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
Meet an indigenous Sámi family in their traditional gamme to learn more about their way of life and their remarkable culture.
Highlights
Explore the Nordkyn Peninsula at the top of Europe
Meet a warm and welcoming Sámi family of reindeer herders
Listen to their experiences of everyday life and hear local folk music
Taste traditional reindeer and see some of their beautiful handicrafts
How it works
Departing Kjøllefjord by bus, you'll cross the Nordkyn Peninsula to meet a Sámi reindeer herding family at their summer pasture – an intimate encounter with one of Europe's oldest and most distinctive cultures.
The Sámi people have inhabited Sápmi – a territory stretching from northern Norway across Sweden, Finland and into northwestern Russia – for thousands of years. Their way of life follows the rhythm of their reindeer herds, moving between inland plains and coast with the seasons.
While the reindeer graze on the open peninsula, you'll gather inside their lavvu, the traditional Sámi tent, and settle around the fire. Over dried reindeer meat and joik –the Sámi's ancient, deeply personal form of song – your hosts share the stories, traditions and heritage of their remarkable way of life.
The bus then continues to Mehamn, where you’ll rejoin the ship.
Before you book
Activity level
Easy: Suitable for most people
Group size
Groups up to 47 guests
Availability
Spring, Summer, Autumn
Transport
Bus
Food & drink
Small snacks
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: Spring, 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.
