Hurtigruten

0645:   Woke up to my alarm in my cabin aboard Hurtigruten’s MS Polarlys docked in the port of Harstad, northern Norway. My first thoughts were of the previous night when we had an amazing experience at the Villmarkssenter on the outskirts of Tromso.  Over 200 Alaskan Husky dogs are bred, reared and trained at the centre by enthusiastic partners Tove Sorensen and Tore Albrigtsen. We were treated to an exhilarating 45 minutes ride through breathtaking snow-covered scenery. After the ride we returned to a nice warm Sami Tepee for a home-cooked stew, coffee and cake…. Time to stop dreaming and get up for breakfast!

0730:   Quick buffet breakfast with the other 13 agents on the trip

0800: We pass the MS Trollfjord another Hurtigruten ship at Harstad.

0815:   Taken by coach this morning for a diverse tour of Trondeneshalvoya peninsula and Vesteralen. The journey took in a visit to the quaint Trondenes Kirke dating back to 1434, where we took part in a short multi-faith service and then paid a visit to the neighbouring Trondenes Distrikt Museum, which contained many interesting details regarding the area dating from the Viking Ages to the Second World War.

1000:   Back on the coach for a further journey through the dramatic snowy scenery of Hinnoya Island taking in both mountains and fjords. With the snow continuing to fall around us, the icy and snowy road conditions caused no problems to our driver who approached them at a steady 40 mph!

1100:   We join the Gullesfjord ferry for a short crossing during which we enjoyed delicious, locally produced cakes including waffles with “brown” cheese!

1200:   We arrive in Sortland in time to see our ship sail under the bridge and re-join the ship.

1300:   Buffet lunch in the Polarlyset Restaurant as we depart for our next port of call.

1500:   We head for the rear deck of the ship to keep out of the biting wind  and with our blankets over us spend the afternoon relaxing & watching the world go by whilst taking innumerable photographs of the remote Lofoten Islands.

1830: We disembark the ship for a visit to Magic Ice. We enjoy a bracing 20 minutes in an Ice Gallery with some fantastic ice sculptures and take a drink at the ice bar in ice glasses. Brrrrrrr!!!

1930:   Dinner is served in the Polarlyset restaurant, where we enjoy a waiter service menu of Coastal Ham, Baked loin of Cod followed by a chocolate dessert.

2030:   We adjourn to the Midnatsol bar where we are shortly interrupted by the Ship’s Captain to announce the appearance of the Aurora Borealis! We immediately return to our cabins for warm clothing and cameras before dashing out on deck to experience this phenomenon at first hand. Everyone is completely awe-struck and despite the cold we remain on deck for some 30 minutes, making the most of this once-in-a-lifetime experience!

2300:   Flop exhausted into my cabin after another exhilarating day in Norway. This really is a beautiful country of many contrasts; the sense of tranquillity and the memory of the fantastic colours will stay with me for a long time.

My thanks to Neil Barclay & Maxine Dunsden of Hurtigruten who accompanied our small, select group. They were the perfect hosts and I know that everyone thoroughly enjoyed the trip and wish to extend their thanks for Hurtigruten’s generous hospitality.