Can I Sightsee Without Taking Excursions on Kong Harald Northbound?

I’ll be taking a Hurtigruten cruise, northbound, leaving Bergen on the Kong Harald in 2-1/2 weeks -- Oct. 26th. It all happened on very short notice when I was asked to work two days in Oslo. This will be my fourth work-related trip to Norway, and I’ve done NIN twice and have spent time in Bergen and the area around Molde. The cruise seemed like a good way to adjust to the 12-hr time change and hideous jet lag. (I will literally be traveling halfway around the world -- from my home in Hawaii.)

Would I be able to see the towns or just go for a pleasant walk if I do not do the official excursions? I don’t want to just stay on the ship when we’re in port, but I don’t necessarily want long, tiring days when the point is to relax and recharge before working. I know there are places where we’ll stop for only a brief time. My question is whether it is possible to sightsee on one’s own from where the ship docks in Hjorundfjorden, Trondheim, Bodo, and Tromso, where we have several hours in each port.

Any thoughts will be appreciated. Takk ;-)

Yes it's completely possible to visit the main cities on your own. The ship docks in or near the city center (Trondheim is bit further away, but still very walkable, maybe 15/20 minutes from the ship to the Cathedral). In Hjorundfjord the ship does not dock (it anchors near the village) but last time I was there, there was a shuttle boat to disembark passengers at will (even those who didn't take the excursion). So you really don't have to take the city excursions, you can just explore on your own.

SarniaLo: Thank you so much for that response-- and for sharing your wonderful report and photos! You told me exactly what I wanted to know.

At this link https://global.hurtigruten.com/practical-information/sailing-plan/ you will find the sailing plan with arrival and departure. Only for stops longe4 than 30 minutes you’ll be able to explore the port and city.

Enjoy your Kong Harald sailing,

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Thank you! Yes, it looks like only Hjorundfjorden, Trondheim, Bodo, and Tromso, where we have several hours in each port.

Thank you! Yes, it looks like only Hjorundfjorden, Trondheim, Bodo, and Tromso, where we have several hours in each port.

.... and Honningvåg. Yes, Not than many locations for a six day journey.

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Alesund as well, even if the stops are reduced because of the Hjorundfjord sailing, but you still have some time to explore the city (the evening stop I think is longer).