Norway Guide
The Norwegian Coastal Route
From Bergen to Kirkenes along the coast, past the North Cape - what the coastal route is about, and how to reach the starting port.
- Around 2,500 nautical miles from Bergen to Kirkenes
- Two operators on the route - Hurtigruten and Havila Voyages
- Daily departures year-round, past the North Cape and the Lofoten Islands
The coastal route at a glance
The coastal route at a glance
The Norwegian coastal route links Bergen in the south with Kirkenes in the country's far northeast. Over around 2,500 nautical miles it follows the rugged coastline, threads through more than 100 fjords, and passes the Lofoten Islands and the North Cape. Originally set up as a supply and mail line for remote coastal communities, it remains a working transport link today and, at the same time, one of Europe's best-known ship journeys.
The route is served year-round by two operators: Hurtigruten and Havila Voyages. Their ships call at numerous ports along the way, so you can cover individual legs just as easily as the full round trip from Bergen to Kirkenes and back.
Not part of our booking
The coastal route is a domestic Norwegian voyage, not a crossing to Norway - so it isn't one of the ferry connections we book here. If you're planning a coastal-route voyage, you book it directly with Hurtigruten or Havila Voyages.
For getting to Norway in the first place, though, you're in the right place: the direct Fjord Line ferry
sails straight to Bergen, the coastal route's southern starting point. Alternatively, the overnight ferry
takes you to the capital, from where the scenic E16 continues on to Bergen.
Coastal route FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Questions and answers about the Norwegian coastal route
What is the Norwegian coastal route?+
The coastal route is the classic voyage from Bergen in the south to Kirkenes in the far northeast of Norway, around 2,500 nautical miles along the coast. It's both a lifeline for coastal communities and one of Europe's best-known ship journeys.
Which operators run the coastal route?+
Two operators run the route - Hurtigruten and Havila Voyages. Both sail it year-round, calling at numerous ports along the coast.
How do I get to Bergen, the starting port?+
The coastal route is a Norwegian domestic voyage, not a crossing we book. To reach Norway itself, choose one of our ferry routes, such as the overnight Kiel - Oslo ferry or the direct Hirtshals - Bergen route. The coastal route then begins northbound from Bergen.