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
Enjoy a guided hike from the fjord to a summer grazing site at Haukås, where we learn about traditional farming and taste local delicacies.
Highlights
See the beautiful village Urke and the surrounding area
Hike from the fjord via picturesque meadows
Visit a shieling and learn about traditional farming
Taste local food
How it works
You’ll disembark the ship by tender boat, which will take you ashore to the hike's starting point. From the fjord-side, we’ll hike up through lovely meadows to a ‘shieling’. Restored in the 1900s, these small farmhouses are a charming reminder of a bygone era.
In the past, Norwegian farms were located in villages and were relatively small. There wasn’t much pastureland around the villages and, come summertime, flocks and herds would need to be lead further and further afield to graze on new grass. Shielings were therefore built as overnight accommodation for the farmers and milk maidens tasked with milking the cows far from the farm every morning and evening.
You’ll be greeted by welcoming hosts who will explain all about life on the farm. Explore the site, try your hand at carrying old milk pails and even sample some local produce. Then, if there is time, we’ll stop at the grocers on the way back to Urke before rejoining the ship.
Before you book
Activity level
Active: Getting on and off the tender boat requires good mobility and balance.
Group size
Groups up to 80 guests
Availability
Winter, Spring, Autumn
Transport
Walking
Food & drink
Small snacks
What to bring
Comfortable shoes, warm and windproof clothing
Good to know
Recommended equipment is backpack with water bottle, extra clothing, camera, sunglasses The guide provides necessary safety equipment Participants should be in good general health
Voyages with this excursion
This excursion is available on select Hurtigruten voyages along the Norwegian coast. Explore all voyages.
Available: Winter, Spring, Autumn
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 Hjørundfjorden
Discover more ways to explore this beautiful coastal destination
Hike in Urke Valley
Hike the Urke Valley through mountain and river scenery, with lunch at the Urke Port House.
Spring, Summer, Autumn
E-Bike Tour in Hjørundfjorden
Hop on a comfortable e-bike and join this tour that takes us to some of the most picturesque places around the marvellous Hjørundfjorden.
Spring, Summer, Autumn
Mountain Hike in the Hjørundfjord
Hike above Hjørundfjord in the Sunnmøre Alps with fjord views and a hidden bear cave.
Winter, Spring, Autumn
A Taste of Norway
Travel one of Norway’s narrowest valleys via Urke, a unique lake and an iconic hotel.
Spring, Autumn
Hidden treasures of the Hjørundfjord
Scenic boat and bus tour to a 16th-century farm, exploring the narrow Norangsdalen Valley.
Spring, Summer, Autumn