Welcome Back to Norway

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Now everybody can travel to Norway without having to quarantine 

(Norway, January 26,2022)  Today marks the first day since early 2020, where the Norwegian border is open to all visitors without having to quarantine. Due to COVID-19, the Norwegian government had to shut its borders and demand self-quarantine for all travelers without the EU COVID certificate. This practice ended at midnight, and now travelers from outside the EU are also free to visit Norway without a 10-day quarantine period. 

For Norway, this is great news. A joint Norwegian travel industry hopes this latest change in guidelines will have positive consequences for the entire tourism industry, as international guests are now finally able to visit again. 

Acting director for Visit Norway, Audun Pettersen, is excited about the border re-opening: “Welcome back! We have waited so long for this day to come, and we have really missed our visitors from around the world. Finally, people can start to plan their vacations and travel to Norway again. This means so much to us and the entire industry.” 

Travelers who come to Norway will still need to test and register upon arrival. This test is free of charge. If you don´t possess a valid, digital COVID certificate approved by the EU (documenting that you are fully vaccinated or have been infected with COVID-19 during the last six months), you will take have to take a test no more than 24 hours prior to arriving in Norway. If you arrive by air, the test can be taken during the last 24 hours prior to the scheduled departure time of the first flight of your itinerary. 

Read more about traveling to Norway and the latest COVID-guidelines: https://www.visitnorway.com/plan-your-trip/coronavirus-and-travelling-to-norway/

We've visited Norway several times.   Our most recent voyage was during winter where we had the opportunity to see Northern Lights multiple times during our coastal cruise.   You can read all about our journey to Norway in our Diary Hurtigruten Classic Voyage Bergen blog post.

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Visit to Bronnoysund

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Brønnøysund

A pretty little town rich in history and maritime atmosphere 


Brønnøysund is situated on a narrow peninsula on the mainland, surrounded by islands and water. Here, you're actually at the halfway point along the western coast of Norway. The small coastal town of 5,000 inhabitants is centered on the narrow but strategically situated harbor, that caters to all trade and fishing. It is a vibrant and pretty little town with an attractive visitors' marina.

We spent some time some strolling among the shops just across from where we docked - including a Coop food store. to stroll around the streets – perhaps a walk along Havnegata, where you can enjoy looking at the small boats and bustling life of the archipelago. Sample the street life and go into one of the pubs, or treat yourself to a delicious meal at one of the restaurants.

Shortly after leaving the town, we made a slight detour for ....

  Torghatten

On deck we saw the strange mountain Torghatten (rising 850 ft above sea level), famous for its
distinctive hole right through the middle. The hole is 525 ft long, 115 ft high, and 65 ft wide, and was created during the Ice Age.


Stay on deck to see the hole from the sea, as is natural for seafarers (who in the past were the only ones visiting the place).

Additional photos can be found on our Norway Shutterfly page

Brønnøysund
Torghatten





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Southbound Arctic Circle Crossing

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Heading Back Southbound

Crossing the Arctic Circle at 66°33’ N is an important rite of passage. Day 10 we celebrated the event out on deck with a taste of Arctic tradition – a spoonful of cod liver oil!

We couldn't have asked for a better day as we crossed the Arctic Circle for the second time.  The blue sky and white clouds made a beautiful background for the snow-capped mountain tops.

The Arctic Circle is the most northerly of the five major circles of latitude as shown on maps of Earth. It marks the northernmost point at which the noon sun is just visible on the December solstice and the southernmost point at which the midnight sun is just visible on the June solstice. The region north of this circle is known as the Arctic, and the zone just to the south is called the Northern Temperate Zone.

Bodø – Rørvik

We spent the majority of Day 10 sailing along the Helgeland coast. We passed hundreds of islets, fertile farmland, and steep granite walls rich in local lore.

Additional photos can be found on our Norway Shutterfly page

Crossing the Arctic Circle Southbound
Sailing Day 10





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Evening in Lofoten

Day 9: Lofoten

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Early in the evening, we made a brief stop in Svolvaer. This picturesque harbor overlooks the Vestfjord. Our one hour stop gave us just enough time to walk around his fishing village before returning for dinner.

Svolvær

One of the world's largest seasonal fisheries takes place in Lofoten. From mid-February until the end of April, Lofoten is full of life. The Arctic cod migrates from the vast, nutritious areas of the Barents Sea in its millions, en route to the spawning grounds near Lofoten to continue the species.

Arctic Cod

Hurtigruten's Classic Coastal Norway Voyage offers the opportunity to taste regional food each day of the trip.   Today's menu included locally caught arctic cod.  There's nothing like fresh fish caught that same day and prepared for dinner.

Svolvær is not just a center for fishing. In the winter streets are full of skiers on their way to the winter sports center, as well as artists who flock here for the local scenery, the colourful street life and, perhaps more than anything else, the light. Lofoten’s outstanding nature has inspired and attracted artists for years, leaving Vågan with the highest number of established artists and one of Northern Norway’s most important art communities, with galleries and museums almost everywhere you walk.

Additional photos can be found on our Norway Shutterfly page

Svolvaer
Norway's Coastal Kitchen





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