5-night The Coastal Express - South – Kirkenes to Bergen

Honningsvag/North Cape, Norway Welcome to the top of the world! The village of Honningsvag is the northernmost community in Europe, set in a land of vast forests, dramatic fjords and crashing waterfalls, bathed in the eerie light of the Midnight Sun. Just up the coast is the North Cape, Europe's northernmost point, with breathtaking views towards the Barents Sea and the polar north.

Hammerfest, the world's northern-most city with a population of 7,000 residents, is located in the wide but calm bay of the Province of Finnmark. The North Atlantic Gulf Stream provides the city with an ice free port all year round. Hammerfest's short distance from the North Cape makes it an attractive destination to tourists. Like Tromso, Hammerfest became a major location for the start or end of arctic expeditions in the 19th century. In 1890, the town was one of the first in Europe to provide electric street lighting. Of course, the sun's disappearance from the sky during the arctic winter from November through February may have contributed to this distinction. Today the main street shops of this interesting trawler port offer a friendly welcome, and the drily -named 'Polar Bear Club' provides intriguing insights into Arctic history and tradition.

Enjoy the appealing frontier atmosphere at this ancient whaling capital and base for expeditions to the North Pole.

Enjoy the appealing frontier atmosphere at this ancient whaling capital and base for expeditions to the North Pole.

The small town of Harstad, 75 miles northwest of Narvik, sits surrounded by craggy, snow-topped mountains on the island of Hinnøya. Harstad’s greatest attraction is the Trondenes Church which dates back to the 13th century. This structure was originally built as a fortress church; its design incorporates massive walls, some 7 1/2 feet thick. At the time, Trondenes was also Norway’s northernmost stone church and one of the most important in the country during Roman Catholic times. As early as the Viking Age the church was used as a local gathering place, including the meetings of the Ting (local parliament). Serving as the breadbasket for northern Norway, this region provides seasonal fruits and vegetables for nearby marketplaces. Harstad’s pretty setting with hilly streets, rainbow-colored wooden houses, terraces and views of the mountains is especially appreciated by the summer crowd which flocks here to enjoy the North Norwegian Arts Festival and International Deep-Sea Fishing Festival, usually held in June and July.

Sortland is a municipality in Nordland County belonging to Norway. Sortland has approximately 9,900 inhabitants currently living in the city. It is now referred to as “The Blue City”, due to a large amount of building around the downtown area being painted blue by its citizens. This destination is known to be one of the best music communities in Norway and has had many local bands that have been very successful in the industry.

Svolvaer is the main town of the Lofoten Islands in northern Norway. It is on the southern coast of Ostvagoya, the easternmost island of the group. The rugged and bleak countryside around Svolvaer has attracted both tourists and artists, and the town has become something of an artists' colony.

Stamsund is located in the northwestern region of Norway, and belongs to the Lofoten archipelago. The small fishing village is home to a population of 1,023 inhabitants. Stamsund hosts two theatre groups that cannot be missed when visiting this charming destination, aside from this it holds International theatre festivals that bring in plenty of visitors during its celebrations period.

Bodo is the second largest city in Northern Norway. Its beautiful scenery and natural surroundings offer visitors excellent outdoor activities. Travellers can go hiking, and cycling though the idyllic countryside and watch sea eagles. Bodo also offers excellent fishing for those wishing to explore rivers or lakes populated with high quality trout and salmon.  In this varied coastal landscape visitors will find everything from sheer mountain faces and white, sandy beaches, to charming farming communities.

Visited by kings, emperors and travelers alike, the mystery of Mount Torghatten has mesmerized many people from all over the world. Torghatten is a mountain with a hole right through it and it's not just a famous landmark, but a an opportunity to trek its granite armour. According to legend, before the light of dawn, a disappointed troll by the name of Hestmannen, who was in love with a young girl named Lekamoya, shot an arrow after her as she ran away from him. The mighty Troll King of Mount Somnafjellet saw this act so he threw his hat between the girl and the arrow, creating the hole. As soon as the first ray of light rose and peeked from the sky, all in it's path turned into stone.

The ”Seven Sisters” are among the most photographed waterfalls in Norway.

Beautiful Bronnoysund is situated in central Norway. Popular with travellers is a visit to the marvelous Torghatten, a mountain with a distinctive hole running straight through the hillside. Also of interest  is the Skarsasen fortress from WWII. Trenches and tunnels lead underground from the four large cannon sites. Fjord Seafood originated here, as well as the largest limestone mine in Northern Europe.

Norway's royal residence since 997 AD, when King Olaf I founded Trondheim, the city still boasts Stiftsgarden, the huge wooden palace. A century later, St. Olaf II began to perform miracles for the people, making Trondheim a major pilgrimage destination. Be sure to visit Nidaros Cathedral, where the Norwegian kings are still crowned, which is certainly one of Europe's premier Gothic-style churches.

Explore the Atlantic Road through the middle of the ocean or walk the Fjord Route - a footpath on the very top of Fjord Norway. Whatever you choose to do in Kristiansund, it's sure to take your breath away.

Nestled between the Romsdal Mountains and Norway's most dramatic stretch of coastline, Molde is known as the "Town of Roses". From the nearby Varden Viewpoint enjoy a breathtaking view over the town, the many snowcapped mountain peaks, and the small islands of the Romsdalfjord. Molde was established during the fifteenth century. Much of what visitors see today are modern structures, though some old wooden Romsdal houses were preserved and are now on display at the city's open-air museum.

The region is famous for its beautiful scenery with high mountains and blue fjords, of which the Geiranger fjord is one of the most attractive tourist places in Norway. The climate is less severe than might be expected from its geographical location, with mild winters and cool summers. Ålesund, with its unique architecture, is the center of business and industry in Møre and Romsdal. As the sea, the woods and the mountains are easy accessible, the possibilities for outdoor and sports activities are excellent, both in the summer and winter season.

A quaint, quiet town nestled around deep blue waters, Floro is the center of the municipal Flora. Take in the countryside scenery of green hills, valleys of wildflowers, and stunning sea views. Enjoy fishing for herring, the local fish that brought the original settlers to this town, or observe and learn about the shipping history of Floro at the boat hall in Kystmuseet, which means Coastal Museum.

With its spectacular setting among seven hills, Bergen is one of the most beautiful and enjoyable cities in Norway. Most sites are within an easy walk from the harbor. From fine surviving medieval buildings to a series of good museums such as Fishery Museum and Old Bergen open-air museum, Bergen offers a wide variety of attractions. Its scenic beauty can best be appreciated from Mt. Floyen and is captivating. Enjoy this lovely city by taking a stroll to the old part of town, passing impressive 12th-century Bergenhus fortress. Old Hanseatic Wharf, called Bryggen, is where reconstructed gabled buildings house workshops, boutiques and restaurants. St. Mary's Church is Bergen’s oldest building and one of the finest Norman churches in Norway. Rasmus Meyers Collection is a rambling townhouse featuring one of the best collections of Norwegian art, including an upper floor devoted almost entirely to Munch. Bergen boasts numerous historic buildings dating from medieval times: Bergenhus Fortress; Rosenkrantz Tower; Haakon’s Hall.