Bergen – Kirkenes – Bergen
The Coastal Express
The original Norwegian coastal voyage – connecting fjords, towns & people since 1893
- Regular departures
- 12 days
- 34 Places
- Full board
This beginner-friendly introduction to cross-country skiing takes you through peaceful Arctic forests with stunning views as your reward.
Highlights
Ideal for beginners who want to learn the basics of skiing
Practise on easy, flat terrain with soft snow
Enjoy the fresh air outdoors, scenery, and maybe even the aurora
Relax by the bonfire with a hot drink and local snack
How it works
From the ship, it’s a short bus transfer to the top of Tromsøya Island where you’ll meet your experienced instructors. They’ll first teach you some basic techniques, from how to get your skis on and off, to how to ski across a flat area.
Once you’ve found your feet, the guides will lead you along flat terrain, most of which is on pre-scouted trails suitable for your level. As you become more accustomed to skiing and get more confident on the snow, your instructors will introduce more techniques. By the end of the tour, you might even be able to navigate up and over small hills.
Along the way, you’ll stop for warm juice and a piece of local pastry – a welcome pause to catch your breath and take in the surroundings.
Before you book
Activity level
Challenging: Good mobility and fitness needed
Group size
Groups up to 20 guests
Availability
Winter, Spring
Transport
Bus
Food & drink
Snacks
What to bring
Comfortable shoes, warm and windproof clothing
Good to know
Equipment included: Skis, poles, ski boots. Wear warm clothes, wind-proof jacket/trousers, hats and mittens. Walking information: 1–3 km. Mostly flat terrain with a small hill.
Voyages with this excursion
This excursion is available on select Hurtigruten voyages along the Norwegian coast. Explore all voyages.
Available: Winter, Spring
Bergen – Kirkenes
The Coastal Express – North
The northbound leg of our classic coastal route, from Bergen to Arctic Norway
- Regular departures
- 7 days
- 34 Places
- Full board
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 Places
- Full board
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 Tromsø
Discover more ways to explore this beautiful coastal destination
Explore Tromsø by E-bike
Hop on an electric bike to explore the city known as the “Paris of the North” with ease. Enjoy a local’s-eye view as you discover little-known sights and admire the gorgeous Arctic scenery.
Spring, Summer
Explore Tromsø by E-bike
Hop on an electric bike to explore the city known as the “Paris of the North” with ease. Enjoy a local’s-eye view as you discover little-known sights and admire the gorgeous Arctic scenery.
Winter, Autumn
Cross-country skiing in Tromsø
Learn cross-country skiing on flat Arctic trails in beautiful surroundings near Tromsø.
Winter
Guest favourite
Tromsø, The Arctic Capital
Tour Tromsø's highlights by bus, including the cable car and the Arctic Cathedral.
Year-round
Snowshoeing In Tromsø
Snowshoe through Tromsøya Island's Arctic forests ending with a hot drink around a bonfire.
Winter, Spring
Dog Sledding (Tromsø)
Drive a husky sled across Arctic landscapes before warming up in a Sámi gamme hut.
Winter
Polar History Walk
Walk Tromsø's history trail, past Amundsen’s house to visit Polaria and the Polar Museum.
Year-round
Dog Sledding in Winter Wonderland
Drive a husky sled across Arctic landscapes before warming up in a Sámi gamme hut.
Winter, Spring
The Northernmost Brewery
Walk with a costumed guide through Tromsø and tour the world's northernmost brewery.
Summer
Guest favourite
Midnight Concert in the Wooden Cathedral
Visit Tromsø's neo-Gothic cathedral for a taste of Norwegian classical and folk music.
Year-round
Guest favourite
The Arctic Capital: Tromsø
Tour Tromsø's highlights by bus, including the cable car and the Arctic Cathedral.
Year-round
Tromsø On Foot – The City & Its Polar History
Walk Tromsø's history trail, past Amundsen’s house to visit Polaria and the Polar Museum.
Spring, Summer, Autumn