The Norwegian Coastal Voyage:

 A golden glowing light over the Arctic mountains and fjords, small fishing villages along the shore, and snow on the mountain peaks.

 As a Norwegian native and avid solo female traveler, I've explored the stunning landscapes of my homeland in numerous ways over the years.

I've seen Norway's beauty and fierceness from every angle, often alone, on epic train rides and camping in the wild. But nothing comes close to my most recent awe-inspiring solo excursion on a Hurtigruten ship along Norway's rugged coastline.

The Hurtigruten coastal trip is a must-do for any female traveler looking for an iconic trip. You'll get a taste of adventure, history, culture, and breathtaking scenery while you're on board.

If you go on your own, you can take your time and enjoy every moment of this spectacle.

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Iconic Female Solo Travel Along The Norwegian Coast The white wake water behind a ship just before sunset against a pale blue sky above the water with the sun's glow from outside the frame Save The stunning aft view from Hurtigruten above the Arctic Circle This truly one-of-a-kind journey lets you see how Norway's coastal landscape (and seasons) change all the time. And weather) in all its splendor from the safety and comfort of a small, cozy cruise ship along the coast.

The number of fjords and islands scattered along Norway's coastline, which includes all of them, totals an impressive 89,000 kilometers.

Deep fjords cut into snow-capped mountains in this region; Bring an eye mask if you want golden light to keep you awake in the Norwegian summer, and in the winter, the ethereal northern lights dance across the sky.

Save Northern lights outside of Bod The authentic Hurtigruten voyage is an unparalleled opportunity to discover Norway's coastal characteristics and culture. Shades of deep green northern lights floating across the dark winter sky.

You are not only watching Norway from the deck of one of their ships, but you are also living in the middle of it up close and gradually becoming a part of the slow coastal rhythm.

Any traveler looking for adventure, iconic nature, and perhaps quiet and introspection will enjoy this experience greatly.

Although Hurtigruten is not considered budget travel, there are ways to save money while still enjoying spectacular experiences.

Why Hurtigruten Is the Best Choice for Female Solo Travelers Looking for Safety and Comfort

When we set out to conquer the world as solo female travelers, ensuring our own safety is frequently a top priority.

You must agree that this is crucial, and Hurtigruten provides a safe setting in which you can unwind and take pleasure in your journey without worrying.

The ships are well-maintained because they must withstand the elements of the Arctic, the staff is extremely friendly and professional, and fellow passengers frequently include travelers from all over the world who share your interests.

Flexibility:

When you go ashore, you can do whatever you want during the voyage, whether you prefer organized activities or independent exploration. In some locations, the ship only stays in port for 15 minutes to deliver mail to a community nearby; In other places, you can look around for hours.

You have the freedom to customize your experience by joining organized excursions or going on your own at port stops.

Social Possibilities:

The voyage is ideal for contemplation on one's own (go to the deck and just sit there and watch the coastline slowly pass by), but it also provides numerous opportunities to connect with other travelers.

If you so choose, shared meals, onboard activities, and excursions make it easy to make new friends.

Genuine Cultural Experimentation:

You'll get a close-up look at real coastal life because Hurtigruten serves as both a cruise ship and a working vessel in Norwegian society.

It's a novel way to learn about the history and culture of the area.

The Complete Hurtigruten Cruice Tour: Save Stunning sunsets on Hurtigruten The full Hurtigruten voyage is a 13-day round trip from Bergen to Kirkenes and back, covering 2,500 nautical miles and making stops at 34 ports along the way. This iconic adventure features a glowing setting sun in the horizon over a dark blue ocean.

You can choose to take this as a full-fledged cruise with all meals included, or you can board and travel shorter distances if you prefer, which is also a more cost-effective choice. The port-to-port option is described in greater detail below.

If you're traveling by yourself, you can choose to take the whole trip or just a portion that works for your schedule and interests.

You'll travel past the Arctic Circle, around the North Cape, which is Europe's northernmost point, and through a number of fjords and islands on this trip.

By observing locals using the ship for transportation and goods being loaded and unloaded at various ports, you will get a firsthand look at coastal life in Norway.

Life on the boat: Comfort Meets Adventure A woman is relaxing in a hot tub on the deck of a ship at sea while admiring the breathtaking mountain scenery that is slowly passing by.

The Hurtigruten ships are the ideal combination of practicality and comfort.

You'll have plenty of places to unwind and think about your journey thanks to amenities like restaurants, lounges, and even hot tubs on some ships.

The ships' relatively small size—most carry around 600 passengers—creates a cozy atmosphere that is ideal for solo travelers seeking companionship or tranquility.

I particularly appreciate the ship's panoramic lounges as a solo female traveler.

They are excellent spots to curl up with a book, write about your experiences in a journal, or just take in the ever-changing scenery.

The most memorable parts of a trip are frequently these quiet times of reflection amidst the stunning coastal landscapes of Norway.

Culinary Delights for the Solo Foodie A huge scrimp sandwich close up, with pink shrimp, eggs, raddich, and lemon on a dark plate. Save Amazingly fresh seafood on board. One of the highlights of the Hurtigruten journey is the cuisine that is made from local ingredients.

As part of their "Norway's Coastal Kitchen" concept, you'll get to taste seasonal, fresh food from local vendors all along the way.

Dining by yourself can sometimes be awkward for solo travelers, but on the Hurtigruten, sitting at the window and taking in the stunning scenery as it floats by will be a highlight of the experience.

I've enjoyed everything from freshly caught Arctic char to hand-picked cloudberries, each dish telling a different story about Norway's varied culinary landscape.

The dining experience transforms into a journey in and of itself, allowing you to sample the local produce on the menu as you travel along the coast.

Excursions:

The coastal expedition team will teach and entertain every night. Hurtigruten offers a wide range of excursions at various ports, which are ideal for solo travelers looking to delve deeper into Norway's coastal culture and natural wonders. Tailored Adventures for Solo Explorers People seated in a conference room inside a ship ready for a talk about the Norwegian coastline Save

These can be booked through Hurtigruten for a hassle-free and secure journey.

For solo female adventurers, the following are some must-do excursions:

Sledding with dogs in Troms: Kayaking in the Geirangerfjord: An exhilarating ride through snow-covered landscapes Hiking on the Lofoten Islands: Paddle through one of Norway's most famous fjords. Take in the unadulterated beauty of these Arctic islands at midnight concert in the town's historic church in Troms: A hauntingly delightful melodic experience
A light yellow wooden church with dim exquisite subtleties and improvements around evening time, against the dim sky, lit by many lights
Save
Join the 12 PM show in the old wooden Tromsø town church
For additional free explorers, organizing your own exercises at many ports is likewise conceivable.

As a solo traveler, I've discovered that local tour companies frequently provide private tours or small-group experiences that are ideal for one-on-one exploration.

The 34 Major and Minor Hurtigruten Ports Along the Norwegian Coast, Hurtigruten ships make stops at a variety of major and minor ports, each with its own charm and attractions.

From south to north, these are some of the most important stops (the complete list of where Hurtigruten docks is at the end of the article).

Bergen, known as the "Gateway to the Fjords," is the southern starting point for the Hurtigruten voyage. Western "Capital" Bergen White wooden old houses with beautiful details like green painted ledges and window sills, flower decorations, green trees, and a quiet street with people walking under the blue sky on a summer day Save Charming white wooden houses in Bergen town in the summer Bryggen, the city's colorful Hanseatic wharf, is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Ensure that you spend a few days in Bergen prior to your departure if you begin your journey here; There is a lot to see and do in this area!

The Bergen Brygge fish market, a ride on the Flibanen funicular for panoramic views, and a stroll through the old town's narrow alleyways are all must-do activities.

Read also:

Best Things to Do in Bergen, Norway, According to a Local Lessund, which was rebuilt in the Art Nouveau style following a devastating fire in 1904, is now a photographer's paradise.

For stunning views of the archipelago, ascend Mount Aksla's 418 steps to the viewpoint. It's also worth going to the Atlantic Sea Park, which is one of the largest saltwater aquariums in Northern Europe.

Trondheim, the Medieval Capital, is dominated by a grand cathedral made of grey stone with a green roof, towers, and speers in the middle of a park with a lot of green trees, and a town and river in the distance.
Save the impressive Nidarosdomen Cathedral in Trondheim Norway's third-largest city and former capital features the charming wooden architecture of the Nidaros Cathedral.

Nidaros was the medieval name of the town, and it was also known as Olavsleden at the end of several pilgrimages.

Visit the Ringve Museum, Norway's national museum of music and musical instruments, or the trendy Bakklandet neighborhood with its colorful wooden houses.

Read also:

Best Things to Do in Trondheim: A Natives' Guide Bod: The Culture Capital of 2024 Majestic Arctic mountains sloping into the gloomy fjords under a blue sky, with a small island village in the background Save the stunning views from Reinebringen mountain in Lofoten Bod: "The windy city" north of the Arctic Circle, Bod offers opportunities to see the midnight sun in the summer and the northern lights in the winter.

Svolvr is also a Hurtigruten port, and Bod is just across from the famous Lofoten Islands.

A must-see natural wonder, the Saltstraumen maelstrom is the strongest tidal current in the world and can be found just outside the city.

Troms, the "Paris of the North," is a thriving Arctic city that is known for its extensive scientific research and culture.

You can attend a midnight concert in the historic town church made of wood when the Hurtigruten, which is traveling in the south, arrives just before midnight.

You can also take a cable car ride for stunning views, visit Ishavskatedralen, the Arctic Cathedral, or the Troms Museum to learn about Sami culture.

The North Cape plateau is the northernmost point of mainland Europe. Honningsvg, the northernmost city on the mainland of Norway, is the gateway to the North Cape plateau. It is an iconic iron globe that stands at the tip of a huge cliff 300 meters above the sea, surrounded by blue lights from the Arctic dusk and nothing but dark Arctic water in front of it reaching all the way to the North Pole. For many tourists, standing atop the 307-meter-tall cliff with a view of the Arctic Ocean is a bucket list item.

Keep in mind that even if you dock at the North Cape, you still need to cover the remaining 35 kilometers to reach Honningsvg!

In Honningsvg, you can rent a car or arrange a tour at the tourist information center, which is two minutes from the port where you arrive.

Before you get there, you can also book the tour online, as well as other adventure tours like ATV rides, bird-watching boat tours, and a RIB safari below the plateau.

The End of Norway Kirkenes The Hurtigruten voyage's turnaround point, Kirkenes, is just 15 kilometers from the Russian border. Kirkenes, which is on a peninsula along the Bkefjorden Fjord, is home to approximately 3400 people.

You'll notice that every road sign is written in two languages, and occasionally even three: Russian, Sami, and Norwegian

In Kirkenes, the polar night lasts exactly two months, and this is where you'll find the largest brown bear population in the wild.

Stay at the Snow Hotel or go king crab fishing in the frozen fjords during the winter.

The complete list of Hurtigruten ports can be found at the article's conclusion.

Documenting Your Individual Journey: Tips for Photography From the white deck of a ship sailing out of a fjord at night, you can see a long bridge with cars, streets, and the city lights behind it, creating a golden glow over the black water. Save Arriving in Troms just before midnight As a solo traveler, you will have numerous opportunities to take stunning pictures throughout the trip.

The canvas is constantly shifted by the shifting light, dramatic landscapes, and encounters with wildlife.

Bring a tripod with you to photograph the northern lights in the winter, and think about getting a zoom lens to see wildlife.

Don't forget that sometimes the best moments are the ones you don't even try to capture. Give yourself permission to stop taking pictures and just be in the moment of the beauty around you.

Tip for Epic Nomad Life

Avoid missing the golden or hazy early morning light that is ideal for capturing the essence of the coastal landscape.

Packing for Your Solo Coastal Adventure People standing on a ship's deck, dressed for the cold with down jackets, hats, and gloves. The sun is shining, but it is clearly cold, and there are mountains in the background.
Save Be ready for informative talks and entertaining talks on the deck. Packing well is important for any solo trip, and a Hurtigruten cruise is no exception. The following are essentials:

Comfortable walking shoes for exploring ports and layers for varying weather conditions A good camera (with extra batteries!)
For the coastal destinations along the Norwegian coast, I strongly recommend that you pack according to the weather and the elements rather than feeling elegant! Rainwear or clothing made of gore-tex or raincoats Rainwear or other clothing made of gore-tex or raincoats A journal to record your experiences A reusable water bottle Any personal items that make you feel comfortable and at home Cold cream for your face in the winter Down jackets and even trousers for winter voyages Thick hats and mittens in the winter

Also, keep in mind that you will be handling your own luggage as a solo traveler; therefore, pack carefully, either with luggage on wheels or in a backpack.

Taking in the Seasons:

When to Go A red-and-white ship in a port covered in white snow, with deep blue skies, white-snow-covered mountains in the distance, and dark blue, choppy water Save The Norwegian coast offers a unique experience year-round:

From June to August, summer:

Take advantage of the long, bright days that are ideal for outdoor activities and the midnight sun. When the sun never sets north of the Arctic Circle, it's a magical time.

Winter:

from November through March Experience the otherworldly atmosphere of the polar night and the mesmerizing northern lights.

Dog sledding and snowmobiling, two exciting Arctic activities, are also available during the winter.

Autumn and spring (from September to October): The coast coming to life after winter and the beautiful fall colors are just two of the many attractions of these shoulder seasons.

Prices tend to drop slightly during shoulder seasons, making them ideal for solo travelers seeking a more peaceful experience.

Hurtigruten Port to Port Journeys Save Arriving at a small fishing village The entire south-to-north-to-south journey with Hurtigruten takes a long time, and there is no denying that it is expensive, despite being spectacular. Save Arriving at a small fishing village

You do have the option to board Hurtigruten ships for shorter journeys, which may result in a coastal cruise that is less expensive.

In the past, Hurtigruten served as the "coastal bus," transporting people, goods, and mail (sometimes as the only option).

On my most recent trip, which took 36 hours and required a cabin, I traveled from Honningsvg, the North Cape's gateway, to Svolvr in Lofoten.

Before entering the renowned "wall" of mountains of the Lofoten Islands, this section of the journey takes us past the incredible Raftsundet and Tengelfjorden Fjords, as well as the Trollfjorden Fjord.

Certainly an epic journey!

Because you are not required to have a cabin on board if you choose to travel for less than 23 hours, the cost is significantly reduced.

You do need to reserve a cabin if you stay longer than 23 hours, which increases the price.

The hazy, pale white wake trail that follows a ship as it exits a majestic Arctic fjord in the summer. Cruise along the Norwegian coast.
You will also need to budget for meals because they are not included in the port-to-port option and you will only be leaving the famous narrow Trollfjorden fjord.

Here, you can see the Hurtigruten port-to-port choices.

The Complete List Of Hurtigruten Ports Along Norway A harbor with dark waters, white sailboats docked by the wharf, and colorful and charming old houses in the background in front of a hill full of white classical old-fashioned houses Save Bergen town in summer, the starting port of the Hurtigruten voyage The well-known western town of Bergen serves as the starting point for the Hurtigruten coastal journey.

Norway's "western capital" is well-known for its famous fish market, the Bergen Bryggen docks, the Mount Flyen funicular, Norway's largest aquarium, and its distinctive past as a trade and shipping town centuries ago.

Kirkenes, high above the Arctic Circle and just a short distance from the Russian border, is the northernmost port and turning point.

After that, there's everything in between.

Bergen:

This UNESCO World Heritage city is famous for its colorful Hanseatic wharf, Bryggen, and the fish market. It is also known as the "Gateway to the Fjords."
Florø:
The town that sits to the west of Norway is well-known for its fishing industry and its close proximity to the Kinn islands.
Måløy:
a quaint town on the island of Vgsy that is well-known for its WWII history and lighthouse.
Torvik:
a tinier port on the Leinya island that provides access to the stunning Hery municipality.
Ålesund:
After a fire in 1904, it was rebuilt in the Art Nouveau style. It is famous for its unique architecture and the view from Mount Aksla.
Geiranger (only summer):
one of Norway's most well-known fjords, the breathtaking Geirangerfjord, which is listed by UNESCO.
Molde:
referred to as the "City of Roses," with views of 222 mountain peaks.
Kristiansund: Built on four islands, this place is famous for its klippfisk, or dried cod, and the Atlantic Road is close by.
Trondheim:
The Nidaros Cathedral and charming wooden architecture can be found in Norway's third-largest city and former capital.
Rørvik:
a coastal culture-rich small fishing town in the Vikna archipelago.
Brønnøysund: home of the well-known Torghatten mountain, which has a distinctive hole in the middle.
Sandnessjøen:
Near the Seven Sisters mountain range, the gateway to the coast of Helgeland.
Nesna:
a small fishing and farming community on the coast of Helgeland.
Ørnes:
a small town with views of Norway's second-largest glacier, the Svartisen.
Bodø:
Saltstraumen, the strongest tidal current in the world, is located just north of the Arctic Circle.
Stamsund: a fishing town on the Lofoten Islands that has a thriving art scene.
Svolvær: The Lofoten Islands' largest city, surrounded by dramatic mountain peaks.
Stokmarknes: The Hurtigrutemuseet (Coastal Express Museum) is located in the location of Hurtigruten's birth.
Sortland: Known as the "Blue City" because many buildings were painted blue as part of an art project.
Risøyhamn:
A small village on Andya that is well-known for its proximity to areas where whale watchers can go.
Harstad:
The cultural scene in this third-largest city in Northern Norway is well-known.
Finnsnes:
The entrance to Senja, Norway's second-largest island with its numerous landscapes.
Tromsø:
“ The "Paris of the North," a thriving city in the Arctic renowned for its midnight sun, northern lights, and diverse culture.
Skjervøy:
a community on an island known for its salmon farming and fishing industry.
Øksfjord:
a small town with views of the Ksfjordjölen glacier nearby.
Hammerfest:
The Struve Geodetic Arc, listed by UNESCO as one of the world's northernmost towns, is located here.
Havøysund:
a small fishing village that provides insight into life along the coast of Finnmark.
Honningsvåg: Gateway to Europe's northernmost point, the North Cape.
Kjøllefjord: a small fishing community that is well-known for its distinctive church and its close proximity to the Finnkirka sea cliff.
Mehamn:
The king crab fishing at Norway's northernmost mainland port is well-known.
Berlevåg:
A well-known documentary about the village's male choir was filmed in this remote fishing community.
Båtsfjord:
renowned for its bird cliffs and fishing industry.
Vardø:
The Vardhus Fortress and the Steilneset Memorial are located in this northernmost town in Norway.
Kirkenes: The Hurtigruten voyage's turnaround point, close to the Russian border and famous for its Snow Hotel in the winter