
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
Visit a Sámi family at their traditional camp in Saltfjellet and experience the nomadic culture of Norway's indigenous people first-hand.
Discover the Sámi people and their nomadic way of life
Hear a performance of traditional joik music and drink chaga tea
Get a chance to meet and feed some reindeer
A short bus journey from Bodø quay brings you to the Saltfjellet wilderness, where the Oksal family welcome you to their traditional camp for an intimate glimpse into the nomadic world of the Sámi people.
Anne Margrethe and her family share their culture, history and traditions over a cup of chaga tea, brewed from a fungus found on birch trees and revered by the Sámi for its almost magical properties. Gathered around the fire inside the lavvu, their traditional tent, you'll also be treated to joik – an ancient and deeply personal form of Sámi song.
Before you head back to the ship, you're welcome to meet the reindeer that roam the camp, and feed them lichen by hand.
Activity level
Easy: Suitable for most people
Group size
Groups up to 40 guests
Availability
Winter, Spring
Transport
Bus
Food & drink
Coffee / Tea
What to bring
Comfortable shoes, warm and windproof clothing
Good to know
English-speaking Sámi guides Toilets available at camp Wheelchair accessible: Yes, with modification on bus Minimum passengers: 8 (12 if booking with German guide)
This excursion is available on select Hurtigruten voyages along the Norwegian coast. Explore all voyages.
Available: Winter, Spring

Bergen – Kirkenes – Bergen
The original Norwegian coastal voyage – connecting fjords, towns & people since 1893

Bergen – Kirkenes
The northbound leg of our classic coastal route, from Bergen to Arctic Norway

Oslo - Honningsvåg - Rovaniemi - Helsinki
Sail, rail and explore the Arctic with glass igloos, ice fishing and Santa Claus Village
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.
Discover more ways to explore this beautiful coastal destination
Explore Bodø by coach and view Saltstraumen, the world's most powerful tidal current.
Year-round
Take a guided coastal walk to seek out Viking graves and Arctic wildlife.
Year-round

Ride a RIB to the world’s most powerful tidal current, watching for Sea Eagles on the way.
Spring, Summer, Autumn