©Leslie A. Kelly
2C ART NOUVEAU WALK
Date: Jan 01 – Jun 01 Level: 2 Duration: 2 h Price from: $47 pp
Distinguished by its numerous spires, 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 town was 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, 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. Back to Itinerary
© Harald M. Valderhaug
2D ATLANTERHAVSPARKEN AQUARIUM AND MOUNT AKSLA
Date: Jan 01 – Jun 01 Level: 2 Duration: 2 h Price from: $70 pp
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 the fish can be seen being hand-fed by the divers, and a visit to the open-air pool to see the resident penguins. After the visit to Atlanterhavsparken you continue onwards and upwards to Aksla where you can admire the view of Ålesund below. Back to Itinerary
Photo by Hauke Hille CC-BY-SA-2.0-de
3B TRONDHEIM WITH NIDAROS CATHEDRAL
Date: Jan 01 – Apr 02, Sep 03 – Dec 31 Level: 1 Duration: 2 h Price from: $65 pp
Norway’s original capital, Trondheim was founded as early as 997 by the Viking King Olav Tryggvason, who gave the town the name Nidaros. 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 monastery ruins, impressive wooden buildings, colourful wharves, and a beautiful red-painted city bridge dating back to 1861.Trondheim is home to a world famous research and educational community, modern sports facilities and a lively night life. You will hear about the city’s many features as the bus takes us through Trondheim’s streets and boroughs, including a short stop at Utsikten (The View) to admire the city from a high elevation. We continue to the impressive Nidaros Cathedral. Built over the burial place of St. Olav, the patron saint of Norway, the construction of this enormous building with its countless details and decorations, began as early as 1070. After a guided tour around the cathedral, you will understand why many describe it as the most beautiful religious building in Norway. Back to Itinerary
4D RIB SAFARI TO SALTSTRAUMEN
Date: Mar 15 – Nov 03 Level: 3 Duration: 2 h Price from: $163 pp
Today, we head to Saltstraumen, where you will witness the world’s most powerful tidal current! Four times a day, 13 billion cubic feet of water are forced in and out through a passage 150 metres wide and 31 metres deep. On our exciting journey through this wild landscape there is a good chance we 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 we 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.
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4E LOFOTR VIKING FEAST
Date: Jan 01 – Mar 31, Oct 01 – Dec 31 Level: 1 Duration: 3 h Price from: $155 pp
Join us on a historical journey as the bus takes us from Stamsund to Borg, and on to the Lofotr Viking Museum. On the trip to Lofotr, the guide will tell you about the Viking Ages, the museum and how life was for the Vikings who lived here. Upon arrival we are invited in to experience the Chieftain’s house, which has been recreated in full size, and features exhibits of finds from the Viking age. The Chieftain and the lady of the house welcome us 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 in authentic surroundings. After the feast, served with home-brewed mead, we then travel by bus to Svolvær, learning more about the history of Lofoten along the way before re-joining the ship. Back to Itinerary
Photo by Bård Løken
5A THE ARCTIC CAPITAL TROMSØ
Date: Jan 01 – Dec 31 Level: 1 Duration: 2 h 30 min Price from: $90 pp
Tromsø is located beside the mighty Arctic Ocean, surrounded by towering mountains. Not only is it the largest town north of the Arctic Circle, it also has a fascinating history that includes walrus and polar bears hunting in the Arctic Ocean, the transporting of logs from Russian rivers, the Pomor trade, coal mining and sealing. The battle to survive in the hard but naturally resource-rich far north provided hard-earned experiences that, more recently, have turned Tromsø into a research and education centre. During your excursion here, you will visit the Polaria centre, where you will find an Arctic aquarium, seal pool, educational displays and a panorama cinema. 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. After the movie, you will go on an Arctic ‘expedition’, experiencing a close-up look at natural phenomenon such as the Northern Lights, tundra, and blizzards. The tour also includes a stop at the famous Arctic Cathedral, an architectural masterpiece inspired by the natural surroundings. The church, built in 1965, is a town landmark and features northern Europe’s largest stained-glass window. Back to Itinerary
5B DOG SLEDDING
Date: Jan 1 – Apr 30, Nov 1 – Dec 31 Level: 3 Duration: 3 h 30 min Price from: $225 pp
Complete your winter holiday experience with a thrilling husky dog sledge ride! Our tour begins with a drive to the island of Kvaløya where we change clothes and footwear, before hopping aboard the sledges and letting the huskies pull us over the frozen landscape; enjoying stunning views of the ocean, mountains and open plateaus. During the polar night, the only light we’ll see will comes from our headlamps, the uniquely Nordic starry sky, and if we’re lucky enough, the magical Northern Lights. Afterwards you are invited into a Sámi lavvo (tent) with an open fire and a hot drink. During this trip we will also experience a working day at the Wilderness Centre, where you can learn more about dog sledding and the dogs themselves. Join us on a miniature polar expedition! Back to Itinerary
Photo by Stein Lillebo
5D POLAR HISTORY WALK
Date: Jan 1 – Apr 15, Oct 15 – Dec 31 Level: 2 Duration: 2 h 30 min Price from:$70
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 you will 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 is located in an old customs house from the 1830s and features exhibits from Norway’s proud polar history; including the Arctic Ocean hunt and numerous polar expeditions. We will also see a film of the polar region made by the Arctic hunters. The tour continues to Tromsø’s main street, Storgaten, and on to 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. Afterwards your guide will then accompany you back to the waiting Hurtigruten ship. Back to Itinerary
5E/5F WILDERNESS ADVENTURE CAMP
Date: Jan 01 – Mar 31, Nov 01 – Dec 31 Level: 3 Duration: 6 h 30 min Price from: $415 pp
Lyngsfjord Adventure and Camp Tamok offers you an extraordinary experience, with dog sledding, a snowmobile safari and reindeer driving among your choice of activities! Departing from the harbour of Finnsnes, you will be able to enjoy a multimedia presentation about the area’s history and cultural heritage during your coach transfer to the camp. On arrival in the valley of Tamok, you will receive all necessary winter clothing, shoes and instructions for the adventures. Here we welcome you to Camp Tamok, your gateway to a thrilling wilderness adventure! Back to Itinerary
Photo by Buchs Didier
6A THE NORTH CAPE
Date: Jan 01 – Dec 31 Level: 1 Duration: 3 h Price from: $165 pp
Enjoy the magnificent sub-Arctic landscape as you cross the 71st parallel on our journey towards the North Cape, the northernmost point on the continent. In summer, you might come across herds of grazing reindeer and a small camp belonging to the Sámi people, indigenous to this part of the world. The North Cape plateau itself rises 307 metres almost vertically from the ice cold Arctic Ocean. Stand and wonder at the view, but don’t forget to get some photographic evidence of this amazing place. After all, you can’t get any further north in mainland Europe! The tour includes a visit to the North Cape Hall, a modern centre where you can see an impressive 180° panoramic film about Finnmark and the North Cape, buy souvenirs, send postcards and relax whilst enjoying a bite to eat. Back to Itinerary
© Arctic Coast
6D SNOWMOBILE TRIP IN LAPLAND
Date: Jan 01 – May 10, Dec 15 – Dec 31 Level: 3 Duration: 2 h 15 min Price from: $383 pp
Join us on 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, the geographic and climatic conditions, 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. Back in Mehamn, the world’s northernmost mainland town, located on the often wild and stormy Finnmark coast, we rejoin the Hurtigruten ship to continue our voyage. Back to Itinerary
Photo by Rudi Boersma
7A THE RUSSIAN BORDER
Date: Jan 01 – Dec 31 Level: 1 Duration: 2 h Price from $70 pp
The only town in Norway where East meets West, Kirkenes represents the turning point of your Hurtigruten voyage. We start with a short tour of the town, before the bus takes us deep into the surprisingly fertile landscape. Here you can take in the expanse of green hills, dotted with scrubs, birch and pine trees that manage to survive despite the harsh Arctic climate. The region has experienced an exciting and at times hugely dramatic history, so this also promises to be an educational morning. Next up, we make a stop at Storskog – the border station between Norway and Russia. Unfortunately we cannot cross the border itself, but you are permitted to take pictures and are normally able to purchase Russian souvenirs. From here we travel to the small mining community of Bjørnevatn, before heading towards Pasvikdalen, which boasts an imposing landscape filled with rolling green hills and robust trees, an area known to have Norway’s largest population of brown bears. Back in Kirkenes we make a stop at the impressive Prestfjellet Mountain, which overlooks both the town and your waiting Hurtigruten ship.
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© Gian-Rico Willy
7C SNOWMOBILE SAFARI
Date: Jan 01 – May 05, Dec 15 – Dec 31 Level: 3 Duration: 2 h 30 min Price from: $240 pp
On a frozen fjord you will drive snowmobiles, two people per vehicle, across the beautiful landscape in the height of the Arctic winter. During the trip your guides will tell you about the history of the Sámi people, the extreme Arctic climate and the unique wildlife that inhabits the area. After the journey you can enjoy a hot drink and sample some dried reindeer meat in a well-heated Sámi lavvo (tent). You will receive thorough instructions on snowmobiling safety before your experience begins. Back to Itinerary
© Stein J Bjoerge
7D KIRKENES SNOW HOTEL
Date: Jan 01 – May 01 Level: 1 Duration: 2 h 30 min Price from: $88 pp
Kirkenes Snow Hotel is set in idyllic surroundings near Gabba Reindeer Park. Our adventure here begins with a stroll up to the hotel and into Norway’s largest ice bar, where upon arrival we are served an ice cold crowberry shot, locally known as ”Rudolf’s Revenge”! The guide will then show us around the Snow Hotel, including some of the magnificent suites containing art made from snow and ice. 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. Afterwards, we go to the Gabba restaurant where you’ll be greeted by a cosy fire. Here we are served sausages with potato pancakes and mustard, before returning to Kirkenes where we make a stop at Prestfjellet Mountain to enjoy its magnificent views of both the town and your waiting Hurtigruten ship. Back to Itinerary
© Stein J. Bjorge
7F HUSKY SLEDGE ADVENTURE
Date: Jan 01 – May 01, Dec 01 – Dec 31 Level: 3 Duration: 2 h 30 min Price from: $208 pp
You are met at the quay in Kirkenes for a short drive on to the intriguing 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. Then it’s time to meet the dogs! 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). All of the guides have plenty of experience in dog sledging, many having taken part in competitive dog races. You can also have a go at driving the sledge yourself, or if you’d prefer, you can simply sit back and enjoy the ride. The track is just over 5 km long, and is set against the most picturesque of landscapes, so you can experience the real feeling of wilderness during your adrenalinfuelled ride! At the end of the trip you gather around the fire for a hot drink, and also have the option to visit the Snow Hotel or the reindeer enclosure. Back to Itinerary
7G ARCTIC BUSHCRAFT
Date: Sep 07 – Nov 06 Level: 2 Duration: 2 h 30 min Price from: $115 pp
Just how did people survive the long, harsh Arctic winter? This excursion will provide you with an insight into the autumn season in the Arctic; how people have harvested, stored, hunted and fished for centuries. We go by bus to the camp, which is a 15min drive from the quay. Here, you will be divided into groups, and each group will get a specific task. You will learn to make a fire, how to fish, make your own tea and how to throw a lasso. Afterwards, we will meet up in the lavvo, where you will have a taste of the Arctic including Cloudberries with cream, dried reindeer meat, rhubarb and tea. Back to Itinerary
Southbound Excursions
Photo by Ludovic Péron
8B THE NORTHERNMOST TOWN IN THE WORLD
Date: May 01 – Sep 15 Level: 1 Duration: 1 h Price from: $47 pp
Established in 1789, Hammerfest is the northernmost town in the world. On arrival here, the bus will take you to the Meridian Column, which is on the UNESCO list of World Heritage sites and commemorates the first official measurement of the exact size and shape of the Earth. From here we also have a spectacular view of Melkøya and the Snøhvit field (LNG). The town of Hammerfest has a long, eventful history; back in 1891 it was the first town in northern Europe to get electric street lighting produced purely from water power. As we head up Mount Salen, you will learn more about Hammerfest’s unique history, whilst also getting an insight into both Sámi history and culture and Europe’s first LNG factory (Liquid Natural Gas). Once at Salen’s peak, we can experience great views over the town and our waiting ship. Before we return to the quay we will drive past the town church which features unusual architecture inspired by fish flakes.
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Arctic Cathedral Midnight Sun CC BY-SA 3.0, Courtesy of Molde20
8C MIDNIGHT CONCERT AT THE ARCTIC CATHEDRAL
Date: Jan 01 - Dec 31 Level: 1 Duration: 1h 15 min Price from: $80 pp
With its exquisite glass mosaic window, there is perhaps no more beautiful way to experience the Arctic Cathedral than by attending a midnight concert. As the candle lights flicker, this elegant church is filled with the sounds of the most beautiful Norwegian folk songs, as well as some wonderfully powerful classical and sacred selections. This incredible musical experience is enhanced by the Arctic Cathedral’s fantastic acoustics. All in all, it’s a moving and perfect way to end the day. Back to Itinerary
© Alexander Evensen
8F SNOWMOBILE TRIP IN THE POLAR NIGHT
Date: Jan 01 – May 10, Dec 15-31 Level: 3 Duration: 2 h 30 min Price from: $465 pp
Join us on an unforgettable snowmobile trip to one of Europe’s most extreme and exciting natural areas. During this excursion you will travel from Mehamn, the world’s northernmost mainland town, located on the often wild and stormy Finnmark coast, over the mountains to the old trading post and fishing village of Kjøllefjord. Along the way, the guides will tell you about the Sámi people, the geographic and climatic conditions, 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. In Kjøllefjord you rejoin the Hurtigruten ship to continue our voyage.
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9A A TASTE OF VESTERÅLEN
Date: Jan 01 – Dec 31 Level: 1 Duration: 4 h 15 min Price from: $115 pp
Harstad to Sortland is one of the real classics in Hurtigruten’s excursion program. Today we will experience history, beautiful scenery and a selection of breath-taking sights. We begin with a short sightseeing through the streets of Harstad, before moving on to the Trondenes peninsula. Here, you visit the white medieval church, which is one of our premier cultural heritage sites from the late Middle Ages. You are truly on historic ground and in Trondenes Historical Centre, you’ll find an exciting exhibition complete with sounds, smells and original objects from the region throughout history; from the Viking and Middle Ages, to the present day. The bus then takes us across Hinnøya Island, where we can enjoy a view of beautiful fjords, steep mountains and large fertile agricultural areas. Moving on, you will cross the Gullesfjord by ferry, which will give you a chance to enjoy a hot drink and some freshly baked cakes. The tour then continues along the Sigerfjord to Sortland where you rejoin your ship. This excursion is a beautiful experience in all seasons; idyllic in the summer, but just as picture perfect in winter. Back to Itinerary
9C SEA EAGLE SAFARI
Date: Mar 24 – Oct 15 Level: 2 Duration: 2 h Price from: $142 pp
Just north of the Trollfjord is the realm of the sea eagle and it is here that a smaller vessel lies ready to take you out to see the king of the birds close up. First you accompany the Hurtigruten ship into the Trollfjord where you will see it turning around in the narrowest of spaces, a magnificent sight alone! The eagle safari begins in earnest when you leave the Trollfjord, starting with the gulls, which dive for fish right from your hand. You then pass through a narrow seaway flanked by a range of steep mountains. This is where the sea eagles dwell and can be viewed as they come flying in to get a share of the banquet. We let these beautiful, rare birds of prey circle the boat a few times, before we throw fish into the sea for them to dive in and collect. It’s all so close, so wild and so rare that some people forget to take pictures, but if you’re lucky, you may observe several majestic birds. From here the safari sets its course for Svolvær and you are left with the experience of seeing the King of Birds up close – memories that will stay with you forever. Back to Itinerary
Photo by Hauke Hille CC-BY-SA-2.0-de
11A TRONDHEIM WITH NIDAROS CATHEDRAL
Date: Jan 01 – Dec 31 Level: 1 Duration: 2 h Price from: $65
Norway’s original capital, Trondheim was founded as early as 997 by the Viking King Olav Tryggvason, who gave the town the name Nidaros. 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 monastery ruins, impressive wooden buildings, colourful wharves, and a beautiful red-painted city bridge dating back to 1861.Trondheim is home to a world famous research and educational community, modern sports facilities and a lively night life. You will hear about the city’s many features as the bus takes us through Trondheim’s streets and boroughs, including a short stop at Utsikten (The View) to admire the city from a high elevation. We continue to the impressive Nidaros Cathedral. Built over the burial place of St. Olav, the patron saint of Norway, the construction of this enormous building with its countless details and decorations, began as early as 1070. After a guided tour around the cathedral, you will understand why many describe it as the most beautiful religious building in Norway. Back to Itinerary
Photo by Altafoto
11D TRONDHEIM CITY WALK
Date: Jan 01 – Dec 31 Level: 2 Duration: 2 h 15 min Price from: $43 pp
A walk through Trondheim is a journey through its 1,000-year history. The harbour was developed during the second half of the 19th century, and you start your walk here at the quay. You walk up to Stiftsgården, the royal residence in Trondheim, and continue to the market square to take a closer look at the statue of the city’s founder, the Viking King Olav Tryggvason, which towers over this busy square. From here, you continue to Nidaros Cathedral, the national monument of Norway. You cross the old city bridge with its red gateway, known to the locals as “the portal of happiness”, and enter the area of the city called Bakklandet, which has managed to preserve its charming wooden architecture. Originally this was the industrial part of the city, but now the old factories have been renovated into desirable housing surrounded by boutique shops and gourmet restaurants. And it’s here that you find the world’s one and only bicycle lift which has to be seen to be believed! Back to Itinerary
Photo by Altafoto
12A BERGEN CITY SIGHTSEEING
Date: Jan 01 – Dec 31 Level: 2 Duration 2 h Price from: $57 pp
Bergen is an international city with small town charm surrounded by seven imposing mountains. Enjoy a guided tour past the picturesque alleys and wellknown locations such as Nordnes peninsula, Håkon’s Hall and the Rosenkrantz Tower, Maria Church, Bergen harbour and the famous fish market. In addition to seeing all this, our well-informed guides will also take you on a short walk through the UNESCO-listed old buildings in the Bryggen district. During this trip you will receive a good insight into the city’s history and development, from its founding in 1070, right up to the present day. Back to Itinerary
Please Note Excursions in Kirkenes are not all combinable and are not available for all departures. In Tromsø due to excursion timings you will be unable to combine all options. Please ask for details. Rates are listed in USD and are subject to change. Duration times are approximate. Excursion level key: 1 - For everyone 2 - For most guests, requires some physical effort 3 - For guests in good physical condition