When Norway opened to Covid-19 vaccinated tourists in July 2021, the time for the 5000 km Bergen - Kirkenes - Bergen Hurtigruten trip was just right. The reduced occupancy (just slightly over 100 people in the cabins, plus the hop on, hop off passengers) of the smallest ship in the fleet made the journey quite special. Not to mention the weather, which was really cooperating.

Nine sunny days out of twelve and just one rainy walk in the port of Kristiandsund was equal to the lottery win. The sun provided an excellent opportunity for all photographers on board to show their skills and for the others to get sunburns.

Originally I considered taking just the northbound route with car on board and then drive south while spending more time at Lofoten and taking the key excursions on my own - at least the Nordkapp and sea birds at the vicinity of Trollenfjord. However it is important to say, that the southbound route nicely complements the trip due to the opportunity of seeing the remaining ports of the total count of 34 and part of coast during the daytime. So I don’t complain much that due to lack of space in the car deck I took the whole trip. Read more