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
Experience the world's most powerful tidal current up close on this thrilling RIB adventure.
Highlights
Enjoy a thrilling RIB ride to visit Saltstraumen
See the world’s most powerful tidal current up close
Get a chance to see sea eagles and other wildlife
Learn more about the history and geology of the area
How it works
From Bodø, you'll board a sturdy RIB with an experienced captain at the helm and head out to witness Saltstraumen, the world’s strongest tidal current – a sight that has inspired local artists and writers for centuries.
Four times a day, 400 million cubic metres of water are forced in and out through a passage only 150 metres wide and 31 metres deep. When the current is at its strongest, whirlpools up to 10 metres wide can appear.
During the ride, there’s a good chance to spot sea eagles, as well as other birds and wildlife. You might also notice how some of the exposed rock faces demonstrate distinctive patterns; the result of the rock being folded under immense pressure, known as Caledonian folding, a process that dates back over 250 million years.
Before you book
Activity level
Active: Good mobility needed
Group size
Groups up to 36 guests
Availability
Spring, Summer, Autumn
Transport
Walking
Food & drink
No food or drink included
What to bring
Comfortable shoes, warm and windproof clothing
Good to know
Not suitable for people with back problems Minimum age of six years old when accompanied by an adult The strength of the Saltstraumen current depends on the tide and cannot be guaranteed.
Voyages with this excursion
This excursion is available on select Hurtigruten voyages along the Norwegian coast. Explore all voyages.
Available: Spring, Summer, Autumn
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 Bodø
Discover more ways to explore this beautiful coastal destination
Guest favourite
Experience Bodø and Saltstraumen
Explore Bodø by coach and view Saltstraumen, the world's most powerful tidal current.
Year-round
Guest favourite
Arctic Coastal Walk
Take a guided coastal walk to seek out Viking graves and Arctic wildlife.
Year-round
Sámi Adventure
Meet the Sámi Oksal family near Bodø, hear joik music, drink chaga tea and feed reindeer.
Winter, Spring