In the heart of Nordic legends - BKT - French Tour

Iconic Architecture and Fantastic Fjords

Enjoy early morning in the breathtaking Nordfjord near Torvik. We then sail past West Cape for our approach to Ålesund.

Art Nouveau city

Ålesund is renowned for its beautiful Art Nouveau architecture and Atlanterhavsparken, one of Northern Europe’s largest saltwater aquariums. If you’re travelling with us in spring or winter, you’ll have most of the day to explore this picturesque town.

Into the fjords

In the summer, we set our course for the spectacular UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord, passing some of the most magnificent scenery Norway has to offer. Once in the fjord, you might get to see the famous Seven Sisters waterfalls cascading down the cliffs.

In autumn, we explore Hjørundfjord, hidden away in the Sunnmøre Alps. There’ll also be a call at the scenic village of Urke to gaze at the view of thousand-year-old farms, the fjord, and the lush mountainsides.

Mountains and roses

The last port of the day is Molde. In summer, there might just be enough daylight to see the amazing view of 222 mountain peaks across the fjord, called ‘the Molde Panorama’.

From mid-June to late August, the streets and gardens here will be adorned with the sight and scent of roses of all shades, living up to Molde’s nickname as ‘The City of Roses’.

TIME IN PORT

• Florø: 02:45 - 03:00

• Måløy: 05:15 - 05:30

• Torvik: 08:20 - 08:30

• Ålesund (01.11-31.05): 09:45 - 20:00

  • Ålesund (01.06-31.10): 09:45 - 10:00

  • Geiranger (01.06-31.08): 14:25 - 14:45

  • Ålesund (01.06-31.08): 19:00 - 20:00

  • Urke (01.09-31.10): 12:15 - 15:45

  • Ålesund (01.09-31.10): 18:00 - 20:00

• Molde: 22:35 - 23:05

City of Kings and Palaces

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

Magical, medieval, and modern

Founded by Viking king Olav Tryggvason in 997, Trondheim today is Norway’s third largest city and a mix of historic buildings and a buzzing student population.

You’ll have three hours to explore Trondheim and its array of highlights, either by yourself or on one of the optional excursions we offer.

A must-see site of the city is Nidaros Cathedral, nicknamed “Norway’s Notre Dame” for its Gothic style and considered the most sacred building in all of Norway. Next door to the cathedral is the Archbishop’s Palace where Norway’s crown jewels are on display.

Nearby, the old city bridge Gamle Bybro sits over Nid River, marking the entrance to the old Hanseatic district of Bakklandet. The neighbourhood’s colourful wooden wharves propped up on stilts by the river’s edge now house trendy eateries. Up from Bakklandet is Kristiansten Fort which affords beautiful panoramas of the city and fjord.

Back on board

In the afternoon, the ship sails northwest, passing the ochre-coloured Kjeungskjær Lighthouse, islets, and rocky reefs. After that, we head towards charming Rørvik.

TIME IN PORT

• Kristiansund: 02:45 - 03:00

• Trondheim: 09:45 - 12:45

• Rørvik: 21:40 - 22:00

Into the Arctic

We cross the Arctic Circle early in the morning, beginning your Arctic tour of Norway. We mark the moment with a traditional ceremony that’s sure to wake you up!

Above the Arctic Circle, you can see the sun 24 hours a day in summer, while in winter, your chances of seeing the Northern Lights greatly improve.

Forces of nature

At 10am, we call into Ørnes, near to Norway’s second-largest glacier, Svartisen. The pier here is popular for the Love Bench where sweethearts have declared their lasting romance with a padlock.

We then sail to Bodø, the second largest city in Northern Norway, overlooked by the Børvass peaks. Admire fabulous street art or join an optional boat excursion to Saltstraumen, the world’s most powerful maelstrom. 

Welcome to Lofoten

That afternoon, the ship enters the Lofoten archipelago. The 1,000 metre-high Lofoten Wall is a stunning sight on the horizon, as if there to welcome us.

Stamsund is home to one of the largest fishing fleets in the islands and busiest between January and April when Arctic cod, known locally as skrei, swim from the Barents Sea in the north down to Vestfjord to spawn.

Come evening, when you see rows of traditional fisherman’s huts on stilts, known as rorbuer, you’ve arrived in the pretty harbour of Svolvær, the main town of the Lofoten Islands.

TIME IN PORT 

• Brønnøysund: 01:35 - 01:45

• Sandnessjøen: 04:35 - 04:50

• Nesna: 06:00 - 06:10

• Ørnes: 10:00 - 10:10

• Bodø: 13:05 - 15:20

• Stamsund: 19:15 - 19:40

• Svolvær: 21:20 - 22:15

Capital of the Arctic

We dock into Harstad just after 7am. You can go for a peaceful early morning stroll around town. 

The ship will then continue to Finnsnes which connects the beautiful island of Senja via the impressive Gisund Bridge.

Keep on the lookout for a variety of seabirds with several colonies nearby, including puffins. Whales can also be spotted in the waters here, especially during the winter season.

Gateway to the Arctic

We then sail to the historic Arctic exploration capital of Tromsø where you’ll have four hours to explore the city or join an optional excursion.

You’ll find Polaria, the world’s northernmost aquarium, o the waterfront. Take your pick from the many shops and restaurants in the city centre, including Mack Brewery and favourite local watering hole Ølhallen pub. There are also trendy cafés plying delicious cinnamon buns and where baristas create innovative coffee art. Across the fjord from where the ship docks, you should be able to see the iconic Arctic Cathedral with its beautiful stained-glass mosaic.

Leaving Tromsø in the early evening, we head north for the trading post of Skjervøy, founded in 1622. On our way, we’ll pass the Lyngen Alps which rise majestically from the sea.

TIME IN PORT:

• Stokmarknes: 01:30 - 01:40

• Sortland: 02:55 - 03:10

• Risøyhamn: 04:35 - 04:50

• Harstad: 07:10 - 07:45

• Finnsnes: 11:00 - 11:30

• Tromsø: 14:15 - 18:15

• Skjervøy: 22:10 - 22:25

Norway’s Northern Frontier

The ship reaches the town of Hammerfest on the island of Kvaløya early in the morning. In summer, the island has herds of reindeer migrating here in their thousands.

You’ll know we’ve reached Havøysund when you see the wind turbines of the landmark Havøyglaven wind farm which produces enough electricity to power 6,000 local homes.

At the top of Europe

We arrive at Honningsvåg mid-morning, portal to the North Cape where a globe monument marks the top of continental Europe. The optional excursion up to the dramatic promontory is very popular, so you’ll want to book early.

Sámi heartlands

Near the entrance of Kjøllefjord village, look out for the striking, building-like rock formation Finnkirka, an ancient sacrificial site once used by the indigenous Sámi. You can join an optional excursion to meet local Sámi, learn about their life reindeer herding, and listen to joik folk songs.

Continuing north

We reach our northernmost port of call, Mehamn, in the evening. If visiting in the months of February and March, you might spot tons of cod drying on outdoor wooden racks called hjell, mainly destined for export.

The ship then sets off for Berlevåg. On the way, we pass the tall Slettnes Lighthouse, the northernmost mainland lighthouse on Earth.

TIME IN PORT: 

• Øksfjord: 01:50 - 02:00

• Hammerfest: 05:05 - 05:45

• Havøysund: 08:30 - 08:45

• Honningsvåg: 10:55 - 14:30

• Kjøllefjord: 16:40 - 17:00

• Mehamn: 18:55 - 19:15

• Berlevåg: 22:00 - 22:10

Norway's Eastern Edge

We call at Båtsfjord and Vardø in the night, before docking at Vadsø early in the morning.

Looking to the skies

The area around Vadsø is one of the most scenic and popular birdwatching spots in the Arctic, lying directly under the migration path of birds flying from east to west. Watch for hooded crows and sea eagles.

Next door neighbours

By the time we reach Kirkenes after breakfast, you’ll have travelled further east than St. Petersburg and Istanbul. You’ll have a choice of optional excursions to explore the area.

Located just a few miles from the Russian border, Kirkenes has many influences from Norway’s neighbour; from road signs in both Norwegian and Russian, a monthly Russian market, and the WWII Russian Monument.

Journey’s turning point

Kirkenes is where your Norwegian coastal cruise changes direction and the ship heads south. Several of the places we sailed to during the night we’ll now see during the day.

Back in Vardø, you can visit the solemn Witches’ Monument and the star-shaped Vardøhus Fortress, built in 1737. The northernmost fortification of any kind, it remains a part of the military to this day.

We return to the small, bustling port of Båtsfjord and then make for Berlevåg for late evening, crossing paths with the northbound ship.

TIME IN PORT:

• Båtsfjord: 00:00 - 00:30

• Vardø: 03:30 - 03:45

• Vadsø: 06:55 - 07:10

• Kirkenes: 09:00 - 12:30

• Vardø: 16:05 - 17:00

• Båtsfjord: 20:00 - 20:30

• Berlevåg: 22:25 - 22:35

From the Top of Europe

We make stops at Mehamn and Kjøllefjord during the night before early morning visits to Honningsvåg and Havøysund.

Almost the northernmost

In the early afternoon, you’ll spend time in Hammerfest, once the northernmost town in the world until Longyearbyen in Svalbard claimed the title.

Check out the UNESCO-listed Meridian Column, shop for souvenirs at the Polar Bear Society, or take the path behind the town to the viewpoint on Mount Salen.

Mountains and marine mammals

We continue cruising Norway’s coastline south to Øksfjord and then to Skjervøy, surrounded by mountain peaks. We’ve been docking at this vital fishing port since 1896.

If you’re visiting in winter, you might spot orcas and humpback whales that gather here to feed on herring.

As we make our way to Tromsø, you might also glimpse views of the Lyngen Alps which boast some of the highest peaks in all of Norway.

Midnight magic

We dock at Tromsø just before midnight. In the summer months, you can stroll around the still busy city in glorious 24-hour daylight.

TIME IN PORT:

• Mehamn: 01:20 - 01:30

• Kjøllefjord: 03:25 - 03:35

• Honningsvåg: 05:45 - 06:00

• Havøysund: 08:00 - 08:15

• Hammerfest: 11:00 - 12:45

• Øksfjord: 15:50 - 16:05

• Skjervøy: 19:30 - 19:45

• Tromsø: 23:45 - 01:30

High Peaks and Idyllic Islands

Today, you’ll be exploring the archipelagos of Lofoten and Vesterålen, real highlights of our Norway scenic route.

After Finnsnes early in the morning, the ship calls at Harstad where the white-washed Trondenes Church, the world’s northernmost medieval stone church, sits on the peninsula.

Next is our smallest port of call Risøyhamn and then Sortland where the landscape slowly transforms from hills to 1,000-metre-high mountains.

Our birthplace

Stokmarknes is where Captain Richard With began The Coastal Express in 1893. Visit Hurtigrutemuseet, a ship-in-a-bottle building that chronicles our legacy, centred around retired ship MS Finnmarken from 1956.

A ship-size fjord

Sailing along Raftsund, the Captain may choose to take the ship into tiny Trollfjord. The mountain walls will look so close you’ll think you can reach out and brush them! To exit the fjord, the ship will rotate 180 degrees on the spot, then sail back out. Remember to look out for sea eagles here too.

Leaving Lofoten

We reach Svolvær in the evening. The huge mountain that sits above the town is named the Svolvær Goat due to its supposed resemblance. See if you agree!

The ship then sails for Stamsund, eventually passing the giant granite cliffs of the Lofoten Wall.

TIME IN PORT:

• Tromsø: 23:45 - 01:30

• Finnsnes: 04:20 - 04:40

• Harstad: 08:00 - 08:30

• Risøyhamn: 10:45 - 11:00

• Sortland: 12:30 - 13:00

• Stokmarknes: 14:15 - 15:15

• Svolvær: 18:30 - 20:30

• Stamsund: 22:15 - 22:30

A Landscape of Trolls

The ship calls at Bodø in the small hours of the morning and then Ørnes at 7am. We then cross over the Arctic Circle just after breakfast. Commemorate the moment with a tradition of tasting a spoonful of good ol’ cod liver oil!

We make a short stop at Nesna before sailing on to Sandnessjøen, gateway to the magnificent Helgeland Coast.

Legend has it…

Admire the stunning landscape of the Seven Sisters mountain range, with peaks up to 1,100m high. The tale goes that seven beautiful troll princesses, fleeing from an unwanted suitor, got caught out as the sun rose, turning them into the seven beautiful mountains you see today.

You’ll also not want to miss views of Torghatten Mountain, with the distinctive hole in it. There is a local legend as to why and how this mountain came to have such a hole. Make sure you ask your Coastal Expert about it!

We reach Brønnøysund mid-afternoon. Explore the bustling marina on a walk along Havnegata. In the centre of town is Brønnøy Church: a stone church in the Neo-Gothic style dating back to 1870.

Our last stop of the day is the cosy fishing port of Rørvik in the picturesque Vikna archipelago.

TIME IN PORT:

• Bodø: 02:30 - 03:30

• Ørnes: 06:25 - 06:35

• Nesna: 10:25 - 10:35

• Sandnessjøen: 11:45 - 12:15

• Brønnøysund: 15:00 - 17:25

• Rørvik: 21:00 - 21:30

Until Next Time