Northern Norway Arctic Cruise | From Tromsø to Kirkenes - JWT Travel

Northern Norway Arctic Cruise | From Tromsø to Kirkenes

  • 22 November 2025
  • 2 Nights
  • From 288 Per Person
  • MS Polarlys
Join us on this Coastal Express cruise with Hurtigruten as we explore the stunning Arctic landscapes of Northern Norway, on a remarkable Arctic Cruise, sailing from Tromsø to Kirkenes.

This voyage will keep you north of the Arctic Circle throughout your journey,  a unique adventure that allows you to witness the enchanting Midnight Sun during the Summer or have the chance to see the Northern Lights from September to March.

In the historic Arctic capital of Tromsø, discover Polaria, a centre exhibiting environmental research in the Arctic; or admire the iconic Arctic Cathedral across the fjord from where your ship docks. You can also take Fjellheisen Tromsø, a cable car ride up 450m above sea level to a viewpoint on Mount Storsteinen for breathtaking scenery. As you cruise to Skjervøy, admire the Lyngen Alps which rise majestically from the sea.

At the top of Europe, visit Honningsvåg, a charming fishing village. From here travel by bus to the North Cape for incredible scenic views; continue North to the northernmost port of call, Mehamn before sailing for Berlevåg, where you will pass the tall Slettnes Lighthouse, the northernmost mainland lighthouse on Earth.

You will continue to Vadsø, one of the most scenic and popular birdwatching spots in the Arctic and finally, you will reach Kirkenes, with its Varanger Museum, and the famous Kirkenes Snow Hotel.

Regular departures are available on this cruise. Talk to the JWT Cruises travel experts for details and to book your Northern Norway Arctic Cruise with Hurtigruten.

Northern Norway Arctic Cruise | From Tromsø to Kirkenes

Join us on this Coastal Express cruise with Hurtigruten as we explore the stunning Arctic landscapes of Northern Norway, on a remarkable Arctic Cruise, sailing from Tromsø to Kirkenes.

This voyage will keep you north of the Arctic Circle throughout your journey,  a unique adventure that allows you to witness the enchanting Midnight Sun during the Summer or have the chance to see the Northern Lights from September to March.

In the historic Arctic capital of Tromsø, discover Polaria, a centre exhibiting environmental research in the Arctic; or admire the iconic Arctic Cathedral across the fjord from where your ship docks. You can also take Fjellheisen Tromsø, a cable car ride up 450m above sea level to a viewpoint on Mount Storsteinen for breathtaking scenery. As you cruise to Skjervøy, admire the Lyngen Alps which rise majestically from the sea.

At the top of Europe, visit Honningsvåg, a charming fishing village. From here travel by bus to the North Cape for incredible scenic views; continue North to the northernmost port of call, Mehamn before sailing for Berlevåg, where you will pass the tall Slettnes Lighthouse, the northernmost mainland lighthouse on Earth.

You will continue to Vadsø, one of the most scenic and popular birdwatching spots in the Arctic and finally, you will reach Kirkenes, with its Varanger Museum, and the famous Kirkenes Snow Hotel.

Regular departures are available on this cruise. Talk to the JWT Cruises travel experts for details and to book your Northern Norway Arctic Cruise with Hurtigruten.

Itinerary

  • Cruise with Hurtigruten in an unspecified cabin. Your cabin will be allocated when you check in
  • 3 Days Cruise onboard Polarlys

Northern Norway Arctic Cruise Itinerary

DAY 1 – GATEWAY TO THE ARCTIC
Tromsø – gateway to the Arctic, Skjervøy

Welcome to the historic Arctic capital of Tromsø. If you’ve arrived in the morning or afternoon, you’ll have time to explore the city before your ship departs in the early evening. Along the waterfront you’ll find Polaria, a centre exhibiting environmental research in the Arctic with a small aquarium. Take your pick from the many shops and restaurants in the city centre, including Mack Brewery and favourite local watering hole Ølhallen pub. There are also cafés offering delicious cinnamon buns where baristas create innovative coffee art. Across the fjord from where the ship docks, you should be able to see the iconic Arctic Cathedral with its beautiful stained-glass mosaic.

DAY 2 – NORWAY’S NORTHERN FRONTIER
Honningsvåg – gateway to the North Cape

The ship reaches the town of Hammerfest on the island of Kvaløya early in the morning. In summer, the island has herds of reindeer migrating here in their thousands. You’ll know we’ve reached Havøysund when you see the wind turbines of the landmark Havøyglaven wind farm which produces enough electricity to power 6,000 local homes.

DAY 3 – NORWAY’S EASTERN EDGE
Båtsfjord – welcome to the wilderness of Finnmark, Kirkenes – right on the border

We call at Båtsfjord and Vardø in the night, before docking at Vadsø early in the morning.

The area around Vadsø is one of the most scenic and popular birdwatching spots in the Arctic, lying directly under the migration path of birds flying from east to west. Watch for hooded crows and sea eagles.

Kirkenes is just a few miles from the Norwegian border. This is where your Norwegian coastal cruise ends and you’ll have travelled further east than St. Petersburg and Istanbul.

As we arrive in Kirkenes around 09:00, you might have some time to explore this fascinating town by yourself, ahead of your onward journey. Call in at the Varanger Museum, or why not book one of our post-programmes at the Kirkenes Snow Hotel, staying either in a cosy Snow Suite or a wooden Gamme Cabin.

*The day-by-day programme will give you some ideas about what you can see during your voyage, but bear in mind that this itinerary is just an indication. After all, this is a sailing where the elements rule and weather conditions might vary.

  • Prices are in EUR per person based on two people travelling together sharing a cabin
  • Not all cabin categories are available for all departures
  • Hurtigruten has a flexible pricing system and all prices are capacity controlled and subject to availability.
  • Flights and transfers not included
  • Meals and drinks not included
  • Travel insurance not included
  • Optional seasonal excursions not included
  • Luggage handling not included
  • Subject to availability
  • T&C’s Apply

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