Norway in Winter: A Gold Package Coastal Voyage on MS Havila Capella & Snowhotel Kirkenes

From London to Bergen: The Journey Begins

The adventure starts at London Heathrow, flying via Oslo with SAS to Bergen. As you descend into Norway, the landscape below becomes a jigsaw of islands, fjords and mountains, giving a tantalising preview of what is to come.

On arrival, you spend one night at Det Hanseatiske Hotell – Bryggen i Bergen, in the heart of the historic Bryggen district:

• Narrow alleyways and colourful wooden warehouses.
• Cobbled streets, cosy bars and restaurants.
• A harbourfront that feels steeped in maritime history.

It is the perfect pre-cruise stop: time to adjust to the crisp Norwegian air, wander the old wharf and ease into holiday mode before you set sail.

Embarking on MS Havila Capella: Bergen to Kirkenes

Ship Name: MS Havila Capella
Vacation Start / Embark Date: 7 November 2022
Embark Port: Bergen
Debark Date: 13 November 2022
Debark Port: Kirkenes
Package: Gold

On 7 November 2022, you board MS Havila Capella in Bergen and step into a world of understated Scandinavian comfort. With the Gold package, your experience is elevated by added touches and inclusions, allowing you to focus entirely on the views, the atmosphere and life along the coast.

Floor-to-ceiling windows, calm interiors and an emphasis on sustainability make Havila Capella feel modern yet cosy. This is not a hurried cruise; it is a slow, steady journey that lets Norway’s coastline unfold at its own pace.

Sailing Schedule: Classic Northbound Coastal Route

From 7 to 13 November 2022, MS Havila Capella follows the classic northbound coastal voyage from Bergen to Kirkenes, calling at numerous ports along the way. While exact timings and calls can vary by sailing, your journey broadly follows this rhythm:

Day 1: Bergen – Setting Sail

Evening departure from Bergen, gliding past islands and skerries as you head north. The city lights fade, and you settle into your cabin, watching the coastline slip by as night falls.

Day 2: Ålesund & Coastal Communities

You continue along the western coast, visiting ports such as Ålesund, known for its Art Nouveau architecture. Fjords and mountains rise steeply from the sea, and you begin to appreciate just how close Norwegians live to the elements.

Day 3: Trondheim – Historic Heart of Norway

A call into Trondheim, with its colourful riverside warehouses and the impressive Nidaros Cathedral, brings a blend of history and culture. Whether you explore on foot or simply enjoy the views from deck, you feel the sense of tradition that runs through this city.

Day 4: Crossing the Arctic Circle – Into the North

You cross the Arctic Circle, entering the realm of longer nights and the first real chances of seeing the Northern Lights. Ports such as Bodø and the Lofoten region bring jagged peaks, small fishing villages and big skies that seem to stretch forever.

Day 5: Tromsø – Gateway to the Arctic

Arriving in Tromsø, often called the “Gateway to the Arctic”, you find a vibrant Arctic city with a rich polar heritage. Surrounded by mountains and sea, Tromsø feels both remote and full of life.

Day 6: Honningsvåg & The Far North

Further north, near Honningsvåg and the North Cape area, you are deep into Arctic territory. Snow-covered landscapes, hardy coastal communities and dramatic seascapes define this stretch of the voyage.

Day 7: Kirkenes – End of the Voyage, Start of the Arctic Finale

On 13 November 2022, you arrive in Kirkenes, close to the Russian border. Here the coastal voyage ends, but your Arctic adventure continues ashore.

Throughout the sailing, the coastline is the star:

• Steep mountains plunging into dark, glassy water.
• Tiny harbours dusted with snow.
• Ever-changing winter light: muted blues by day, inky skies by night.

On clear evenings, you step out on deck, wrapped up warm, scanning the sky for the elusive green and violet ribbons of the Aurora Borealis.

Arctic Highlight: Snowhotel Kirkenes 365

Accommodation: Snowhotel Kirkenes 365
Board: Half Board
Room Type: Double Room
Dates: Sun 13 Nov 2022 – Mon 14 Nov 2022 (1 night)
Guests: 2 adults

After disembarking in Kirkenes, you transfer to the extraordinary Snowhotel Kirkenes 365, where winter feels permanent and magical.

Snowhotel Kirkenes 365 is not just a place to sleep, it is an experience:

• Snow and ice architecture: intricate carvings, soft blue light and an ambience that feels straight from a Nordic fairy tale.
• Half Board comfort: an included dinner and breakfast, so you can focus on soaking up the atmosphere rather than practicalities.
• Silence and snow: step outside and you are surrounded by Arctic stillness, just the crunch of snow underfoot and the vast sky above.

With luck and clear skies, this is also an incredible place to witness the Northern Lights, far from city glare. It is a fitting finale to a week at sea: trading the gentle motion of the ship for the crisp stillness of snow.

Homeward Journey

On 14 November 2022, after breakfast at the Snowhotel and a last look at the Arctic landscape, you begin your journey home, routing from Kirkenes via Oslo and back to London Heathrow.

You return with:

• The memory of Bryggen’s old wharf and your night at Det Hanseatiske Hotell.
• Six unforgettable nights on MS Havila Capella, sailing Norway’s coast with the extra comforts of the Gold package.
• The magic of Snowhotel Kirkenes 365, where ice, snow and starlit skies create a once-in-a-lifetime Arctic finale.
• And gratitude to Matthew Valentine from Havila, whose care and planning helped bring this entire journey together.

For clients seeking a winter itinerary rich in scenery, culture and Arctic atmosphere, this combination of Havila’s coastal voyage and a Snowhotel stay is a perfect choice: immersive, memorable and just the right side of adventurous.

If you would like to create a similar Norwegian coastal journey with a Gold package sailing and an Arctic snow hotel experience, contact me today and start planning your own Northern Lights adventure.