Gjesvarstappan Norway HGR 143434 Photo Andrea Klaussner
Gjesvarstappan Norway HGR 155723 Photo Kay Fochtmann

Embark on a boat trip from the historic fishing village of Gjesvær to the protected island group of Gjesværstappan, one of the most extraordinary birdwatching sites in northern Europe.

Highlights

Visit the small fishing village of Gjesvær which dates to the Viking era

Enjoy views of Gjesværstappan, a group of steep, grass-covered islands

Visit these outlying islands by boat to see one of Norway’s biggest bird cliffs

Spot seabirds such as puffins, kittiwakes, cormorants, razorbills, and skuas

How it works

You’ll travel by bus to Gjesvær, from where it’s a short boat trip to the islands of Gjesværstappan. The meeting of warm and cold ocean currents creates nutrient-rich waters here, while the islands’ steep cliffs provide ideal nesting conditions. The result is a paradise for seabirds – and for those who love to watch them. Bring your binoculars.

From the boat, you'll observe Finnmark’s largest Puffin colony alongside Kittiwakes, Sea Eagles, guillemots, razorbills, cormorants, Arctic skuas, Northern Fulmars and the impressive Northern Gannet. During nesting season, the cliffs fill with sound and movement as thousands of birds crowd every ledge. In autumn, look out for the British Storm-Petrel – Europe's smallest seabird.

Before you book

Activity level

Moderate: Some mobility needed

Group size

Groups up to 40 guests

Availability

Spring, Summer, Autumn

Transport

Bus with guide

Food & drink

No food or drink included

What to bring

Comfortable shoes, warm and windproof clothing

Good to know

The tour is not suitable for persons with impaired mobility. Minimum age: 5 years old when accompanied by an adult We recommend you bring a pair of binoculars with you

Voyages with this excursion

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

Available: Spring, Summer, Autumn

MS Kong Harald passing through the Raftsundet Strait, between the islands of Hinnøya and Austvågøya

Bergen – Kirkenes – Bergen

The Coastal Express – Roundtrip

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

  • Regular departures
  • 12 days
  • 34 Stops
  • Full board (breakfast, lunch, & dinner)
Nidaros Cathedral is one of Trondheim's most famous sights

Bergen – Kirkenes – Trondheim

The Coastal Express – To the Viking Capital

The original Norwegian coastal voyage, returning via Trondheim – home of Viking kings

  • Regular departures
  • 11 days
  • 34 Stops
  • Full board (breakfast, lunch, & dinner)
A Hurtigruten ship sailing beneath the glowing Northern Lights along Norway’s snow-dusted coast

Bergen – Kirkenes

The Coastal Express – North

The northbound leg of our classic coastal route, from Bergen to Arctic Norway

  • Regular departures
  • 7 days
  • 34 Stops
  • 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.

Other excursions in Honningsvåg

Discover more ways to explore this beautiful coastal destination

King Crab serving

Honningsvåg·6-7 hours

North Cape and King Crab Experience - Winter

From iconic views at North Cape to delicious king crab in Sarnes, join us to experience the highlights of Honningsvåg in winter.

Winter, Spring

Gjesværstappan bird cliffs in Norway

Honningsvåg·5h 30min

Birdwatching Safari & The North Cape

Visit North Cape then boat to Norway’s biggest bird cliffs, teeming with seabirds.

Spring, Summer

Arctic ice fishing excursion in Honningsvåg, Norway.

Honningsvåg·2h 30min

Arctic Ice Fishing

Snowshoe across a lake, drill through the ice and fish for trout on this Arctic adventure.

Winter

Honningsvag Norway HGR 148622 Photo Rune Kongsro

Honningsvåg·3h

Fishing Village Visit

Visit the world's northernmost fishing village, Christmas House and local gallery.

Year-round

original-0E20048F-0B65-4716-9866-F0EBE187001E

Honningsvåg·3h 30min

RIB & King Crab Experience

Ride a RIB and haul king crab pots before a seafood feast at a scenic coastal spot.

Summer

Quad biking excursion to the North Cape

Honningsvåg·4h 30min

Quad Biking to North Cape

Ride a quad bike across rugged Magerøya Island to the incredible North Cape.

Year-round

north-capefilip-hoel_2500x1250

Honningsvåg·5h

North Cape and King Crab Experience - Summer

Travel by bus to the northernmost point of mainland Europe before sampling local crab.

Year-round

Guest favourite
North Cape plateau in winter

Honningsvåg·3h

The North Cape

Travel by bus to North Cape, Europe's most northerly point, with panoramic Arctic views.

Year-round

Guest favourite
The North Cape at sunset, the northernmost point of Europe

Honningsvåg·6h

Breakfast at the North Cape

Enjoy a breakfast to remember at Europe’s northernmost point, overlooking the Barents Sea.

Spring, Summer, Autumn

Guest favourite
North Cape plateau in winter

Honningsvåg·3h

The North Cape

Travel by bus to the North Cape, Europe's northernmost point, for panoramic ocean views.

Year-round