Hurtigruten
For more than 115 years Hurtigruten have been a part of the coastal areas of Norway. With our experience in polar areas the company have become an international travel industry company with an unique product.
So when a seasoned Norwegian sea captain called Richard With proposed a regular steam ship service to link northern and southern Norway many saw it as unrealistic folly.
Originally intended as a weekly daylight service from Trondheim to Hammerfest, delivering mail, cargo and passengers, this audacious mariner then proposed to extend the service to travel both day and night, winter and summer. His intention was to sail through waters that at this juncture had still not been mapped, through a landscape that for centuries had only been accessible from the sea.
For 90 years the Coastal Express became the most important communication link between the north and south and it is from these pioneering voyages that the Hurtigruten tradition stems.
Translating as ‘fast route’, it was the quickest and most reliable passage into the remote lands of northern Norway, regardless of weather conditions. Indeed it was not until 1983 that the mail delivery was finally entrusted to road and air routes.
It is this heritage and experience that marks out Hurtigruten as one of the most professional and proficient expedition voyage operations on earth.
Ships
Ships
MS Trollfjord
A magnifcent ship deservedly bearing the name of one of the most dramatic sights on the voyage. The interior design was infuenced by the coastal scenery and the wide windows in the panora... Read more
MS Midnatsol
MS Midnatsol took her maiden voyage along the Norwegian coast in April 2003 and has become a favourite. The ship has similar capacity and facilities to her sister ship MS Trollfjord with ... Read more
MS Polarlys
There are unparalleled views from almost every quarter of this stylish vessel. Polished brass and wood, sculptures, carvings and a fine selection of Norwegian contemporary art are found a... Read more
MS Kong Harald
Named after the King of Norway, this majestic ship also pays tribute to other famous Norwegians and includes the Nansen club bar and Amundsen café. True to tradition, many local ar... Read more
MS Nordlys
Nordlys translates into Northern Lights in English, and it is only natural that décor inspired by the Northern Lights should be apparent in a ship of this name. Artists from this p... Read more
MS Nordkapp
MS Nordkapp is named after the famous North Cape, which is a cape on the island of Magerøya in northern Norway, in the municipality of Nordkapp. The varied and exciting themes from... Read more
MS Nordnorge
The name of this beautiful ship is taken from the most northerly area of Norway. Artists responsible for the décor are associated with this region. Modern facilities are balanced... Read more
MS Richard With
Proudly bearing the name of the founder of Hurtigruten. The ship displays an interior design and artworks which refect a traditional atmosphere and an intimate acquaintance with the coast... Read more
MS Nordstjernen
MS Nordstjernen was built in 1956 for service on the Hurtigruten route. This traditional working ship is rich in character and is another from favourite for many a Hurtigruten enthusiast.... Read more
MS Vesterlaen
Vesterålen was the name of the first coastal ship and is carried proudly by her modern counterpart. Refitted in 1995, she is characterised by bright and cheerful public areas and fe... Read more
MS Lofoten
Our old favourite attracts many passengers to return on board time and time again. MS Lofoten is in operation on the Coastal Voyage during the winter months and voyages around the Svalbar... Read more
