Hurtigruten says don’t just visit Norway. Live it

Norway is a country of trolls, huldras, elves and even a giant sea serpent, Jörmungandr, destined to battle Thor.

It’s of little surprise, then, that a cruise along Norway’s dramatic coastline – punctuated with mountainous fjords, underscored with a characteristic blend of design, cultural, and maritime heritage – is something of legendary stature.

In summer, glacial fjords glisten in near 24-hour sunlight, their miniature ripples disguising the immensity of the valley under keel (in a very Nordic minimalist sort of way).

In winter, the drama of the arctic circle is most enthusiastically experienced by way of the northern lights and almost architectural ice formations.

The ideal way to see the swirling northern lights is to sail on the Coastal Express, Hurtigruten’s original coastal voyage, which has been showcasing this stunning region since 1893.

Plus, the line’s North Lights Promise makes it clear that they will do whatever they can to get you a front row seat at nature’s mesmerising winter lights spectacle.

Save 25 percent on your Coastal Express voyage on any new booking made by August 31, 2024, for departures between September 15, 2024, and April 30, 2025.

The original coastal voyage since 1893
Hurtigruten’s Coastal Express, which has been the line’s signature voyage for 131 years, faithfully connects local communities throughout all seasons.

With the strikingly changing landscapes of Norway’s north-western coastline as the year rolls round, a winter sailing is truly one of the most beautiful voyages in the world.

A collection of 34 ports is included in the various sailing options, all nestled in an ever-shifting scene of sleeping mountains and islands gently swept under blankets of glittering snow.

The route, which has been critical to local communities for over a century, has evolved into the best way for visitors to experience the authentic beauty and richness of the northern reaches of Europe.

Depending on your preferences, you could go for the classic 12-day roundtrip, single-direction north or southbound. Or (if the Northern Lights are the main attraction for you) head out on the dedicated Coastal Express Astronomy Voyages, when you’ll enjoy fascinating insights from an eminent astronomer sailing with you, such as Dr John Mason (who you might recognise from the BBC’s The Sky at Night) or best-selling astronomy author Tom Kerss.

Norway’s Coastal Kitchen brings the best local food onboard
Food is always a hugely important part of the Hurtigruten experience, made ever more so by the fact that the line supports many local farms that you’ll be sailing by.

Hurtigruten supports local artisan agriculturists while they showcase the region’s best produce to guests sailing onboard their ideally sized small ships – most Hurtigruten ships sail with around 500 guests.

In the region of 50 local farms, bakeries and artisan producers come together on your plate throughout your journey, including tender cod from Vesterålen, and craft beer from Bergen.

Leading the way in sustainable cruising
Hurtigruten calls it ‘Sea Zero’, and the line’s commitment to sustainability has a long history at the core of its operations.

And they’ve really ramped up what they’re doing in this area over the last few years, in a bid to start developing zero-emission ships in the next decade.

Hurtigruten has the privilege of sailing year-round in one of the world’s most stunning natural beauty spots, and its efforts to cut CO2 emissions by a full quarter and slashing nitrogen oxides by a massive 80 percent, ensures that we’ll be able to continue marvelling at these splendid landscapes and gorgeously remote towns for generations to come.

If this winter is the winter for you to discover what all the fuss is about, this month is the month to book, while the 25 percent discount lasts.