, your next stop is Kristiansund, where you can embark on a journey along the famous Atlantic Road and visit the mystical marble caves at Bergtatt. This penultimate leg of your voyage then passes through Molde and Ålesund. 

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Navigating through a varied coastal landscape of rocky islands and labyrinthine fjords, you’ll arrive back in Bergen today, bringing your Havila coastal voyage to a conclusion. After disembarking the ship, a transfer will collect you from the port and bring you back to the Opus XVI where you’ll check in ahead of the final night of your trip. You have the remainder of the day free to enjoy Bergen at leisure. This evening, why not cap off your trip in style with a special dinner at one of the city’s many superb restaurants? 

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel this morning before a private transfer brings you to the airport in time for your flight home.