Hurtigruten Coastal Express Excursions Guide (Northbound & Southbound)
Planning excursions is one of the most exciting parts of sailing aboard Hurtigruten’s Coastal Express. Unlike traditional cruises, the voyage follows Norway’s spectacular coastline while offering dozens of optional shore experiences ranging from scenic fjord cruises and Arctic hikes to dog sledding, snowmobiling, Viking history, and visits to the North Cape.
The excursion guide shown here lists the optional tours available during both the northbound and southbound voyages, along with departure ports, approximate operating times, transportation methods, and onboard booking prices in Norwegian kroner (NOK).
How the Hurtigruten Excursion Guide Works
The printed excursion guide serves as a quick reference for passengers planning activities throughout the voyage.
Each excursion includes:
- Excursion code
- Departure port
- Approximate operating hours
- Tour name
- Transportation method where applicable
- Onboard price in Norwegian kroner (NOK)
Some excursions are also marked as “Favorite,” indicating popular choices among guests.
Northbound Excursions (Days 2–7)
The first page of the guide covers excursions available while sailing north from Bergen toward Kirkenes.
Destinations shown include:
- Ålesund
- Trondheim
- Bodø
- Stamsund
- Svolvær
- Tromsø
- Honningsvåg
- Kirkenes
- Kjøllefjord
The guide features a wide variety of experiences, including scenic sightseeing tours, cultural visits, nature walks, Arctic adventures, and winter activities.
Examples shown include:
- Hjørundfjord Scenic Fjord Tour
- Alnes Lighthouse
- Atlantic Sea Park
- Trondheim city walks
- Arctic Coastal Walk
- Sami Life and Heritage
- Lofotr Viking Feast
- Tromsø sightseeing
- Polar History Walk
- Husky dog sledding
- Cross-country skiing
- Snowshoeing
- North Cape excursion
- Snowmobile adventure
- King Crab Experience
- Kirkenes Snow Hotel
- Norwegian Border excursion
Several tours indicate travel by bus, while others are walking tours or outdoor activities.
Arctic and Winter Experiences
One of the standout features of Hurtigruten’s excursion program is its focus on authentic Arctic experiences.
The guide includes several memorable winter activities such as:
- Husky sledding
- Snowmobiling
- Snowshoe hiking
- Cross-country skiing
- Visits to the Snow Hotel
- King crab experiences
These excursions give travelers opportunities to experience northern Norway beyond the ports themselves.
Cultural and Historical Excursions
Not every excursion focuses on outdoor adventure.
The guide also highlights cultural experiences including:
- Trondheim sightseeing
- Nidaros Cathedral visits
- Sami heritage experiences
- Viking-themed excursions
- Fishing village visits
- Brewery tours
- Historic city walks
These tours allow guests to learn more about Norway’s history, traditions, and coastal communities.
Southbound Excursions (Days 7–12)
The second page lists optional excursions after the ship turns around in Kirkenes and begins sailing south.
Ports shown include:
- Mehamn
- Hammerfest
- Tromsø
- Harstad
- Sortland
- Svolvær
- Brønnøysund
- Trondheim
- Kristiansund
- Molde
- Bergen
Available experiences include:
- Snowmobile trips under the polar night
- Hammerfest sightseeing
- Mountain hikes
- Midnight concerts
- Vesterålen history tours
- Hurtigruten Museum visits
- Horse riding in Lofoten
- Lofotpils Brewery tour
- Evening hikes
- Nature and culture walks
- Sami museum visits
- Nidaros Cathedral tours
- Marble mine excursion
The guide also includes transfer information for passengers disembarking in Bergen.
Excursion Prices
Prices throughout the guide are listed in Norwegian kroner (NOK).
Costs vary depending on the excursion and generally increase for longer or more specialized experiences such as:
- Husky sledding
- Snowmobile safaris
- Viking dinner experiences
- North Cape tours
Shorter walking tours and local sightseeing experiences are generally priced lower.
Since excursion prices can change over time, these printed prices are best viewed as a historical reference for this specific sailing.
Booking Information
The guide reminds passengers that:
- Excursions are subject to weather conditions.
- Some require minimum participation.
- Certain activities have maximum group sizes.
- Booking deadlines are generally 1:00 PM the day before the excursion.
The guide also notes that Hurtigruten Ambassador members receive a discount on eligible onboard excursion bookings.
Tips for Planning Hurtigruten Excursions
When reviewing the excursion guide before your cruise:
- Book popular Arctic excursions early.
- Pay attention to daily booking deadlines.
- Consider weather conditions when planning outdoor activities.
- Review transportation requirements for each excursion.
- Bring appropriate clothing for winter excursions and hiking experiences.
Many passengers choose a combination of scenic, cultural, and outdoor experiences throughout the voyage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this guide include every Hurtigruten excursion?
It includes the excursions shown in the printed guide for this specific sailing. Excursion offerings may vary by season, itinerary, or operational conditions.
Are prices shown in Norwegian kroner?
Yes. All prices in the guide are listed in NOK.
Are Northbound and Southbound excursions different?
Yes. The guide includes separate excursion listings for the northbound and southbound portions of the Coastal Express voyage.
Can excursions sell out?
Yes. Popular excursions may have limited capacity, and the guide notes that some require minimum or maximum participant numbers.
When do excursions need to be booked?
The printed guide states that bookings generally close at 1:00 PM on the day before the excursion.
Conclusion
This Hurtigruten Coastal Express excursion guide provides an excellent overview of the optional experiences available throughout both the northbound and southbound voyage. From scenic fjord cruises and historic city tours to Arctic adventures, Sami cultural experiences, and winter activities like husky sledding and snowmobiling, the guide illustrates the remarkable variety of excursions that make sailing Norway’s iconic Coastal Express such a memorable experience.
