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
Enjoy a husky sled from the Kirkenes Snowhotel, meet the resident reindeer and warm up with a hot drink afterwards in the restaurant.
Highlights
Dogsledding ride with private guide/musher
Enjoy a peaceful ride through stunning Arctic scenery
A guided tour of the Snowhotel and see Reindeer and the dogyard
Hot drinks in the restaurant
How it works
A bus from the port takes you to Kirkenes' famed Snowhotel, where you'll be kitted out in thermal clothing before splitting into small groups for a guided tour of the hotel. You’ll get a chance to greet the resident reindeer and huskies – puppies are a possibility! – and go on a sled ride being pulled by the dogs. The order in which you'll do this depends on which group you're in – it could be reversed.
When it's your turn to ride, the huskies will be eagerly waiting to take you on an unforgettable journey. Each sled will be travelling with its own musher, and there's a maximum of two guests per sled. Sit back and take in every thrilling minute as you glide along in the care of these experienced guides.
We meander through the terrain, across frozen lakes, through snow-dusted forests and along hilly plateaus. You'll get to enjoy these natural wonders in near silence, with only the swoosh of the sled gliding over the snow. The track itself is around 5km long, which is about 20 minutes total in the dogsled.
Afterwards, we'll gather in the restaurant for a warming drink before boarding the bus to take us back to Kirkenes.
Before you book
Activity level
Active: Good mobility needed
Group size
Groups up to 60 guests
Availability
Winter, Spring
Transport
Bus
Food & drink
Coffee / Tea
What to bring
Comfortable shoes, warm and windproof clothing
Good to know
Minimum age: 7 years old when accompanied by an adult Subject to weather and snow conditions This excursion runs in the morning.
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 Kirkenes
Discover more ways to explore this beautiful coastal destination
Gamme Cabins by Kirkenes Snowhotel
Stay overnight in a beautifully designed wooden cabin, in winter along with one of the world's most unique hotels, the Snowhotel, or closed 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
Snowmobile Safari
Snowmobile across a frozen fjord, learn about the Sámi and try traditional reindeer meat.
Winter, Spring
Riverboat to the Norwegian Border
Sail the Pasvik River to the Norwegian border through untamed Arctic wilderness.
Summer, Autumn
ATV/Quad-safari to the Norwegian border (Kirkenes)
Ride a quadbike from Kirkenes to the Norwegian border, via a mine and a mountain viewpoint.
Summer, Autumn
King Crab Adventure (Summer)
Join fishermen out on the surrounding fjords of Kirkenes to see them catch king crabs. A chef will then prepare them for an all-you-can-eat king crab buffet.
Summer
Guest favourite
Kirkenes Snowhotel
Tour the famous ice hotel, drink in the ice bar and meet reindeer and huskies.
Year-round
Guest favourite
The Norwegian Border
Visit the Norwegian-Russian border by bus and a WWII bomb shelter near Kirkenes.
Year-round