Colourful houses and warehouses backed by oh-so green mountains welcome you to artsy Bergen. It’s the gateway to your voyage and a world of spectacular fjords. Wander the streets to check out its one-of-a-kind wooden architecture and street art, or head up a lofty peak (Mount Floyen is the most famous and accessible) for the jaw-dropping city and harbour views.

Swap one colourful coastal city bookend for another with a short stay in cool-as-ice Copenhagen. A couple of full days of sightseeing should suffice; it’ll give you enough time to lose yourself in the historic Indre By district, try some typically Danish dishes and coffee, and feel the magic of Tivoli Gardens, the most charming theme park you’ll ever encounter.

As you follow the Coastal Express route, you’ll be following 130 years’ worth of travellers’ footsteps. Since 1893, postal ships that have plied this path have been a lifeline for in towns and villages that can only be reached by water. Today, seven ships stop at 34 ports between Bergen and Kirkenes, connecting communities and showcasing some serious splendour.

This isn’t your usual cruise. Instead of stopping in one port per day, these working ships follow a schedule of short delivery stops in some settlements and longer pauses in others. During these extended visits, you can get off and explore, but the focus is mainly on embracing the slow travel vibes and taking in the scenery from the deck. It’s authentic, unhurried and unpretentious.

Bergen

Begin in delightful Bergen, where the sea meets the mountains.

Bergen

Head for the port, step on board and get to grips with your home for the 12 days. You’ll meet your Expedition Team, the folk who’ll guide, teach and inspire you.

Ålesund & the Fjords

Cruise along Nordfjord en route to Ålesund and then head for the deep-sided Geirangerfjord. The final call of the day is Molde; on a long summer day, you’ll get some epic mountain views before bedtime.

Trondheim

Today’s focus is the Trondheim Fjord and the former Viking capital. You’ll have a few hours here to see ‘Norway’s Notre Dame’ – Nidaros Cathedral – and Gamle Bybro, the old city bridge or treat yourself to a guided experience. The day ends with a quick stop in Rørvik.

Bodø & the Arctic Circle

The rest of the journey north is an Arctic one as the ship crosses the Arctic circle early in the morning. After a few quick ports of call, stretch your legs on an afternoon walk in Bodø (or join an optional excursion). By the evening, you’ll be sailing through the Lofoten Islands.

Tromsø

After some scenic morning cruising and handful of delivery pauses, you’ll sail into Tromsø, the ‘capital of the Arctic’. The city and its shops, cafés and sights are your oyster before you set sail early this evening.

Honningsvåg

You’ll reach the tip top of continental Europe today when you stop in Honningsvåg, gateway to the North Cape and a region that’s rich in nomadic Sami culture.

Kirkenes

The final leg before the turnaround point of the journey takes you to Kirkenes. Being the last town before the border, the town has a unique history, culture and Barents Sea landscape.

Hammerfest & the North

The return journey follows the same route but most of the ports visited at night on the way up will daytime ports on the way back. The longest stop of the day will be in Hammerfest, one of the world’s northernmost towns.

Svolvær & the Archipelagos

Today, it’s all about sailing in and around the Vesterålen and Lofoten archipelagos with a couple of hours spent in Svolvær, gateway to the iconic Lofoten Islands.

Brønnøysund

It’s time to dip back out of the Arctic Cricle (with a celebratory with a spoonful of cod liver oil!) and take in the beauty of the world heritage-listed Helgeland Coast, something of a hidden gem.

Trondheim & Kristiansund

Make a return visit to Trondheim early this morning before spending the rest of the day sailing down to Kristiansund, a town spread over three islands at the edge of the North Sea.

Bergen to Copenhagen

You’re on the home stretch this morning – by the early afternoon, you’ll be sailing back into Bergen. You’ll have another night here before flying down to Denmark.

Copenhagen

A couple of days in the Danish capital will complete your Scandi adventure.