There are probably many people today that are thankful for an idea from many years ago that now allows them to travel to parts of Norway that they thought they would never be able to visit. This is all thanks to a Norwegian Sea Captain by the name of Richard With. He had an idea many years ago about starting a year round steam ship service that would link northern and southern Norway.
When Richard With came up with this idea it was the local Governor who apparently asked his associates, "Is this captain a dreamer, or is this possible?". Today everybody now knows that it is possible, but all of this started many years previous in the late 19th century, at a time when the Industrial Revolution had brought forth all kinds of technologies and comforts to Oslo and ports of the south.
This was great for the people of south Norway although areas beyond the region of Bergen were still seen as a far land of remote wilderness with dramatic landscapes. However this did not put Richard With off, he became even more determined to give a service for people in daylight hours, for a passage from Trondheim to Hammerfest on a weekly basis.
Richard With was convinced he could traverse a safe passage from the South to the North of Norway and was able to convince others that he could set up a faster and more efficient mail delivery route than the one available at that time. And that it could be done year round, even in the winter months.
During this period very little navigational information was available for the Norwegian coast and very few ship's pilots had the knowledge necessary to sail these dangerous and unmapped areas. Sailors of this era had no idea of the complications they would face on this type of voyage.
The only other navigators who had sailed the rugged waters north or Bergen had been Viking ships who had patrolled the area in their search of the lush fishing grounds.
This route was to become a lively trading channel, as boats were able to bring dried fish, flour, syrup and sugar to what would have been isolated communities. The main reason for this service was to deliver mail and that is why back then it was known as the Coastal Express.
Modern day Norwegians are proud of the heritage and history of this service and they tend to become emotionally involved in retaining ownership of such a monumental feat. Coastal residents consider Hurtigruten as part of their cultural history and they are quick to praise the bravery and insight of the captains and crews who captured their hearts by providing coastal communities with the amenities of the modern age.
Today when you board a Hurtigruten vessel you are embarking on a tradition that dates back over centuries. There is today a chance for you to enjoy the Norwegian magic which can combine magnificent and stunning scenery, wildlife, tradition and culture but most of all it is the warm welcome you receive that will give you a lasting impression.
When Richard With came up with this idea it was the local Governor who apparently asked his associates, "Is this captain a dreamer, or is this possible?". Today everybody now knows that it is possible, but all of this started many years previous in the late 19th century, at a time when the Industrial Revolution had brought forth all kinds of technologies and comforts to Oslo and ports of the south.
This was great for the people of south Norway although areas beyond the region of Bergen were still seen as a far land of remote wilderness with dramatic landscapes. However this did not put Richard With off, he became even more determined to give a service for people in daylight hours, for a passage from Trondheim to Hammerfest on a weekly basis.
Richard With was convinced he could traverse a safe passage from the South to the North of Norway and was able to convince others that he could set up a faster and more efficient mail delivery route than the one available at that time. And that it could be done year round, even in the winter months.
During this period very little navigational information was available for the Norwegian coast and very few ship's pilots had the knowledge necessary to sail these dangerous and unmapped areas. Sailors of this era had no idea of the complications they would face on this type of voyage.
The only other navigators who had sailed the rugged waters north or Bergen had been Viking ships who had patrolled the area in their search of the lush fishing grounds.
This route was to become a lively trading channel, as boats were able to bring dried fish, flour, syrup and sugar to what would have been isolated communities. The main reason for this service was to deliver mail and that is why back then it was known as the Coastal Express.
Modern day Norwegians are proud of the heritage and history of this service and they tend to become emotionally involved in retaining ownership of such a monumental feat. Coastal residents consider Hurtigruten as part of their cultural history and they are quick to praise the bravery and insight of the captains and crews who captured their hearts by providing coastal communities with the amenities of the modern age.
Today when you board a Hurtigruten vessel you are embarking on a tradition that dates back over centuries. There is today a chance for you to enjoy the Norwegian magic which can combine magnificent and stunning scenery, wildlife, tradition and culture but most of all it is the warm welcome you receive that will give you a lasting impression.
About the Author:
Jeff Paulett is a partner of NorwegianCoastalCruises.com. Visit their site for more information aboutHurtigruten voyages's timetables and cruising Norway's coastline
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