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 tour of the UNESCO-protected Vega Islands and learn about the islands’ unique tradition of harvesting Eider Duck down.
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 Center
How it works
You’ll travel by boat through an archipelago of islands, islets, and reefs as your guide shares insights into the culture, history, and way of life along this remarkable coastal landscape.
Arriving at Gardsøy, you’ll visit the Vega World Heritage Centre to learn about Vega’s unique 1,500-year-old cultural tradition. Islanders have long acted as guardians for migrating Eider Ducks that nest here, building small shelters for the birds. After the hatchlings leave, the highly prized eider down is carefully collected.
Through engaging exhibitions and a short film, you’ll journey through the island’s history, from Stone Age settlements to modern aquaculture. Afterwards, take time to enjoy the island’s peaceful scenery with a hot drink and a local snack.
You’ll then sail back along the idyllic Helgeland Coast to Brønnøysund, where you will rejoin your ship.
Before you book
Activity level
Easy: Suitable for most people
Group size
Groups up to 38 guests
Availability
Summer, fall
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, fall
Kirkenes – Bergen
The Coastal Express – South
The southbound leg on our classic coastal voyage, exploring beautiful archipelagos & fjordlands
- Regular departures
- 6 days
- 33 Stops
- Full board (breakfast, lunch, & dinner)
Stockholm - Kirkenes - Bergen
Follow the Midnight Sun – Norway, Sweden, & Finland
Escorted coastal tour by train & ship, with guided city tours & husky safari
- May - July 2027
- 15 days
- 40 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.