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)
Enjoy a guided bus tour to Storskog, a border station on Norway’s easternmost edge, and take in views of Kirkenes from Prestfjellet Mountain.
Highlights
Learn more about the area’s unique intercultural history and heritage.
Tour the World War II bomb shelter at Andersgrotta and watch a short documentary.
Stop at the Prestfjellet Mountain viewpoint overlooking Kirkenes and the coast.
Visit the only border station between Norway and Russia, located at Storskog.
How it works
Surrounded by the vast wilderness of the Siberian taiga, one of the world’s largest forest ecosystems, your journey begins in Kirkenes and follows the tranquil Pasvik River through the beautiful Pasvikdalen Valley. Rich in wildlife and natural beauty, the valley is home to Norway’s largest population of brown bears.
Stopping at Storskog, you’ll stand at one of Europe’s most closely guarded border crossings. While crossing the border is not permitted, there will be time to take photographs and learn about this unique frontier region.
You’ll then visit Andersgrotta, Kirkenes’ largest World War II bomb shelter, where a fascinating film brings to life the experiences of local residents during the war years.
Before returning to the ship, you’ll ascend Prestfjellet Mountain for sweeping panoramic views of Kirkenes and the surrounding Arctic landscape.
Before you book
Activity level
Easy: Suitable for most people
Group size
Groups up to 90 guests
Availability
Year-round
Transport
Bus with guide
Food & drink
No food or drink included
What to bring
Comfortable shoes, warm and windproof clothing
Good to know
This excursion runs in the morning. Guests disembarking in Kirkenes should have an evening flight or an overnight stay to participate.
Voyages with this excursion
This excursion is available on select Hurtigruten voyages along the Norwegian coast. Explore all voyages.
Available: Year-round
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 Kirkenes
Discover more ways to explore this beautiful coastal destination
Gamme Cabins at the Kirkenes Snowhotel
Stay overnight in a beautifully designed wooden cabin beside one of the world’s most unique hotels, the Snowhotel, in winter, or close to nature during the Arctic summer.
Year-round
Snowhotel – A Unique Winter Experience
Enjoy a special Arctic experience at the Snowhotel, constructed entirely from snow and ice and decorated with snow sculptures.
Year-round
King Crab Adventure (Winter)
Accompany a Norwegian fisherman for the day and learn how they catch king crab in winter and then feast on the day’s catch.
Winter, Spring
Guest favorite
Husky Tour
Ride a husky sled near Kirkenes, tour the Snowhotel, and meet the resident reindeer.
Winter, Spring
Snowmobile Safari
Snowmobile across a frozen fjord, learn about the Sámi, and try traditional reindeer meat.
Winter, Spring
Riverboat to the Norwegian Border
Explore the Russian-Norwegian frontier by traveling through a part of the Pasvik River, which acts as a natural border for the two countries.
Summer, fall
ATV/Quad safari to the Norwegian border (Kirkenes)
Ride a four-wheeler from Kirkenes to the Norwegian border via a mine and a mountain viewpoint.
Summer, fall
King Crab Adventure (Summer)
Join fishermen as they catch king crab on the surrounding fjords of Kirkenes. A chef will then prepare the day’s catch for an all-you-can-eat king crab buffet.
Summer
Guest favorite
Kirkenes Snowhotel
Tour the famous ice hotel, have a drink in the ice bar, and meet reindeer and huskies.
Year-round