Grand Nordic Adventure – Finland, Norway & Iceland

• Travel by bus through beautiful scenery between Sortland and Stokmarknes

• Join a guided tour around Hurtigrutemusset, housed in one of our retired ships

• Travel back in time to 1912 and 1956 through different sections of the ship

• Discover the history and stories that made The Coastal Express the icon it is today

• Disembarking port: Sortland

• Embarking port: Stokmarknes

• Available: 1 Jan - 31 Dec (except Christmas Day)

• Transportation: Bus

• Meals: N/A

• Clothes: Comfortable shoes, warm and windproof clothing

• A Taste of Vesterålen

• Lofoten Islands

• Sea Eagle Safari

• Lofoten by Horse

• RIB Adventure in Lofoten

• Discover a Fishing Village

Enjoy the scenery as we make our way by bus from Sortland to Stokmarknes, the birthplace of Hurtigruten. On the waterfront, you’ll find a full-sized ship encased within a large glass building. Here, our very own MS Finnmarken from 1956 has been lovingly restored and transformed into a museum in honour of The Coastal Express.  

Hurtigrutemuseet preserves archives, photographs and artefacts that chronicle the birth and evolution of The Coastal Express, our pivotal contribution to coastal communities, and the transformation that had on the Norwegian coast. On a guided tour, you’ll get to explore 1956 MS Finnmarken’s bridge, galley, engine room, classic dining room, and cabins. Then, you can relax in the lounge from DS Finnmarken, a Coastal Express ship from 1912. 

With knowledgeable guides and a range of interactive exhibitions, Hurtigrutemuseet promises a memorable visit, encapsulating and celebrating the legacy of the original Norwegian coastal voyage.

Excursion is subject to a minimum number of participants.

• Experience breathtaking nature on the island of Gimsøy in Lofoten

• Try horseback riding with your own Icelandic horse

• Ride on white sandy beaches while listening to the waves

• See the Northern Lights on horseback during autumn and winter

• Disembarking port: Svolvær

• Embarking port: Stamsund

• Available: 1 Feb - 31 Oct

• Transportation:  Bus and horse

• Clothes: Comfortable shoes, warm clothing. Riding boots and rainproof outerwear are available

• Max weight of passenger 90 kg. No horse-riding experience necessary

• Minimum age limit: 5 years old when accompanied by an adult

• A Taste of Vesterålen

• Sea Eagle Safari

A short bus ride from Svolvær brings us to Hov on the island of Gimsøy. Considered one of the oldest places in Lofoten, the area has boat mounds and tombs from the Viking Age. We’ll be visiting Hov Hestegård, a horse-riding centre located on a farm with views of Mount Hoven and the ocean. 

It’s now time to meet your magnificent Icelandic horse and saddle up for a horseback ride along a guided trail to the beach. We’ll follow the white sandy beach by the North Sea, passing remains from the Viking era on our way. During fall and winter, we ride through the rugged terrain in darkness, listening to the waves and looking out for the Northern Lights.  

The route and the horses are well suited for both beginners and experienced riders. The Icelandic horse is widely known for its calm temper and comfortable gait, whether at a slow or fast trot.

Excursion is subject to a minimum number of participants.

• Visit a working, family-run farm in Lofoten

• Meet some of the family to hear about their story

• See the many cherished animals of the farm

• Sample fresh cheese and herbs made at the farm

• Disembarking port: Stamsund

• Embarking port: Svolvær

• Available:  1 Apr - 30 Sep

• Transportation:  Bus

• Meals: Tastings of local produce

• Clothes: Comfortable shoes and warm clothing

• Svartisen Glacier

• Arctic Coastal Walk

• Experience Bodø and Saltstraumen 

• RIB Safari to Saltstraumen

Today, you’ll get the chance to experience life on a farm in the far north of Norway. Aalan Farm is a herb and cheese farm in Lauvdalen, Lofoten, run by husband and wife Knut and Tove Åland, with some help from their several children.  

This farm supplies our ships with quality tea and award-winning cheeses throughout the year. It’s one of our only local food suppliers that you can visit during a voyage, allowing you to thank them in person for the delicious cheese you’ve had on the ship!  

At Aalan, you’ll learn all about the realities of life on a farm, and you’ll get a chance to taste the cheeses, herbs, and other products that they make from scratch. You can also meet the farm’s goats, dogs, cats, miniature pigs, ducks, and chickens. If you’re lucky, their free-range cow, Victoria, might also make an appearance.

Excursion is subject to a minimum number of participants.

• Enjoy a scenic boat tour that takes you past islands and mountains around Lofoten

• Sail into Trollfjord and maybe see your Coastal Express ship make an impressive 180° turn

• Spot sea eagles, gulls, and other birds dive and feed on fish near your boat

• Possibility of also seeing whales, porpoises, basking sharks, and seals

• Disembarking port: Tender operation in open sea

• Embarking port: Svolvær

• Available: 24 Mar - 15 Oct

• Transportation: Boat

• Meals: Coffee, biscuits and a taste of stock fish

• Clothes: Comfortable shoes, warm clothing. Life vests are provided

• Hurtigruten ships sail into Trollfjord from the end of April depending on sea and ice conditions

• A Taste of Vesterålen

• Lofoten Islands

• Lofoten by Horse

A smaller boat will meet your ship out at sea to take you on a tour through Lofoten’s fjords, past islands and mountains, towards Trollfjord. Along the way, look for sea eagles in the sky, whales in the water, and seals on the shores. 

Trollfjord only measures 2.5 kilometres in length but has steep, dramatic mountainsides. Your Coastal Express ship may also visit the fjord, squeezing through its 100-metre-wide entrance. From aboard your boat, you’ll have the perfect perspective to photograph and to film the ship turning 180° on the spot to manoeuvre back out.  

When we leave Trollfjord, we’ll start to attract the surrounding birds with fish. Gulls will dive for fish right from your hand, while sea eagles circle the boat a few times first. Throwing the fish into the sea grants awe-inspiring photo opportunities of Northern Europe’s largest eagle flexing their 2.5-metre wingspan to swoop in and grab their meal with their powerful talons.

Excursion is subject to a minimum number of participants.

• Visit Lofotpils, a local brewery in the Lofoten Islands.

• Learn about the brewery’s history.

• See how Lofotpils brews its quality beer on site.

• Taste local beer in a beer-tasting session.

• Embarking/disembarking port: Svolvær

• Languages: English and Norwegian

• Available period: 4 Jan - 19 Dec

• Transportation: A short, 275-yard walk

• Clothes/footwear: Comfortable shoes and warm clothing

In 2006, a local beer enthusiast repurposed an old fish-landing facility from 1937 in the centre of Svolvær, turning it into the site of Lofoten’s first brewery. On today’s excursion, you’ll meet the brewery’s owner, Thorvadur, and take a tour of the building.

Our guided tour will take you around Lofotpils, the only craft brewery in Lofoten, where you’ll learn all about the beer-making process, from start to finish. You’ll also hear about the history of the brewery, and how the special conditions of Lofoten’s water made it possible to embark on this ambitious enterprise.

At the end of the tour, you’ll taste some of the beer brewed here in a beer-tasting session. All Lofotpils beer is brewed using fresh water from the Lofoten mountains. This gives the beer a fresh and unique taste, offering you the freshness and beauty of the mountains of Lofoten with every sip.

Excursion is subject to a minimum number of participants.

• Enjoy views of Lofoten’s spectacular landscapes throughout the tour

• Visit Kabelvåg, a small, charming fishing village

• See the exhibitions of Galleri Espolin and Lofoten Museum in Kabelvåg

• Admire a beautiful Vågan church, also known as the Lofoten Cathedral, as we pass by

• Disembarking port: Stamsund

• Embarking port: Svolvær

• Available period:  4 Apr - 31 Aug

• Transportation: Bus

• Meals: N/A

• Clothes: Comfortable shoes and warm clothing 

• Svartisen Glacier

• Arctic Coastal Walk

• Experience Bodø and Saltstraumen 

• RIB Safari to Saltstraumen

Starting in Stamsund, this excursion will take you on a tour of Kabelvåg, one of Lofoten’s oldest fishing villages. Our first stop though is Torvdalshalsen, a rest stop with a gorgeous view across the fjord. We’ll continue on to Kabelvåg, where the commercial part of the Lofoten fishing industry started, more than 1000 years ago.

Here, we’ll visit Galleri Espolin, which has the largest collection of the work of beloved artist Kaare Espolin Johnson. Close to the gallery lies the Lofoten Museum, where you can find out about local fishing history.

Kabelvåg may have started as the medieval town Vågar. In the centre of the village, you’ll find the main building dates back to 1815, along with Vågan Church, also known as the Lofoten Cathedral. The church was built in 1898 in the Gothic Revival style; and is one of Norway’s largest churches.

Excursion is subject to a minimum number of participants.

• Admire the stunning scenery of the Lofoten Islands

• Visit the picturesque fishing village of Henningsvær

• Enjoy looking around local boutiques and galleries

• Learn more about Lofoten, its nature, and its history

• Disembarking port: Svolvær

• Embarking port: Stamsund

• Available: 9 Apr - 31 Aug

• Duration: 3 hours 30 min 

• Transportation: Bus

• Clothes: Comfortable shoes and warm clothing

• A Taste of Vesterålen

• Sea Eagle Safari

The Lofoten Islands are known for excellent fishing, extreme and wild nature and small fishing villages. During the guided trip from Svolvær to Stamsund, you get to see sheltered bays, white sandy beaches, and large, green farmland. The scenery, the special light and the fishing have attracted artists from both Norway and abroad for centuries. We stop in Henningsvær, a charming fishing village with 500 inhabitants. In the 18th century it was the most important fishing village in Lofoten. Fishery is still important today, but the beautiful harbour is also full of charming local arts and crafts shops.

Henningsvær became protected in 2022 and is one of our most historically important fishing villages.  

In Henningsvær we will visit Galleri Lofoten, which exhibits one of Norway’s largest collection of paintings from Northern Norway dating back to the turn of the last century – a period by many called the golden age of North Norwegian painting.

 After the visit in Henningsvær, the bus takes you to Stamsund, where the ship awaits.

Excursion is subject to a minimum number of participants.

• 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 local snack in the café

• Disembarking port: Sandnessjøen

• Embarking port: Brønnøysund

• Available:  10 June - 9 Sep 

• Transportation: Boat

• Meals: Local fruit drink, coffee, tea and local snack

• Clothes: Comfortable shoes, warm and windproof clothing

Discover a hidden gem as you tour the UNESCO-listed islands of Vega that sit south of the Arctic Circle. We’ll venture from Sandnessjøen, through the cluster of islands, islets, and reefs by boat while our guide speaks of the fascinating culture of this coastal landscape and its people. 

Coming ashore at Gardsøy, we’ll visit the Vega World Heritage Centre which highlights the outstanding 1500-year-old tradition that is unique to the area. The islanders act as bird guardians for the migrating eider ducks that nest here. They build tiny ‘houses’ for the animals and after the hatchlings have moved out, the highly-prized eider down is collected.  

Through the exhibitions and short film, you’ll be taken on a journey from Stone Age settlements to fish farming of the modern day. Admire the beautiful views from the café while enjoying a hot drink and local snack.  

We’ll sail back along the idyllic Helgeland coast and end our journey in Brønnøysund.

Excursion is subject to a minimum number of participants.

• Feel tiny as we wander through the cathedral-like hole through the heart of Torghatten, on the island of Torget

• Hear the enchanting myths around the formation of the hole – and how geology and geography explain it

• Learn fascinating Viking stories as we drive through one of the region’s important Viking seats, mentioned in the Icelandic sagas

• Sample a local version of lefse, a traditional flatbread with a unique connection to Torghatten mythology

• Availability: 1 May – 30 September

• Included: Drink and snack

One of Norway’s most iconic places, Torghatten is known for its spectacular hole and the enthralling myths behind it. According to legend, it was created by an arrow fired by the lusty son of a mighty troll king while he was chasing a troll maiden who had been making lefse. 

On the scenic drive there, we’ll hear all about the history and modern life of Brønnøysund and the Helgeland region. When we arrive at Torghatten we’ll follow a narrow footpath along the seashore and, after a short walk, wander through the awe-inspiring hole – it’s 160m long, 35m high, and 15-20m wide. It’s so big, a Hurtigruten ship could sail through it! 

Then, we’ll share a drink and taste local lefse as we learn how and why people have thrived here for thousands of years. 

We’ll drive back past the Norwegian Aquaculture Centre, a beautiful sight from our bus.

Excursion is subject to a minimum number of participants.

• Take a short journey around the beautiful town of Brønnøysund

• Enjoy an informative tour at the Norwegian Aquaculture Centre at Toft

• Feed the salmon and hear about their marine life from experienced guides

• Have a taste of the fresh local Norwegian salmon, famous around the world

• Embarking/disembarking port: Brønnøysund

• Available: 1 Jan - 31 Dec

• Transportation: Bus

• Meals: A taste of salmon 

• Clothes: Comfortable shoes and warm clothing

After a bus tour around the pretty town of Brønnøysund, we’ll admire the impressive views as we cross the magnificent bridge to the Norwegian Aquaculture Centre in Toft.  

There, our guides will tell the story of Norway’s vibrant salmon fishing culture. Meet the salmon that grow here and see how they live, then take part in feeding these beautiful creatures. You’ll also hear about the different bits of technology that helps the salmon from egg to fish. There’s even an opportunity to try an underwater camera to see the fish up close.  

The Norwegian coast’s cool and clear waters offer the prime conditions for sustainable and responsible aquaculture. As a result, Norway is one of the world’s major exporters of fish and seafood with around 37 million people around the globe enjoying the country’s produce. Sample it yourself as we end the tour with a taste of the salmon that’s so internationally loved.

Excursion is subject to a minimum number of participants.

• Ride through the historic parts of Brønnøysund town, hearing dramatic tales of local history along the way

• Get a healthy dose of fresh air and exercise as you pedal through the geographical centre of Norway

• Visit a local modern visual artist in her showroom on a picturesque farm near the seashore

• Spot Torghatten, the mountain with the hole right through it, in the distance

When we’re kitted out with our bikes and helmets, our guide will take us on a tour of historic Brønnøysund. Along the way, we’ll hear intriguing stories about the town at the geographical centre of Norway. 

Follow the smaller roads to Tørrfiskbrygga to see traditional boats and old handcrafts, and discover why Brønnøy Church isn’t just any old Norwegian church... 

Next, we’ll cycle about 1.2 miles (2km) to the Kunstlåven, the ARTBARN, in a picturesque old farm at the end of the road near the sea. It’s the showroom of a local visual artist. We’ll share traditional coffee and cake with her here. If you like, take some time to explore outside too – head to the shore and scan the beautiful bay to spot the famous Torghatten mountain. 

When we’ve cycled back to the pier, we’ll have earned a taste of what is reputedly the best soft ice cream in the world!

Excursion is subject to a minimum number of participants.

• Take a relaxing guided coach journey around the city of TrondheimSee the city from above at the picturesque Utsikten viewpointAdmire the Gothic-style architecture of Nidaros Cathedral on a guided tourReceive a complimentary book about Nidaros Cathedral as a souvenir

• Embarking/disembarking port: Trondheim

• Available: 2 Jan - 31 Dec, except 25 Dec

• Transportation: Bus

• Clothes: Comfortable shoes and warm clothing

• The Atlantic Road

• Bergtatt

Founded as early as 997, this age-old Viking capital is full of culture and history, but it has also established itself as a leader of innovation and Norway’s centre of knowledge.  

A bus tour of Trondheim brings us past the former capital’s beautiful red city bridge and old wooden wharf buildings of the Bakklandet neighbourhood that have stood along the Nid River since the 18th century.  

We’ll then enjoy the magnificent panorama of the bustling city from Utsikten viewpoint which overlooks nearby Kristiansten Fortress and gives view of Munkholmen island in the fjord.  

Next stop is Nidaros Cathedral, Norway’s national shrine. Built over the tomb of St. Olav in 1070, it boasts stunning architecture and ornate Gothic-style decoration carved masterfully into the stone. After a fascinating guided tour of the cathedral, you’ll pick up a complimentary book about Norway’s Notre Dame to take home as a souvenir.

Excursion is subject to a minimum number of participants.

• Tour the attractive fishing towns of Kristiansund and Molde

• Ride along the world-renowned Atlantic Road in the county of Romsdal

• Discover the impressive 17th century Kvernes Stave Church

• Enjoy a traditional local dish, bacalao, at a charming restaurant

• Disembarking port: Kristiansund

• Embarking port: Molde

• Available: 11 Apr - 10 Sep, except 17 May

• Transportation: Bus

• Meals: Bacalao, bread, caramel pudding, coffee or tea

• Clothes: Comfortable shoes and warm clothing

• Trondheim with Nidaros Cathedral

What has been named ‘the world’s best road trip’ starts with a short tour of picturesque Kristiansund before continuing to Averøy, an island that sits at the entry of ‘The Road in the Ocean,’ The Atlantic Road. This route is one of Norway's most visited attractions and won the title of "Engineering Feat of the Century" in 2005.

Covering over 8 kilometres, this unique highway zigzags along the dramatic coastline, crossing over bridges that connect the series of small islands and islets that decorate the stunning landscape.

Stopping at the unique Kvernes Stave Church, we admire the magnificent view of the fjord and take a peek at the attractive baroque interior.

We’ll stop at a cosy tavern to tuck into a Norwegian specialty, Bacalao. Made from the region's famous klippfisk (salted and dried cod), this hearty stew is influenced by Mediterranean recipes and is a result of extensive trading with southern Europe in the 19th century.

Our scenic route ends with a brief tour around the 'City of Roses,' Molde, before rejoining our ship.

Excursion is subject to a minimum number of participants.

• Private tour of the Nidaros Cathedral, Trondheim’s Notre Dame

• Admire impressive architecture and hear fascinating tales of its history

• Explore the hidden rooms of the 12th century cathedral

• Access the crypt to see the largest collection of medieval tombstones in Norway

• Disembarking/embarking port: Trondheim

• Available: 2 Jan - 31 Dec, except 25 Dec

• Transportation: Minibus

• Meals: N/A

• Clothes: Comfortable shoes and warm clothing

• Steep and narrow stairs at the Nidaros Cathedral

• The Atlantic Road

• Bergtatt

Venture to the heart of Trondheim on this exclusive tour of the stunning Nidaros Cathedral, the most important Gothic monument in Norway. 

Built over the burial site of St. Olav, the patron Saint of Norway, this impressive place was constructed from 1070 onwards and was an essential pilgrimage site in northern Europe during the Middle Ages. It remains a popular pilgrimage destination to this day. 

Cast your eyes over the beautiful Romanesque and Gothic architecture with its lofty vaults, slender pillars, eye-catching facades, and delicate ornamental decoration carefully cut into the stone. We’ll climb the winding stairway to discover the enchanting chapel and admire the magnificent stained-glass windows.  

As part of this private tour, we’ll gain access to some of the hidden chambers of the cathedral. In the basement, you’ll wander through the dark passages of the medieval tombstone crypt, home to the marble gravestones that make up Norway’s largest tombstone collection.

Excursion is subject to a minimum number of participants.