A couple explore the Vega Heritage Centre on the UNESCO-listed Vega Islands in Norway

Embark on a boat tour of the UNESCO-protected Vega Islands and learn about the islands' unique industry of Eider Duck down harvesting.

Highlights

Enjoy views of the beautiful UNESCO-listed Vega archipelago by boat

Visit the Vega World Heritage Centre which charts the islands’ history

Learn about the traditional industry of eider duck down harvesting

Have a complimentary hot drink

and a taste of local flavors at the World Heritage Centre

How it works

You’ll venture by boat through the archipelago’s cluster of islands, islets and reefs, as your guide shares the fascinating culture of this coastal landscape and its people.

Coming ashore at Gardsøy, you’ll visit the Vega World Heritage Centre to learn more about Vega's unique 1,500-year-old tradition. The islanders act as bird guardians for the migrating Eider Ducks that nest here, build tiny ‘houses’ for the animals. After the hatchlings have moved out, the highly prized eider down is collected.

Through the centre’s exhibitions and short film, you’ll be taken on a journey from Stone Age settlements to fish farming of the modern day. You can then pause to admire the island’s beautiful views while enjoying a hot drink and local snack.

You’ll sail back along the idyllic Helgeland coast to Brønnøysund where you will rejoin the ship.

Before you book

Activity level

Easy: Suitable for most people

Group size

Groups up to 38 guests

Availability

Summer, Autumn

Transport

Boat

Food & drink

Coffee / Tea, Snacks

What to bring

Comfortable shoes, warm and windproof clothing

Voyages with this excursion

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

Available: Summer, Autumn

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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.