Since 1893, the mail ships have been connecting 34 ports between Bergen in the south and Kirkenes in the north of Norway. To mark the anniversary, Hurtigruten is making special offers for the current season.
Hurtigruten Norway operates the traditional mail route on the Norwegian coast, which is also considered “the most beautiful sea voyage in the world”. Hurtigruten ships have been plying the coast since 1893 and will celebrate their 130th anniversary in 2023. Hurtigruten mail ships transport tourists, local passengers and cargo between 34 small and large ports between Bergen and Kirkenes. They bring guests closer to everyday life on the Norwegian coast and offer authentic excursions and local Norwegian coastal cuisine, sourced from around 50 local food suppliers.
“Norway Coastal Kitchen” with local ingredients of Norwegian cuisine
At sea, a team of experts share their knowledge of Norwegian history, culture and the special importance that mail boats have always had for the local communities along the coast. When it comes to culinary offerings on board, Hurtigruten promises “Norways Coastal Kitchen” with fresh and local ingredients.
Hurtigruten Norway is celebrating the anniversary of the legendary mail route with activities throughout the year. For example, a special five-course menu is served to celebrate the milestone birthday: According to the shipping company, it combines classic Norwegian home cooking, which has been on board for 130 years, with modern Norwegian cuisine. Like all dishes on board, the anniversary menu is prepared with regional ingredients that are delivered fresh to the ship during the voyage.
Premiere on the North Cape line
In the anniversary year, Hurtigruten is celebrating its long association with Norway with its guests and is offering a completely new itinerary: In the winter months, a ship on the North Cape Line will set sail for the first time. The MS Trollfjord departs from Bergen or Oslo and, on its journey towards the North Cape, passes both the northernmost and, in Lindesnes, the southernmost point of Norway. Departing between Autumn 2023 and Spring 2024, this exceptional route allows guests to explore the landscapes of the spectacular Hardangerfjord and small coastal villages in the south in moderate temperatures, while experiencing snow-capped mountains and the Northern Lights in the far north.
For the 130th anniversary of the Hurtigruten mail ships, guests on the routes Bergen-Kirkenes-Bergen, Bergen-Kirkenes-Trondheim and on the northbound route from Bergen to Kirkenes receive a discount of up to 25 percent on their single booking in the Basic fare – and on the southbound journey from Kirkenes to Bergen even up to 50 percent discount on the booking in the Basic fare. The offer is valid for voyages on Hurtigruten mail ships in 2023 up to and including March 2024 and can be booked until July 15, 2023.
By Christopher Assies