In March 2010, we went on a trip along the coast of Norway. A Hurtigruten ship leaves Bergen every afternoon and travels north to Kirkenes near the Russian border and back to Bergen. It is an 11 day trip, operating 365 days a year, stopping at various ports along the way delivering cargo and passengers. The ships are also outfitted for tourists with cabins, lounges and dining facilities. We went in March when there was a possibility of seeing the Northern Lights, and they were visible one night. Although we were mainly above the arctic circle, the gulf stream moderates temperatures and the ports remain open year round. You can go on your own and do portions of the trip. Summer voyages are apparently more crowded but the ship travels into fjords that are not open in the winter.
We went with a group from Vantage Travel and had an English speaking Norwegian guide who led us on walks around some of the ports and entertained us with lectures on Norwegian culture and politics. This also gave us a group of English speaking people to socialize with, a definite advantage to someone who doesn't speak Norwegian or German. It is a beautiful area and we thoroughly enjoyed the trip.
