Bergen

Bergen is Norway’s second largest city and the starting point of the Hurtigruten Coastal Express. It’s known for its colourful buildings at Bryggen and easy access to the surrounding mountains and fjords. The Hurtigruten Terminal (Jektevik Terminal) is located close to the city centre, Bryggen is just a 5 minute drive or 20 minute walk away.

There’s so much to see and do in Bergen that I’ve put together a separate post to cover the best things to do in Bergen

Ålesund

Time in port: 10 hours and 15 minutes

Ålesund is known for its picturesque Art Nouveau architecture, which was built after a devastating fire in 1904 that required much of the city to be rebuilt. Of all 34 ports you’ll visit on your Hurtigruten voyage, you’ll spend the longest port time at Ålesund. The main city centre is only a 10 to 15 minute walk from where the ship docks, making it easy to explore most of the city on foot.

Things to Do in Ålesund Without an Excursion:

Admire Art Nouveau Architecture

Take a walk around the city centre and admire the art nouveau architecture. This architectural style is inspired by nature and often features decorative motifs such as flowers and plants. My favourite building was actually very close to the terminal and featured sunflowers and leaves across the façade.

Viewpoints at Mount Aksla

One of the highlights of my time in Ålesund was hiking up to the viewpoints at Mount Aksla. From the town centre, you’ll walk through Byparken, a lovely park with plenty of picnic spots, before climbing the 418 steps to reach the main viewpoint. Along the way there are several viewpoints and opportunities to stop and take photos. At the top, you’re rewarded with panoramic views over the town and surrounding islands.

If you don’t want to walk all the way to the top, I’d recommend setting your Google Maps to “Byrampen Viewpoint”, which offers fantastic views and an observation platform with glass panels.

Molja Fyr (Lighthouse)

Explore the harbour area and visit Molja Fyr, a small lighthouse that sits right on the edge of the harbour and is an easy addition to a walk around the waterfront.

Trondheim

Time in port: 3 hours

Trondheim is one of Norway’s most historic cities and was once the Viking capital of the country. Its most notable landmark is Nidaros Cathedral, often referred to as “Norway’s Notre Dame” due to its gothic architecture. The city is also known for its colourful wharf houses lining the river.

From the ship’s docking point, it’s approximately a 30 minute walk into the city centre. The route is flat and follows the river, making it an easy walk if you have the time. Of all the ports you’ll visit on the Coastal Express, Trondheim is the furthest from the city centre. If you’re not up to walking, there are usually taxis waiting at the terminal, or you can join one of the organised excursions.

Things to Do in Trondheim Without an Excursion:

Gamle Bybroa (Old Town Bridge)

Visit Gamle Bybroa, also known as the Old Town Bridge, an iconic wooden bridge crossing the Nidelva River. From the bridge, you’ll have scenic views over the river, which is lined with colourful wooden houses.

Nidaros Cathedral

Nidaros Cathedral is a large gothic style cathedral located in the heart of Trondheim. While I didn’t go inside, it’s beautiful to admire from the outside, with its steep-pitched roof and intricate stonework making it a standout landmark in the city.

Bødø

Time in port: 2 hours 15 minutes

Bodø is a compact harbour city, located just north of the Arctic Circle. The city centre and waterfront are easy to explore on foot, with the walk from the ship to the main town area taking approximately 10 to 15 minutes. This is a relaxed port that works well for a short, independent wander.

Things to Do in Bødø Without an Excursion:

Wander the Harbour

I spent most of my time in Bødø exploring the harbour area. You can wander along the waterfront, looking at the boats moored in the marina and the typical red wooden Nordic buildings lining the water’s edge

Nyholmen Skandse

Nyholmen Skandse is a small historic fortress that stands on a rocky peninsula across from the harbour in Bødø. Here, you’ll find preserved stone structures and cannons, as well as Nyholmen Fyr, a small lighthouse positioned at the tip of the peninsula. You can also enjoy the scenic views of the surrounding mountains, ocean, and the Bødø town centre. The walk from the Hurtigruten port to Nyholmen Skandse takes approximately 45 minutes.

Tromsø

Time in port: 4 hours (northbound) / 1 hour 45 minutes (southbound)

Tromsø is often referred to as “the Gateway to the Arctic” and is a well known hub for Arctic exploration. Many visitors come to Tromsø to experience Polar Night in the winter or the Midnight Sun in summer, it’s also one of Norway’s most popular destinations for Northern Lights viewing. The Hurtigruten terminal is very centrally located, with the main city centre just a 5 to 10 minute walk away.

Things to Do in Tromsø Without an Excursion:

Fjellheisen

Fjellheisen is the cable car that takes you up Mount Storsteinen for incredible panoramic views over Tromsø and the surrounding fjords. Standing on Storsteinen in the winter months and looking out over the city blanketed in snow, with lights twinkling below, feels like being inside a snow globe, it’s truly magical.

You can take your time wandering around and enjoying the views. If you’re looking to warm up, the Mountain Cafe is a lovely spot to take a break and grab a hot drink before taking the cable car back down.

The Northernmost McDonald’s in the World

A visit to McDonald’s might seem like an odd place to add to an itinerary, but this one is special because it’s the northernmost McDonalds in the world. They proudly display this fact on a poster as you walk through the door, and it’s also written on the wall inside the restaurant. I loved that they even sell postcards and couldn’t resist buying one as a fun souvenir.

Raketten Bar & Pølse

Raketten Bar also has its own claim to fame as “the tiniest bar in the universe”. This iconic bar is located in the heart of Tromsø, and despite its size, you’ll quickly spot it while walking along Storgata. It’s a distinctive, octagonal, rocket-shaped yellow building, and there’s often a line of people queuing to buy one of their specialty hot dogs, the reindeer sausage is the most popular choice.

Tromsø Cathedral

Tromsø Cathedral is a prominent landmark in the city centre of Tromsø, located along the main walking street, Storgata.

Arctic Cathedral

The Arctic Cathedral is located in Tromsdalen, just across the Tromsø Bridge from the city centre. The cathedral features a striking triangular design and can easily be seen across the harbour due to its prominence.

If you’re visiting on the southbound sailing, stick to the city centre due to the limited time.

Honningsvåg

Time in port: 3 hours 35 minutes

Honningsvåg is the northernmost town on mainland Norway and serves as the gateway to the North Cape, one of Europe’s northernmost points accessible by road. The town itself is small and easy to explore, and you can walk into the centre from the Hurtigruten dock within minutes.

Things to Do in Honningsvåg Without an Excursion:

Nordkapptrappa Hike

Nordkapptrappa translates to North Cape Staircase and is a stone staircase leading up Storfjellet. From this trail, you’ll have breathtaking views over Honningsvåg and the surrounding fjords and mountains. I visited in winter and was only able to complete part of the climb before the steps disappeared in the snow, but the view from the section I managed was still very rewarding.

Explore the Harbour

I enjoyed my time wandering the harbour and surrounding streets. I visited in winter and found everything especially pretty under a blanket of snow. It also offered a lovely snapshot of local life this far north, particularly seeing things like sleds lined up outside the supermarket.

Nordkappmuseet

The North Cape Museum is located right next to the port where the Hurtigruten docks in Honningsvåg, making it the ideal stop if you’re not keen on hiking or walking too far from the ship. The museum tells the story of the North Cape and provides insight into the area’s local history.

Kirkenes

Time in port: 3 hours 30 minutes

Kirkenes marks the turning point of the Hurtigruten Coastal Express route; you’ll arrive on the northbound route and depart on the southbound. Located in the far northeast of Norway, the town sits just kilometres from the Russian border. From the Hurtigruten dock, it’s around a 10 to 15 minute walk to the town centre.

Things to Do in Kirkenes Without an Excursion: 

Kirkenes Viewpoint

Walking up through a residential area, this viewpoint is marked on Google Maps as ‘Aussictspunkt Prestefjellet’. It offers views over the town and harbour, as well as out towards the surrounding fjord.

Fjellvatn Badeplass

From the Kirkenes Viewpoint, continue walking uphill to reach Fjellvatn Badeplass, a swimming lake that forms part of an open air recreation area. I visited in the winter when the lake was frozen over and surrounded by snow, and you could just make out the dock ladders rising through the ice.

This would be a lovely swimming spot in the warmer months but was still a pretty sight to explore in winter. Signs leading to the recreation area also suggest you’re welcome to harvest berries and mushrooms, as well as fish in the area, which sound like fun activities during the summer months.

Hammerfest

Time in port: 1 hour 45 minutes

Hammerfest claims to be one of the northernmost towns in the world and has a long history as a fishing port and base for Arctic exploration. During the summer months, Hammerfest experiences 24 hours of daylight, while in the winter the sun doesn’t rise above the horizon for part of the season.

Things to Do in Hammerfest Without an Excursion:

Hammerfest Sign

A very touristic activity, but an obligatory one, get a photo of the Hammerfest sign on the waterfront. You’ll find this sign on the corner of Verfsfjæra and Rådhauplassen, just a few moments walk from where the Hurtigruten docks.

Zig Zag Path

The Zig Zag Path was built by the citizens of Hammerfest back in 1893 and is a short but steep walk from the town centre up to a lookout offering panoramic views of the town, harbour and islands.

When I arrived, I was greeted by a sign stating: “WARNING! CLOSED AT WINTERTIME. Due to ice and snow, walking here may cause serious accident”. I started up the path anyway, but it quickly became apparent why it was closed, as snow had completely blocked the way. From the short section I was able to complete, I still enjoyed some beautiful views and took plenty of photos. If you’re here in the wintertime, proceed with caution.

Hammerfest Kirke (Church)

I first spotted the Hammerfest Kirke from the Zig Zag Path while looking down over the town and decided that’s where I wanted to explore next. Kirke is the Norwegian word for church, and this one certainly stands out with its striking triangular design. While I didn’t venture inside, the church is known for its beautiful stained glass windows.

Museum of Reconstruction

While I didn’t personally visit this museum, I passed it while walking to the church. The Museum of Reconstruction focuses on the rebuilding of Hammerfest and the surrounding area after the Second World War.

Stokmarknes

Time in port: 1 hour

Stokmarknes holds special significance for Hurtigruten, as this is where Captain Richard With founded the Coastal Express in 1893. You can learn more about the route’s history at the Hurtigruten Museum (Hurtigrutemuseet), which houses the retired MS Finnmarken from 1956 inside a “ship in a bottle” style building. The town is small, and both the museum and centre are within a 5 minute walk from where the ship docks.

Things to Do in Stokmarknes Without an Excursion:

Hurtigrutemuseet

The Norwegian Coastal Express Museum is located only a few minutes walk from where the Hurtigruten docks in Stokmarknes. The museum is dedicated to the history of Hurtigruten and is home to the former Coastal Express ship MS Finnmarken.

I almost didn’t get off the ship at this stop as the port time was only for an hour, but I decided that morning to buy an entrance ticket to the museum. I’m very glad I did. Exploring the old MS Finnkarken was a highlight, and it was fascinating to compare the older style of the museum ship with the MS Nordkapp I was travelling on, while learning more about the history of Hurtigruten along the way.

Unfortunately, one hour wasn’t nearly enough time, and I did feel quite rushed during my visit. There’s even a cafe inside the old ship, located in a refurbished section. I wish I’d had time to sit down with a piece of cake and imagine what life onboard might have been like in the 1950’s.

Tip: Buy your entrance ticket from the Expedition Team onboard your Hurtigruten ship for a discounted entry fee and faster entry.

Svolvær

Time in port: 2 hours

Svolvær is the largest town in the Lofoten Islands and is surrounded by mountain peaks rising straight from the sea. The Hurtigruten docks centrally here, and it’s just a short 5 to 10 minute walk to the town centre and waterfront.

Things to Do in Svolvær Without an Excursion:

Magic Ice Bar

The Magic Ice bar is located just a few minutes walk from the Hurtigruten Terminal in Svolvær. Set inside a warehouse, the bar is kept at a chilly -5 degrees and is filled with intricate ice sculptures and carvings.

You can spend as long as you’d like inside looking at all the ice statues. My favourite was the huge ice slide and it wasn’t busy when I visited, so I ended up going down it several times.Your entrance fee includes a token for a drink, served in a frozen ice glass. You can choose an alcoholic crowberry wine or, if you prefer, a non alcoholic option from their list of mocktails.

Tip: Let them know you’re travelling with Hurtigruten to receive a discounted entrance fee.

Explore the Harbour

Like many of the Coastal Express stops, the harbour area of Svolvær is a great place to wander. Along the harbour you’ll find a mix of restaurants and souvenir shops, as well as working fishing boats. You’ll likely spot (and smell!) fishing nets stacked along the wharf, offering a glimpse into everyday life in this busy fishing town.

Brønnøysund

Time in port: 2 hours 25 minutes

Brønnøysund is a small coastal town often referred to as the geographical centre of Norway. From here, it’s approximately 840km to Lindesnes in the south and 840km to Nordkapp in the north. The town is quiet and very walkable, and you can reach the centre in around 5 minutes from the Hurtigruten dock.

Things to Do in Brønnøsund Without an Excursion:

Kystbyen midt i Norge (Middle of Norway)

To mark the middle of Norway, visit the sign commemorating the country’s geographic midpoint along the harbourfront. You’ll find this sign just a few minutes walk from where the Hurtigruten docks in Brønnøysund, making it an easy and popular photo stop.

Brønnøysund Bridge

For elevated views over Brønnøysund and the surrounding coastline, you can walk up the Brønnøysund Bridge. This impressive bridge connects the mainland to the small island of Torget and offers a different perspective over the town and harbour.

Kristiansund

Time in port: 1 hour

Kristiansund, not to be confused with Kristiansand, is a coastal city known for its long history of producing klippfisk (dried and salted cod). The city centre is compact, and the main town area can be reached within a 5 to 10 minute walk from the Hurtigruten terminal. This is the final port you’ll explore before returning to Bergen.

Things to Do in Kristiansund Without an Excursion:

Klippfiskkjerringa (Sculpture of the town’s symbol)

The Klippfiskkjerringa is a sculpture representing the town’s symbol: a woman working with klippfisk (Norwegian Cod). It serves as a tribute to the many generations of women who were involved in processing klippfisk, an industry that played a vital role in Kristiansund’s history. Drying and salting the cod was a physically demanding and labour-intensive process, and this sculpture reflects the importance of that work to the town’s identity.

Viewpoint at President Christies Gate

This viewpoint was recommended by the Expedition Team and isn’t marked on Google Maps. Head to the intersection of President Christies Gate and Hauggata, where you’ll find a small grassed area with a statue, an old cannon and views out over the harbour.

Making the Most of Your Time at Hurtigruten Ports

Exploring Norway’s coastline independently is one of the most rewarding ways to experience the Hurtigruten Coastal Express. While Hurtigruten excursions can be convenient, they are often costly, and many of the best sights and experiences at Hurtigruten ports are easily accessible on foot. From city viewpoints to exploring harbours, there’s plenty to enjoy without booking an excursion.

By planning and knowing what’s walkable or close to the dock, you can enjoy a flexible, budget-friendly, and authentic Hurtigruten experience. On your own trip, consider skipping some excursions and discovering each port at your own pace.

If you’re still deciding whether Hurtigruten is right for you, you can read my full Hurtigruten Coastal Express review.