LONDON, UK – 24 August 2026: Hurtigruten has expanded its Arctic offering with Northern Delights: Svalbard and Arctic Norway, a new six-day winter tour combining a two-day land programme in Svalbard with a three-day coastal sailing from Tromsø to Kirkenes.
Available to book for the 2026/27 winter season, the tour begins in Longyearbyen before guests fly to mainland Norway to join Hurtigruten’s coastal route. The sailing takes place above the Arctic Circle during winter, away from artificial lighting, providing opportunities to witness the Northern Lights.
Svalbard programme starts in Longyearbyen
The tour begins in Longyearbyen, where guests stay at the Radisson Blu Polar Hotel Spitsbergen before taking part in activities focused on the Arctic winter.
The programme includes a wilderness evening at Camp Barentz, where guests are served reindeer stew under the polar sky. It also features a husky safari, during which travellers can take the reins of a dog sled themselves.
Hayley Moore, VP Sales and Marketing, UK & Emerging Markets at Hurtigruten, explains: “Northern Delights is a voyage of discovery through two extraordinary Arctic worlds. Our guests will experience the untamed nature of Svalbard before admiring the spectacular winter landscape of the Norwegian coastline. It’s the ultimate trip for those looking to experience the magic of winter in the far north.”
On day three, guests fly from Spitsbergen to Tromsø. Known as the “Gateway to the Arctic”, Tromsø offers time for independent exploration before embarkation on the evening of day four.
Coastal voyage to Kirkenes
The ship departs Tromsø and sails towards Kirkenes, calling at Skjervøy and Hammerfest before reaching Honningsvåg, gateway to the North Cape. An optional excursion from Honningsvåg leads to the North Cape and its iconic globe monument, located at the northern tip of Europe. The sailing then passes Finnkirka, described by Hurtigruten as a historic Sámi sacrificial site, and Slettnes Lighthouse, identified as the world’s northernmost mainland lighthouse.
The route continues along the Varanger Peninsula before reaching Kirkenes on day six. The town marks the eastern turning point of Hurtigruten’s Original Coastal Express route. Guests can extend their stay at the Kirkenes Snowhotel.
Eleven departures listed for winter
Selected departures of Northern Delights for the 2026/27 winter season are 6 December 2026; 5, 24 and 31 January 2027; 2, 16 and 21 February 2027; and 2, 9, 16 and 23 March 2027.
The tour combines a land-based Svalbard programme, an internal flight to mainland Norway and a coastal sailing from Tromsø to Kirkenes.
Source: This article is based on Hurtigruten’s official press release issued on 24 August 2026, London. Image credit: Hurtigruten ship sailing through Alta, Norway – Photo, Kay Fochtmann
