For the first time in 20 years, Hurtigruten is set to expand its operating area next year: the Hjørundfjord is a new addition to the 2013 schedule of “The World’s Most Beautiful Voyage”. The fjord, with its location in the Sunnmørsalps, is yet another scenic highlight for Hurtigruten guests to enjoy during the trip along the Norwegian fjord coast. In future, all Hurtigruten ships will call at the Hjørundfjord between 1 September and 31 October.

The “newcomer” is one of the most long-standing fjords in Norway, situated amidst the majestic Sunnmørsalps mountains. For 35 kilometres, the Hjørundfjord cuts its way into the alpine mountains. Its seclusion and unspoiled natural features are what give this fjord its special character: far from the tourist bustle, the voyage takes passengers along steep rock walls, green meadows, lonely mountain farms and small villages. Connoisseurs call it “The World’s Most Beautiful Fjord”, and locals consider the Hjørundfjord to be “as beautiful as Norway can get”.

After a series of successful tests trips with the Hurtigruten ships this year, the shipping company has no doubt that the Hjørundfjord makes for an excellent addition to the current itinerary: “We want our guests to experience a unique and authentic travel experience with a variety of landscapes – the Hjørundfjord offers all this and more. It boasts beautiful scenery with a fascinating combination of mountains and sea and is home to traditional villages that have enchanting stories to tell”, says Hans Rood, Sales and Marketing Director at Hurtigruten ASA, about the shipping company’s decision to include the Hjørundfjord in the Hurtigruten timetable. The Hjørundfjord is a perfect match for Hurtigruten and fits in perfectly with the many other scenic highlights including, among others, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Geirangerfjord and the legendary Trollfjord.

“A Taste of Norway” is a wonderful shore excursion that gives guests a first-hand introduction to the region surrounding the Hjørundfjord: from the village of Urke in Norangsdalen, one of the country’s wildest and narrowest valleys, the excursion starts by bus to Hellesylt and Lake Lyngstøl, where remnants of a former settlement can be admired, which sank into the water after a massive landslide more than 100 years ago. The tour then takes travellers to Hotel Union in Øye. Since its construction in 1891, this historic residence of the Belle Époque has put up a number of royal visitors ranging from Queen Wilhelmina of Holland and King Oscar II of Sweden to the German Emperor Wilhelm II. In addition to visiting the hotel, Hurtigruten guests get to enjoy culinary specialities of the region. After returning to Urke, travellers will have sufficient time to explore the town before heading back to their Hurtigruten ship.

The visit to the Hjørundfjord will be included in the Hurtigruten schedule for the autumn season from 1 September to 31 October. It thus fits in seamlessly with Norway’s spring and summer season, which includes travel to the Geirangerfjord. Including the Hjørundfjord in the Hurtigruten program shortens the Geiranger season by two weeks; in the future, this fjord will be visited from mid-April to end of August. The change from the Norwegian summer to the winter timetable will also shift: from 2013 onwards, the Hurtigruten ships will depart Bergen at 8.00 p.m. from 15 April to 31 October, and from 1 November to 14 April the journey will start from Bergen at 10.30 p.m.

Hurtigruten is a world leader in expedition cruising and is represented in Australia by Discover the World Marketing.

To make a booking or for more information, contact Discover the World Cruising, your Hurtigruten specialist on 1800 OCEANS (1800 623 267) or email retailres@discovertheworld.com.au