Oslo
Oslo 03/16/2025
Welcome to Norway! First stop: Norway’s thriving capital, Oslo. Featuring forested hills, lakes, and plenty of world-class restaurants and museums, you won’t be short of things to do in Norway’s fjord-side capital. You’ll find Oslo is a mixture of neighbourhoods and characters. Trendy Grünnerløkka is the place to go for bars and restaurants, while Aker Brygge offers beautiful views of Oslofjord. In the city centre, be sure to take snaps of the architecturally distinct Rådhuset town hall, grand Royal Palace, and Baroque Oslo Cathedral.Once we’ve welcomed you aboard MS Trollfjord, and you’ve settled into your cabin or suite, you’ll meet your Coastal Experience Team. You’ll get to know each member of the team well as they give lectures and organise onboard activities for you throughout your voyage. Meet your fellow guests in the ship’s two-storey panorama lounge and mark the moment we make history by sailing from Oslo for the first time. Watch as the capital’s twinkling lights fade into the distance and admire the scenery and various points of interests seen along Oslofjord.
Optional Private Excursions
Avoid the crowds and hustle and bustle associated with a group activity. For a memorable trip ashore, we invite you to consider a private shore excursion. Enjoy the undivided attention of your own driver/guide and the flexibility of experiencing the aspects of the local culture that most interest you. Below are just some samples of the private shore excursions we can arrange for you. Let us personalize your experience!
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Oslo City Tour - 4 hours
Drive through the center of Oslo, passing all of the main sights and highlights, including the Royal Palace and the Nobel Institute. View the City Hall, inaugurated in 1950 at Oslo's 900-year jubilee. Akershus Fortress, sitting boldly on the waterfront is today partly a museum and a military area.
Pass the Parliament Building before entering Karl Johan Street, named after the Swedish-Norwegian king in the early part of the 19th century. The oldest part of Oslo University, dating back to 1813, lines this street. It is famous for its interior decoration by the painter Edvard Munch.
You will also pass through attractive villa areas on the way to Vigeland Park. This enormous open-space was laid out in the first half of the 20th century by Norwegian sculptor Gustav Vigeland. Over a period of 30 years, he created his own world of human beings and animals from stone, iron and bronze. There are about 200 statue groups in all, which describe the course of human life from birth to death. The monolith, a 56-foot high granite block carved with 121 figures stands as the unequivocal centerpiece of this well-planned park.
On the Bygdøy Peninsula you will visit the Viking Ship Museum. It houses three authentic longboats dating from the Viking Age, around AD 900-1000, which were excavated from the mudbanks along Oslo fjord. The museum also holds a large collection of items found on board the ships, such as household goods, tools, jewelry and clothing.
| Basis: |
Private tour. |
| Duration: |
4 hours. |
| Start / End: |
City center Hotel, address or Pier. |
| Vehicle: |
01st Class. |
| Guide: |
English-speaking. Other languages on request. |
| Entrances: |
Viking Ship Museum. |
| Meals: |
None. |
| Difficulty: |
Grade Easy. Walking required over uneven surfaces. |
| Notes: |
Tour program may be reversed for logistic / planning purposes. |
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Oslo Chocolate delights tour in Freialand – 3 hours
On Rodeløkka in Oslo is the Freia chocolate factory, here they produce chocolate since 1889. We take a look at the chocolate production. We will see modern technology that, in combination with tradition and skilled workers, produces "Norway's best chocolate".
The tour to the includes a history lesson on Freia, cocoa and chocolate, a chance to make your own milk chocolate, a visit to the factory canteen which has 12 paintings by Edvard Munch on the wall, and a view of the production facilities.
Basis: Private tour.
Duration: 3 hours.
Start / End: City center Hotel, address, or pier.
Vehicle: 01st Class.
Guide: English-speaking. Other languages on request.
Entrances: Freialand chocolate Factory
Meals: None.
Difficulty: Grade Easy. Walking required over uneven surfaces.
Notes: Tour program may be reversed for logistic / planning purposes.
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Oslo Bicycle tour – 3 Hours
Discover an alternative Oslo, full of street art, hip cafés, surprising waterfalls, great food and award winning coffee.
During this approximately 3-hour bike tour, you will ride the path along the Akerselva River, with a stop at the heart of Oslo’s food scene, the indoor food market “Mathallen”. Mathallen is closed on Mondays.
Be amazed by rushing waterfalls in the middle of the city, just blocks from the trendy Grünerløkka neighborhood.
And an absolute must is a stop at the modern Opera and the exciting urban development around it, including a stop at Oslo's newest urban beach.
| Basis |
Private tour |
| Duration |
3 hours |
| Start / End |
Bicycle rental shop. |
| Vehicle |
None |
| Inclusions |
Bicycle and Helmet. |
| Guide |
English-speaking. Other languages on request. |
| Entrances |
None |
| Meals |
None |
| Difficulty |
Grade Easy/Medium. Guests must be in good health and be comfortable riding a bicycle with hand brakes. The tour includes about 2½ hours of cycling, all at a leisurely pace. |
| Notes |
Tour program may be reversed for logistic / planning purposes. |
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Oslo Explorer tour – 5 Hours
We start with Vulkan - The area is a fusion of culture and creative industry with schools, hotels, food hall, restaurants and exciting tenants. It is the diversity and composition of the players that make Vulkan exciting.
Mathallen Oslo is inspired by the great European food courts. Here you’ll find specialty shops, cafés and great places to eat. The food court will also put on a number of food-related activities like conferences, courses, fairs and competitions. Mathallen Oslo is the place to go for everyone who appreciates high quality food and bevergages and something unique. There will be time for light lunch at Mathallen during the tour.
On the east side of the river Akerselva, behind the old industrial buildings, lies Grünerløkka. Here you will discover numerous little cafés, restaurants and bars. Grünerløkka is also a popular shopping district, with original design shops and many vintage and second-hand stores.
During the tour we will have an outside visit to the Opera House. Officially opened in April 2008, the Oslo Opera House was designed by the acclaimed Norwegian architectural firm Snøhetta. The Opera House, which took five years to complete, sits on the bank of the Bjørvika district, near the stock exchange and the central station.
A visit to Oslo is not complete without a brief wal through Vigeland´s Sculpture Park .The sculpture park is Gustav Vigeland's life work, comprising over 200 sculptures in granite, bronze and wrought iron. It was installed mainly in the period 1940-1949, but is nevertheless a result of over 40 years of work. It is located in a beuatiful park and natural setting in the city.
Edvard Munch was one of Modernism's most significant artists and the other great Norgwian artist. The New Edvard Munch Museum will open at the end of 2020.
| Basis |
Private tour |
| Duration |
5 hours |
| Start / End |
City center Hotel, address or Pier. |
| Vehicle |
1st Class. |
| Guide |
English-speaking. Other languages on request. |
| Entrances |
Edvard Munch Museum when it opens at the end 2020 |
| Meals |
None |
| Difficulty |
Grade Easy. Walking required over uneven surfaces. |
| Notes |
Tour program may be reversed for logistic / planning purposes. |
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Oslo Food Tour– 2,5 hours
Are you ready for a walking tour in beautiful surroundings?
You will be taken to the real alternative side of Oslo and experience underground culture like never before and, at the same time having the opportunity to get a taste of Oslo's culinary highlights.
Your guides will take you to a variety of different locations where you will be able to taste a variety of Norwegian treats - from typical Norwegian cured delicacies, amazing waffles with brown cheese and special Oslo soda to Norwegian hot dog.
Basis: Private tour.
Duration: Approx. 2,5 hours (2h Food Tour + transfers).
Start / End: City center Hotel, address or pier.
Vehicle: 1st Class
Guide: English-speaking.
Entrances: None.
Meals: Food tastings equivalent to a full meal.
Difficulty: Grade Easy. Short walking required.
Notes: Tour program may be reversed for logistic / planning purposes.
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Oslo Street Art walk Tour - 3 hours
Over the last ten years, urban artists of international standing and local art enthusiasts have turned the streets of Oslo into one of the city’s most interesting and vibrant art scenes.
Join our experienced guides and discover some of the best examples of street art and graffiti in Oslo - from large-scale murals to tiny sculptures, and everything in-between.
The tour starts with a transfer to Rodeløkka kolonihager, Norway's oldest allotment gardens, and ends in downtown Grünerløkka in the heart of alternative Oslo. It covers historical artworks in the district as well as those produced as part of the annual Løkka-lykke street art festival, which takes place each summer in the last week of June.
Basis: Private tour.
Duration: 3 hours.
Start / End: City center Hotel, address, or pier.
Vehicle: 01st Class for transfers.
Guide: English-speaking. Other languages on request.
Entrances: None.
Meals: None.
Difficulty: Grade Easy. Walking required over uneven surfaces
Notes: Tour program may be reversed for logistic / planning purposes.
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03/16/2025 |
03/16/2025 |
Kristiansand
Kristiansand 03/17/2025
Located on the southern tip of the country, Kristiansand is Norway’s fifth-largest city. We aim to be at port from morning to late afternoon, giving you plenty of time to explore.As you walk around Kristiansand, you might notice that the city is built on a uniform grid plan, with several straight roads running from the harbor all the way through the city. These roads are lined with architecture from different eras – evidence of the extensive rebuilding the city underwent after major fires in the 18th and 19th centuries and an attack during World War II.Kristiansand is on a mission to become the most sustainable port in Europe. Find out more about this admirable goal on an optional excursion that includes a visit to Odderøya Island. Here, you can see beautiful views of the ocean and city and visit 18th-century military barracks that have been transformed into creative artist studios running several sustainable initiatives.Kristiansand’s 20th-century military past is the focus of an optional excursion to Batterie Vara. Originally built as a German fort in World War II, it features the world’s second-largest cannon ever mounted on land.Another optional excursion takes you to the working Lindesnes Lighthouse, which marks Norway’s southernmost point. See the beacon that has been guiding seafarers to safety on dark nights since the early 20th century and learn about the long history of the site, which goes all the way back to 1656.
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03/17/2025 |
03/17/2025 |
Haugesund
Haugesund 03/18/2025
As we sail past the southern tip of Norway, we’ll begin heading north along the west coast. Just past Stavanger, we’ll reach Haugesund, the ‘Home of the Viking Kings’. This nickname is inspired by sites such as St. Olav’s Church, built in 1250 by King Håkon Hå. There’s also Haraldshaugen, a national monument reputed to be the first king’s burial site. Why not step back in time to the Viking Age at Nordvegen Visiting Centre, which features exhibitions presented by a fictional Harald Fairhair himself.After a short stay in Haugesund, you’ll rejoin the ship for a short scenic cruise into Hardangerfjord, one of Norway’s finest waterways. At 179 kilometres in length, it is the second-longest fjord in the country, and fifth longest in the world.You’ll see mountain scenery everywhere you look, with the white peaks that tower over the fjord being reflected in the shimmering water below.
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03/18/2025 |
03/18/2025 |
Hardanger Fjord
Hardanger Fjord 03/18/2025
As we sail past the southern tip of Norway, we’ll begin heading north along the west coast. Just past Stavanger, we’ll reach Haugesund, the ‘Home of the Viking Kings’. This nickname is inspired by sites such as St. Olav’s Church, built in 1250 by King Håkon Hå. There’s also Haraldshaugen, a national monument reputed to be the first king’s burial site. Why not step back in time to the Viking Age at Nordvegen Visiting Centre, which features exhibitions presented by a fictional Harald Fairhair himself.After a short stay in Haugesund, you’ll rejoin the ship for a short scenic cruise into Hardangerfjord, one of Norway’s finest waterways. At 179 kilometres in length, it is the second-longest fjord in the country, and fifth longest in the world.You’ll see mountain scenery everywhere you look, with the white peaks that tower over the fjord being reflected in the shimmering water below.
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03/18/2025 |
03/18/2025 |
Alesund
Alesund 03/19/2025
After a hearty breakfast on the ship, we’ll dock mid-morning at a town that spreads out across a string of islands. With a few hours to explore, you’ll have plenty of time to see all that Ålesund has to offer. As we approach the shore, you might first notice the distinctive style of architecture. Every detail of the buildings, from the bright colors to the rounded spires, were all inspired by the Art Nouveau style, which was popular in the early 1900s. Almost the entire town received a makeover in the style when it was rebuilt after a major fire in 1904. As you leave the waterfront, you’ll find yourself in a fairy-tale town, wandering narrow streets lined with unique houses. If your camera’s memory card isn’t already full after this, you can get impressive photos of the archipelago from the nearby Mount Aksla viewpoint. The 418 steps leading there might look intimidating, but the views are well worth the effort.You can also visit the Atlantic Sea Park, Norway’s first marine science center. This is one of northern Europe’s largest saltwater aquariums, providing a home to seals, otters, and crabs, as well as many other kinds of marine life. You can even see Humboldt Penguins here, a species otherwise absent north of the equator.
Optional Private Excursions
Avoid the crowds and hustle and bustle associated with a group activity. For a memorable trip ashore, we invite you to consider a private shore excursion. Enjoy the undivided attention of your own driver/guide and the flexibility of experiencing the aspects of the local culture that most interest you. Below are just some samples of the private shore excursions we can arrange for you. Let us personalize your experience!
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Ålesund Walking Tour – 3 Hours
Ålesund differs from most other Norwegian cities with its large concentration of buildings in the Jugend style of architecture. The explanation for this is simple; the town burned to the ground during the Great Fire of 1904. Rebuilding the city took a full three years, aided by numerous local contributions and large donations from the German Kaiser Wilhelm II.
The city planners agreed on consistently using the contemporary style of architecture, Jugend style (also known as Art Nouveau). It is a style characterized by artistic playfulness, fetching inspiration from organic forms and shapes in nature.
This combination of fjords, mountains and a town centre built in so-called art nouveau-style are some of the factors that resulted in Ålesund pinching first place in a survey by the Norwegian daily newspaper Dagbladet. Larger cities like Bergen (second place) and Trondheim (fourth place) – perhaps more famous for their beauty – were not considered to be as scenic as Ålesund when the Norwegians themselves cast their votes.
Walking tour through the winding old city streets, you will learn about the town's historic past. The tour takes in the Art Nouveau houses in the town itself, taking a stroll in the magnificent central district that displays beautiful houses with numerous and elaborate towers, spears and ornaments.
| Basis: |
Private tour. |
| Duration: |
3 hours. |
| Start / End: |
City center Hotel or address. |
| Vehicle: |
None. |
| Guide: |
English-speaking. Other languages on request. |
| Entrances: |
None. |
| Meals: |
None. |
| Difficulty: |
Grade Easy. Walking required over uneven surfaces. |
| Notes: |
Tour program may be reversed for logistic / planning purposes. |
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Ålesund City Tour – 4 Hours
Experience the splendid beauty and history of Ålesund during this picturesque 4 hour excursion through the city and its surroundings, via private vehicle, driver and local English Speaking Guide. Ålesund, a city built in an Art Nouveau style following a catastrophic fire in 1904. One of a few Art Nouveau towns in the world (Jugend style), Ålesund is home to an atmospheric distinct character that is warmly embraced by the locals.
Drive towards the Art Nouveau center of the town, marvel at the amazing decorations and colourful facades. A brief walking tour through the winding old city streets follows where you will learn about the town's historic past. A stop is made on route to the Art Nouveau Centre for a fascinating insight into Art Nouveau through authentic interiors and objects, as well as a captivating multimedia program called “From Ashes to Art Nouveau”. Here you can experience the devastating 1904 fire via film together with photographs and impressive sound and light effects.
Board your vehicle for the journey out of town towards Borgund, the largest trading centre in Sunnmøre during the Viking Era. Here you will view the picturesque Borgund Church followed by a visit to the inviting Sunnmøre Open Air Folk Museum, focusing on Norwegian coastal culture. Enjoy a stroll between the picturesque houses and the indoor exhibitions and get an insight into the cultural and architectural history of Sunnmøre and the Norwegian coastal culture. Heading back towards the city center, we detour with a drive up Mount Aksla. From this location, a panoramic view of the archipelago, the beautiful town center of Ålesund lying quietly below and the spectacular Sunnmøre Alps opens up in front of you. Return journey back to the city center.
| Basis: |
Private tour |
| Duration: |
4 hours. |
| Start / End: |
City center Hotel or address. |
| Vehicle: |
1st Class. |
| Guide: |
English-speaking. Other languages on request. |
| Entrances: |
Art Nouveau Centre, Sunnmøre Open Air Folk Museum. |
| Meals: |
None. |
| Difficulty: |
Grade Easy. Walking required over uneven surfaces. |
| Notes: |
Tour program may be reversed for logistic / planning purposes. |
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Ålesund Kajak Tour – 2 hours
The prefect trip to explore Ålesund, and highly recommended for families. Stories about the area, why Ålesund is built in the Jugend style amongst much more is just some of the info you will get on this sea kayaking in Ålesund. The tour will start and end in Ålesund with about 7 km trip.
During this trip we take several photo-stops where your able to get some great photos. You will get equipped with all the mandatory equipment and get a safety briefing before we head into our kayaks. The trip will be adapted to the weather conditions.
Basis: Private tour.
Duration: 2 hours Kayaking
Start / End: City center.
Vehicle: None.
Guide: English-speaking. Other languages on request.
Entrances: None.
Meals: None.
Difficulty: Grade Easy. Kayaking at leisure pace, walking required over uneven surfaces. No experience required, but you should be able to swim.
Notes: Tour program may be reversed for logistic / planning purposes. Kayaking equipment and life jackets will be provided. Please bring: Hat, Sun Cream, sunglasses, windproof – and waterproof clothes, spare clothes, swimming suit, towel and water bottle.
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03/19/2025 |
03/19/2025 |
Bronnoysund
Bronnoysund 03/20/2025
Surrounded by islands and water, Brønnøysund sits on a narrow peninsula that juts out of the mainland. Around 5,000 people live in this small town, many in colorful houses against a backdrop of gentle slopes and dramatic mountain peaks.Enjoy the bustling atmosphere of the harbour and take a walk along Havnegata. Drop into one of the pubs for a snack, or treat yourself to a meal in a local restaurant. Wander the visitors’ marina, or visit an 1870 Neo-Gothic stone church.As we sail, look out for the Vega archipelago, a cluster of some 6,500 islands, skerries, and islets. There’s a UNESCO World Heritage Centre on the island of Gardsøy which showcases how highly prized eider down is harvested from the local eider ducks by providing little huts for them to build their nests in. On an island south of Brønnøysund, you’ll find Torghatten mountain, recognisable by a natural tunnel that runs through the center. According to local lore, the hole is the result of a troll who fired an arrow at a young woman who had rejected his advances. As the Troll King threw his hat to protect her, the sun began to rise, turning the hat to stone with a hole in the middle from the arrow.On an optional excursion, you can take an hour’s walk up to the hole in the mountain. Peer through the tunnel and enjoy the view of the islands around.We’ll continue sailing north in the afternoon, leaving the Helgeland coast behind us as we cross the Arctic Circle around midnight.
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03/20/2025 |
03/20/2025 |
Svolvaer
Svolvaer 03/21/2025
Today, we explore Lofoten, a striking group of islands that rise out of the Norwegian Sea. As soon as you see the towering peaks around you with fishing villages clinging to their sides, you’ll understand why this island chain is so often praised as one of Norway’s most stunning locations. We’ll dock in the town of Svolvær mid-morning. Located on the island of Austvågøya in the heart of Lofoten, Svolvær is the biggest town of the archipelago, humming with shops, restaurants, galleries, and cafés to enjoy. You can also admire views of the Svolvær Goat, a nearby mountain named for resembling a goat and its horns. A variety of optional excursions are available from Svolvær, including winter fishing, paddling along the coastline in a kayak, or embarking on a bus tour to learn more about Lofoten’s history. We can’t visit the area without spending some time in Stokmarknes. This historic town is part of Vesterålen, an archipelago just northeast of Lofoten. Of all the places we visit, this one is particularly special to us. It was here that the Original Coastal Express was founded in 1893 by shipping pioneer Richard With. The Coastal Express soon became a lifeline for Norway’s remote coastal communities, and fittingly, our legacy has been immortalized in the place where it all began. Standing on the waterfront, you’ll find our 1956 ship MS Finnmarken, encased in a glass building like a ship in a bottle. This is Hurtigrutemuseet, the museum that chronicles our history as Norway’s leading expedition cruise line from start to now. On a guided tour, you can explore the retired vessel and experience the atmosphere of a past era.
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03/21/2025 |
03/21/2025 |
Stokmarknes
Stokmarknes 03/21/2025
Today, we explore Lofoten, a striking group of islands that rise out of the Norwegian Sea. As soon as you see the towering peaks around you with fishing villages clinging to their sides, you’ll understand why this island chain is so often praised as one of Norway’s most stunning locations. We’ll dock in the town of Svolvær mid-morning. Located on the island of Austvågøya in the heart of Lofoten, Svolvær is the biggest town of the archipelago, humming with shops, restaurants, galleries, and cafés to enjoy. You can also admire views of the Svolvær Goat, a nearby mountain named for resembling a goat and its horns. A variety of optional excursions are available from Svolvær, including winter fishing, paddling along the coastline in a kayak, or embarking on a bus tour to learn more about Lofoten’s history. We can’t visit the area without spending some time in Stokmarknes. This historic town is part of Vesterålen, an archipelago just northeast of Lofoten. Of all the places we visit, this one is particularly special to us. It was here that the Original Coastal Express was founded in 1893 by shipping pioneer Richard With. The Coastal Express soon became a lifeline for Norway’s remote coastal communities, and fittingly, our legacy has been immortalized in the place where it all began. Standing on the waterfront, you’ll find our 1956 ship MS Finnmarken, encased in a glass building like a ship in a bottle. This is Hurtigrutemuseet, the museum that chronicles our history as Norway’s leading expedition cruise line from start to now. On a guided tour, you can explore the retired vessel and experience the atmosphere of a past era.
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03/21/2025 |
03/21/2025 |
Tromso
Tromso 03/22/2025
This morning, you’ll arrive at the Arctic Capital itself, sitting around 217 miles/350 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle. You’ve sailed on The North Cape Line, exploring just some of Norway’s coastal cities and villages. During the journey, you’ll have experienced Norway’s varied climate, seen majestic mountains and fjords, and maybe gazed up in awe at the Northern Lights once or several times. On the waterfront you’ll find Polaria, the world’s northernmost aquarium, while on the other side of the fjord from the harbour is the iconic Arctic Cathedral, with its beautiful stained-glass mosaic.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 trendy cafés where baristas create innovative coffee art and serve up delicious cinnamon buns.We hope you’ll cherish each of the memories of The North Cape Line that you’ll take home with you. Come sail with us again soon on another iconic voyage of our spectacular home: the Norwegian coast.
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03/22/2025 |
03/22/2025 |
The Signature Collection – Exclusive Amenities
