Hurtigruten Shore Excursions - Northbound

Complement your Hurtigruten 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.

Shore excursions should be booked at least one month prior to departure.

To provide you with the best experience, we have categorised all of the excursions on three different levels according to the level of fitness required to ensure you get the most from your excursion :

Level 1 : Involves limited physical activity, most of the tour is operated by vehicle.

Level 2 : Involves moderate physical activity on relatively level surfaces and gentle terrain.

Level 3 : Involves physical activity on uneven surface and/or steep terrain. You may be expected to carry your own backpack and equipment. Not suitable for guests with limited mobility.

Level 4 : Involves a high level of physical activity over an extended period, in terrain that may often be uneven, slippery and steep. You are expected to carry your own backpack and equipment. Not suitable for guests with limited mobility.

Day 2

2B Geiranger with Trollstigen Pass
Port : Geiranger - Ålesund : On this excursion, you will see some of the best fjord and mountain scenery Norway has to offer. Experience world-famous views of the UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord. Your day begins with a drive up Ørneveien ("Eagle Road"), enjoying magnificent views of Geirangerfjord en route to the Eidsdalsvatnet Lake. From there you take a picturesque ferry ride from Eidsdal to Linge through Gudbrandsjuvet Gorge, heading for the stark, wild high alpine areas.

Back on dry land, one of the many highlights of this trip is the series of 11 hairpin bends down the winding Trollstigen Pass. Once you've reached the bottom, it's time for a hot drink and a bite to eat before you continue on to the gentler landscape of the Romsdalsfjord. You conclude with dinner in Molde before meeting the Hurtigruten ship again.

Please note that only excursion participants can go ashore in Geiranger. Landing is by tender boat.

2C/E Art Nouveau Walk
Port : Ålesund : Distinguished by its numerous spiers, towers and highly detailed ornamentation, Ålesund is a town renowned across the world for its beautiful Art Nouveau architecture. It owes this to the devastating fire which burned a large proportion of the city to the ground in 1904, following which the entire town wash rebuilt in the fashionable style of the time, Art Nouveau. Your guide will take you on an informative walk through the streets of this enchanting town.

Along the way you will pass the picturesque fishing port of Brosundet, the special Apotekertorget square and the beautifully decorated main street. You will also visit Jugendstilsenteret (entrance not included), which is the national centre for Art Nouveau. The museum offers everything from modern multimedia presentations to original interiors and provides a fascinating insight into the history of Art Nouveau.

2D Atlanterhavsparken Aquarium and Mount Aksla
Port : Ålesund : Atlanterhavsparken is one of Northern Europe's largest salt-water aquariums and offers an opportunity to enjoy close encounters with some of the marine life that can be found in and around the coastal waters of Norway. The tour to the Aquarium includes a spectacular diving show in Norway's largest aquarium tank where you can see the fish being hand-fed by the divers, and a visit to the open-air pool to see the resident penguins. After the visit to Atlanterhavsparken we continue onwards and upwards to Aksla where you can admire the view of Ålesund below and capture some memories before returning to the quayside.

2F A Taste of Norway
Port : Urke : After getting to shore by tender boat you continue by bus through what is often referred to as "Norway's narrowest valley" - Norangsdalen. Along the way you will stop and look at some spectacular places. One of them is Lyngstøl Lake. Here you can see sites of ancient settlements in the water that was naturally dammed in 1908 after a large landslide, a fascinating sight. You will also visit the historic Hotel Union Øye, which has played an important role in Norwegian history. Here you will have local specialities and a drink. Next, you go to the community of Urke which can offer local history in various forms.

2G A Mountain Hike in the Hjørundfjord
Port : Urke : Put on your boots for a hike to discover the wonderful surroundings of the Hjørundfjord. The tour starts on a farm road and then a path for tractors. It's a steep climb to the top and the last 500 meters are scree. At the top you are rewarded with a fantastic view. Before descending, take a coffee-break in Leknes valley overlooking the village Urke, the fjord arm extending into Øye and the stunning mountains. Take the same road back and visit the local grocer before returning to the ship.

2H Hike with a Visit to a Shieling
Port : Urke : Join a pleasant hike to visit the Shieling Haukås. Your welcoming hosts will tell you about life on a farm and how in the old days the farms in the village were very small and had to utilize the outlying areas for summer grazing. The grazing areas were so far from the village that houses had to be built for the milk maids so that the cows could be milked morning and evening. The old farmhouses on Haukås were restored in the 1990s and are reminders of a bygone era. You will have time to explore the site on your own and also sample some local delicacies.

Day 3

3A Nidaros Cathedral and Ringve Museum
Port : Trondheim : Few large cities have managed to preserve their intimacy and charm in the same way as Norway's third largest city, Trondheim. Amid its many wooden buildings stands a magnificent stone church. This is an ancient city, founded by the Viking King Olav Tryggvason as early as 997.

Over the course of a few hours, become better acquainted with two of the city's premier sights. From the pier, board a bus with a local guide to the national shrine, Nidarosdomen (Nidaros Cathedral). This is Norway's only Gothic-style Cathedral and was built over the burial place of St. Olav, the country's patron saint. The incredible architectural details and fantastic art of this national treasure are truly impressive.

Your tour starts from the pier and takes you to Norway's national shrine, Nidarosdomen (Nidaros Cathedral) - Norway's only Gothic style cathedral, built over the burial place of St. Olav, Norway's patron saint. After a guided tour of the cathedral, you have some free time to explore. From Nidaros Cathedral, the bus then takes us directly to the Ringve Museum of Musical History, where your enthusiastic tour guide will take you on a journey through musical history. This is a delightful and unique display of special instruments from every corner of the world and a truly memorable experience.

3B Trondheim & Nidaros Cathedral
Port : Trondheim : Trondheim is a large city by Norwegian standards, though it has still managed to preserve many of the charms and intimacy of a small town. It is also a city full of contrasts, with modern buildings standing side-by-side with monastery ruins, impressive wooden buildings and colourful wharves.

You will hear all about the city's many features as the bus takes you through Trondheim's streets and boroughs, including a short stop at "Utsikten" ("The View") to admire the city from up on high. As no sightseeing trip to Trondheim is complete without visiting one of its premier cultural treasures, you will of course make time to take in the impressive Gothic-style Nidaros Cathedral. Built over the burial place of St. Olav, the patron saint of Norway, this enormous building, with its countless details and decorations, dates back to around 1070. After a guided tour around the cathedral, you will soon understand why many describe it as the most beautiful religious building in Norway.

3D Trondheim City Walk
Port : Trondheim : Start your walk at the harbour which was developed during the second half of the 19th century, before walking up to Stiftsgården, the royal residence in Trondheim. Continue your walk to the market square to get a closer look at the statue of the city's founder, the Viking King Olav Tryggvason. Walk to Nidaros Cathedral, Norway's national monument. Take time to look around the world's northernmost medieval cathedral before crossing the old city bridge, known to the locals as "the portal of happiness". You are now entering the area of the city called Bakklandet, which has preserved its charming wooden architecture. This was originally the industrial part of the city, but old factories have now been renovated into desirable housing with boutique shops and gourmet restaurants nearby. It is here that you find the world's one and only bicycle lift.

3G Kayaking on the River Nid
Port : Trondheim : Experience Trondheim from a different angle! Take a kayaking trip along the river Nid, the river that circles the city centre. Paddle into the city's smaller channels an get to see some of the main sights such as the colourful wooden buildings by the harbour, Nidaros Cathedral and Kristianten fortress from the riverside.

3H Cycling in Trondheim
Port : Trondheim : Trondheim is one of the most bike-friendly cities in Norway. Cycle along the fjord and over the new cycle bridge offering some great views of Munkholmen, Trondheim's fortress island, and along the river Nid to the historic Bakklandet district where you try the world's only bicycle lift. From here, you will continue on two wheels along the river Nid, passing warehouses and views of Nidaros Cathedral before returning to the ship.

3L The Northernmost Tram Ride
Port : Trondheim : Experience Trondheim in the vintage carriage of the northernmost tram in the world! Since 1924, the Gråkallbanen line has operated on 8.8km of narrow gauge track, from the city centre to the suburbs of Trondheim. Enjoy spectacular views of the third largest city in Norway in a carriage from the 1950s, before the bus takes you to the ski-jump area of Granåsen, built for the World Championship in 1997. Here, you can marvel at the big jumps that are used both in summer and winter time. Afterwards, the bus will take you back to the ship via a short drive through the centre of Trondheim and a photo stop at the Nidaros Cathedral: Nor way's national shrine.

Day 4

4A Glacier Adventure, Svartisen
Port : Transfer to tender boat in open sea - Bodø : Situated near Ørnes, Svartisen is Norway's second largest glacier. Your Hurtigruten ship will make a stop to allow you and your tour guide to transfer to another smaller boat for the excursion. This boat will then sail between islets and skerries whilst the guide tells you all about the area and the scenery - an impressive view best enjoyed out on the deck.

It's important not to forget your camera for this part because you will now be in the realm of the sea eagle, Europe's largest predatory bird. Once you move on to the Svartisen Tourist Centre, you will be able to admire the beauty of this enigmatic ice world whilst enjoying a warm drink and the centre's varied buffet of delicious cakes. Afterwards, you continue your journey along the beautiful coast of Helgeland back to Bodø where you rejoin the ship. Not available on MS Lofoten or MS Vesterålen.

4B Arctic Coastal Walk
Port : Bodø : Join a guided winter hike along the beautiful Norwegian coast. During your walk, your experienced guides will take you on along coastal pathways and across sandy beaches, pointing out special views or wildlife along the way. Discover the geology of the area and learn about the local history and about the connection the surrounding communities have with the sea. You will also see one of the many Viking graves discovered in this area.

4C Experience Bodø and Saltstraumen
Port : Bodø : Start with a guided tour around Bodø, the second largest city in northern Norway, before continuing through the fantastic landscape to Saltstraumen. Here, a genuine natural phenomenon awaits you! Several million cubic metres of water is forced through a 150-metre narrow strait creating the strongest tidal current in the world. A fantastic sight. After you have admired Saltstraumen, you will receive a complimentary box of salt flakes produced here, which you can take back home with you and impress your friends with an Arctic addition to your cooking.

4D Saltstraumen - Rib Safari, Saltstraumen
Port : Bodø : This excursion takes you to Saltstraumen, where you will witness the world's most powerful tidal current. On your exciting journey through this wild landscape there is a good chance you will be able to observe sea eagles whilst also taking in the awesome scenery and observing parts of the Caledonian Fold Belt, a range of mountains dating back over 250 million years.

While you sit safely and comfortably in sturdy rubber boats, operated by highly experienced and knowledgeable pilots, you can be sure to enjoy a day of rare adventure in harmony with nature, eagles and the deep blue sea.

4E Meet the Vikings, Winter
Port : Stamsund - Svolvær : 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 this era. The Chieftain and the Lady of the house invite you to join them for a real Viking feast in the banquet hall.

Experience the magic and excitement as they make sacrifices to the Gods, praying that the sun will return to avoid Armageddon. After the Viking feast, you will travel by bus to Svolvær and re-join your ship.

4F Meet the Vikings, Summer
Port : Stamsund - Svolvær : Join an historical journey from Stamsund to Borg and on to the Lofotr Viking Museum. On this trip to Lofotr the guide will tell you how life was for the Vikings who lived here. Upon arrival you are invited in to experience the Chieftain's house, which has been recreated in full size and features exhibits of finds dating back to the Viking age.

The Chieftain and the lady of the house welcome you to join them for a real Viking feast in the banquet hall; a taste of the Viking age, with traditional food, costumes, singing and dancing. After the feast, you travel by bus to Svolvær, learning more about the history of Lofoten along the way before re-joining the ship.

4G Highlights of Lofoten
Port : Stamsund - Svolvær : After starting in Stamsund, your first stop is Gimsøy Church on the Norwegian Sea island of Gimsøy. This is a beautiful site with many photo opportunities. Continue to Kabelvåg, the oldest fishing village in the Lofoten Islands and formerly the largest. Here, you visit Gallery Espolin, with the largest collection of works made by artist Kaare Espolin Johnson, known for his depictions of the sea, Lofoten and the lives of fishermen. Close to the gallery is Lofoten Museum where you can learn about the history of the local fishermen. At the site of the medieval town of Vågar, once an important community founded on the fish trade, you can see authentic fishermen's cabins and boathouses featuring Nordland boats. Your last stop is Vågan Church in Kabelvåg, also known as Lofoten Cathedral. The church was built in 1898 in the Gothic Revival style and is one of Norway's largest.

4H Lofotpils Brewery
Port : Svolvær : Visit an old fish landing facility dating from 1937 in the centre of Svolvær, where local beer enthusiast Thorvardur started Lofoten's first brewery, with a distinctive taste that comes from Lofoten's fresh natural water. The local supplier will meet you outside Hurtigruten and will take you to the brewery, a two-minute walk away. Your guided tour takes you around the only craft brewery in Lofoten, where you will learn all about the beer making process. You will also learn about the history of Lofotpils and how the special water conditions of Lofoten made it possible to start the brewery. The tour ends with a beer tasting, poured straight from the fermentation tank, as fresh as a beer can be.

4L Farm Visit in Lofoten
Port : Stamsund - Svolvær : Enjoy this visit to Aalan Farm in Lauvdalen, a herb and cheese farm in Lofoten. The farm supplies Hurtigruten ships along the coast with lovely tea and cheese throughout the year, and is the only local food supplier to Hurtigruten that can be visited during a voyage. Learn about real life on a farm, with food production, work and leisure as well as tasting cheeses, herbs and other products that are made from scratch on the farm. You will also meet the farm's goats, dogs, cats, miniature pigs, ducks, chickens and possibly Victoria, the free range cow.

Day 5

5A The Arctic Capital Tromsø
Port : Tromsø : Today, get acquainted with "the Paris of the North", Tromsø, lying between the Arctic Ocean and towering mountains. As the largest town above the Arctic Circle, Tromsø reveals many modern urban pleasures as well as a trading and seafaring history of hunting for walrus and polar bears off Svalbard and East Greenland, transporting logs from Russian rivers, the Pomor seafaring trade, coal mining and sealing. Age-old battles of surviving in a harsh Arctic world and a natural resource-rich far north have provided hard-earned lessons that have turned Tromsø today into an advanced research and education centre.

Start the excursion by taking the well-known cable car up to the mountain ledge Storsteinen (421 metres above sea level). From the viewing platform at the upper station, you can enjoy spectacular panoramic views of Tromsø and the surrounding islands, mountains and fjords. During this excursion you also will visit the Polaria Centre. This Arctic education centre features an aquarium, educational displays and a panorama theatre screening room. Here you'll be able to watch the movie 'Svalbard - Arctic Wilderness', which will take you on a fantastic journey through Svalbard's spectacular scenery. The Tromsø tour also includes a stop at the famous Arctic Cathedral - an architectural masterpiece and town landmark. Built in 1965, the design of the church is inspired by the natural surroundings and traditional beliefs of northern Norway and features a fantastic glass mosaic.

For travellers wanting to learn much more about the impact of living in the Arctic and seafaring world, this is an invaluable trip.

5B Dog-Sledging
Port : Tromsø : Experience the thrill of action-adventure in Norway's northern winterland. This tour heads to the island of Kvaløya, where you change clothes and footwear and meet eager huskies anxious to pull the sledges over the frozen landscape. It is deep dark winter and the only light comes from our head lamps and the starry sky. The mood is magical as the dogs run almost silently over the snowy plains and we anticipate seeing the Northern Lights. The trip comes to a close in a well-heated lavvo (Sami tent) and you can enjoy an open fire and a hot drink whilst recounting the day's adventure.

Please note that the prices shown for this trip are applicable only if you are continuing your journey on the ship. If you are embarking or disembarking the ship at Tromsø, you will be offered a similar excursion at the price shown on the page of your journey.

5C Scenery & Huskies
Port : Tromsø : In the summer, head to the Tromsø Wilderness Centre on Kvaløya Island, a scenic area with an ancient history and eternal views of the ocean, mountains and open plateaus.

If you love animals, this is the trip for you, as you get to greet 250 very happy huskies and cuddly puppies and are informed about the challenges of dog sledging. Learn about Iditarod, Alaska - the world's longest dog-sledge race, through film and pictures, glimpse how daring the race is for dogs and mushers alike. It's important to wear good footwear if you want to join the Wilderness Centre's guide in exploring the plant and bird life around the centre.

5D Polar History Walk
Port : Tromsø : Tromsø is not just the largest town in northern Norway; it's also a town brimming with history. First, your guide will take you to the Polar Museum. On the way there we'll pass the statue of Roald Amundsen, the hunting monument and the market square, where you can enjoy a wonderful view of the Arctic Cathedral.

The Polar Museum features exhibits from Norway's proud polar history. We will also see a film of the polar region made by the Arctic hunters. The tour continues to the Beer Hall (Ølhallen), Tromsø's oldest pub, which was a popular meeting place for fishermen, hunters and polar explorers. Here, you can taste beer from the world's northernmost brewery, Mack, whilst one of the locals tells stories about the old days.

5G Kayaking in Tromsø
Port : Tromsø : Enjoy a fascinating and exciting excursion by kayak in Tromsø's calm and picturesque waters. Together with your experienced guide you will paddle the waters that lap Tromsø's shores whilst enjoying the stunning mountain backdrop. This is a great way to travel silently through these pristine waters and get close to the marine wildlife. You will use stable, double sea kayaks and no experience is needed to join in. The guide will give you all the instructions you'll need and support you along the way.

5M Cross-Country Skiing
Port : Tromsø : Join this fantastic introduction to cross-country skiing for beginners. Learn a few basic skills from your experienced ski instructors, before they take you skiing along flat terrain, most of which is on prepared trails. Take in the beautiful scenery as you gently ski along the top of Tromsøya Island, just a short drive from the city centre. First, you'll be taught some basic ski techniques, from how to get your skis on and off to how to ski cross country in a completely flat area. As you become more accustomed to skiing and get more confident, the instructors will introduce you to more techniques along the route, so that by the end of the tour, you can even challenge yourself on small hills. After skiing, you'll take a break beside a bonfire where you will be served a hot drink and lefse, a local snack.

5N Snowshoeing in Tromsø
Port : Tromsø : Take the short journey to Tromsøya Island for a winter landscape of birch and spruce forests. Equipped with modern snowshoes, you can slide along in the snow experiencing the Norwegian outdoors firsthand, breathing in the crisp winter air. Follow your guide through the forest to a clearing, where you can help to build the campfire. Just when you think it can't get any better, speed down the hill on a toboggan just like a local Norwegian. The guide will teach you about the nature of the local area and everyday life in Tromsø. When you've had your fill of fun, sit around the fire warming yourself up, with hot drinks and a sweet snack.

Day 6

6A North Cape - Europe's Northernmost Point
Port : Honningsvåg : Today you will cross the 71st parallel - something few can claim - and enjoy the magnificent sub-Arctic landscape on our journey to North Cape, the northernmost point on the European continent. This is Finnmark, a fascinating region of Sami, Russian and Finnish overlapping cultures. In summer, you may see herds of grazing reindeer and Sami camps, while during this exotic winter journey, you might find yourselves following a snowplough for the final eight miles up to this world famous cliff.

The North Cape plateau rises more than a thousand feet - almost vertically - from the icy cold Arctic Ocean. North Cape Hall is an inviting, modern interpretive centre where we can freely enjoy a wide-panorama movie about Finnmark and the North Cape, buy souvenirs, see displays and relax with a bite of food. Step outside and brace yourself against the winds as you stand beside the famous North Cape globe. Be in awe of the view and remember to take photographic evidence of this amazing point on our planet. Few people on earth can say they stood at the top of the world.

There is time to explore the North Cape tunnel, lined with scenes of the area's historic past, and the lovely chapel, which leads to the café/bar and viewing platform. There is a small souvenir shop, a small museum commemorating the visit of the King of Thailand, a café and post office, where letters and postcards are franked with a genuine North Cape postmark.

6B Bird Watching Safari
Port : Honningsvåg : On this tour you travel to the small fishing village of Gjesvær. Along the way you will receive an introduction to the local flora and fauna, before visiting one of the world's most exciting nature reserves, Gjesværstappan. A short boat trip from Gjesvær will put you right in the heart of this bird watcher paradise and Nature Reserve and from the vessel you can study Finnmark's largest flock of puffins, together with large numbers of Kittiwakes.

Mighty sea eagles with massive wingspans hover above in search of prey, while guillemots, razorbills, cormorants, Arctic skuas, northern fulmars, Brünnich's guillemots and the large northern gannet dive about, filling the air with a cacophony of shrieks and screeches. If you can join us in the autumn months, you may also catch sight of Europe's smallest seabird, the British storm-petrel. Weather and time permitting, the tour makes a stop at the crew's secret favourite places. This is where there is often a good chance of seeing seals swim and play around the boat. This is a memorable and fun trip for the entire family.

6C Sámi Culture
Port : Kjøllefjord - Mehamn : Discover the exciting history of Norway's multi-ethnic Arctic coast on this fascinating and informative excursion in Finnmark, along Europe's northernmost shores.

Your visit with a drive through the fishing village of Kjøllefjord, where you can stop to take pictures. Afterwards, you continue into the mountains to the highland summer camp of the Utsi family, traditional Sami reindeer herders. Dressed in local costume, the Utsis invite you into their lavvo (traditional tent) to enjoy reindeer bouillon and coffee while listening to Sami joiks, or songs and learning to count in Lappish. Afterward, visit their reindeer - and even try throwing a traditional lasso.

6D Snowmobile Trip in the Arctic
Port : Kjøllefjord - Mehamn : Join an unforgettable snowmobile trip to one of Europe's most extreme and exciting natural areas. During this excursion you will travel from the old trading post and fishing village of Kjøllefjord over the mountains to Mehamn.

Along the way, the guides will tell you about the Sámi people, what life is like on the Finnmark coast, and how the local population utilise nature in both the summer and winter months. Some of Norway's best instructors will ensure that proper training is given before you hop onto your own snowmobile for this once in a lifetime trip through fascinating scenery. Experience the snow-clad valleys, the fresh winter air and perhaps the mesmerising Northern Lights in the clear, starry sky.
Valid driving licence required.

6E Sámi Autumn
Port : Kjøllefjord - Mehamn : Join this excursion and learn about the arctic nature's 'pantry and pharmacy'. Here you can sample dried reindeer meat, juice of crowberry, herbal tea (nettle) and roseroot mixture. And maybe you will feel the presence of the Noaidi...The Sámi shaman. For the Sámi people, the Autumn has always been a labour-intensive time; food stocks had to be filled up before the winter came. Arctic nature is surprisingly abundant in herbs and berries. These are not just rich in vitamins and good for adding flavours to the diet, but were once also used as medicine. The Sámi shaman had valuable knowledge about the possibilities nature provided in relation to the prevention and cure of diseases.

6H Fishing Village Visit
Port : Honningsvåg : Journey from Honningsvåg, through the superb scenery of the island Magerøya and onto the fishing villages Kamøyvær and Skarsvåg with en route information about the nature, local culture and history of the area. At Skarsvåg, you will visit the Christmas and Winter House, which has a homely atmosphere with Christmas music and decorations. See the locally produced ornaments and clothing and learn about the life of a fisherman's family in the world's northernmost fishing village. Kamøyvær has fish processing plants, a small fishing fleet, a lighthouse and a picturesque harbour. After a walk through the village, visit artist Eva Schmutterer in her little gallery "East of the Sun". The exhibition contains arts and crafts inspired by Magerøya and the changing seasons. If weather permits, there will be a short photo stop by Tufjorden viewpoint, where it is possible to get a glimpse of the North Cape.

6J Expedition to the North Cape - The Historical Route
Port : Havøysund - Honningsvåg : Take this journey to the North Cape like a true explorer. In Havøysund, you'll board a RIB boat for an exiting ride along the rugged Norway coastline, stopping at the base of cliffs to see nesting seabirds up close and to hear information from your guide about the local geography and culture. Approaching by boat, you'll see the impressive North Cape plateau from the sea before going ashore in Hornvika. After a short refreshment break, hike up the mountainside on a historical route to the top and admire North Cape's breathtaking view.

Day 7

7A Kirkenes and the Russian Border
Port : Kirkenes : Kirkenes is the only town in Norway where East meets West - and it is also the turning point of the Hurtigruten. On this exploratory excursion, you travel to the Russian border. Start with a short tour of Kirkenes before going farther afield, travelling by bus through surprisingly fertile landscape. You will see charming green hills dotted with scrub, birch and pine that survive despite the harsh Arctic climate. The history of the region is truly stimulating and has been quite dramatic at times, so this is an educational morning as well. You eventually arrive at Storskog, the border station between Norway and Russia.

While you cannot cross the border into Russia, you are permitted to take pictures and video. It is often possible to buy Russian crafts at the border such as charming, hand painted matryoshka dolls.

This is a fascinating excursion with knowledgeable guides and perfect for travellers interested in Scandinavian and Russian history and culture.

7B River Boat Safari to the Russian Border
Port : Kirkenes : In this exciting exploration of Finnmark, the riverboats are ready and waiting to take you upstream to Pasvikelva, a river with a cultural history dating back thousands of years. Learn about the history of the Sámi people, the regions original natives; the sacred princes, Boris and Gleb - Russia's first saints; the Pechenga Monastery and St. Trifon, a monk who attempted to convert the Sami to Christianity in the 1500s; and observe rich animal and plant life in the area. Plus, reindeer, fish and an occasional wandering bear make this one of the more exciting wilderness areas in northern Norway.

At the Russian border, go ashore and learn a bit more about Norway's relationship with its neighbour to the east. You are further immersed in the border culture with a serving of beverages, local cloudberries with cream and live Russian music.

Join this stimulating river trip and experience unique history, beautiful scenery and a rich array of animal life.

7C Snow Mobile Safari
Port : Kirkenes : Snow and horsepower are a fabulous combination. On a frozen fjord in Norway's Sámi region, drive snowmobiles (two people per vehicle) across a vast, bright white landscape. Expect Arctic winter temperatures, as you travel a little more than 14km (7km each way). Along the way, your guides educate you about the history of Sámi, their culture and Arctic climate and animal life. After your invigorating journey on snowmobiles, enjoy a taste of local traditions with dried reindeer meat and a hot beverage in a well-heated lavvo - the Sami equivalent of a tent.

All participants receive instruction in snowmobile safety at the start of this tour. If you wish to drive, remember to bring your driver's licence. This is a fast-action adventure where you experience Finnmark's winter firsthand. It is great fun and a remarkably different excursion for adventurers of all ages.

7D Kirkenes Snow Hotel
Port : Kirkenes : Kirkenes Snow Hotel is set in idyllic surroundings next to Gabba Reindeer Park. Your adventure here begins with a stroll up to the hotel and into Norway's largest ice bar. The guide will show you around the Snow Hotel, including some of the magnificent suites. After the tour it is time to meet the reindeer. This is an excellent photo opportunity so don't forget to bring your camera! You can also visit Gabba Kennel and see some of the many Huskies who live there.

7E ATV/Quad Safari to the Russian Border
Port : Kirkenes : The guide meets you at the quay and takes you through today's programme. You start with a test drive in a low traffic area, before going up to the viewpoint "Kjerringstupet", near to Kirkenes. You then drive along the road through the town centre and stop at a viewpoint overlooking the A/S Sydvaranger mines.

From here you continue to the Norwegian - Russian border where your guide will tell you about the history and culture of the area. You will make a stop at the border station to have coffee/tea and muffins. Finally you return to Kirkenes via the viewpoint at Prestfjellet Mountain, with its magnificent views of both the town and your Hurtigruten ship.
Two people per vehicle. All drivers require a valid driver's licence.

7F Husky Sledge Adventure
Port : Kirkenes : Drive to the Snow Hotel, situated next to Gabba Reindeer Park. Here you will put on warm outdoor clothing - with snow overalls, shoes, gloves and hats all provided for you. The huskies are harnessed to your sledge, eagerly waiting to transport you across the frozen landscape.

There will be two passengers per sledge, with each sledge travelling with its own "musher" (guide). Several of these guides are active mushers with many years' experience so you can just relax and enjoy the ride. The track is just over 5km long, and is set against the most picturesque of landscapes, so you can experience the real feeling of wilderness during your adrenalin-fuelled ride! You also have the option to visit the Snow Hotel or the Reindeer enclosure.

7H King Crab Expedition
Port : Kirkenes : Join this excursion for a fantastic day at the first King Crab restaurant that started in Norway. Accompanied by expert fishermen, you will walk out to a fishing pier on the Barents Sea, which is situated in front of the restaurant area. They will show you how to catch a King Crab and give you an insight into the history and diversity of this monster of the deep. You have the chance to help pull up the King Crab cages and land your catch. At the restaurant, the fishermen will show you their secret recipe and how they prepare the crab in the local way. You will be served your catch in the idyllic restaurant situated by the fjord with a fantastic view and a great atmosphere.

Prices are in £s per person.

Excursion timings are for guidance only.

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 4D with 4E; 6A with 6C or 6D, 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 21 days of travel.