Lorraine Kelly Explores Norway with Hurtigruten in New Channel 4 Series

• New Series: Lorraine Kelly’s Norwegian Odyssey airs on Channel 4 starting Thursday 15th January at 8pm.

• The Route: Lorraine travels the iconic "Coastal Express" route from Bergen to Kirkenes aboard MS Richard With.

• The Experience: The series features husky sledding, local culinary delights, and the hunt for the Northern Lights.

TV broadcaster Lorraine Kelly is swapping the studio for the spectacular scenery of Norway, having filmed a new three-part travelogue aboard Hurtigruten.

Titled Lorraine Kelly’s Norwegian Odyssey, the series premieres on Channel 4 next Thursday, 15th January, at 8pm.

She joins a growing list of British celebrities, including Joanna Lumley, Jane McDonald, and Susan Calman, who have showcased this breathtaking 1,500km stretch of coastline to viewers in recent years.

A Voyage into History

Lorraine’s voyage takes her from the historic hanseatic wharf of Bergen north to the Arctic outpost of Kirkenes, visiting some of the 34 ports that Hurtigruten serves daily.

She sailed aboard the MS Richard With, a ship recently refurbished to offer a modern, sustainable cruising experience.

The series frames the voyage as a personal journey for the Scotswoman, exploring her fascination with Viking legends and the deep historical threads that entwine Norway’s heritage with that of Scotland.

Throughout the episodes, viewers will see how the country’s mythical past continues to echo through the landscape, brought to life by the local Norwegian crew who live and work along the coast.

Spectacular Scenery: The Norwegian Fjords

A central character in the series is the landscape itself. Unlike standard ocean cruises that often sail miles offshore, the Hurtigruten route weaves through a sheltered labyrinth of islands and narrow channels, offering uninterrupted views of the world-famous Norwegian Fjords.

Lorraine’s journey captures the dramatic beauty of this region in winter, where snow-capped peaks plunge directly into dark, icy waters.

Viewers can expect sweeping shots of the rugged coastline, from the Seven Sisters mountain range to the narrow Trollfjord, showcasing why this region is consistently rated as one of the world's most beautiful travel destinations.

Chasing the Aurora

The series promises to be a visual feast, focusing on the "friluftsliv" (outdoor life) of the region. The itinerary sees Lorraine spotting local wildlife and sampling fresh Arctic cuisine sourced from the very waters she sails through.

Beyond the scenery, the show documents a variety of thrilling shore excursions, including husky sledding and meetings with local residents.

A major focal point of the journey is Kelly's attempt to fulfil a lifelong ambition: witnessing the Northern Lights dancing across the Arctic sky.

Celebrating the Coastal Express

The programme also shines a spotlight on Hurtigruten's unique position in the travel world. Operating for over 130 years, the line functions as a vital lifeline for the Norwegian coast, connecting remote communities and delivering freight alongside international guests.

Rather than a standard cruise holiday, the series highlights the authentic nature of the voyage, using Kelly's guide to showcase lesser-seen locations and the genuine beauty of the coastline that Hurtigruten calls home.

Hurtigruten vs. HX

While Lorraine Kelly is sailing with Hurtigruten, you may also have heard of HX Expeditions (Hurtigruten Expeditions). Although they share a heritage, they offer two very different experiences:

• Hurtigruten (The Coastal Express): This is the classic Norwegian coastal route featured in the show. These ships (like MS Richard With) serve as a vital link for 34 local ports, carrying mail, freight, and locals alongside international tourists. It is a relaxed, authentic way to see Norway "like a local."

• HX (Hurtigruten Expeditions): Rebranded as HX Expeditions, this is the company’s global expedition arm. These purpose-built expedition ships (such as the hybrid-powered MS Roald Amundsen) venture far beyond Norway, taking guests to remote frontiers like Antarctica, the Galápagos Islands, and the Northwest Passage.

If you want to follow in Lorraine's footsteps along the Norwegian coast, look for the classic Hurtigruten voyages. If you are looking for a global adventure to the ends of the earth, HX Expeditions is the fleet for you.

Follow in Lorraine's Footsteps

If Lorraine Kelly’s Norwegian Odyssey inspires you to seek out the Aurora Borealis for yourself, Hurtigruten offers daily departures from Bergen year-round.

Tune in to Channel 4 on Thursday 15th January at 8pm to see the adventure unfold.