Hurtigruten Southbound Shore Excursions

Complement your southbound 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 8

8A Breakfast at the North Cape
Port : Honningsvåg - Hammerfest : 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 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 180 ° 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 Sámi 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.

8B The Northernmost Town in the World
Port : 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 Sámi 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.

8C A Midnight Concert in the Arctic Cathedral
Port : 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.

8F Snowmobile Trip in the Polar Night
Port : Mehamn - Kjøllefjord : Join an exciting polar night safari by snowmobile from Mehamn to Kjøllefjord, hunting for the Northern Lights in the polar night sky. You will enjoy several stops on the way, hoping to admire this Arctic phenomenon. Before embarking on this exciting and different experience through "the white desert", guides give you thorough instructions on snowmobiling.

En route, you will make a stop at a real Sámi lavvo (tent) for some hot drinks by the campfire. The remainder of the journey down to Kjøllefjord is made by bus, whilst the guide tells you about life on the coast. In Kjøllefjord you rejoin your ship.
Valid driving licence required.

8G Mountain Hike in Hammerfest
Port : Hammerfest : Take a hike in the areas surrounding the northernmost town in the world! You will walk along the old road in Hammerfest that dates back to 1898. On a clear day, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Barents Sea and the beautiful islands Melkøya, Sørøya and Seiland.

8H Into the Ice
Port : Hammerfest : Feel like a real polar hero on this mini expedition up the Salen mountain in Hammerfest, the world's most northern town. The bus picks you up at the pier and takes you to "Framheim" situated on mount Salen. After putting on warm clothes you go on an expedition by foot to the top of the mountain. You will really get a feeling of how it is like to be outside in the Arctic. Complete the experience by planting a flag at the top before you stop to enjoy some Arctic delicacies.

Day 9

9A A Taste of Vesterålen
Port : Harstad - 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 passengers).

Next door, Trondenes Historical Centre 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.

9B Lofoten Islands
Port : Svolvær - 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 Lofoten 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.

9C Sea Eagle Safari, Trollfjord
Port : Transfer to tender boats in open sea - Svolvær : Just north of the Trollfjord is the sea eagle's realm and the ship's tender boats are ready to take you to see the king of 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.

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 a tender boat and watching your ship is quite magnificent.

9D Lofoten by Horse
Port : Svolvær - Stamsund : Enjoy a horseback ride through the magnificent scenery of the Lofoten Islands! From Svolvær you will be taken to meet your Icelandic steeds at the Hov Horse Farm in Gimsøy. Experience the wonder of a sunset trot through the powdery white sand, over hillside and past exciting relics from the Viking Age. This is a fantastic way to experience the beauty of the Lofoten Islands; the gentle ambling gait for which the Icelandic horses' are renowned makes this a horseback ride suitable for riders with all levels of experience. Icelandic horses are well-known for their good temperament and you're sure to have a friend for life by the time your hack comes to an end.

9E Rib-Adventure in Lofoten
Port : Svolvær : Join a speed-filled excursion with RIB (rigid-hulled inflatable 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.

9F Discover a Fishing Village
Port : Svolvær : Grab your camera for a guided fishing village walk on Svinøya island near Svolvær, surrounded by the mighty mountains of Lofoten. Hear the stories, feel the sea breeze, taste locally made stockfish, visit a gallery and enjoy the unique atmosphere.

9G Fishing in Lofoten
Port : Svolvær : The Atlantic Cod harvest has taken place in Lofoten for thousands of years. Now its your turn to experience it as you join a local fishing boat out in the beautiful surroundings of Lofoten. The skipper takes you out to the fishing banks where the adventure starts. Rod and reel while eagerly awaiting a response from the deep sea. Hopefully you will experience the thrill of a cod on the line.

9I Vesterålen and Lofoten by RIB
Port : Transfer to tender boat in open sea - Svolvær : Join a RIB ride through the beautiful areas of Vesterålen and Lofoten. You drive through the narrow Trollfjord. Here, you go ashore and get a guided tour of the power station and the art gallery located here. You also get to hear the story of the battle of Trollfjord that took place in the year 1890. A snack is served before you continue between small islets and skerries to the charming fishing village of Skrova. Remember to watch out for sea eagles along the way.

Day 10

10B UNESCO Islands Vega
Port : Sandnessjøen - Brønnøysund : 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. Afterwards, you return to Brønnøysund where you board your ship again.

10C Visit the Salmon
Port : Brønnøysund : Norway is one of the world's major exporters of fish and seafood. Norway's fertile coast, with its cool and clear water, offer the optimum conditions for sustainable and responsible aquaculture. After a short bus tour of Brønnøysund you cross the magnificent Brønnøysund Bridge and continue to Toft and the Norwegian Aquaculture Centre. Here you will learn about farming and the surrounding environment. You can meet the salmon, see what they eat and how they live. You can even take part in the feeding, and learn about modern farming. The interactive centre offers you the chance to try out an underwater camera, taste the salmon, and ask questions of the resident guides who will be with you every step of the way.

Day 11

11A 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.

11B The Hidden Rooms of Nidaros Cathedral
Port : Trondheim : Join a fascinating wander through some of the hidden chambers of the cathedral. In the basement, you will walk through dark passages of the tombstone crypt, and explore the largest collection of medieval tombstones in Norway.

11C The Atlantic Road
Port : Kristiansund - 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.

Today, start with a short sightseeing tour of Kristiansund before you continue to Averøy where you visit the beautiful Kvernes Stave Church. Afterwards, you go to the "Bjartmars Favorittkro" tavern, where you are served the speciality of the house, Bacalao. Then continue along the Atlantic Road and finish with a short sightseeing tour of Molde.

11E Bergtatt - A Magnificent Marble Mine
Port : Kristiansund - Molde : This excursion will take you on an unforgettable boat trip on an illuminated crystal clear lake, followed by a tasty soup made from local ingredients while you watch a movie all about mining. The tour also includes a short sightseeing visit to the coastal town of Molde

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 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 21 days of travel.