Up Norway and Hurtigruten have partnered to offer a new 15-day itinerary, Norway Beyond the Porthole, that explores Norway by both land and sea. The program pairs Hurtigruten’s renowned coastal and expedition expertise with Up Norway’s carefully curated land experiences, creating an integrated journey that balances comfortable ship travel with immersive onshore activities.
Designed around authentic encounters, the itinerary reflects Up Norway’s focus on meaningful connections and well-crafted experiences tailored to travelers’ interests. By blending coastal cruising with in-depth land visits, the trip aims to leave a positive and lasting impression on guests while supporting the communities they encounter.
© Up Norway
The journey begins in Oslo and continues north to Longyearbyen on Svalbard, where guests learn about the High Arctic’s exploration history and visit the Global Seed Vault. From there, travelers embark on Hurtigruten’s southbound Svalbard Line aboard MS Trollfjord or MS Midnatsol, combining the familiar comforts of Hurtigruten vessels with expedition-style encounters.
Along the sailing, the itinerary includes a rare call at Ny-Ålesund, a remote research community that receives only a small number of visitors each year. As the ship heads south along Norway’s dramatic coastline, passengers can watch for whales, dolphins, porpoises and seabirds while passing towering glaciers, deep fjords, sheer mountains and small coastal settlements. The voyage takes in highlights of the Lofoten Islands and includes a passage into the scenic Hjørundfjord.
© Up Norway
After disembarking, the land portion centers on the Sognefjord region, where travelers meet local residents and explore the mountain village of Veitastrond. Activities include an e-bike excursion near the historic Urnes Stave Church and other guided experiences that highlight local culture and landscape.
The land itinerary also features two of Norway’s most scenic railways. The Flåm Railway, one of the steepest standard-gauge rail lines in the world, winds past waterfalls, snow-dusted peaks and farms clinging to steep mountainsides. The Bergen Railway crosses the vast, high mountain plateau that is one of Europe’s highest, offering dramatic panoramas en route.
To conclude the trip, guests visit Kistefos Museum, a contemporary art museum and sculpture park that combines modern art with striking industrial heritage, followed by a stay at an ecological Norwegian farm. These final experiences emphasize rural life, seasonal food traditions and sustainable practices, giving travelers a grounded perspective on Norway’s cultural and natural heritage.