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
Embark on a boat tour of the UNESCO-protected Vega Islands and learn about the islands' unique industry of Eider Duck down harvesting.
Highlights
Enjoy views of the beautiful UNESCO-listed Vega archipelago by boat
Visit the Vega World Heritage Centre which charts the islands’ history
Learn about the traditional industry of eider duck down harvesting
Have a complimentary hot drink
and a taste of local flavors at the World Heritage Centre
How it works
You’ll venture by boat through the archipelago’s cluster of islands, islets and reefs, as your guide shares the fascinating culture of this coastal landscape and its people.
Coming ashore at Gardsøy, you’ll visit the Vega World Heritage Centre to learn more about Vega's unique 1,500-year-old tradition. The islanders act as bird guardians for the migrating Eider Ducks that nest here, build tiny ‘houses’ for the animals. After the hatchlings have moved out, the highly prized eider down is collected.
Through the centre’s exhibitions and short film, you’ll be taken on a journey from Stone Age settlements to fish farming of the modern day. You can then pause to admire the island’s beautiful views while enjoying a hot drink and local snack.
You’ll sail back along the idyllic Helgeland coast to Brønnøysund where you will rejoin the ship.
Before you book
Activity level
Easy: Suitable for most people
Group size
Groups up to 38 guests
Availability
Summer, Autumn
Transport
Boat
Food & drink
Coffee / Tea, 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: Summer, Autumn
Kirkenes – Bergen
The Coastal Express – South
The southbound leg on our classic coastal voyage, exploring beautiful archipelagos & fjordlands
- Regular departures
- 6 days
- 33 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.