Hurtigruten is celebrating Norway’s reopening as the country will no longer require Australian and New Zealand travellers to quarantine for 10 days upon arrival. Implemented on 26 January 2022, the Norwegian government removed the restrictions that have been in place for almost two years.
The decision enables Australian and New Zealand travellers to once again, travel to Norway as long as they present a negative COVID-19 test taken 24 hours before departing, complete an entry pre-registration form, and test upon arrival, either at the airport or within the first 24 hours. Until last week, even vaccinated Australians and New Zealanders were not permitted to enter Norway without quarantining for 10 days.
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Hurtigruten Norwegian Coastal Express, which has been operating sailings up and down the country’s coast since 1893 is looking forward to once again welcoming Australian and New Zealand travellers. Starting from only $1,572, travellers can experience a six-day cruise from Kirkenes – located at the very top of Norway, close to Russia – down to Bergen, the country’s second-largest city. This route is often described as “the most beautiful voyage in the world”.
Hurtigruten Expeditions is offering its 15-day Northern Lights and Fjords Expedition from Dover, UK, which focuses on the natural wonder of the Aurora Borealis for the 2022/23 European winter season. Between April and September, the company is also operating a 15-day summer expedition cruises out of Hamburg, Germany.
Guests bookings with either Hurtigruten Norwegian Coastal Express or Hurtigruten Expeditions before 31 March 2022, for sailings before 30 September 2022, are automatically covered by Hurtigruten’s Book with Confidence policy.
Hurtigruten Norwegian Coastal Express’ departures range from six- to 12-days, with the latter calling at 34 ports along the Norwegian coast and sailing past more than 100 fjords and 1,000 mountains. Guests can enjoy the astounding Geirangerfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage site; the old Viking town of Trondheim, Norway’s traditional historic, religious, and cultural capital; the postcard-worthy Lofoten Islands, whose special beauty is praised as one of the most beautiful locations in the world by National Geographic; or wander through Tromsø, the gateway to the Arctic Ocean, on the North Cape at the top of Scandinavia.
Last year, Hurtigruten Norway Coastal Express also announced all seven of its ships will undergo one of the largest environmental upgrades in the history of European shipping, which will result in CO2 (carbon dioxide) emissions being reduced by at least 25% and NOx (nitrogen oxide) emissions cut by 80%.
Lead image: Snow mobile trip, Polar night Mehamn Kjollefjord, Norway | Credit: Orjan Bertelsen