16 December to 17 December
From Helsinki to Oslo
Follow the Northern Lights – Finland to Norway (Autumn 2026–Winter 2027)
From Helsinki to Oslo
Follow the Northern Lights – Finland to Norway (Autumn 2026–Winter 2027)
Voyage Itinerary
14 December to 15 December
Setting sail from Helsinki
Finland's lovely capital Helsinki is a maritime city, with the sea on three sides and almost 100 kilometres of shoreline, as well as around 300 islands. Its contemporary architecture and focus on modern design sit surprisingly well alongside its four hundred year history.
18 December
Finland: Saariselkä
19 December to 20 December
Norway: Kirkenes
Just ten miles from the Russian border, Kirkenes has the feel of a frontier town, with signs in both Norwegian and Russian, and this is the end of the line for the Hurtigruten coastal service. The town itself is fairly nondescript, but activities on offer nearby include snowmobiling and husky sledding.
20 December
Norway: Vardo
20 December
Norway: Båtsfjord
20 December
Norway: Berlevag
21 December
Norway: Mehamm
21 December
Norway: Kjollefjord
21 December
Norway: Honningsvåg
The port of Honningsvåg is the gateway to Europe’s most northerly point, the North Cape, and enjoys 24-hour daylight in summer. Aside from tourism, fishing is the major industry in this part of Norway, and the region is also said to be inhabited by trolls.
21 December
Norway: Havoysund
21 December
Norway: Hammerfest
Situated over 600 miles beyond the Arctic Circle, Hammerfest claims to be the world’s northernmost town, although other Arctic settlements would contest this. It’s also the only place where you can join the Royal and Ancient Polar Bear Society, a slightly eccentric club with some 250,000 members worldwide.
21 December
Norway: Øksfjord
21 December
Norway: Skjervøy
The island of Skjervøy is a traditional fishing community in a spectacular setting, with plunging fjords and rugged mountains. It’s an appealing destination for those who love the great outdoors, and during the winter it’s a great place to see the Northern Lights or go whale watching.
21 December
Norway: Tromsø
Tromso’s location well within the Arctic Circle means the summer months are lit by the Midnight Sun, a compensation for long dark winters. Explore the streets with their multi-coloured wooden houses, see the amazing architecture of the Arctic cathedral, or take the cable car up to Mount Storsteinen for a fantastic view.
22 December
Norway: Finnsnes
22 December
Norway: Harstad
Harstad is situated on Hinnøya, Norway’s largest island, and is one of the most important cultural and commercial centres in the north of the country. The town hosts several annual festivals, and the surrounding landscape of forests, mountains and fjords is perfect for outdoor adventure.
22 December
Norway: Risøyhamn
The little village of Risøyhamn is the smallest port of call on Hurtigruten’s Norwegian coastal route, home to just 200 people. The village is situated on the island of Andøya and there are several large seabird colonies nearby, including one with over 150,000 puffins.
22 December
Norway: Sortland
Sortland is situated in the Vesterålen archipelago in northern Norway, a scenic scattering of mountainous islands. In recent years Sortland has become known as the ‘blue city’ thanks to an art project that is painting the city’s buildings blue, and there is also a thriving music scene.
22 December
Norway: Stokmarknes (Vesteralen)
22 December
Norway: Svolvær
Svolvær is the largest town in the Lofoten Islands, though with just over 4,000 inhabitants it’s hardly a bustling metropolis. From the picturesque harbour you can strike out into the stunning Lofoten countryside, where dramatic mountains tower above rustic little fishing villages.
22 December
Norway: Stamsund
Stamsund is a key port for the hardy fisherman who trawl the waters around the Lofoten Islands, and the village bustles with activity during the famous seasonal fishery between January and April. Don’t miss the nearby Lofotr Viking Museum, site of the largest Viking house ever discovered.
23 December
Norway: Bodø
Bodø, just to the north of the Arctic Circle, is the largest city in Nordland county and the gateway to northern Norway. The town itself is not the most exciting place, but the surrounding scenery is striking and the islands to the north are home to the world’s densest population of white-tailed sea eagles.
23 December
Norway: Ørnes
23 December
Norway: Nesna
23 December
Norway: Sandnessjoen
23 December
Norway: Brønnøysund
Situated halfway up the coast of Norway on a narrow peninsula, the little town of Brønnøysund is a pleasant place to stroll the streets and enjoy a drink in a cosy pub. The town’s centrepiece is the neo-Gothic Brønnøy Church, while just offshore are the UNESCO-listed Vega Islands.
23 December
Norway: Rørvik
The northbound and southbound Hurtigruten ferries meet every evening at Rørvik, a little fishing port in the lovely Vikna archipelago. The Norveg Museum is the main attraction, recounting the history of the Norwegian coast and built to resemble a sailing ship.
24 December
Norway: Trondheim
Trondheim’s wooden buildings look much as they would have done in the Middle Ages, rebuilt in the same style and layout throughout history. Here also Norway's national sanctuary, Nidaros Cathedral, was built over the grave of St. Olav, Norway's patron saint, with parts dating back to the 12th century.
24 December
Norway: Kristiansund
Spread over several islands on an impressive natural harbour, Kristiansund is intimately connected to the sea, and is famous for its 'klipfish' - a dish of dry, salted cod. The city was badly damaged by fire during the war, and was rebuilt in a distinctive, multi-coloured style.
24 December
Norway: Molde
The city of Molde, at the mouth of the Romsdalfjord in north west Norway, is known for its temperate climate, fertile soil and annual jazz festival. Head up to the Varden viewpoint for a stunning panoramic view over the snow-dusted peaks of the Romsdal mountain range.
25 December
Norway: Ålesund
When Ålesund was destroyed by fire in 1904, the German Kaiser Wilhelm II agreed to foot the bill to rebuild it. The result was the stunning Art Nouveau architecture that you see today, which blends elements of the German 'Jugendstil' with Viking flourishes.
25 December
Norway: Torvik
25 December
Norway: Måløy
The little town of Måløy is a major fishing port, on the sheltered eastern side of Vågsøy island. Nearby sights include the Kannesteinen rock, sculpted by the sea into a bizarre mushroom-like shape, while further afield is the Jostedalsbreen National Park, home to continental Europe’s largest glacier.
25 December
Norway: Florø
Florø is Norway’s westernmost town, surrounded by scattered islands and archipelagos rising dramatically from the waves. Historically the locals made their living from fishing, and more recently from North Sea oil. It’s a great region for outdoor exploration, and popular activities include coastal hikes, sea kayaking and fishing.
25 December
Norway: Bergen
Beautiful Bergen, Norway’s former capital, is a perfect city to explore on foot. Bryggen – the old Hanseatic wharf, and a UNESCO World Heritage site – still has the old harbour timber buildings, whilst other attractions include the funicular up Mount Floyen and the busy fish market.
26 December to 28 December
Arriving in Oslo
The intriguing city of Oslo, Norway’s capital, has so much to offer, from the open air Norwegian Folk Museum to the amazing Vigeland sculpture park, and from the Holmenkollen Ski Museum to the Munch Museum’s collection of memorable paintings. History, art and culture are what defines this lovely city.
The ship
MS Vesterålen
- Capacity:
- 490 Guests
- Crew:
- 50 Staff
- Style:
- A working ship operating voyages (not cruises), the style is relaxed and comfortable, accommodating a combination of tourists and Norwegians ferrying goods up and down the coast.
Named after Hurtigruten's very first ship to sail the Norwegian coast back in 1893, MS Vesterålen is one of the smallest vessels in the current fleet.
What we love
MS Vesterålen is part of the classic Norwegian Coastal Voyage fleet, offering an intimate onboard experience with a maximum capacity of 490 guests. She is one of the oldest vessels in the fleet, but was refurbished in 2022 upgrading cabins, the restaurant, cafe and lounge with a more refreshed feel.
inclusions
- All meals
-
Tea and black filter coffee
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
How can we help?
Our frequently asked questions
From expedition tips to travel protection, here are some of our most-asked questions.
visit our faqs
Can you help with pre and post-cruise arrangements?
Absolutely. Expedition cruises often start and end in remote destinations, and we're able to arrange everything from flights and transfers to hotels and tours. If you're keen to make the most of your time away with bespoke arrangements, we can help with all your travel needs to make sure your trip is exceptional. What's more, we are members of ABTA and we offer full ATOL protection, not to mention a 24-hour emergency contact, to give you complete peace of mind.
Will I save by booking with Mundy Adventures?
You'll save money and time by booking with us rather than directly with the cruise line, as well as enjoying more flexibility in your travel arrangements. We have access to preferential rates and exclusive offers, and we offer expert advice on how to get the best value.
How much time is spent ashore?
Itineraries are planned to deliver an unforgettable experience of the destination, so days are filled with landings ashore via the ship's fleet of Zodiacs (sturdy rubber boats) or exploration along the coastline. It will vary depending on itinerary and operators, so it's best to contact us to discuss but rest assured an expedition cruise is focused on the time you spend off the ship.
cruise news
Latest news and travel inspiration
News, trip reports, cruising advice and industry insight brought to you from our expert team.
Why Mundy?
Who we are
Mundy Adventures is the intrepid little brother of Mundy Cruising Ltd., the UK's very first cruise specialist, and one of the leading companies in its field.
We specialise in travel by ship and have been doing so for over 50 years. By providing expert, personal service, insightful ideas and fascinating add-ons we aim to make your adventure holiday truly unique and special.
We're happy to do all of that over the phone. But if you prefer to chat face to face, why not visit us at our comfortable offices on London's High Holborn - we'd be delighted to see you.
