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 why Kirkenes is aptly nicknamed 'King Crab City' on this thrilling fishing tour.
Highlights
Be taken on a thrilling snowmobile-pulled sleigh onto the frozen sea
See king crab cages being hauled up through a hole in the ice
Watch a local chef prepare the crab traditionally
Enjoy your king crab meal in the restaurant of the Snow Hotel
How it works
Travel across the frozen surface of a surrounding fjord on a snowmobile-driven sleigh while taking in the fantastic scenery. We’ll be accompanied by an experienced fisherman who will tell us all about the giant crustaceans that have made these icy waters their home.
Red king crabs are considered ‘royalty’ because of their size; a single king crab can weigh up to 10 kilos and have an impressive leg span of almost two metres.
Watch as the fisherman cuts a hole through the ice and hauls the crab cages out of the depths. Be at the ready to lend a hand if asked to!
We continue via snowmobile to the Snow Hotel to dine in the restaurant. After the chef prepares and cooks the crab, we’ll settle down to a hearty meal with today’s catch – as fresh as it gets. The portions are as generous as they are delicious so you’re likely to leave the table feeling pretty stuffed!
Excursion is subject to a minimum number of participants.
Before you book
Activity level
Easy: Suitable for most people
Group size
Groups up to 26 guests
Availability
Winter, Spring
Transport
Bus
Food & drink
Lunch
Voyages with this excursion
This excursion is available on select Hurtigruten voyages along the Norwegian coast. Explore all voyages.
Available: Winter, Spring
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 Kirkenes
Discover more ways to explore this beautiful coastal destination
Gamme Cabins by Kirkenes Snowhotel
Stay overnight in a beautifully designed wooden cabin, in winter along with one of the world's most unique hotels, the Snowhotel, or closed to nature during the Arctic summer.
Year-round
Snowhotel – A Unique Winter Experience
Enjoy a special Arctic experience at the Snowhotel, constructed entirely from snow and ice and decorated with snow sculptures.
Year-round
Guest favourite
Husky Tour
Ride a husky sled near Kirkenes, tour the Snowhotel and meet the resident reindeer.
Winter, Spring
Snowmobile Safari
If you fancy racing a snowmobile across a vast snowy expanse and meeting the people who live here then this excursion may be for you.
Winter, Spring
Riverboat to the Norwegian Border (Kirkenes)
Explore Russia´s frontier with Norway along the river that divides the two distinctly different yet strangely similar countries.
Summer, Autumn
ATV/Quad-safari to the Norwegian border (Kirkenes)
Discover the town of Kirkenes, the surrounding nature, historical sights and the Russian border on this motorized quad bike adventure.
Summer, Autumn
King Crab Adventure (Summer)
Join fishermen out on the surrounding fjords of Kirkenes to see them catch king crabs. A chef will then prepare them for an all-you-can-eat king crab buffet.
Summer
Guest favourite
Kirkenes Snowhotel
Tour the famous ice hotel, drink in the ice bar and meet reindeer and huskies.
Year-round
Guest favourite
The Norwegian Border
Visit the Norwegian-Russian border by bus and a WWII bomb shelter near Kirkenes.
Year-round