6.4.4 Norway: Hurtigruta
Description
This article is from the Nordic countries FAQ, by Antti Lahelma and Johan Olofsson, with numerous contributions by others.
6.4.4 Norway: Hurtigruta
Anne Lise Falck <falck@cs.odu.edu> wrote:
I have one particular thing in mind: you should take the time to
travel with `Hurtigruta` or Coastal Line as they say in English. It is
a beautiful boatride from Bergen to Kirkenes by the Russian border in
the north. You have the possibility of stopping in different cities
along the coast if you want to, and I believe that the whole trip
takes about a week or two.
Mike Jittlov adds:
IMHO, it's the finest boat cruise in the world. You might consider a
variety of travel (it seems to invite adventure and wonderful
meetings): take the train from Oslo toward Bergen, but just before
that switch trains at Myrdal, winding down the steep gorge to Flåm,
and take the ferry through the spectacular fjord (either to Bergen, or
a bus to the city); treat yourself to a day or two in Bergen
(wonderful fish & rolls at the harborside market), then board the
Hurtigruten northbound; the route through the Lofoten Islands is
breathtaking, and incredibly healing for spirit and body (weather
permitting, the steamer takes a sidetrip into the Trollfjord, and
plays Grieg's "Hall of the Mountain King" over loudspeakers); continue
to Tromsø, then to Nordkapp (incredibly touristy at the northernmost
point of Europe - but the contrast can be wild), every village and
stop along the way enticing you to stop and explore and learn and
enjoy; take the plane to Trondheim, and then the train back to Oslo
(with a sidetrip to Hell, a beautiful fjord-town with a unique stamp
for your passport ;) -- check out postcards and the free tourist
brochures for places that excite your interest. Ask for directions and
advice -- everyone is helpful, gracious, and honest; most speak
English, and will help you with your Norwegian.
The Hurtigruta has also a home page on WWW (both in English and
Norwegian): <http://www.monet.no/hr/>.
Continue to:
My Books
