A Beloved Norwegian Tradition

Hurtigruten is a household name in Norway, cherished by locals for generations. The route it founded has long bound the country together – connecting people, sustaining communities, and linking the coast’s farthest reaches.

Just as the USA has Route 66 and Japan has the Shinkansen bullet train, Norway has Hurtigruten’s The Coastal Express. It is the original Norwegian coastal voyage, sailing the legendary route established over a century ago by founder Captain Richard With.

Where it all began

Norway has the second-longest coastline in the world—a rugged, winding stretch of more than 100,000 kilometres. In the late 19th century, travelling along this vast coast was slow and difficult, with no single voyage connecting the country. Passengers and cargo alike had to transfer between several smaller ships, making journeys long and unreliable.

Where others of the time declined the challenge, one man, Captain Richard With, stepped forward. Equipped with nautical charts drawn by local sailor Anders Holte, Captain With meticulously planned a route, schedule, and crew to safely sail the Norwegian coast not only by day but also by night.

On 2 July 1893, his steamship DS Vesteraalen embarked on the maiden “Hurtigruten” voyage—“the fast (hurtig) route (ruten)”—revolutionising travel and trade along Norway’s coast.

Over 130 Years of Connection

For more than 130 years, the Hurtigruten fleet has faithfully served the people of the Norwegian coast – through every season, week after week, in sun, snow, and storm. It has transported food, medicine, letters, and loved ones across great distances, keeping Norway connected in spirit and in service.

Learn more about the history of Hurtigruten here.

“The World’s Most Beautiful Voyage”

Lonely Planet once described The Coastal Express as “The World’s Most Beautiful Voyage.”
Spanning 12 days, 34 ports—both big and small—and 2,500 nautical miles from southwestern Norway to the Arctic border and back, it’s a journey unlike any other.

Hurtigruten’s Original voyages reveal the true majesty of Norway: dramatic fjords, towering mountains, and scattered islands of breathtaking beauty. Travellers can sail beneath the Midnight Sun in summer, or witness the enchanting Northern Lights during the darker months. Explore Hurtigruten’s Original voyages here.

Local Ingredients, Local Flavours

Hurtigruten’s Norway’s Coastal Kitchen concept turns each ship into a floating kitchen, sourcing ingredients directly from the regions it sails through. At 15 of the 34 ports, the company collects regional food and beverages to serve onboard, ensuring that every meal is as fresh and local as possible.

Most of the ingredients are farmed, fished, foraged, or crafted in Norway through a vast network of trusted local suppliers. In this way, the fjords become the fish tanks, and the mountains the herb garden – a celebration of authentic Norwegian flavours and sustainable coastal living.

The Hurtigruten Difference

• Trusted since 1893 – Over 130 years of knowledge, experience, and reliability.
• Authentically Norwegian – Travel like a local as Hurtigruten welcomes you to its home.
• Norway’s coastal kitchen – Award-winning cuisine, sourced where the ships sail.
• Caring for the coast – Sustaining Norway’s coastal communities for generations.
• Small-ship sailing – Relax as Hurtigruten takes you closer to the beauty of the coast.

Your clients can now receive up to 30% off Hurtigruten’s Original voyages, and if they book by the end of this month, they’ll also receive a bonus $150pp onboard credit and the ability to book with a low fixed deposit of $250pp*.

View offer details and Terms & Conditions, here.

Call Hurtigruten’s local Coastal Specialist team on 1300 151 548 or visit hurtigruten.com