Hurtigruten Bergen to Kirkenes Experience or a Better Way?

I've not been on the Hurtigruten. Obviously, the full roundtrip is long and not cheap. You're right that the boat makes different daytime stops in different directions. From the photos and videos I've seen, it might be hard to define a "best" section of the route.

Note that some excursions take longer than the time that the boat is in port, so those include a land connection to rejoin the boat at the next port. Probably the best of these involve activities that are not actually in the town. I believe the company also would facilitate layovers - e.g. if you choose to spend a couple of nights in one town, you could catch the next boat. But prices work differently if you book a long route than for short-distance ferry passengers who don't have meals and rooms included.

Note that Rick Steves Tours don't cover any of this same territory. Rick's Scandinavia tour ends in Bergen, so some people might do both.

Thank you so much. You are always so helpful. I think I may start with the RS tour as a solo and then venture off in Bergen. I have not yet been to Copenhagen, Sweden, etc. of course, I will get the RS guide book first.

Kathy

But prices work differently if you book a long route than for short-distance ferry passengers who don't have meals and rooms included.

We ended a ski tour in the small northern village of Mehamn, Norway. Our guide service booked us on the Hurtigruten's MS Nordnorge for the overnight voyage from Mehamn to Kirkenes. We had deck space accommodations although one skier upgraded to a no window cabin. Our service included dinner and the buffet breakfast.

The Nordnorge is a working ship with frequent stops to off load and load passengers, vehicles and goods for the local villages. Many of the stops were very short just to unload and load. The plus is that the ship tends to travel in sight of land and the Norwegian coast is spectacular.

Lonely Planet Norway and Rough Guide Norway would cover more of northern Norway than Rick Steve's book.

In addition to any replies here, look at the Hurtigruten forum on Cruise Critic: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=821

Hello....We traveled Kirkenes to Trondheim in June. Highly recommend the trip. Berth and food were excellent. This is NOT a big Disney or Carnival ship. North and south routes vary in stops a bit. One way should be adequate, though many do the round trip annually.

1. Next time we will get off for a day or two in Lofotens, then reboard another ship. Also, Trondheim and Dovrefjell national park are also worth a two or three day stopover.

2. The Nordkapp excursion was a trip highlight. The Tromso night concert at the Arctic chapel got good reviews. Most of the scenic views (Troll fiord was tops) are best from the viewing deck or topside bar panorama window.

We now plan another trip.