hurtigruten-museum-stokmarknes-148050-erik_lindner_aspelund_hurtigrutemuseet

Booking Reference: HR-SRD9K

Enjoy the scenery as we travel by bus from Sortland to Stokmarknes, the birthplace of Hurtigruten, to visit Hurtigrutemuseet and explore the restored MS Finnmarken.

Highlights

Travel by bus through beautiful scenery between Sortland and Stokmarknes

Join a guided tour around Hurtigrutemusset, housed in one of our retired ships

Travel back in time to 1912 and 1956 through different sections of the ship

Discover the history and stories that made The Coastal Express the icon it is today

About this excursion

Enjoy the scenery as we make our way by bus from Sortland to Stokmarknes, the birthplace of Hurtigruten. On the waterfront, you’ll find a full-sized ship encased within a large glass building. Here, our very own MS Finnmarken from 1956 has been lovingly restored and transformed into a museum in honour of The Coastal Express.  

Hurtigrutemuseet preserves archives, photographs and artefacts that chronicle the birth and evolution of The Coastal Express, our pivotal contribution to coastal communities, and the transformation that had on the Norwegian coast. On a guided tour, you’ll get to explore 1956 MS Finnmarken’s bridge, galley, engine room, classic dining room, and cabins. Then, you can relax in the lounge from DS Finnmarken, a Coastal Express ship from 1912. 

With knowledgeable guides and a range of interactive exhibitions, Hurtigrutemuseet promises a memorable visit, encapsulating and celebrating the legacy of the original Norwegian coastal voyage.

Excursion is subject to a minimum number of participants.

Practical information

Activity level

Easy: Suitable for most people

Availability

Year-round

Transport

Bus

Voyages with this excursion

This excursion is available on select Hurtigruten voyages along the Norwegian coast. Explore all voyages.

Available: Year-round

Hurtigruten's MS Finnmarken — identifiable by its red hull and illuminated white superstructure — sails through a calm Norwegian fjord at night beneath a spectacular aurora borealis display. Sweeping curtains of green northern lights radiate across a star-filled sky, while snow-covered mountains rise steeply from the water's edge in the background. The ship's warm lights and the aurora reflect in the glassy surface of the fjord below.

Bergen – Kirkenes – Bergen

The Coastal Express

The original Norwegian coastal voyage – connecting fjords, towns & people since 1893

  • Regular departures
  • 12 days
  • 34 Ports
  • Full board (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
ms-richard-with-northern-lights-122378

Bergen - Kirkenes - Bergen

The Coastal Express – with Regional Direct Flights

Our classic route during aurora season, including direct flights from selected regional UK airports

  • November 2026 - January 2027
  • 12 days
  • 34 Ports
  • Full board (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
MAIN-HERO 2025.06.03-MS-Polarlys,-Trollfjorden-06-Espen-Mills 3x2

Kirkenes – Bergen

The Coastal Express – South

The southbound leg on our classic coastal voyage, exploring beautiful archipelagos & fjordlands

  • Regular departures
  • 6 days
  • 33 Ports
  • Full board (breakfast, lunch, dinner)

Frequently asked questions

Answers to the questions our guests ask most often

If an excursion is not fully booked, any remaining slots will be available for purchase on board through your Expedition Team. These will be charged in Norwegian Kroner at your ship’s exchange rate.  

However, to ensure yourself a spot, we recommend booking in advance.

You will be able to view them all by logging into your booking here.

If you booked through a travel agent, you can reach out to them for this information.

Yes, you will get a full refund to your original payment method. If that's not possible, we will reach out to check your payment details.

Each of our excursions has a rating to illustrate the level of fitness required. There are four categories, with 1 being the easiest and 4 the most difficult.

Level 1 = Easy: suitable for most

Excursions at this level are physically undemanding and suitable for most people.

Level 2 = Moderate: some mobility needed

Excursions in this category involve a small amount of physical activity, but on easy terrain with few major challenges.

Level 3 = Active: good mobility needed

Excursions in this category are more active and involve outdoor pursuits that require a decent level of fitness. You may be expected to carry your own backpack and equipment. They are not suitable for those with limited mobility.

Level 4 = Challenging: good mobility and fitness needed 

These are our most challenging excursions, and require a good level of fitness. They may involve hiking or biking on uneven terrain and may also require specialist equipment. You would be expected to carry your own backpack and equipment. Excursions in this category are not suitable for those with limited mobility. 

Prices can vary depending on the season you travel. Costs such as exchange rates and local prices may change from year to year, so we show a “starting from” price as a guide. The exact price will be confirmed when you book.