Hurtigruten feedback anyone?

My wife and I did the Hurtigruten south to north. I don't really know which direction is best. The ship stops several times each 24 hours, some very short stops in smaller towns where the town can be walked in the short stay. There were three or four stops in larger cities where we walked all day, the ship leaving 5 or 6 hours after arrival. There are also side shore excursions that can be purchased on board the ship. We only did one at North Cape, which turned out to be a good one and looking back, wish we had paid more attention to their content. If I had anything that I would change it would be to do the trip in the summer rather than mid to late fall as we did. Late in the year the weather can become rather rough. Not only wet hiking as a result during the stops but some of the trip is out in the open ocean and the sea became very rough. The trip was unique, beautiful, and a very enjoyable experience for us. Have a great time.

My experience is limited, but perhaps you will find it helpful. I once had a business meeting in Alesund, a stop on the Hurtigruten route. Rather than fly from Oslo, I took the ship from Bergen, an overnight trip arriving in Alesund about noon the next day. We made a couple of stops during the voyage, one during the night and the other in the morning (perhaps Torik) where we were allowed off the ship for an hour or so for a walk in beautiful countryside. The ship wasn't large, certainly nothing like the cruise ships with walking loops that allow one to go the distance that you're used to doing. In fact, there was no place to walk on my ship. But perhaps some ships these days have that. One big point to consider in your planning: during the height of the season the Hurtigruten ships make the trip up Geiranger Fjord. This is one of the most stunningly beautiful places on Earth. I was there in June when the snowmelt was on and I saw perhaps the equivalent of ten Yosemite Falls flowing over the cliffs into the fjord not to mention numerous smaller lovely falls along the way. I would be sure to book a voyage that includes Geiranger. My cabin was on the shore side, but I didn't spend much time in it apart from sleeping. The lounge area provided good views as did the topside deck.

We did a week in the Norwegian fjords, Bergen to Geiranger and back in June, 2005. However, we drove. The scenery was spectacular and I think you get a better viewpoint driving than you would from the boat. This also gives you a chance to stay at some of the old wooden Norwegian hotels and see some of the stave churches. If you overnight in Geiranger, you can ride the ferry the day you are in Geiranger. The ferry goes RT through the Geiranger fjord, part way up into the next one, then returns to Geiranger. You get to see all the waterfalls.... If this interests you, send me a PM and I will supply more details.

Thank you all. Your input is very helpful!

I took the Hurtigruten a few years ago and found it a very economical way to see a lot of Norway. We didn't feel stuckin part because we generally avoided the paid excursions and instead just got off the ship and walked to wherever we wanted whenever it was in port (by walking we often beat the excursion buses). We took the round trip cruise and if I were to choose one direction, I would choose Bergen-Kiekenes. There were a few more special touches in that directiona trip through Trollfjord, a certificate when you passed through the arctic circle, better timing for visits to Trondheim and Tomso.