By Paul Bryers

• Embarkation from Bergen

Just boarded Hurtigruten’s MS Richard With (the ship line founder) at Bergen for my 12 day solo round trip to Kirkenes on the border with Russia – way up beyond the Arctic Circle (trip is known as BKB).

This ship is one of a number of car ferries used by locals that call into 34 ports on the round trip. I did a similar trip August 2024 to Svalbard but that was on a non-car cruise ship ie more like a traditional cruise. The benefit of the car ferry is that it goes to a lot more of the smaller towns/villages/ houses located in the smaller, less accessible fjords.

I have lots of shore excursions planned inc hiking, dog sledding and cross country skiing so hopefully you will follow along with me on my trip and see some stunning sights!