Coastal scenery, maritime history, and the story of Norway’s coastal lifeline.
Coastal scenery, maritime history, and the story of Norway’s coastal lifeline.
Take a step back in time and experience the place where Norway’s coastal route began. Visit the historic Norwegian Coastal Express Museum in Stokmarknes and go on board the preserved MS Finnmarken.
We begin the excursion at the quay in Sortland, where the guide welcomes us. We then board the bus and travel through the coastal landscape of Vesterålen.
Along the way, we hear why Sortland is known as "the blue town" and learn how the region has developed. In 1893, Richard With and Vesteraalens Dampskibsselskab laid the foundations for what is today the coastal route. On the way to Stokmarknes, we follow the Sortland Strait (Sortlandssundet). On clear days, we can also see Higravtinden, the highest mountain in Lofoten at 1,146 metres above sea level.
The tour continues to Stokmarknes, known as the birthplace of the coastal route. We arrive well before the Havila ship, which gives us plenty of time to visit the Hurtigruten Museum, a large purpose-built hall with an entire ship inside: MS Finnmarken.
On a guided tour, we learn how the coastal ships have been a lifeline along the Norwegian coast, and what they have meant for local communities, businesses and the people who live here. MS Finnmarken holds artefacts, archives, photographs and exhibitions that give an insight into life on board over many decades.
The Havila ship arrives in Stokmarknes at around 14:15 and can be seen from the top deck of MS Finnmarken, linking the history of the coastal route with today's voyage. There is plenty of time to see the exhibitions and MS Finnmarken at your own pace.
Coffee and cake can be purchased in the café on board MS Finnmarken. We return to the Havila ship no later than 15:00. The museum is about 50 metres from the quay, and the guide makes sure everyone finds their way back.
Southbound
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