Day 6: Oksfjord to Berlevag

MS Nordlys docked in Honningsvag

We had an early stop in Hammerfest. This city is near the north cape of Norway which is the most northerly part of Europe! The landscape was dramatically different than Bergen. There were almost no trees and it almost felt like we are on a different planet! In Hammerfest, the four of us visited a museum then Dad and I ran up a hill while Sara and Mom shopped. We had a nice little hike with beautiful views of the surrounding islands from the summit. The rest of the day we relaxed and watched the incredibly desolate landscape creep out of the low clouds before fading away behind us.

After beautiful weather all day, we entered a wall of overcast engulfing a mountain range

Hurtigruten\'s daily guide

Arriving to Honningsvag

Honningsvag \"the town by the north cape\"

North Cape Museum in Honningsvag

Art shop in Honningsvag that uses trash collected from local beaches

Honningsvag

Honningsvag with hill the guys hiked

Will and his dad hiking in Honningsvag

View from hike in Honningsvag

Passing Finnkirka

Will taking in the views from the stern

Quick stop in Kjollefjord

Another quick stop: Mehamn

Last Dinner

Hurtigruten stocks craft beer on board (all by Macks brewery)

Passing MS Midnatsol in the fog

[Show slideshow]

Day 7: Berlevag to Kirkenes

We arrived early in Kirkenes and disembarked to waiting busses. The four of us went directly to the airport and headed to Oslo where we departed ways. Sara and I continued our newlywed journey to Warsaw, Poland.

Approaching Kirkenes

Last selfie on MS Nordlys

[Show slideshow]

Arriving to Tromso

Day 5: Stokmarknes to Oksfjord

After a relaxing morning, we docked at Tromso where Sara, Dad and I planned on hiking a nearby mountain. The mountain wasn’t close to the dock so we had find a ride across town. We first asked the lady in charge of an excursion to see if we could pay just for a ride but she was totally against at the mere idea. We walked a few blocks and eventually found a taxi to take us the 10 minute drive. The hike up began with a beautiful path lined with trees and an underbrush of wild flowers. As we hiked past the tree line, we approached small piles of snow – welcome to the arctic! At the top, we enjoyed views of Tromso before heading back down to catch the boat. That night, our cruise experienced the midnight sun. Being above the article circle in late summer, the sun officially did not set. Unfortunately, the overcast clouds and obscured horizon made it impossible to sunbathe at midnight.

Passing Gibostad

Passing Gibostad

Arctic Circle Celebration - ice water down the back followed by a shot

Tromso with Floya peak - our afternoon hike

Tromso hike

Lower viewpoint at cable car level

Tromso hike

Summit of Floya

View of Tromso from Floya summit

MS Nordlys docked in Tromso

Dinner: Creme Ninon with green peas, mussels and shrimp; Arctic Char with asparagus, Pommes Anna, Beurre Blanc with chive and chervil; Cloudberry and ginger ice cream

Midnight sun peaking through the clouds

Watching puffins in the midnight sun

[Show slideshow]

Twilight in Raftsundet

While traveling on the MS Nordlys with my parents, we quickly developed a nice routine. We would stay up late watching the beautiful scenery, wake up early to watch beautiful scenery, and eat three full meals throughout the day. But no matter what we were doing, it was nice to spend time with my parents.

Day 4: Bronnoysund to Stokmarknes

Arctic Circle globe

We woke to an announcement stating that we were about to cross the Arctic Circle. We rushed outside or to windows to see a globe statue on a small island marking the invisible line. Later after an early lunch, we docked in the city of Bodo where Sara, Dad and I booked an excursion to see the Saltstraumen. We bundled up in thick onesies, gloves, hats and goggles before Continue reading →