Astronomy Cruise on the Coastal Express

Bergen is where Norway’s coastal story begins. The city sits between seven mountains and the sea, with UNESCO-listed Bryggen’s painted wooden wharves lining the harbour; a living quarter that has been at the heart of Norwegian trade since the 14th century. Walk the narrow alleyways behind the waterfront, take the Fløibanen funicular up Mount Fløyen for views across the fjords, or simply arrive the night before and let the city settle you in before the voyage north.

Arrive at the Art Nouveau town of Ålesund, renowned for its stunning and picturesque architecture. Take time to explore the city and its rich Norse history or visit Atlanterhavsparken, one of the largest saltwater aquariums in Northern Europe. You can also make your way up to small Mount Aksla for a panorama of the town and its picturesque position surrounded by islands.

In the afternoon, we reach the port of Molde and the amazing view of 222 mountain peaks across the fjord, called the ‘Molde Panorama’.

This attractive city was Norways first capital, between 997 and 1380, it was here that the new Kings of old Norway recieved their ceremonial blessing. Rebuilt in the 17th century, this cosmopolitan city boasts wide streets lined with brightly coloured houses and gabled warehouses.

Surrounded by sea and fjord, the light in Bodø constantly shifts with the wind and weather. And then there’s the exotic fact that both the midnight sun and northern lights can be seen from here. Bodø is the capital of Nordland county and lies just north of the Arctic Circle where the midnight sun is visible from 2 June to 10 July. Due to atmospheric refraction, there is no true polar night in Bodø, but because of the mountains south of Bodø, the sun is not visible from the city from early December to early January. Monthly average number of sun hours in Bodø peaks in June with 221 hours.

Tromsø’s numerous attractions include wildlife and impressive vistas, as well as history, culture and daring architecture. Often described as the Paris of the north, Tromsø offers a lively nightlife, friendly locals and a range of restaurants specializing in the fresh produce of the region. The city centre offers great shopping – from locally made specialties to Nordic and international brands.

Honningsvag is the largest fishing village in Finmark and was completely rebuilt after the last war. It is the nearest port of call to the North Cape and from here it is possible to take an excursion to Nordkapp at 71 degrees North.

Kirkenes is located in the extreme northeastern part of Norway on the Bøkfjord, a branch of the Varangerfjord, near the Russian border. We’re about 400 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle and actually as far east as St. Petersburg. Most of the approximately 7,000 inhabitants are of Norwegian background, while a minority is Sami. Others originate from Finland and some 500 immigrants have recently arrived from Russia.

Since it was founded, Hammerfest has defended its position as the world’s northernmost town. It lies roughly at the same latitude as the northernmost parts of Siberia and Alaska. In spite of the extreme northern location there is no permafrost here. Still, Hammerfest often experiences heavy snowfall in winter. The people living here enjoy 24 hours of daylight in summer – and during some parts of the winter the sun does not rise above the horizon.

Originally a flourishing centre of the herring trade, Harstad has moved into the shipbuilding industry with equal gusto.

Svolvær is the administrative centre of Vågan Municipality in Nordland County, Norway. It is located on the island of Austvågøya in the Lofoten archipelago, along the Vestfjorden

Sandnessjøen is a town and the administrative centre of Alstahaug Municipality in Nordland county, Norway. Sandnessjøen was granted special trading privileges in the late 1600s and it received town status in 1999. Sandnessjøen is located on the island of Alsta, just west of the De syv søstre mountain range.

Brønnøysund is situated on a narrow peninsula on the mainland, surrounded by islands and water. Here, you’re actually half way on the long northbound stretch of land that is Norway. The small coastal town of 5,000 inhabitants is centred on the narrow, but strategically situated harbour, which caters for all trade and fishing. It is a vibrant and pretty little town with an attractive visitors’ marina. Use some time to stroll around the streets – perhaps a walk along Havnegata, where you can enjoy looking at the small boats and bustling life of the archipelago. Sample the street life and go into one of the pubs, or treat yourself to a delicious meal at one of the restaurants.

This attractive city was Norways first capital, between 997 and 1380, it was here that the new Kings of old Norway recieved their ceremonial blessing. Rebuilt in the 17th century, this cosmopolitan city boasts wide streets lined with brightly coloured houses and gabled warehouses.

As the ship returns to Bergen after 11 nights on the Arctic coast, the city feels like a fitting place to end. The mountains and harbour are as you left them, but the voyage north has a way of making everything look a little different on the way back.