Hurtigruten - North Cape to Bergen

Flight from Zurich to Stockholm. Transfer to the city centre and free time for first discoveries.

On a guided city tour in the morning, you get to know the splendid metropolis of Stockholm. The island rises in the middle of the water, and within it lies the charming old town with its narrow, winding lanes, its churches, the Stadshused where the Nobel Prizes are awarded, the Parliament island and the royal palace Kungliga Slottet, which has 608 rooms. At midday, onward travel via Uppsala, the former capital of Sweden, to Gävle. The journey now heads north at some distance from the coast, passing through Hälsingland and the two coastal towns of Söderham and Hudiksvall. The northernmost city of central Sweden, Sundsvall, is today's destination.

You travel through the vast expanses of Sweden, with forests and red houses, along the "High Coast" to Umeå and on to the charming Luleå, whose picturesque old town now forms part of the UNESCO World Heritage List.

On the way from Luleå to the Swedish town of Haparanda on the Finnish border, you are already in the land of the Swedish Sami, also known as Lapps. You cross the border at Tornio, which is formed by the Torne River. Then you head into the heart of Pallas-Ounastunturi National Park. Overnight at the rather simpler mid-range Pallas Hotel, in a superb panoramic location in the middle of the park, above the tree line. It offers something you seek in vain elsewhere: the tranquillity of nature and the purity of air and water. Perhaps the reindeer will peek in through your window?

Through the birch tundra of Lapland you travel to the "reindeer capital" of Kautokeino, in the heart of Sami country, where only 3,000 people but 80,000 reindeer live. Onward via Karasjok to Lakselv, where you reach the sea and follow the western shore of the Porsanger Fjord for some 100 kilometres. In the evening, an excursion from Honningsvåg to the North Cape, where you enjoy the enchanting midnight sun. Between Honningsvåg and the North Cape lie 35 kilometres of Europe's only true Arctic landscape. The island may be bare and treeless, yet it radiates a rugged beauty, which the clear air enhances on sunny days.

Embarkation. Sailing to Europe's northernmost town, Hammerfest. Via Ösfjord and Skjervøy to Tromsø. In Tromsø you have the opportunity to celebrate the midnight sun in a very special way on the optional Hurtigruten excursion: a unique night-time concert of Norwegian folk music and classical pieces awaits you in the Arctic Cathedral. (4 nights on board).

The sight of the Risøyrenna strait and the passage through the Raftsund, only about 100 m wide, are certainly among the most beautiful moments of the journey. In good weather, your ship sails into the extremely narrow Trollfjord, with its steep rock walls rising high on both sides. Stokmarknes is home to the Museum of the Mail Ships. As your ship heads for Svolvær, the main town of the Lofoten Islands, and finally Stamsund, the majestic mountains of the Lofoten Wall glide past you.

Rising early is worthwhile: you pass the colourful scenery of the fertile Helgeland coast and cross the Arctic Circle. The varied route along the Helgeland coast is described as "the most beautiful route in the world". A varied landscape of numerous islands, mountains and waterfalls follows: the mountain range of the "Seven Sisters" (Syv Søstre), the "Bridal Veil" waterfall (Brudeslør) and the legendary rock island of Torghatten, which has a 40 m wide hole at a height of 160 m.

The charm of the past is visible in the old town of Trondheim, with its wooden merchants' houses and warehouses and the Nidaros Cathedral. Passing the islands of Munkholmen and Hitra, you cross the open sea to Molde, which, thanks to its fertile location on the Gulf Stream, is also known as the "City of Roses".

A fantastic landscape unfolds before you: the Nordfjord beneath the vast Jostedalsbreen glacier, the mouth of the mighty Sognefjord and the skerry gardens in front of the city of Bergen. Guided walk through the old Bryggen district.

On one of Europe's most fascinating railway lines, you travel to Hønefoss. The Bergen Railway crosses Europe's largest high plateau, the Hardangervidda, running for about 100 km above the tree line. The route also crosses some 300 bridges spanning countless rivers. In Hønefoss, just before Oslo, you will meet your Eurobus coach driver again, who will be waiting for you at the station. Onward journey by coach to Oslo.

Guided tour of "Europe's greenest capital". Oslo has much to offer, from the Royal Palace to the ancient Viking ships. Transfer to the airport and return flight to Switzerland.

Would you like to extend your stay in Oslo by 1, 2 or 3 days, or perhaps travel to Stockholm earlier? Just ask us, and we will be happy to reserve suitable flights and hotels for you.