Complement your voyage with an extensive range of shore excursions that give you the opportunity to experience many of the major attractions along the way.
The Hurtigruten experience is far more than seas and skies. Enrich your voyage by taking part in an extensive excursion programme and take full advantage of the fact that the ships call at ports other ships cannot reach. Knowledgeable, English-speaking local guides ensure that yours will be the true Norwegian experience.
All excursions are pre-bookable and only remaining places will be sold on board. Note that the excursion number denotes the day on which the trip operates.
SOUTHBOUND EXCURSIONS
Day 8
- 8A Breakfast at the North Cape, Honningsvåg : While most of your co-passengers on
board the Hurtigruten ship are still sleeping
soundly under their covers, you can board
a bus bound for Honningsvåg to visit
the North Cape and large tracts of West
Finnmark. Do not be put off by the tour's
early departure time: mornings at North
Cape are very special, 1,000 feet above
the churning Arctic Ocean, with dazzling
sunlight dancing across the horizon.
At North Cape - the very tip of the European
continent - enjoy a hearty breakfast and
view Ivo Caprino's impressive wide-screen
film about life on the North Cape and the
region throughout all four seasons.
Continuing on, make a short stop to visit a Sami family for an opportunity to meet reindeer. When you return to Honningsvåg, drive through an underwater tunnel connecting the town with the mainland. The bus then heads south along the majestic Porsangerfjord. From there, you turn toward the coast and Hammerfest, which has undergone a dramatic change since it became the host municipality of the high-tech offshore Snøhvit gas field project. It is here in Hammerfest - the world's northernmost town - where you rejoin the Hurtigruten.
This is an all-encompassing excursion that combines wildlife, culture, spectacular and unusual scenery and a visit to the top of the world.
Operating Dates : 01/05 - 30/09 Duration : 06:00 - 12:25 Price per person : 2010 : £94 2011 : £100
- 8B The Northernmost Town in the World, Hammerfest : Hammerfest is the northernmost town in the
world and together with Vardø also the oldest
town in the north of Norway, established in
1789. From the Royal and Ancient Polar Bear
Society, the bus takes you to the Meridian
monument, which is on the UNESCO list of
World Heritage. The column symbolizes the
first official measurement of the exact size
and shape of the earth and during a photo
stop your guide will tell the history of the
column. From here, you also have a spectacular
view of Melkøya and the Snøhvit field.
Hammerfest has a long energy history, which goes back to 1891. Back then, Hammerfest was the first town in northern Europe to get electric street lighting produced from water power. You will also learn about Europe's first LNG factory (Liquid Natural Gas). On the way up to the town mountain, Salen, you will hear more about the town's history, traditionally known for its hunting and fishing but also Pomor trading, its role in the Napoleon war and WW2 which resulted in the total destruction of the town in 1944. You will also learn about the Sami history and culture and perhaps spot some reindeer on the way. The mountain Salen has a great view overlooking the whole town. Before returning to the quay, drive past the church with its rare architecture inspired by fish flakes.
Operating Dates : 25/05 - 08/09 Duration : 11:30 - 12:30 Price per person : 2010 : £23 2011 : £24
- 8C A Midnight Concert in the Arctic Cathedral, Tromsø : No visit to Tromsø is complete without
a visit to Tromsdalen Church - the Arctic
Cathedral. There is perhaps no more
beautiful means to experience this white painted
cathedral, with its impressive
glass mosaic, than attending a Midnight
concert. As delicate candle lights burn, this
elegant church fills with the most beautiful
Norwegian folk music and songs as well
as classical and sacred selections.
This is a moving and perfect end to the day.
Add this special late-night excursion to your
other adventures in and around Tromsø.
Operating Dates : 15/04 - 23/09 Duration : 24:00 - 01:15 Price per person : 2010 : £37 07/11 - 08/03 2011 : £40
- 8D Sámi Experience, Hammerfest : This Finnmark excursion explores the world
of the Sami in depth. It is a wonderful and
fascinating journey where travellers enter
into the everyday life of Sami and are invited
to share their personal stories.
The journey starts in Salen, the "town mountain" in Hammerfest, which is not just a fantastic viewpoint, it is also a splendid place to become much more acquainted with Sami culture, life and history. Salen is the site of a traditional Sami goahti (a turf hut or earthen lodge) called Mikkelgammen. Once here, you are taken on an informative and engrossing journey into the world of the Sami and gain detailed insights into their historic and exciting culture. The turf hut is constructed in much the same way that Sami have been building shelters since ancient times. While the flames from the hearth crackle and mesmerise, you are served a range of typical Sami delicacies: reindeer meat, smoked fish and local cloudberries. You are further entertained with joik (a traditional form of singing) and Sami stories. You will also have the opportunity to view and purchase local Sami crafts. Welcome! - Or, as the Sami say, Bures boahtin!
Operating Dates : 13/06 - 08/08 Duration : 11:15 - 12:45 Price per person : 2010 : £35 2011 : £36
- 8F Snow Mobile Trip in the Polar Night, Mehamn - Kjøllefjord : Drive through the beautiful Arctic landscape during the polar night. You might see the Northern Lights in a clear, starlit sky. Welcome to the polar night and the wilderness!
Operating Dates : 01/01 - 03/05 Duration : TBA Price per person : 2011 : £258 08/12 - 31/12
Day 9
- 9A A Taste of Vesterålen, Harstad to Sortland : Harstad to Sortland is one of Hurtigruten's
classic excursions and exemplifies why
passengers are so enthusiastic about our
excursions. In this outing, discover Viking
history, breathtaking scenery and wonderful
sights.
The trip begins in Harstad, where you begin the morning with a little sightseeing through the town streets and then stop at a viewpoint. A few kilometres outside town, in Trondeneshalvøya, stands the white medieval church, Trondenes Kirke. In addition to housing several art treasures, the church is a premier cultural heritage site from the late Middle Ages. (Special, short ecumenical services are sometimes held here for our passengers).
Next door, Trondenes Historical Center offers an in-depth exhibit complete with sounds, scents and objects that capture the region's dramatic span from the Viking Age and Middle Ages to the present. The bus then takes us across Hinnøya, an island, where you can enjoy views of the beautiful fjords, steep mountains and fertile farms. You then cross the Gullesfjord by ferry and have coffee, tea and freshly baked cakes. Ferry along the Sigerfjord and in Sortland, the centre of the Vesterålen islands, you rejoin the Hurtigruten ship.
Idyllic in summer, picture perfect in winter, this is an eventful tour filled with scenery and Viking culture.
Operating Dates : All Year Duration : 08:15 - 12:45 Price per person : 2010 : £49 2011 : £52
- 9B Lofoten Islands, Svolvær to Stamsund : Lofoten is a group of islands off the west
coast, north of the Arctic Circle - at the 67th
and 68th parallels. Throughout history,
Lofoten has been the home and workplace
of generations of fishermen. The Lofot
fishing season in spring is still vital and
central to the economy and population
here. Many people associate Lofoten with
its precipitous, dramatic and often fabled
mountains and picturesque fishing villages.
However, Lofoten is so much more - quiet
bays, white sandy beaches, sheltered fjords
and perhaps surprisingly, expansive, green
agricultural areas.
This is a remote part of the world but we make getting here a simple excursion for Hurtigruten passengers. Starting in the "Capital of Lofoten," Svolvær you head to the well-known fishing village of Henningsvær. It is said that the light in Lofoten is unlike any other place on earth, which is why artists from Norway and abroad have always come here. In Henningsvær, you will visit an art gallery showcasing several Norwegian artists' interpretations of the beauty of the Lofoten archipelago. There is also a slide show presentation and an opportunity to purchase artwork.
Pictures may say more than a thousand words but they are no match for being in this picturesque and awe-inspiring landscape. So come aboard, find a good seat and enjoy the view.
Operating Dates : 24/03 - 31/08 Duration : 18:40 - 21:25 Price per person : 2010 : £52 2011 : £55
- 9C Sea Eagle Safari, Trollfjord : Just north of the Trollfjord is the sea eagle's
realm and MS Orca is ready to take you
to see the king of birds close up. Wearing
insulated overalls and with hot beverages in
hand, stand on deck as the MS Orca leads
the way - ahead of the Hurtigruten ship and
into Trollfjord*. (You follow the Hurtigruten
ship when it turns around in the narrow fjord
- a magnificent sight).
The eagle safari commences when you leave the Trollfjord. It actually starts with the gulls. Like screeching, white fighter aircraft, the gulls swoop in for fish right from your hands. Keep your camera ready, as the aloof sharp eyed eagles become curious. You then pass through a narrow sound with steep mountains to one side. This is where the sea eagles dwell and soon they come to share in the banquet. Watch these beautiful, rare birds of prey circle the boat with wings outstretched before they dive towards the sea. It is all so close, so wild and so fantastic that some passengers forget to take pictures. If you are lucky, you may observe up to five or six majestic birds within an hour.
Then set course for Svolvær, arriving at the quay about five minutes ahead of the Hurtigruten. In less than two hours, you will have an amazing experience that will stay with you long after you return home.
*Whilst never guaranteed, during summer months (subject to local conditions) Hurtigruten ships will often enter Trollfjord. When this happens, the experience of being on board MS Orca and watching your ship is quite magnificent.
Operating Dates : 24/03 - 27/09 Duration : 16:30 - 18:25 Price per person : 2010 : £62 2011 : £70
- 9D Lofoten Viking Feast, Stamsund : At the Lofotr Viking Museum, the largest Viking building ever found has been recreated. The original Chieftain's house was established in about 500 AD and was inhabited until around 900 AD, and the rebuilt version exhibits finds from the Viking age.
The Chieftain and the Lady of the house invite you to join a real Viking feast in the banquet hall. Experience the magic and excitement as they make sacrifices to the Gods, hoping that the sun will turn to avoid Armageddon. After the Viking feast, served with home brewed mead, you travel by bus to Svolvær or Stamsund, where you re-join Hurtigruten.
Operating Dates : 23/09 - 31/12 Duration : 19:00 - 21:50 Price per person : 2010 : £72 01/01 - 28/03 2011 : £79
- 9E Rib-Adventure, Svolvær : Join a speed-filled excursion with RIB-boats into the fantastic Lofoten archipelago. The experienced skippers take you to a lagoon with white sandy beaches surrounded by small islands and skerries that protect it from the mighty ocean outside.
There is a good chance to see sea eagles, Europe's largest bird of prey up close. After a short photo stop, you continue to the fishing village of Skrova, where you stop to have snack and learn about Skrova, known for exporting salmon all over the world. The statue "The Fisherman's Wife" will greet you when you return to the harbour in Svolvær to rejoin the ship.
Operating Dates : 24/05 - 22/08 Duration : 1hr 30 min Price per person : 2010 : £68 2011 : £75
Day 10
- 10B UNESCO Islands Vega, Sandnessjøen : The Vega Archipelago was inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List in 2004, a status gained largely due to the unique interaction between the eider ducks and the islanders. Your tour around these islands will soon give you an insight into life in these small villages on the way to the fishing village of Nes, situated on the main island Vega. Here, you make a stop to visit the "E-house", a museum and documentation centre for eider ducks. At Nes, there is also a café and a World Heritage exhibit, all situated within a well kept architectural environment that acts as the perfect setting to learn about the exciting history of the eider ducks.
Operating Dates : 22/06 - 06/09 Duration : 4hrs Price per person : 2010 : £109 2011 : £110
Day 11
- 11A Trondheim & Nidaros Cathedral: "Without Trøndelag all that would be
left of the history book of Norway is the
cover," claim Trønderne, the people from
Trøndelag.
This special excursion enables you to discover the Viking town of Trondheim - Norway's first capital. It was founded around 997 by Viking King Olav Tryggvason, who named it Nidaros. By Norwegian standards, Trondheim is a large city but preserves the charms and intimacies of a small town. Trondheim is full of colourful contrasts: monastic ruins, impressive wooden buildings, colourful wharves and a beautiful red bridge dating from 1861. The Kristiansten Fortress, from the 1600s, stands guard above the town.
Trondheim is home to a world-famous research and educational community, modern sports facilities, lively nightlife and countless services. The bus takes you on a relaxing tour of the town and makes a stop at Utsikten ("The View") to admire the capital from up high. Sightseeing in Trondheim is incomplete without a visit to its premier cultural treasure, Nidaros Cathedral. Built over the burial site of St. Olav (Norway's patron saint), the construction of the impressive cathedral began as early as 1070. After an insightful guided tour, many people describe this Gothic-style cathedral as the most beautiful church in all of Norway.
Operating Dates : 01/10 - 31/12 Duration : 08:00 - 09:50 Price per person : 2010 : £32 01/01 - 14/04 2011 : £35
- 11B Sverresborg, Trøndelag Folk Museum, Trondheim : Welcome to one of Norway's largest open air
museums, Sverresborg Trøndelag Folk
Museum. The museum surrounds the ruins
of the medieval castle of Zion, built by King
Sverre Sigurdsson in 1182 - 83. Here, you
will find Norway's northernmost stave church
and learn what life was like, in town and
country, in the 18th to 20th centuries.
Begin your walk through history at the simple but beautiful Haltdalen stave church, built in 1170, when Norway was still a Catholic country.
The tour continues past the castle ruins, with sweeping views across the Trondheimsfjord, to a yard surrounded by wooden buildings: farmhouse, cowshed and barn, traditional storehouse on pillars, cookhouse and smithy. Tour the farmhouse and then continue to the "Old Town," with historical buildings from the centre of Trondheim. Visit the beautiful 18th century Gramgården for a taste of traditional krumkake cakes and tales of old Trondheim.
The tour ends at the visitor centre, to view the "Pictures of Life" exhibition – illustrating life in Trøndelag over the last 150 years - and its shop, stocked with a selection of high-quality handicrafts, such as linens, ceramics and a selection of books and cards.
Operating Dates : 29/04 - 28/09 Duration : 2 hrs Price per person : 2010 : £27 2011 : £29
- 11C The Atlantic Road, Kristiansund to Molde : The Atlantic Road is one of Norway's most
visited tourist destinations and the winner
of the "Engineering Feat of the Century"
award in 2005. The road is 8.2 km long and
is built on a total of 8 bridges in picturesque
surroundings.
Beginning with a short city sightseeing tour
in the klippfish town of Kristiansund, your
tour then heads to Bremsnes and on to visit
Kvernes Stave Church, which was believed
to have been built in the early 13th century.
This church, a one-nave stave church of the
Møre-type, is beautifully located on Averøy.
Afterwards, make a stop at the local tavern
Bjarmars Favorittkro, where you can enjoy
the speciality of the house - Bacalao made
from local ingredients, served with bread,
followed by dessert, coffee / tea.
Continue along the Atlantic Road, taking in
all the sights in this breathtaking area with
a chance for a photo stop, before reaching
Molde where the excursion will finish with a
short sightseeing tour of this 'City of Roses'.
Operating Dates : 21/04 - 05/09 Duration : 16:45 - 21:20 Price per person : 2010 : £72 2011 : £75
Prices are in £s per person.
All excursions are subject to minimum and maximum number of participants, and to weather conditions.
Contents may vary depending on weather / local conditions.
Please note that with the exception of 8C with 8A, 8B or 8D; 9A with 9B, 9C or 9D; 11A with 11C, you will not be able to combine two excursions on the same day.
The excursion number denotes the day on which the excursion operates.
The period of operation refers to the ship's departure date from Bergen.
Excursions can not be pre-booked within 14 days of travel.
