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
Discover Bodø, the vibrant capital of Northern Norway, before heading to Saltstraumen, home to the world's most powerful tidal current.
Highlights
Enjoy a guided tour around the town of Bodø
View the Saltstraumen tidal current from shore
Take home a pack of salt flakes produced at Saltstraumen
Look out for sea eagles which inhabit the surrounding area
How it works
Our guided bus tour begins in the town of Bodø – Northern Norway’s second-largest town, home to around 50,000 people and situated just north of the Arctic Circle.
From here, we continue to Saltstraumen, the world's strongest tidal current. It has been drawing visitors for 3,000 years – and never disappoints. Here, up to 400 million cubic metres of seawater forces through a 150-metre-wide strait every six hours, reaching speeds of 20 knots.
You'll receive a box of locally produced salt flakes as a souvenir to take home. Harvested over 48 hours and shaped by the water temperature, season and humidity, every crystal is unique. Take the salt back home with you and impress your friends with an Arctic addition to your cooking.
Before you book
Activity level
Moderate: Some mobility needed
Group size
Groups up to 96 guests
Availability
Year-round
Transport
Bus
Food & drink
No food or drink included
What to bring
Comfortable shoes, warm and windproof clothing
Good to know
There is an automated audio guide available in multiple languages The strength of the Saltstraumen current depends on the tide and cannot be guaranteed.
Voyages with this excursion
This excursion is available on select Hurtigruten voyages along the Norwegian coast. Explore all voyages.
Available: Year-round
Bergen – Kirkenes
The Coastal Express – North
The northbound leg of our classic coastal route, from Bergen to Arctic Norway
- Regular departures
- 7 days
- 34 Ports
- Full board
Bergen - Kirkenes - Bergen
The Coastal Express - Northern Lights
Our classic route during aurora season, including direct flights from regional UK airports
- October 2026 - January 2027
- 12 days
- 34 Ports
- Full board
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 Bodø
Discover more ways to explore this beautiful coastal destination
Guest favourite
Arctic Coastal Walk
Take a guided coastal walk to seek out Viking graves and Arctic wildlife.
Year-round
RIB Safari To Saltstraumen
Ride a RIB to the world’s most powerful tidal current, watching for Sea Eagles on the way.
Spring, Summer, Autumn
Sámi Adventure
Meet the Sámi Oksal family near Bodø, hear joik music, drink chaga tea and feed reindeer.
Winter, Spring