Follow the Northern Lights with Hurtigruten
Follow the Northern Lights - Norway to Finland
Including The Coastal Express – North & Norway in a Nutshell
From Norway's capital Oslo, ride the world's most famous train, the Flåm Railway, before joining The Coastal Express Northbound voyage. Visit charming hamlets, sail through picturesque fjords & hopefully see the magnificent Northern Lights on this journey up into Arctic Norway. From Kirkenes in Norway's far north, you'll then head south into Finnish Lapland & enjoy gazing up at the night sky inside your glass igloo. Then discover Rovaniemi, the official home town of Santa Claus.
Cruise Departs: 18 Sep 2025, 1, 12 Oct 2025, 19 Nov 2025
DAY PORT
DAY 1 : Oslo
Arrive in Oslo
Welcome to Norway! First stop: Norway’s thriving capital, Oslo. The city has a sheltered position deep inside Oslofjord and is surrounded by glistening lakes.
Arrive in Oslo and make your own way to your hotel. The day is spent at your leisure, exploring the many charms the cosmopolitan capital has to offer.
Why not make your way to the city centre, taking snaps of the architecturally distinct Rådhuset town hall, Royal Palace, and Oslo Cathedral.
Along the waterfront, there’s Aker Brygge, a popular area to eat out at, the imposing Akershus Fortress, and the gleaming new buildings around Bjørvika waterfront. The latter is where you’ll find modern attractions such as the landmark new Edvard Munch museum.
In the evening, meet the rest of your tour group and your guide at a welcome dinner. Overnight in Oslo.

DAY 2 : Oslo
Discover Norway's capital
After breakfast, we’ll go on an Oslo grand city tour that may include some of the attractions you might have had time to see yourself on your first day but also a few sights located further away.
The Oslo Opera House is perhaps the capital’s most iconic building, resembling a gleaming glacier floating in the water. Wander along its clean lines, admire the dramatic angles, and marvel at the white marble that covers its exterior.
Vigeland Sculpture Park is located at the centre of splendid Frogner Park. There, you’ll find more than 200 visually striking sculptures in bronze, granite, and cast iron by prolific Norwegian artist Gustav Vigeland. The highlight of the sculptures is the monolith that rises several metres high.
Further north from Vigeland, just outside of Oslo, is Holmenkollen Ski Jump. You won’t be doing any jumping yourself, but the impressive building enjoys panoramic views over the city, lakes, and fjord. Beneath the ski jump is also the world’s oldest ski museum featuring 2,500 pairs of skis and 4,000 years of skiing history.
After the tour, you’ll return to your hotel in Oslo to spend the night.

DAY 3 : Oslo - Mydral - Flåm
Norway In a Nutshell
After breakfast, we take the train from Oslo to Myrdal station over 850 metres high in the mountains. This is the boarding point for the Flåm Mountain Railway.
The vintage train will weave its way down from the mountains and into the valley towards the village of Flåm. The scenic journey takes about an hour and includes a brief stop at Kjosfossen Waterfall for you to take photos. The small power station on the waterfall is actually what powers the Flåm Mountain Railway.
We’ll then arrive in the village of Flåm where you’ll spend the night at a hotel. You can visit Flåm Railway Museum to learn more about the history and the engineering that brought about the railway. Enjoy your included dinner at the hotel tonight.

DAY 4 : Flåm - Voss - Bergen
Trainride to Bergen
Following breakfast and checking out of your hotel, it’s time to enjoy a two-hour boat cruise of Aurlandsfjord and narrow UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord, ending at Gudvangen. A short bus ride through Nærøydalen valley, usually fringed by waterfalls, leads us to the village of Voss where you will catch the train to Bergen, a beautiful city on the west coast of Norway.
Check in to your hotel in Bergen before heading out to explore Norway’s third largest city at your leisure. One recommendation is to take the Fløibanen funicular to the top of nearby Mount Fløyen to enjoy views of Bergen and the surrounding mountains.

DAY 5 : Bergen
Gateway to the Fjords
After a relaxing morning we take a walking tour of Bergen, including St Mary’s Church, Håkon’s Hall and the UNESCO World Heritage listed Bryggen district. Bryggen is made up of a colourful age-old wooden wharves which now house boutique shops selling handicrafts, art, and souvenirs.
Across the cobblestone street from Bryggen is the Fish Market, a place of sights, sounds, and smells. Freshly caught seafood is cooked on the spot here and served to salivating visitors.
We’ll then head to Troldhaugen, the home of Norway’s most famous composer, Edvard Grieg. The tour ends at Bergen pier, where we can relax in our exclusive guest lounge before boarding our Coastal Express ship for our voyage along Norway’s beautiful coast.

Embark Cruise
5 Bergen, Norway
6 Ålesund, Norway
  Molde, Norway
7 Trondheim, Norway
8 Cross Arctic Circle
  Ørnes, Norway
  Bodø, Norway
  Svolvær, Lofoten Islands, Norway
9 Harstad, Norway
  Finnsnes, Norway
  Tromsø, Norway
  Skjervøy, Norway
10 Hammerfest, Norway
  Havøysund, Norway
  Honningsvåg, Norway
  Mehamn, Norway
  Berlevåg, Norway
11 Vardø, Norway
  Kirkenes, Finland
Disembark Cruise

DAY 11 : Kirkenes – Saariselkä
The Sámi Capital
We’ll arrive at Vardø in the morning, and we’ll continue south towards our next port, Kirkenes. You’ll be treated to dramatic coastal vistas as we approach the shore.
Here, we leave our ship behind as we continue our journey south toward Finland on land.
We’ll board a coach and enjoy a scenic drive through the town of Kirkenes, and after crossing the border into Finland, we’ll begin heading south through Lapland. We’ll stop at Inari, a village in Finland’s largest municipality.
The area is famous for its large Sámi population and is seen as the centre of Finnish Sámi culture. At the newly renovated Siida Sámi museum, you can see exhibits and artefacts that document the rich culture of the Finnish Sámi. We will enjoy lunch in a local restaurant befor continuing to Saariselkä, a small skiing village in the middle of the Finnish Lapland wilderness.
After a day of travelling, learning, and exploring, you’ll spend your first night in Finland.

DAY 12 : Saariselkä
Reindeer Safari
Waking up in Saariselkä, you have another day in Finland’s winter wonderland to look forward to.
Today we have a day at leisure to explore the small village, or why not try the toboggan near the hotel, or one of the many optional excursions available.
This evening enjoy a Reindeer Safari, with the chance of experiencing the Northern Lights. A short transfer to a local reindeer farm and here you have the opportunity to get to know a local Sami family. During your visit, we will feed the reindeers in the paddock and tell you about reindeer husbandry. Then it´s time to take the Lappish lasso and practice, with the guidance of the host, throwing the lasso. You will also have a peek into the dim Lappish hut. In the idyllic old cottage, you can enjoy some coffee and chat more about reindeers and Sami. Weather permitting you will also enjoy a reindeer sleigh ride.
Return to your hotel in the evening, where you’ll spend your second night in Saariselkä.

DAY 13 : Saariselka - Rovaniemi - Sinetta
Santa Claus Village
Today, we journey towards the commercial centre of Lapland, Rovaniemi. Along the way we will make a short stop to visit the Sodankylä Old Church.
Experience Santa Claus Village, where you can see herds of reindeer and even meet the jolly bearded man himself. This Christmas-themed park will surely bring out your inner child, and if you’re lucky, seeing the Northern Lights dancing above will make your visit even more special.
In the evening, you’ll check into an Arctic snowhotel in Sinettä, where you can unwind and enjoy the hotel’s spa and sauna facilities. Tonight we will enjoy dinner at the hotel before you spend the night in a toasty glass igloo, looking out for the Aurora through the 360 degree glass roof.

DAY 14 : Sinetta - Rovaniemi
Canine Companions
Today we will transfer to your hotel in Rovaniemi. This Arctic city has an intriguing history, having grown to prominence in the 19th century due to the Lapland gold rush. After extensive destruction during World War II, the city had to be rebuilt, and its footprint was redesigned in the shape of a reindeer’s head.
Besides reindeer, another iconic Lapland animal is the husky. In the afternoon, you’ll take a tour of a husky dog kennel and meet its friendly, furry residents. Enjoy lunch at the kennel. Learn about the long relationship these dogs have with the local people, and find out how they’re reared to become as fit and as hardy as they are.
After spending some time with the dogs, enjoy a thrilling husky-drawn cart or sled ride through the Lapland wilderness. Once it’s over, you can enjoy a snack and a hot drink around the roaring fire.

DAY 15 : Rovaniemi
Capital of Lapland
After breakfast you have a day to yourself to explore more of Rovaniemi. Your tour guide can recommend a range of exciting additional excursions or things to see and do in the area.
Maybe make a visit to Jätkänkynttilä bridge to take photos of Finland’s first suspension bridge. It stands prominently over Kemijoki river with the lamps at the top of its two pillars resembling glowing braziers.
You’ll also not want to miss the Aalto Centre, a complex of public buildings designed by famous Finnish modernist architect Alvar Aalto. Each of the three buildings is inspired by Finnish culture and nature. Even the five arterial roads are arranged in the shape of a reindeer’s antlers.
There’s also the forest-themed Pilke Science Centre and Korundi House of Culture to lose yourself in. Similarly, Ranua Zoo is home to various Arctic fauna, but all bow in respect to the resident polar bears and Finnish brown bears.

DAY 16 : Rovaniemi - Helsinki
Finland’s Capital
Today, we leave the Rovaniemi and travel by train to Helsinki, Finland’s capital. Widely regarded as one of the world’s best cities to live in, Helsinki is vibrant and colourful, and offers a delicate balance of historic architecture and contemporary living. The city is also known for its incredible natural scenery, with countless nature trails nearby.
After a late afternoon arrival, spend the rest of the day exploring the city and discovering the many hidden gems dotted around the centre. With a wide range of bars, restaurants and cafés, Helsinki has something to satisfy every taste.

DAY 17 : Helsinki
The Adventure Ends
From the far south of Norway up to the northernmost point, then down through Finnish Lapland – you’ve been on quite the journey! You’ve travelled through the Polar Night over sea and land across countries, with the Northern Lights making a pleasant appearance at times.
Today marks the end of your journey, but it doesn’t truly finish here. The memories you’ve collected throughout your time with us will remain with you for years to come. You’ll also likely be going home with plenty of photos from various activities and places that you can share with family and friends.
After breakfast at the hotel, say your goodbyes to the crew and your fellow travellers. We thank you for spending this time with us, and we hope to see you again soon for another adventure.
Departure Dates Polar Outside from
18 Sep 25 $9,985
1 Oct 25 $9,770
12 Oct 25 $9,820
19 Nov 25 $9,930
Bonus: Onboard Credit AU$500 per stateroom, credited to your booking in the local currency equivalent of 3500 NOK
PACKAGE TERMS & CONDITIONS: It is our policy to present the cost of our holidays inclusive of all airport and government charges. Please accept however that these charges are not within our control, therefore we reserve the right to pass on any increase. Travel agent professional service fees where charged, will be additional to the advertised prices. Valid for sales to 31 Jul 2024. Valid for travel commenced on or after 14 Sep 2025 (unless otherwise specified).Pricing is per person based on double-occupancy and reflects any promotional savings. Savings offer is based on a tiered discount system on select Follow the Lights packages and is subject to availability. Hurtigruten Norwegian Coastal Express operates a flexible pricing system and prices are capacity controlled, confirmed at the time of booking. Offer is not applicable to solo travellers. Normal booking payment and cancellation conditions apply. All offers are subject to change or withdrawal at any time without notice. Offer is combinable with the Ambassador Loyalty Discount. This offer is valid for new, individual bookings only and on select departures, and subject to withdrawal at any time without notice. *Northern Lights Promise: Sail the Norwegian coast with Hurtigruten during the auroral season between 1 October 2024 and 31 March 2025 on a voyage of 11 days or more. If the Northern Lights do not occur within sight of your ship during your voyage, Hurtigruten will give you a 6-day southbound or 7-day northbound Original Coastal Express Classic Voyage FREE OF CHARGE. To be read in conjunction with Terms & Conditions https://www.hurtigruten.com.au/coastal-offers/northern-lights-promise2/. Prices shown are based on per person costs in New Zealand Dollars, for payment by cash, cheque or eftpos only. Credit card sales not permitted unless Travel Agent acts as a merchant. Capacity limitations apply and may not be available on all services. Travel requiring an overnight stay in New Zealand will be at passengers own expense. Events beyond our control such as currency fluctuations and changes to the price of aviation fuel may result in prices variations . Strict cancellation fees apply. For full terms and conditions and cancellation fees please contact your local travel agent for more information. Trade enquiries via GO Holidays. Prices are based on lead-in stateroom categories, surcharges apply for other categories. Prices are subject to change at any time without notice.
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Phone: 021 254 9169
Email: tanya.franklin@ttb.co.nz
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Tanya Franklin
Kumeu, Huapai, Waimauku, Muriwai, Riverhead
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