Kirkenes – Svolvaer MS Vesteralen departing 7 Apr 2023

Kirkenes is located in the extreme northeastern part of Norway on the Bøkfjord, a branch of the Varangerfjord, near the Russian border. We’re about 400 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle and actually as far east as St. Petersburg. Most of the approximately 7,000 inhabitants are of Norwegian background, while a minority is Sami. Others originate from Finland and some 500 immigrants have recently arrived from Russia.

With 1,000 inhabitants, Berlevåg is one of the largest fishing villages in Finnmark County. Several fish processing plants encircle its large harbour. The film “Cool and Crazy” (Heftig og begeistret) from 2001 made Berlevåg well-known worldwide. The documentary on the local male choir touched hearts, and both the film and the choir were invited to events all around the world.

The Berlevåg Harbour Museum documents the coastal culture and the amazing story of the 70-year process of building the breakwaters in Berlevåg. Before roads came to Berlevåg in 1959, a safe harbour was a life necessity for the community. The story of the breakwater is a testimony of the strong will and ability to survive in this little fishing village. The breakwater also offers an inspiring walk – whether you want to experience the roaring ocean, the midnight sun or the northern lights.

This intimate community is located on the small Vedvik peninsula, a part of the greater Nordkinn Peninsula. While small, Mehamn is active and growing and has a long heritage. Every year, several festivals and cultural events are hosted here. The settlement also has a vibrant nightlife, including a nightclub, with frequent live music performances. It offers several accommodation establishments; a hotel, a guesthouse and a hostel as well as a campsite for RVs/coaches.

The primary industry in Mehamn has always been fishing, and the area was originally settled because of its natural harbour and proximity to the fishing grounds. The town is a traditional fishing settlement with about 800 inhabitants, and is the transport hub of the Nordkyn Peninsula. It is also the northernmost port of Hurtigruten. In addition to boats and ships, the preferred means of transport is the snowmobile.

Tromsø’s numerous attractions include wildlife and impressive vistas, as well as history, culture and daring architecture. Often described as the Paris of the north, Tromsø offers a lively nightlife, friendly locals and a range of restaurants specializing in the fresh produce of the region. The city centre offers great shopping – from locally made specialties to Nordic and international brands.

Tromsø’s numerous attractions include wildlife and impressive vistas, as well as history, culture and daring architecture. Often described as the Paris of the north, Tromsø offers a lively nightlife, friendly locals and a range of restaurants specializing in the fresh produce of the region. The city centre offers great shopping – from locally made specialties to Nordic and international brands.

Svolvær is the administrative centre of Vågan Municipality in Nordland County, Norway. It is located on the island of Austvågøya in the Lofoten archipelago, along the Vestfjorden