HURTIGRUTEN LITERALLY MEANS “the express route,” and while there is nothing “express” about it these days, back when it was founded in 1893, the ferry line was nothing short of a revelation, delivering mail and cargo and passengers to northern communities that were otherwise completely isolated from the rest of the world. Beginning in 1936, boats departed daily from Bergen and sailed all the way up to Kirkenes, covering a distance of 2,500 nautical miles while calling at 34 ports in just over six days. By combining navigational prowess, humble practicality and stunning natural beauty, the Hurtigruten ferry has become one of Norway’s treasured national symbols