Cruising Northern Norwegian Fjords with Hurtigruten – Day 5

Posted on September 1, 2015 by Will Gons

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

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Cruising Northern Norwegian Fjords with Hurtigruten – Day 4

Posted on September 1, 2015 by Will Gons

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 →

Cruising Southern Norwegian Fjords with Hurtigruten – Day 3

Posted on August 29, 2015 by Will Gons

Day 3: Trondheim to Bronnoysund

View of Trondheim from Kristiansten Fortress

Kjeungskjaer Lighthouse

After an early breakfast, we had long stop in Trondheim. The four of us walked from the docks to explore Kristiansten Fortress which overlooks the town. There was hardly anyone in the fort and it felt like we had it all to ourselves. Then we walked down along the river admiring the old buildings build right against the canals edge. Further down the street was a large cathedral.We didn’t stop long because it was starting to rain. The walk back to the boat was further then I remembered and we were almost late. I wonder if they would leave without everyone onboard? The rest of the day, we relaxed and watched the coastline slip by. In the afternoon, we passed Kjeungskjaer lighthouse which is considered to be the most beautiful along the Norwegian coast! I’m not sure it quite lives up to that hype.

Old Town Bridge in Trondheim

Kristiansten Fortress in Trondheim

Kristiansten Fortress - Photo credit to Will\'s mom, Myra

Kristiansten Fortress in Trondheim

Bakklandet neighborhood in Trondheim

Bakklandet neighborhood in Trondheim

Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim

Munkholmen Island off the coast of Trondheim - most famously used as a monastery

Hurtigruten crew conducting a safety drill

Fishing boat near Munkholmen Island - photo credit to Myra

View from the bow while passing Stokkoya

Buholmrasa Lighthouse

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Next: the fjord tour continues north on MS Nordlys

Cruising Southern Norwegian Fjords with Hurtigruten – Day 2

Posted on August 29, 2015 by Will Gons

Day 2: Floro to Trondheim

Geiranger Fjord

Geiranger Fjord

While we slept, the cruise continued transporting people and cargo with multiple stops including Floro. We all woke early to have a full buffet breakfast before the ship ported at Alesund. The schedule stated that we would have about 45 minutes allowing for a quick walk through town but we were delayed leaving only 15 minutes in port. Next, the ship headed inland for a scenic cruise of Geiranger Fjord. It was amazing to see the cliffs towering high above the ship. We were also amazed with the number of farm houses perched along the mountains with seemingly no access to civilization. Around lunchtime, the ship stopped near the town of Geiranger to drop off passengers who signed up for the daily excursion before turning around and heading back to Alesund. We sat outside enjoying the return trip just as much. Back at Alesund, we again only had about 20 minutes to explore off the boat, but the blue skies made us excited for the walk.

That evening, we had our first set service dinner. All of the menus are prepared using ingredients acquired at the different ports. We enjoyed an appetizer of clipfish with sweet pea purée and asparagus (from Fiskarstrand), a salted leg of lamb with steamed summer cabbage, dill potatoes and horseradish sauce (from Hellesylt), and raspberry pie with almond brittle ice cream (from Gangstad Gardsysteri).