Press release -
Hurtigruten Adds Two New Svalbard Tours Due to Increasing Demand and Introduces Open Village Concept for Even More Immersive Experiences
New York City, USA (August 25, 2025) - Hurtigruten, the undisputed authentic travel expert on Norway and its stunning coastline, continues to strengthen its focus on Svalbard, one of Norway’s most popular destinations.
The cruise line has announced two new tours for 2026 and beyond that combine its popular Svalbard Line with days of excursions in Svalbard, as well as the popular ‘Norway in a Nutshell’ tour prior to boarding the ship in Bergen.
This means guests will enjoy what’s considered both the world’s most scenic rail journey and the world’s most beautiful voyage, which Hurtigruten’s coastal route is often referred to.
In addition to the two new cruise itineraries, Hurtigruten will also launch its Open Village experiences with next summer’s Svalbard Line. In close collaboration with locals in three tranquil and remote coastal villages – Træna, Bessaker, and Sæbø – guests will get access to exclusive, community-led experiences that immerse visitors in everyday life in the villages, ranging from local traditions and homemade cuisine to guided activities. Hurtigruten’s smaller ships are the only cruise vessels visiting these remote coastal villages during the summer season, offering access where larger ships simply cannot go. Hurtigruten has partnered with local communities since its foundation in 1893.
These new tours and excursions follow Hurtigruten’s recent announcement that it is doubling capacity on the Svalbard Line due to the growing demand for The Svalbard Line will be operated by two ships as of next summer and beyond. They are part of Hurtigruten’s premium Signature concept, which also includes the North Cape Line, which runs during the extended winter season.
The two new tours combine the best of mainland Norway and the Svalbard archipelago:
Arctic Norway Frontier – Oslo, Fjords & Svalbard with cruise extension
This new 17-day adventure starts with an overnight in Oslo before taking in one of Norway’s most popular tours, the two-day ‘Norway in a Nutshell’, which includes one of the world’s most scenic rail journeys, before reaching Bergen, Norway’s picturesque second-largest city. The seven-night northbound Svalbard Line cruise to Longyearbyen follows. Once in Svalbard, guests will check into the world’s northernmost boutique hotel, Funken Lodge, before enjoying an Arctic tasting menu dinner at the esteemed restaurant Huset. The next five days include various adventurous excursions showcasing the very best of Svalbard, such as a wildlife and glacier catamaran cruise, a multi-day expedition cruise through Svalbard’s remote fjord systems, and if weather permits, sailing beyond 80° North, as well as a visit to Ny-Ålesund, which few visitors get to experience.
14 departures in 2026, with prices from $8,181pp. Full itinerary details here.
Arctic Norway Frontier – Oslo, Fjords & Svalbard
This new 13-day adventure starts with an overnight in Oslo before taking in one of Norway’s most popular tours, the two-day ‘Norway in a Nutshell’, which includes one of the world’s most scenic rail journeys, before reaching Bergen, Norway’s picturesque second-largest city. The seven-night northbound Svalbard Line cruise to Longyearbyen follows. Once in Svalbard, guests will check into the world’s northernmost boutique hotel, Funken Lodge. The following day, they will enjoy the popular wildlife and glacier catamaran cruise before ending the trip with a unique 14-course tasting menu at Huset, Svalbard’s fine dining restaurant.
15 departures in 2026, with prices from $5,432pp. Full itinerary details here.
“Svalbard is becoming increasingly popular with North American travellers, especially thanks to coolcation and set-jetting trends. With double the departures of Svalbard Line from next summer, we are able to continue to offer guests the very best of both mainland Norway and Svalbard. With these new tours, our guests can enjoy even more authentic and immersive Svalbard experiences to get the most out of this unique destination. And onboard, our Signature concept offers a premium, all-inclusive experience onboard, while guests will enjoy the spectacular scenery that the Norwegian coast offers,” said Carly Biggart, Head of Hurtigruten in the Americas.
Since the launch of the Svalbard Line in 2023, demand from North America has grown steadily, with an over 40% increase year-to-date from travel advisors, which has led to a second Signature concept ship being introduced next summer for the Svalbard Line.
To learn more about the new Svalbard itineraries, please join Hurtigruten’s webinar on August 27 at 12 noon EST. To register, go to Webinar Registration - Zoom and sign up.
-ENDS-
For more information, please contact:
Anders Lindström, Head of PR & Communications, the Americas, 646.944.9029, Anders.Lindstrom@hurtigruten.com
Please visit Hurtigruten Group’s online media center here, where you can download high-res images and videos and access the press release archive.
Topics
Since 1893, Hurtigruten has connected Norway’s coastal communities. They transport locals, cargo, and international guests to 34 ports along the legendary 12-day round trip between Bergen and Kirkenes - sailing what is often called ‘the world's most beautiful voyage’.
Today, their custom-built fleet offers authentic, immersive experiences, showcasing the natural beauty and cultural richness of this stunning coastline and the communities that call it home.
Committed to setting a higher standard for more sustainable travel initiatives, their fleet includes four battery-hybrid powered ships, while they prioritise energy efficiency, responsible waste management and locally sourced ingredients. Through their ambitious Sea Zero project, Hurtigruten aims to develop their first ship that can sail emissions-free in normal operations on the Norwegian coast by 2030.
Hurtigruten operates year-round, offering two different experiences: the Original Coastal Express voyages and the premium, all-inclusive Signature voyages, dedicated to Svalbard (summer) and the North Cape (winter).
