Norway Coastal Cruise 2024 - North Cape or Bust!

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When I booked my round trip on the Hurtigrute, the Norwegian coastal route, back in late 2024, I’d always planned to write about my experiences. Initially, this plan just called for a few blog posts, but as the journey drew closer, it became more and more obvious that this was going to be a much bigger undertaking than I’d expected. What even is Hurtigrute? What is Havila? When did this start? What’s the ship like? Where exactly do they go? Eventually, I decided to give the whole experience its own page, the one you’re currently reading. Whether you want to know the history of the route, get a deep dive into the ship (even though it’s very much afloat!) I was on, or just want some general pointers about what to keep in mind about this journey of a lifetime, you’ll find everything linked below. Enjoy!

What is the Hurtigrute?


Just what is so special about the Norwegian coastal route anyway? And how did it come about?

Ten Things you need to know about the coastal route!


There are a few things you should keep in mind if you're planning to take a trip along the coastal route.


Meet the Ship!


Havila Castor was my ship for this amazing journey. Click here to get to know her!


Part 1 - Getting from Cork to Bergen


Every journey has to start somewhere. Mine did so with a 3 AM wake-up call to catch the early morning KLM flight to Amsterdam.


Part 2 - Exploring Bergen and Embarkation


This part of the journey took me from the top of Bergen along the coast to the port of Rørvik.

Part 3 - From Ørnes past the North Cape to Berlevåg


From the breathtaking coast of Nordland to the spectacle of the Northern Lights and the austere grandeur of the far north, Norway turns it up to eleven as we head to the northern tip of Europe!

Part 4 - From Kirkenes to Stamsund



Part 5 - From Nesna to Bergen and back to Cork


As snow gives way to rain and life slowly returns to the landscape, Havila Castor reaches the end of her journey in Bergen.


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