Follow the Northern Lights – Finland to Norway

• Visit the North Cape early in the morning

• Enjoy a tasty breakfast buffet while overlooking the Barents Sea

• See a film about how the North Cape changes throughout the seasons

• Admire the majestic Porsangerfjord from the bus

• Disembarking port: Honningsvåg

• Embarking port: Hammerfest

• Available: May 8–October 7

• Transportation: Bus

• Meals: Breakfast

• Clothes: Comfortable shoes, warm and windproof clothing

• Snowmobile Trip in the Polar Night

The North Cape plateau rises 1,000 feet above the Arctic Ocean. Welcome to Europe’s northernmost point. Unlike the travelers of old, who once had to climb up the cliff, we will take a bus from Honningsvåg all the way to the top. You’ll have time to walk the plateau and pose for photos at the globe monument.

Enjoy a lavish breakfast buffet in the North Cape Hall while looking out over the Barents Sea. Then, experience the four seasons of the North Cape through a panoramic film. Inside the cliff at the North Cape Hall, you can buy handmade gifts in the gift shop and tour the chapel and small museum.

On our way back, we’ll drive through the underwater tunnel that connects the island of Magerøya with the mainland. Then, the bus will take us south along the majestic Porsangerfjord before heading back toward the coast to Hammerfest, one of the world’s northernmost towns.

Excursion is subject to a minimum number of participants.

• Enjoy a scenic bus tour of one of the world’s northernmost towns.

• Learn about the historic events of World War II that impacted Hammerfest history at the Museum of Reconstruction.

• See the UNESCO-listed Meridian Column.

• Enjoy breathtaking views from Mount Salen.

• Disembarking/embarking port: Hammerfest

• Available period: June 8 – April 8 (excluding December 24–25 and December 31–January 1)

• Transportation: Bus

• Clothes/Footwear: Comfortable shoes, warm and windproof clothing

• Note: City guide and map provided

• Snowmobile Trip in the Polar Night

Enjoy a guided exploration of one of the world’s northernmost towns and learn about the historical events that have shaped it. Once we arrive in Hammerfest, the bus will take us to the Museum of Reconstruction for Finnmark and Northern Troms. There, you’ll learn about the massive efforts that were made to rebuild the region of Northern Norway after World War II.

Then, we’ll head over to the Meridian Column, Hammerfest’s UNESCO World Heritage site. This monument marks the northernmost measuring point of the Struve Geodetic Arc, a chain of survey triangulations that established the exact size and shape of the Earth.

Our last stop on the tour is Mount Salen. On the way up the mountain, you’ll learn more about Hammerfest’s unique history from your knowledgeable guide. From the top, you’ll enjoy wonderful views of the town below.

Excursion is subject to a minimum number of participants.

• Discover Hammerfest as we walk through the town before and after the ascent 

• Take a guided mountain hike from one of the northernmost towns in the world.

• See the distinctive parish church of Hammerfest and a monument to Ole Olsen

• Get a magnificent view of the area and outlying islands from the mountain’s peak.

• Embarking/disembarking port: Hammerfest

• Approximate arrival/departure times: 10:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

• Available period: All year

• Meals on the trip: Warm drink and snack

• Clothes/Footwear: Hiking shoes, warm and windproof clothing

• Note: Recommended equipment includes a backpack with a water bottle, extra clothing, a camera, and sunglasses. The guide will bring the necessary safety equipment. Participants should be in good general health

• Age limit: minimum 16 years old, with a parent

Take a guided hike up Mount Salen, a mountain that rises above one of the world’s northernmost towns, Hammerfest. We’ll set out from the quay and walk to Hammerfest’s distinctive parish church, with a stop at the monument to the Napoleonic Wars. Next, we’ll visit Ole Olsen place, dedicated to the famous composer who was born here, before making our way out of town and following a zigzag path up the mountain.

Walking to the top requires a good level of fitness, but the panoramas from the viewpoint are certainly worth the effort. On a clear day, you can enjoy incredible views of the islands Melkøya, Sørøya, and Seiland down below. Once you’ve taken in the scenery, we’ll take the zigzag path back to the town center and go past the Arctic Culture Centre before returning to the ship.

Excursion is subject to a minimum number of participants.

• Step inside Tromsø’s splendid wooden cathedral for an unforgettable musical performance

• Hear traditional Norwegian folk songs and hymns performed by professional musicians

• Experience the cathedral´s breathtaking acoustics and enchanting ambience

• Embarking/disembarking port: Tromsø 

• Transportation: On foot 

• The concert is approximately 45 minutes long

• No filming or photography is permitted during the concert

You will be met off the ship and led to the magnificent Tromsø Cathedral. Built in 1861, this impressive structure embraces neo-Gothic style and showcases the finest wood from Målselv. The cathedral’s long, cruciform structure echoes with soft acoustics that lend themselves perfectly to a night of musical enchantment. 

As you arrive, you’ll receive your evening playlist complete with notes to enhance your experience. Prepare to be enchanted by a talented trio of musicians who will take you on a journey through Norway’s musical heritage.  

Though their performance will vary from season to season, it will encompass a delightful blend of Nordic classical masterpieces, familiar melodies, and folk tunes. All in all, it’s a moving way to end the day.

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 to the sound of the waves on white-sand beaches.

• Have the opportunity to see the Northern Lights on horseback during autumn and winter, if you’re really lucky!

• Disembarking port: Svolvær

• Embarking port: Stamsund

• Available: February 1–October 31

• Transportation: Bus and horse

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

• Max rider weight of 198 lb. No horseback-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 will bring 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 visit Hov Hestegård, a horse-riding center on a farm with views of Mount Hoven and the ocean.

Then, you’ll 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’ll de through the rugged terrain in darkness amid the sound of the waves and—if we’re lucky—with the Northern Lights above.

The route and the horses are well suited for both beginners and experienced riders. Icelandic horses are known for their calm demeanor and comfortable gait, both at walking pace or at a fast trot.

Excursion is subject to a minimum number of participants.

• Enjoy a sightseeing tour of the town of Harstad

• Visit the medieval church and the historical centre of Trondenes

• Take in the view of fjords, steep mountains, and idyllic agricultural landscapes

• Enjoy a piece of freshly baked waffle, lefse and a cup of coffee as you cross the fjord.

• Disembarking port: Harstad

• Embarking port: Sortland

• Available: January 2–December 31, except December 25

• Transportation: Bus/ferry

• Meals: Coffee or tea and cakes

• Clothes: Comfortable shoes, warm and windproof clothing

• Lofoten Islands

• Sea Eagle Safari

• Lofoten by Horse

• RIB Adventure in Lofoten

• Discover a Fishing Village

We’ll begin our excursion with a short sightseeing tour of the streets of Harstad. This is the third largest community in Northern Norway with a history connected to herring fishing, the military, and in more recent times, offshore oil.

On a clear day, you can spot the Trondenes Peninsula to the north of town. Here, you’ll visit a white 13th-century medieval stone church, the northernmost of its kind in the world. We’ll drop in at the Trondenes Historical Center, which displays objects discovered in the region throughout history, from the early Stone Age through the Viking era and the Middle Ages, to the present day. The museum also has a reconstructed farmstead dating from around 1200 with a granary, forge and stave church.

From Trondenes, the bus will take us for a scenic drive across Hinnøya Island to meet our ferry at the Gullesfjord. On board, wrap your hands around a hot drink and enjoy freshly made waffles and lefse along with fantastic views. The tour then continues along the Sigerfjord by bus to Sortland, where you will rejoin your ship.

Excursion is subject to a minimum number of participants.

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

• Sail into the Trollfjord and see if your Coastal Express ship can make an impressive 180° turn.

• Watch for sea eagles, gulls, and other birds dive and feed on fish near your boat.

• You may also see whales, porpoises, basking sharks, and seals.

• Disembarking port: Tender operation in open sea

• Embarking port: Svolvær

• Available: Mar 24 - Oct 15

• Transportation: Boat

• Meals: Coffee and biscuits

• 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 spectacular journey into Lofoten’s fjords, past islands and steep mountains, and towards the famous Trollfjord. Along the way, keep an eye out for sea eagles soaring overhead, whales surfacing in the water, and seals resting along the shores.

Trollfjord is only 2.5 kilometres long, yet rises with dramatic, sheer mountainsides on both sides. Your Coastal Express ship will sail into the fjord, navigating through its 100-metre entrance before performing its iconic 180° turn inside. From aboard the smaller boat, you’ll have the perfect front-row perspective to photograph and film this impressive manoeuvre.

As we approach Trollfjord, we begin attracting the surrounding birdlife with fish. Gulls may dive for fish right from your hand, while sea eagles circle the boat a few times before swooping down to take their meal from the water. All eagle feeding takes place outside Trollfjord, and stops at the fjord’s entrance to preserve the tranquillity of this unique landscape. This gives you unforgettable opportunities to capture Northern Europe’s largest bird of prey in action.

• 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.

• Disembarking/embarking port: Svolvær

• Available period: Jan 4 - Dec 19

• 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 center 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.

• Take a short bus tour around the pretty town of Brønnøysund.

• Hike up to the hole in the iconic Torghatten Mountain on the Helgeland coast.

• Admire impressive views of the Helgeland Archipelago from the hole.

• Learn about the region’s folklore, inspired by the surrounding mountains.

• Disembarking/embarking port: Brønnøysund

• Available: June 1–October 31

• Transportation: Bus

• Meals: Coffee or tea and cake

• Clothes: Hiking shoes, warm and windproof clothing

• We recommend bringing a backpack with a water bottle, extra clothing, a camera, and sunglasses

• Your guide will bring the necessary safety equipment

We’ll travel by bus through the attractive town of Brønnøysund to the foot of Torghatten Mountain. The distinctive hole that pierces its center makes it is one of the Norwegian coast’s most iconic landmarks. According to local legend, the mountain was once the hat of the Troll King, who used it to block an arrow aimed at a young maiden.

We’ll spend about a half hour gently ambling up the mountain’s rugged natural path to where the hole starts. The hole is 115 feet high and runs for 175 yards. It ranges from 50 to 65 feet wide and is even big enough for a Norwegian Coastal Express ship to pass through!

When we reach the hole, our reward will be the fantastic panoramic view of the Helgeland Archipelago below. We’ll take the same route back down the mountain and end our hike with a warm drink and tasty snack.

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 Center, which charts the islands’ history.

• Learn about the traditional industry of eider duck down harvesting.

• Savor a complimentary hot drink and local snack in the café.

• Disembarking port: Sandnessjøen

• Embarking port: Brønnøysund

• Available: June 10 - September 9

• Transportation: Boat

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

• Clothes: Comfortable shoes, warm and windproof clothing

Discover this hidden gem on a tour of the UNESCO-listed islands of Vega, which sit south of the Arctic Circle. Venture from Sandnessjøen by boat, through the cluster of islands, islets, and reefs, while our guide explains the fascinating culture of this coastal landscape and its people.

We’ll land at Gardsøy and visit the Vega World Heritage Center, which highlights this 1,500-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. After the hatchlings have moved out, they collect the highly prized eider down.

At the heritage center, you’ll journey from Stone Age settlements to modern-day fish farming through exhibits and a short film. Admire gorgeous 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.

• Enjoy a short journey around the beautiful town of Brønnøysund.

• Take an informative tour at the Norwegian Aquaculture Center.

• Feed salmon and learn about their live cycle from experienced guides.

• Taste a fresh morsel of local, world-famous Norwegian salmon.

• Embarking/disembarking port: Brønnøysund

• Available: January 1–December 31

• 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 impressive views as we cross the magnificent bridge to the Norwegian Aquaculture Center in Toft.

Our guides there 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 amazing, beautiful creatures. You’ll also hear about the different kinds of technology that help the salmon from egg to fish. There’s even an opportunity to try an underwater camera to see the fish up close.

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

Excursion is subject to a minimum number of participants.

• Explore the city of Trondheim and learn more about its culture and history.

• Visit beautiful Nidaros Cathedral, Norway’s national shrine.

• Enjoy a guided tour and receive a book about the cathedral.

• Admire the view of the city from Utsikten viewpoint.

• Disembarking/embarking port: Trondheim

• Available period: September 3 – April 2, except December 24

• Transportation: Bus

• Clothes: Comfortable shoes and warm clothing

• On Sundays and public holidays, the tour takes place outside the cathedral and in the museum due to the church service

Welcome to the original capital of Norway! Founded as early as 997, Trondheim has been marked by multiple eras. As you explore the city, you can spot colorful old wharves and a 19th-century wooden bridge with distinctive red archways in the Bakklandet district. Our guide will tell you more about the city’s history as the bus takes us through Trondheim’s streets and neighborhoods. We’ll make a short stop at the viewpoint at Utsikten to admire the city from above.

No trip to Trondheim would be complete without a visit to the impressive Nidaros Cathedral. Built over the burial place of St. Olav, the patron saint of Norway, construction of this enormous building began back in 1070. After a guided tour around the cathedral, you’ll likely understand why many describe it as the most beautiful religious building in Norway. You’ll receive your own copy of a book about the cathedral to take home as a souvenir.

Excursion is subject to a minimum number of participants.

• Enjoy a scenic bus tour that includes a trip around Molde, the so-called ‘City of Roses’.

• Explore the Bergtatt marble and limestone mine alongside experienced guides.

• Sail in rafts on a crystal-clear lake and sample the pure spring water.

• See the underground restaurant and try a local dish in this unique setting.

• Disembarking port: Kristiansund

• Embarking port: Molde

• Available: September 15–April 30, except December 19–31 and January 1–3

• Transportation: Bus and raft

• Meals: Meat and vegetable soup, mountain spring water

• Clothes: Comfortable shoes and warm clothing

• Trondheim with Nidaros Cathedral

Traveling from Kristiansund, our guides will meet us at Bergtatt and supply us with the necessary gear and give us a safety demonstration. Then, it’s on to an unforgettable journey into the enchanting marble caves.

Mining operations have been taking place here since 1938 and are still going on in other parts of the mountain.

We’ll head to the heart of the mountain and board rafts on the illuminated crystal-clear lake. As we glide along the calm water, we’ll stop to get a taste of the pure water that springs from the rock wall.

Then, our guides will lead us to the Grand Hall for a unique subterranean dining experience. Seated at the candlelit tables, you’ll feast on a warming meat and vegetable stew made from local ingredients. In this magical atmosphere, we’ll watch a fascinating film about the marble mine.

After emerging from our underground adventure, we’ll board the bus and enjoy a short tour of Molde.

Excursion is subject to a minimum number of participants.