Your journey starts in Bergen, Norway’s second-largest city and gateway to the fjords. Founded in 1070 A.D., the city’s architecture reflects the influence of the 14th-century Hanseatic League, a German trading group.

If time allows before departure, stroll through the UNESCO-listed Bryggen district, now home to artisan shops and picturesque cobblestone streets. Nearby, the famous fish market offers fresh seafood, and the Fløibanen funicular provides stunning views from Mount Fløyen.

Before boarding, relax in the guest lounge at the terminal. Once on board, enjoy your first meal made with fresh coastal produce as the ship sails from Bergen along the historic Viking route through the Hjeltefjord.

You'll also meet the Coastal Experience Team, who will guide you along Norway’s coastline with lectures, activities, and optional hikes during the voyage.

Begin your day in the Nordfjord near Torvik, then sail past the West Cape toward Ålesund.

Famous for its stunning Art Nouveau architecture, Ålesund also boasts Atlanterhavsparken, one of northern Europe’s largest saltwater aquariums. In spring or winter, you'll have plenty of time to explore this charming town.

This section of the voyage brings us to the Trøndelag region of Norway, marked by crumpled hills, fields dotted with farmsteads, and low-lying coastal settlements.

Magical, medieval, and modern

Trondheim was founded by Viking King Olav Tryggvason in 997 A.D. and is now Norway’s third-largest city. It features a mix of historic buildings and a lively student population.

You’ll have about three hours to explore Trondheim and its various highlights.

You cross the Arctic Circle early in the morning, kicking off your Arctic adventure. A traditional ceremony marks the occasion and will definitely wake you up.

In summer, enjoy 24 hours of daylight above the Arctic Circle, while in winter, your chances of spotting the Northern Lights increase dramatically.

The ship docks in Harstad around 7 a.m., giving you time for a peaceful morning stroll.

Next, we sail to Finnsnes, linked to the scenic island of Senja by the Gisund Bridge. Watch for seabirds like puffins, as several colonies are nearby.

The ship arrives in Hammerfest on Kvaløya island early in the morning. In summer, thousands of reindeer migrate here.

As we approach Havøysund, look for the wind turbines of the Havøygavlen wind farm, which powers 6,000 local homes.

The ship stops at Båtsfjord and Vardø overnight, arriving in Vadsø early in the morning.

The area around Vadsø is a prime birdwatching destination, positioned under the migration path of birds flying east to west. Keep an eye out for Hooded Crows and Sea Eagles.

After breakfast, you reach Kirkenes, having traveled further east than St. Petersburg and Istanbul! You’ll have various optional excursions to explore the area.

Kirkenes marks the point where the Norwegian Coastal Express turns south. Many of the places visited overnight will now be seen during the day.

In Vardø, visit the Witches’ Monument and the star-shaped Vardøhus Fortress, built in 1737. This northernmost fortification is still in use by the military today.

Later, you return to the bustling port of Båtsfjord before heading to Berlevåg in the evening, crossing paths with the northbound ship.

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.

On this day, you’ll be exploring the archipelagos of Lofoten and Vesterålen, true highlights of your scenic Norwegian route.

After a call at Finnsnes in the early morning, the ship calls at Harstad. Here lies the world’s northernmost medieval stone church on the peninsula: the white-washed Trondenes Church.

Next, stop at Risøyhamn, your smallest port of call. Then it’s off to Sortland, where the landscape slowly transforms from hills to mountains towering over 3,280 feet high.

The ship arrives in Bodo early in the morning, then stops at Ornes at 7 a.m. After breakfast, you cross the Arctic Circle and celebrate with the traditional tasting of Norwegian cod liver oil.

Next, enjoy a brief stop at Nesna before continuing to Sandnessjøen, the gateway to the stunning Helgeland Coast.

You spend the morning in Trondheim before sailing past beautiful islands and small communities, heading to Kristiansund and Molde.

In Trondheim, stroll as the city awakens, visit Nidaros Cathedral, and take photos at Gamle Bybro bridge. Enjoy coffee and a pastry in Bakklandet before heading to Kristiansten Fort for views of Norway’s third-largest city.

In the late afternoon, you dock in Kristiansund, known as Norway’s ‘Bacalao Capital’ for salted cod dried on cliffs. Explore the cobblestone streets and the lively port, and visit Varden viewpoint for panoramic views.

Your second-to-last stop is Molde, where you can see the Romsdal Alps and enjoy blooming flowers from mid-June to late August in this ‘City of Roses.’

At least for this time around, your voyage reaches its end today. During the previous night, we called Alesund and Torvik. On your approach to Maloy, you might glimpse the Norwegian Coastal Express heading north (if you're up early enough). You can see the Nordfjord, under the enormous Jostedal Glacier, mainland Europe's largest. The ship then docks at Floro in the morning. There, you can take in the harbor and marina. Leaving Floro, you see Stabben Lighthouse, a favorite subject for photographers. Enjoy stunning views as we cross the mouth of the Sognefjord, the longest and widest fjord in all of Norway.

As you reach your final port in the afternoon, the ship navigates through your scenic route's last islands and skerrie and sails down the Hjeltefjord into Bergen.