Is there a good reason for going all the way to Kirkenes (other than its as far as you can go and way up there). What might I experience in the 2 extra nights and 1 full day from Tromso that I wouldn't have from Bergen to that point? I'm leaning to terminating in Tromso as it seems there's more to the town itself, as well as greater air departure offerings to include direct flights to Helsinki which I think may be our next stop.
Posted by
West Coast
239 posts
I traveled as far as Kirkenes the summer of 2018 and absolutely loved the experience. Apologies that I can't remember if the Honningsvag shore excursion to NordKapp and environs was before or after Tromso.
OTOH, I then spent almost a week in far northern Finland (my goal) and then flew from Inari to Helsinki. Everyone else disembarked for a shuttle to the airport at Kirkenes.
The round trip option, I think, would definitely be far too long and by the last day or two of going north I was starting to feel ready to move on, as far as your question. I did take a taxi in Kirkenes to check out the Russian border scene but that might have quite a different vibe now!
Please do check their itinerary and confirm if any shore options are offered after Tromso, and apologies again for my memory!
Posted by
11697 posts
We loved seeing the areas north of Tromso! Don’t cut your trip short when you are very close to so much incredible nature. The area between Tromso and Kirkenes is dramatic. Hurtigruten does a great job.
Posted by
Schwerin
3278 posts
North- and southbound feel like different routes although passengers are more getting used to the ship and procedures. But you will see the landscape at different day and night times (e. g. fabulous Torghatten), different weather and also some excursions are only avaliable on one direction, e. g. Saltstraumen rib boat (N), midnight concert in Tromsø's arctic cathedral (S) or driving into Geiranger (N, only summer schedule). It also doubles the chance that the ship drives into famous Trollfjord.
Tromsø is a more functional town with also some nice elements - and the best coffee on the whole coastal tour at Kaffebonna. The breakfast coffee on board of Hurtigruten tastes horrible - maybe Havila tastes better?
With my car I once checked out at Havøysund and drove the scenic road and rest of the road up to North Cape. A very barren, lonely and beautifil landscape with nice stops and a few reindeers.
If you have enough time and money do both directions.