Discover Arctic wonders on Hurtigruten's Svalbard Line

Over the summer months, Hurtigruten’s beautiful MS Trollfjord glides along the breathtaking Norwegian coast and across to Svalbard. Sitting halfway between Norway and the North Pole, this remote archipelago is a realm of untamed beauty, where polar bears prowl and glaciers dramatically calve into glassy waters.

As one of Hurtigruten’s Signature routes, the Svalbard Line offers an ‘elevated front-row experience’ to some of the most extraordinary and untouched destinations on the planet. And who better to tell us what that’s really like than one of Hurtigruten’s Coastal Experience Team Leaders?  

What makes Hurtigruten’s Svalbard Line voyage so special?

Rebekka Maria Bohrer, Coastal Experience Team Leader. Credit: Hurtigruten.

Rebekka Maria Bohrer, who’s been with Hurtigruten for seven years, is a Coastal Experience Team Leader who lives and works onboard year-round. She was very happy to share her experiences and answer our questions about this extraordinary adventure to the far north of the world…

What are your favourite destinations on the Svalbard Line?

At Ny-Ålesund, Svalbard. Credit: Genna Roland for Hurtigruten.

One place we’re really lucky to visit is Ny-Ålesund, a former coal-mining town turned international research hub on Spitsbergen, Svalbard’s biggest island. It’s one of the world’s northernmost year-round communities and is otherwise quite inaccessible to visitors, as the flights here are reserved for researchers. Our guests have the unique opportunity to discover Ny-Ålesund's fascinating history and the cutting-edge scientific research happening in this remote Arctic outpost.

What kind of activities can guests expect on shore?

Dog Sledding on Svalbard. Credit: Espen Mills for Hurtigruten.

A big part of exploring the region is all about immersing yourself in nature and embracing friluftsliv, the Norwegian passion for the outdoors. I love watching guests fall in love with the region’s beauty: its towering mountains, deep fjords and lush forests. We take guests on handpicked hikes up the mountains, where the fresh air and stunning fjord views provide a perfect setting for a coffee break. There’s something magical about being so far away from everyday life, and I love seeing our guests' faces light up when we reach the top. There are also excursions where you can get up close to wildlife, such as a thrilling sea eagle RIB boat safari bringing you face-to-face with these majestic creatures.

What else is there to experience?

There’s plenty for history and culture lovers, too. Take Træna, for example – a small archipelago perched at the edge of the Arctic Circle and one of Norway’s oldest fishing communities, home to just under 500 inhabitants. Our local guides lead guests on an exploration of both the rich history and culture of the main island, which feels almost otherworldly. Life here is shaped by the rhythms of the sea and the Arctic light, from the endless days under the Midnight Sun to the long, dark polar nights, creating a deep connection to nature. For guests eager to fully embrace the elements, we offer an excursion here that takes you to a local sauna, followed by an invigorating dip in the Arctic ocean.

How about when you’re not out exploring?

A Hurtigruten cruise isn’t just about the spectacular scenery, but about uncovering the stories behind the places we visit. On board, we offer engaging talks on all kinds of topics, from the coastal culture of the Lofoten Islands to the glacial forces that shaped Norway’s famous fjords. And every evening before dinner, we get together to share the next day’s route and enjoy a fun language lesson where guests can pick up a few handy Norwegian words.

What else can guests expect on board?

Dining is an integral part of the experience. Credit: Espen Mills for Hurtigruten.

We believe in immersing yourself fully in each destination, engaging all your senses: see the stunning scenery, hearing the stories behind it, and tasting its flavours. The Hurtigruten dining experience offers another way to connect with the region, from meals crafted from homegrown produce sourced from our ports to tastings of local, seasonal specialities. One of my personal highlights is our day in Tromsø, when our head chef serves fresh shrimps from the Lyngenfjord. Guests get a hands-on lesson in peeling them, and it’s always great fun!

What does a typical day as Coastal Experience Team Leader look like?

Rebekka looks out for wildlife from the ship’s bridge. Credit: Melissa Schfer for Hurtigruten.

My day usually starts at around 8am with emails, followed by meetings – much like an office worker! I meet with the Coastal Experience Team to plan the day’s lectures, activities, and shore excursions, and also meet the food and beverage department to make sure our tastings align with our ports of call. There’s always admin work to do, but the great thing is that coffee breaks come with the world’s most beautiful office view! Some days, you might find me up on the bridge early in the morning as we approach a port, looking out for birds, walruses and reindeer. Later in the day, I’m often on the gangway, welcoming guests back on board and hearing about their time ashore.

What do you love most about your job?

Being part of our guests' journey as they explore Norway's beautiful coast is incredibly rewarding. I get to take people to places they’ve dreamed of visiting for decades, like the North Cape, the northernmost point of Europe. Sharing my knowledge and passion for this region with our guests is incredibly fulfilling, but at the same time, I find immense joy in hearing about their adventures – it allows me to experience everything fresh through their eyes. This connection with our guests is what keeps me going after long days!

What’s your favourite thing about working for Hurtigruten?

I love the onboard community. There’s a warm, family atmosphere, in part thanks to our relatively small ships, and welcoming our guests back on board feels just like welcoming them home. It’s always sad to see them go, but we then get ready to welcome fresh pairs of eyes – and experience the wonders of Svalbard and Norway all over again.

Find out more about Hurtigruten’s Svalbard Line voyages

Credit: Espen Mills for Hurtigruten.

Hurtigruten is the original Norwegian cruise company and has been showing travellers the wonders of this beautiful region since 1893, sustaining Norway’s coastal communities along the way.

The Svalbard Line, one of its Signature Voyages, takes you deep into the far north, based on Hurtigruten’s original sailings to Svalbard. There are three itineraries to choose from – you can find out more about Hurtigruten’s Svalbard Line voyages here.

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