Sailing Norway’s Winter Wonders
The North Cape Line with Hurtigruten
Norway in winter has a quiet kind of magic, deep fjords dusted in white, crisp Arctic air, and remote towns glowing warmly against early sunsets.
One of our travel experts, Hugh from Bradford Travel, recently journeyed on Hurtigruten’s North Cape Line, sailing from Oslo to Tromsø in early November. This all-inclusive voyage unveiled Norway’s rugged coastline, rich history, and spectacular Arctic landscapes. Here’s an inside look at the journey, unforgettable highlights, and valuable insights for travellers considering this remarkable itinerary.
Discovering Oslo & Boarding MS Trollfjord
The adventure began early in Norway’s vibrant capital, Oslo. Before setting sail, a panoramic city tour introduced some of the city’s most significant landmarks — the Royal Palace, the glacier-inspired Opera House, and Norway’s oldest university.
A particularly moving moment was visiting 26 November Square, a memorial dedicated to the 529 Norwegian Jews deported to Auschwitz. Nine empty chairs stand permanently in the square to represent the nine survivors, a striking and emotional tribute.
The tour then headed to Holmenkollen for a glimpse of the iconic ski jump. Visibility was low, but not low enough to miss sampling Norway’s famous brunost (brown cheese) creamy, caramel-like, and surprisingly addictive.
A stroll through Vigeland Sculpture Park followed, showcasing more than 200 expressive sculptures representing the cycle of human life. Open 24/7 and free to enter, it’s a must-visit when in Oslo.
By late afternoon, it was time to board MS Trollfjord, the beautifully refurbished Hurtigruten ship that would be home for the week ahead.
A Sea Day of History, Food & Life at Sea
Sea days with Hurtigruten are full of discovery. The morning began with a behind-the-scenes visit to the ship’s bridge, a rare insight into navigating Norway’s complex coastline. Every Hurtigruten captain is pilot-certified, allowing the ship to enter ports without local pilots.
A Viking history lecture brought ancient Norway to life, followed by a tasting of dry-aged salmon and halibut prepared onboard. Dinner at Arran, one of the ship’s standout restaurants, featured reindeer marrow, pickled herring, salmon, tomahawk beef, and Norwegian doughnuts with homemade jam, regionally inspired dining at its best.
Stavanger: Swords, Colour & Viking Legends
Rain set the tone for arrival into Stavanger, enhancing the charm of its colourful old town. The On the Trail of the Vikings excursion revealed the region’s deep Norse roots, with highlights including
Sverd i fjell (Swords in Rock) three massive bronze swords symbolising peace, unity, and freedom
Domsteinene Stone Circle
Panoramic views from Stavanger’s highest point
A Virtual Reality experience at The Viking House an exceptional window into Viking life
Back onboard, a tasting of Norwegian aquavit, whisky, and craft spirits warmed the afternoon, followed by an exquisite five-course dinner at Røst, the ship’s fine-dining venue showcasing produce sourced from each port.
Fjords & Folklore in Ålesund
Ålesund is known for its Art Nouveau buildings, but time was short, so the day focused on exploring the region’s dramatic landscapes:
Tunnels running deep beneath fjords
Sweeping coastal views from Alnes Lighthouse
A warming bowl of traditional Sodd soup
A visit to a beautifully preserved 12th-century stone church
While the city itself deserves more time, the impressive scenery ensured a memorable day.
Crossing the Arctic Circle
A slow morning unfolded in the small town of Rørvik before MS Trollfjord continued north. By evening, the ship crossed the Arctic Circle, marked by Hurtigruten’s famous (and slightly mischievous) tradition: an icy ladle of water poured down the back, followed by a warming shot of aquavit — a Scandinavian spirit distilled from grain or potatoes and flavoured with spices and herbs, with a history dating back to the 15th century.
Svolvær & Stokmarknes: Wildlife & Heritage
Crossing into the Arctic brought a noticeable shift in the landscape, fjords edged with frost, mountains dusted in fresh snow, and a crisp stillness in the air that instantly set the tone for the day. The ship arrived early into Svolvær, one of the most picturesque towns in the Lofoten Islands, and the morning began with free time to wander.
Svolvær’s harbour was peaceful, framed by dramatic peaks and quiet streets coated in ice. It quickly became clear why crampons or snow cleats are an absolute must here, even a short stroll could be challenging without them. The winter setting, however, made the town feel almost cinematic.
The main highlight of the day was the RIB Sea Eagle Safari, an excursion that turned out to be one of the most extraordinary experiences of the entire voyage. After gearing up in full thermal suits, the group set out on high-speed RIB boats, skimming across glassy water surrounded by towering, snow-covered cliffs.
The sea eagles themselves were nothing short of spectacular. With wingspans ranging from 60cm to an impressive two metres, these magnificent birds circled above before sweeping down toward the water. The guides tossed fish beside the boats, allowing the eagles to swoop in and grasp them with astonishing precision often just metres away.
Watching these powerful birds in their natural habitat, framed by the dramatic Arctic scenery, was described as “utterly breathtaking” a moment that lingers long after the journey ends. For Hugh, this was the standout highlight of the entire cruise, and he says this excursion is an absolute must-do for anyone sailing Norway’s coastal routes.
Back onboard, MS Trollfjord continued toward Stokmarknes, and the afternoon brought a tasting of eight local Norwegian beers, a fun and warming way to sample regional flavours.
Upon arrival in Stokmarknes, the group visited the Hurtigruten Museum, a fascinating insight into how the company began in the late 1800s and early 1900s as a vital mail and cargo service for isolated northern communities. With no roads or railways stretching this far north, ships were the only lifeline, bringing supplies, parcels, and eventually passengers.
Over time, demand grew, and what began as essential transport gradually evolved into the celebrated coastal voyages Hurtigruten is known for today. Standing inside the original, fully preserved MS Finnmarken — now part of the museum provided a remarkable sense of connection to the line’s heritage.
This day perfectly captured the spirit of the North Cape Line: dramatic landscapes, close wildlife encounters, and a deep appreciation for the maritime history that shaped Norway’s remote regions.
Tromsø & the Northern Lights
The final day brought arrival into lively Tromsø, the Gateway to the Arctic. After checking into post-cruise accommodation, the evening was reserved for a northern lights excursion and conditions were perfect.
Travelling with a trusted, licensed local operator, the group was treated to a spectacular aurora display almost immediately upon arrival at the viewing site. Snow suits, campfires, hot chocolate, local stories, photography support, and even light-painting made the evening feel magical.
Hugh’s Reminder “Not all northern lights operators in Tromsø are licensed. Choosing an unlicensed operator can create issues with travel insurance. Always ask your travel expert for vetted recommendations.”
Highlights of the Journey
Fine dining at Røst, with exceptional local ingredients and innovative pairings
RIB Sea Eagle Safari in Svolvær, one of the most unforgettable wildlife experiences in Norway
A magical Northern Lights viewing with Northbound, a premium, fully licensed operator
Immersive Norwegian culture, from Viking heritage to coastal traditions
Seamless Hurtigruten service, blending expedition-style exploration with comfort and quality
Hughes Expert Tips
Crampons or snow cleats are essential especially once you’re north of the Arctic Circle. Footpaths and roads can be extremely icy, and not all areas are gritted.
Bring a proper camera Phone cameras are great, but they struggle to capture the true scale and beauty of Norway’s winter landscapes.
Choose Your Cabin Carefully Cabin layouts and locations vary across the ship, and some categories sit close to public walkways, which may not suit every traveller. Your travel expert can guide you through the best options for your preferences. Hugh recommends for those booking an Arctic Superior Stateroom category, Deck 4 offers slightly wider cabins.
Take care when booking Northern Lights tours in Tromsø There are many unlicensed operators, which could cause issues with insurance if something goes wrong. For peace of mind, book through our travel experts, we’ll ensure you’re matched with reputable, licensed operators for the best experience.
Ready to Experience Norway for Yourself?
Norway’s winter wonders — from the fjords and Arctic wildlife to the northern lights and historic coastal towns await.
Our travel experts are here to help you plan your perfect trip. Whether it’s a voyage with Hurtigruten, time in Oslo or Tromsø, or researching Norway for a future adventure, get in touch with our travel experts. We’ll guide you through the best itineraries, trusted operators, and insider tips to make your journey truly unforgettable.
Your Journey, Our Expertise.