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
Join a guided riverboat tour of the Pasvik River, that serves as the natural boundary for Russia and Norway - two countries steeped in history and culture.
Highlights
Journey from Kirkenes by riverboat up the Pasvik River
See beautiful scenery and learn more about wildlife in the area
Visit the Norwegian-Russian border and hear about its history
Be treated to a hot drinks and cloudberries with cream
How it works
As you sail, your guide brings the region’s rich history to life, with stories of the Sámi people and their nomadic reindeer herding traditions, Listen to tales of Russia’s first martyrs, St. Boris and St. Gleb, and also of St. Trifon from the Pechenga Monastery, the most northerly monastery in the world.
At the border, you'll go ashore to learn more about Norway’s relationship with its easternmost neighbour. You'll then settle down for a warm drink and a traditional Norwegian favourite: cloudberries and cream.
The return journey to Kirkenes is unhurried, with your guide pointing out the reindeer, bears and rich plant life that thrive along the riverbanks.
Before you book
Activity level
Moderate: Some mobility needed
Group size
Groups up to 40 guests
Availability
Summer, Autumn
Transport
Bus
Food & drink
Coffee / Tea
What to bring
Comfortable shoes, warm and windproof clothing
Voyages with this excursion
This excursion is available on select Hurtigruten voyages along the Norwegian coast. Explore all voyages.
Available: Summer, 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 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
King Crab Adventure (Winter)
Accompany a Norwegian fisherman for the day and learn how they catch king crab in winter and then feast on the day’s catch.
Winter, Spring
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
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