Bergen – Kirkenes – Bergen
The Coastal Express – Roundtrip
The original Norwegian coastal voyage – connecting fjords, towns & people since 1893
- Regular departures
- 12 days
- 34 Stops
- Full board (breakfast, lunch, & dinner)
Embark on a boat trip from the historic fishing village of Gjesvær to the protected Gjesværstappan archipelago, one of northern Europe’s most extraordinary birdwatching destinations.
Highlights
Visit the small fishing village of Gjesvær, which dates back to the Viking era.
Enjoy views of Gjesværstappan, a group of steep, grass-covered islands.
Visit these outlying islands by boat to see one of Norway’s largest bird cliffs.
Spot seabirds such as puffins, kittiwakes, cormorants, razorbills, and skuas.
How it works
You’ll travel by bus to Gjesvær, where a short boat ride takes you to the islands of Gjesværstappan. Here, the meeting of warm and cold ocean currents creates nutrient-rich waters, while the islands’ steep cliffs provide ideal nesting sites. The result is one of Northern Norway’s most impressive seabird colonies.
From the boat, you’ll observe Finnmark’s largest Puffin colony alongside Kittiwakes, Sea Eagles, guillemots, razorbills, cormorants, Arctic Skuas, Northern Fulmars, and the impressive Northern Gannet. During nesting season, the cliffs come alive with sound and movement as thousands of birds crowd every ledge.
In autumn, keep an eye out for the British Storm Petrel, Europe’s smallest seabird.
Before you book
Activity level
Moderate: Some mobility needed
Group size
Groups up to 40 guests
Availability
Spring, Summer, fall
Transport
Bus with guide
Food & drink
No food or drink included
What to bring
Comfortable shoes, warm and windproof clothing
Good to know
Not suitable for guests with limited mobility. Minimum age: 5 years when accompanied by an adult. Binoculars are recommended.
Voyages with this excursion
This excursion is available on select Hurtigruten voyages along the Norwegian coast. Explore all voyages.
Available: Spring, Summer, fall
Bergen – Kirkenes
The Coastal Express – North
The northbound leg of our classic coastal route, from Bergen to Arctic Norway
- Regular departures
- 7 days
- 34 Stops
- Full board (breakfast, lunch, & dinner)
Bergen – Kirkenes – Trondheim
The Coastal Express – To the Viking Capital
The original Norwegian coastal voyage, returning via Trondheim – home of Viking kings
- Regular departures
- 11 days
- 34 Stops
- Full board (breakfast, lunch, & dinner)
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 Honningsvåg
Discover more ways to explore this beautiful coastal destination
North Cape and King Crab Experience - Winter
From iconic views at North Cape to delicious king crab in Sarnes, join us to experience the highlights of Honningsvåg in winter.
Winter, Spring
Birdwatching Safari & The North Cape
Visit the North Cape, then take a boat trip to Norway’s biggest bird cliffs, teeming with seabirds.
Spring, Summer
Arctic Ice Fishing
Snowshoe across a lake, drill through the ice, and fish for trout on this Arctic adventure.
Winter
Fishing Village Visit
Visit the world’s northernmost fishing village, Christmas House, and a local gallery.
Year-round
RIB & King Crab Experience
Ride a RIB and haul king crab pots before a seafood feast at a scenic coastal spot.
Summer
Four Wheeler to North Cape
Ride a four-wheeler across rugged Magerøya Island to the incredible North Cape.
Year-round
North Cape and King Crab Experience - Summer
Travel by bus to the northernmost point of mainland Europe, then sample local crab.
Year-round
Guest favorite
The North Cape
Travel by bus to the North Cape, Europe’s northernmost point, for panoramic Arctic views.
Year-round
Guest favorite
Breakfast at the North Cape
Eat breakfast at the top of Europe. Enjoy breakfast and more on this scenic bus tour from the town of Honningsvåg to North Cape, one of the Europe’s northernmost points.
Spring, Summer, fall
Guest favorite
The North Cape
Cross the 71st parallel and visit North Cape, the northernmost point on the European continent, marked by the photogenic globe monument.
Year-round