Savour the Northern Lights - Northbound

• Season: 01.04.2025 – 15.04.2026

• (Except 24.-31.12.2025)

• Daily at 10:00 (meeting time at least 15min prior, 09:30-09:45)

• Min: 2 persons

• Included: A 5,5 hour Sightseeing Tour including the City center, Holmenkollen Ski Jump (outside view) and approximately 30 min free time, The Vigeland Sculpture Park (approximately 45-50 min guided walk), The Fram Museum and The Norwegian Museum of Cultural History (or to Kon-Tiki Museum on Mondays in October-April & selected dates), certified English-speaking Oslo guide.

• Remark: This tour is not exclusive to Hurtigruten guests. If the minimum number of participants is not reached, we reserve the right to cancel the trip until six weeks before departure

• Wheelchairs: This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility. Coaches are not wheelchair accessible, and the tour involves a fair amount of walking over uneven terrain and numerous steps, which may be difficult for guests with mobility impairments.

• Start/end point: The bus stop located at Haakon VIIs gate (street) 1, next to the toy store “Sprell”. Look for a white coach reading "H.M.K. Class - Oslo Sightseeing" on the side.

Embark on this discovery tour and explore Oslo's “must see” attractions. Feel the cosy atmosphere of the city center, admire stunning views over Oslo fjord from Holmenkollen Ski Jump, get in touch with the art of the most prolific Norwegian sculptor as you stroll through Vigeland Park encompassing more than 200 sculptures in bronze, granite and wrought iron. Then, on Bygdøy Peninsula you will enhance your Oslo experience by visiting 2 unique museums: the polar ship Fram Museum and the Norwegian Folk Museum or Kon-Tiki Museum.

• Walk in the footsteps of warriors at the interactive Viking House centre 

• Stand on the site of one of Norway’s most significant battlegrounds 

• Pay a visit to a mystical stone circle  

• Languages: English and German 

• Wheelchair accessible? No 

Our first stop is the ground-breaking Viking House, a Virtual Reality experience that recreates the exciting world of the Vikings and explores their connection with Stavanger. Through a short VR film, you’ll learn more about King Harold and the seminal Battle of Hafrsfjord – one of the most dramatic and significant events in Norway’s history, and one that resulted in the country’s unification. 

From here, we’ll make our way back to reality and visit the Swords in Rock monument, which commemorates the epic battle. Unveiled in 1983, the three 10-metre-high bronze swords symbolise peace, unity, and freedom.  

Our final stop will be the mysterious Domsteinene, an ancient stone circle that has baffled archaeologists, historians, and locals for more than 250 years. Theories abound as to its origin – was it a sacrificial site used by the Vikings? Or does it tell a story of directions in the sky? Perhaps you will make a breakthrough discovery during your visit.  

• See Old Stavanger’s sights up close on a leisurely walking tour 

• Visit the city’s main attractions, including Valberg Tower and Fargegaten   

• Admire Northern Europe’s best-preserved collection of wooden houses 

• Languages: English and German 

• Included: Coffee/tea and a traditional Norwegian waffle 

• Wheelchair accessible? No 

Discover the best of Stavanger with a walking tour of its old town in the company of a local guide. Located on the west side of the harbour, the area is made up of 173 wooden buildings from the turn of the 18th century – the best-preserved collection in Northern Europe. As we stroll among the cobbled streets, our guide will tell us more about Stavanger’s industrial history.  

Moving towards the market square, we’ll pause to admire the 27-metre-high Valberg Tower, a late 19th-century construction that served as permanent lodging for the watchmen of Stavanger. Next, we’ll explore Fargegaten (colourful street), a pedestrianised stretch of pastel-hued shops, restaurants, and local businesses that make up one of Stavanger’s most photographed spots. 

We’ll finish with a stop at a local café to enjoy a cup of tea or coffee, and a traditional Norwegian snack – hjertevafler (heart-shaped waffle). 

• Discover the town Ålesund and learn about its fascinating history  

• Stroll among its colourful streets and find out why the architecture here is so striking 

• Explore Brosundet harbour, where fishermen still sell their catch directly from their boats 

One of the best ways to explore Ålesund is on foot, and this walking tour takes you close to the spires, turrets, and medieval-style ornaments that characterise the town.  

One winter’s night in 1904, a fire raged through Ålesund, leaving 10,000 people homeless. Over the next three years, the entire town centre was rebuilt in the Art Nouveau style. Today, Ålesund is one of Norway’s most unique and beautiful towns.   

We’ll stroll past colourful houses in the pedestrian zone and learn about Ålesund’s strong maritime traditions as we visit Brosundet – fishermen sell their catch directly from their boats in this pretty-as-a-picture harbour.  

Excursion is subject to a minimum number of participants.

• Explore the islands of Giske and Godøy, each with their own stories to tell

• Visit a lighthouse and at 12th century marble church

• Enjoy a sightseeing tour of Ålesund, with its unique Art Nouveau architecture

• Included: A drink and cake

Drive over soaring bridges and through subsea tunnels as we visit two of the main islands in the seas surrounding Ålesund.

Our first stop is the saga island of Giske, the birthplace of the Viking chieftain Rollo. In 911 CE, Rollo invaded and founded Normandy. As the great-great-great grandfather of William the Conqueror, he also effectively sired the House of Normandy, which ruled England until 1135 CE. We’ll visit the 12th century Giske Church, which was built of white marble for one of Norway’s most powerful families (outside only).

After, we’ll drive beneath the sea to the island of Godøy, and the pretty fishing village of Alnes. Here, we’ll visit the lighthouse and pause for some coffee or tea and cake. If the weather allows us to, don’t miss the opportunity to climb the stairs inside and get a fantastic view from the top.

After this, we’ll head back to Ålesund and discover some of its many charms. This compact and pretty city is famed for its Art Nouveau architecture, and we’ll investigate some of its highlights and unique features.

• Stroll through Ålesund’s colourful streets and find out why the architecture here is so striking

• Explore Brosundet harbour, where fishermen still sell their catch directly from their boats

• Taste a selection of beer in a small, local brewery

One of the best ways to explore Ålesund is on foot and this walking tour takes you close to the spires, turrets and medieval-style ornaments that characterise the town. 

One winter’s night in 1904, a fire raged through Ålesund, leaving 10,000 people homeless. Over the next three years, the entire town centre was rebuilt in the Art Nouveau style. Today, Ålesund is one of Norway’s most unique and beautiful towns.  

We’ll stroll past colourful houses in the pedestrian zone and learn about Ålesund’s strong maritime traditions as we visit Brosundet – fishermen sell their catch directly from their boats in this pretty-as-a-picture harbour. 

Before we head back to the ship, we’ll finish the tour at a local brewery where we’ll sample a selection of beer from the area. You’ll soon understand why small, local breweries are so popular in Norway!

Excursion is subject to a minimum number of participants.

• Take a guided tour into the history and heritage of Rørvik

• Visit three unique museums: Kystmusset Norveg, Berggården, and Telemuseet

• Gain a new perspective of aquaculture through an interactive exhibition on salmon farming

• See archaeological artefacts and learn about the fascinating history of local shipwrecks

A guide will meet you on the pier before we begin our immersive town walk and museum tour.

Rørvik's history starts after the ice has melted from the Ice Age, when small settlements were established in the area. On our tour, we’ll visit the Stone Age, Bronze Age, Iron Age, Viking Age, Middle Ages, and more recent times.

Each time period has its own distinctive character, but all are united by an enduring maritime heritage. One interesting part of this tour is the story of Hurtigruten ship St. Svitun that was wrecked on Folla, the open stretch of sea right outside of Rørvik.

We’ll first visit the Norveg Coastal Museum, which resembles the famous Sydney Opera House in how it draws architectural inspiration from the waves of the sea. We’ll explore the new aquaculture exhibition, which offers insights into the incredible story of modern-day Norwegian salmon production, and perhaps even a glimpse into its future. 

We’ll then make our way to Berggården where you’ll see a shop display from 1888 and walk in historic living rooms from 1878. Our final stop is Telemuseet, which exhibits telephone sets through the ages, along with other historic technology. Here, you’ll learn about Rørvik Coast Radio Station which used to be a vital source of information for the locals.

Rørvik’s history starts after the ice has melted from the Ice Age, when small settlements were established in the area. On our tour, we’ll visit the Stone Age, Bronze Age, Iron Age, Viking Age, and Middle Ages, as well as more recent times.  

Each era has its own distinctive character, but all are united by an enduring maritime heritage. One particularly interesting part of the tour is the story of St. Svitun, a Hurtigruten ship that was wrecked on Folla, the open stretch of sea right outside of Rørvik.

Excursion is subject to a minimum number of participants.

• Enjoy a boat tour to this remote privately owned island

• Embark on a guided visit of medieval Nærøykirka, once the heart of community life

• Immerse yourself in the local history through thousands of years with the help of an expert guide

• Get acquainted with some of the myths and legends of the island

• Language: English. 

• Included: Boat transfer, entry to church, plus mineral water, coffee, and a light snack. 

• Clothing: Wear comfortable waterproof shoes and clothes suitable for the weather on the day. In winter, it can be slippery in places, and it may be necessary to use spikes. 

• Walking information: It is a 3km roundtrip walk from the boat to the church. 

• Wheelchair accessible: No.

Your guide will be waiting for you as you step off the ship. Dressed in a Viking costume, they will take you to the Coastal Museum of Norveg, from where it’s a 15-minute boat ride to the island. Named after the Norse sea god Njord, Nærøya was a powerful centre even in pre-Christian times and is often mentioned in the Icelandic sagas. 

As Norway was Christianised, Nærøya continued to hold its position as a religious, political, economic, and administrative epicentre of Ytre Namdal between the 12th and 17th centuries, with Nærøykirka serving as the region’s county church and the heart of social and religious life, drawing communities together.   

On this tour you will be an authentic pioneer, visiting a privately own island where a family farms the land in the company of their sheep and dogs, by the shadows of a medieval church with its stories and ghosts of past times. You’ll enjoy a guided tour of the church itself, discovering traces of those who once built it, as well as making the short walk to the baptismal fountain – another site of importance on the island, full of magic and myths from ancient times.

Excursion is subject to a minimum number of participants.

• Visit the charming fishing village of Henningsvær

• Experience the art and culture of Lofoten

• Explore Lofoten and learn fascinating local history

The tour starts in Lofoten's de facto capital, Svolvær. You’ll be able to admire Svolværgeita, the 150-metre stone pinnacle of the mountain Fløyfjellet that overlooks the town. Popular with mountain climbers, this iconic mountain peak is known for its goat-like appearance, with two horns protruding from the very top.

We’ll drive past Vågan church, the largest wooden church north of Trondheim, before making our way to the fishing village of Henningsvær. We’ll drive with the sea on one side and a steep mountainside on the other. Once we’re there, see world-class art galleries, including Gallery Lofoten, which has the world’s largest collection from the 20th century, the so-called ‘Golden age of Northern Norwegian art’. After 30 minutes of driving, we’ll return to Svolvær.

Excursion is subject to a minimum number of participants.

• Enjoy a deep-sea fishing experience aboard an authentic fishing boat

• Catch your own fish and learn how to prepare your catch

• Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Lofoten

Excursion is subject to a minimum number of participants.

• Season 24/25: Only available on The North Cape Line – Oslo to Bergen sailing

• Season 25/26 Available on all sailings with MS Trollfjord and MS Finnmarken

• No fishing experience required

• Catching a fish is not guaranteed

Cast your line and try and catch your own fish as you soak up the fresh sea air on board authentic fishing boat MS Symra, a traditional 39-foot fishing cutter with history dating back to 1917.

 Under the guidance of a professional crew, you’ll use jigging reels to catch fish like pollock, haddock, and mackerel. Between February and April, it is possible to also catch skrei, Arctic cod. 

No two fishing trips are the same as we make the best of the day’s conditions. Our location will depend on the weather and where the fish are likely to be.

This trip is for everyone, whether you’re experienced at fishing or not. It’s an all-around enjoyable day at sea with an opportunity to immerse yourself in nature and learn about authentic Norwegian fishing.

• Try a new adventure sport as you learn to kayak on the Arctic Sea

• Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Lofoten archipelago

• Learn about the fascinating nature, history, and culture of Svolvær

• Kayaks, dry suits, splash cover, paddle, and life vests are provided

• Due to adverse weather conditions, trips may be cancelled or postponed, but alternatives will be offered where possible

• Winter kayaking is only offered to adults

This excursion starts a short walking distance from where your ship docks in the town of Svolvær, capital of the Lofoten islands. It is tailored to those with little or no experience kayaking, but who are active and in good physical health. 

After meeting your guide, you’ll begin with a safety briefing that will give you detailed instructions on the dos and don’ts of kayaking. Next, we suit up with dry suits and life vests before pairing off to board stable tandem kayaks. 

After an initial warm-up to find your sea legs and get used to the action of paddling, it’s time for us to set off.  

Enjoy a peaceful two-hour kayaking trip that takes in the natural beauty that the Lofoten archipelago is so famous for.  

As you go, your guide will point out places of interest along the coastline and tell you more about the islands’ rich history and culture.

Excursion is subject to a minimum number of participants.

• Get up close with nature in a RIB  

• Discover scenic islands and secluded beaches that are accessible only by boat 

• Keep your eyes peeled for the king of the sky – the magnificent Sea Eagle

• Languages: English and Norwegian. 

• Clothing: A safety vest, floatation suit, and goggles are provided, but extra clothing is recommended all year round. Bring your own scarf, hat, and gloves. 

• Wheelchair accessible: No.

• Not suitable for people who are pregnant or have back problems

Get ready to feel the thrill of the wind in your hair as we embark on a heart-pumping ride in the waters around Lofoten. After a safety briefing, you’ll head to the RIBs to begin your adventure around this archipelago, passing islets and skerries accessible only by boat.  

The area we’ll explore is home to Sea Eagles, and your chances of encountering these majestic creatures up close are high. With a wingspan of up to 2.65 metres, it is the largest bird of prey in Norway, and can carry up to double their own weight. As you scan the sky, be sure to soak up your surroundings – this vibrant landscape changes with the seasons, while a symphony of birdlife fills the air.  

As we navigate these stunning waters, your skipper will share their knowledge about the region, seasoning their explanations with local stories that offer an insightful peek into everyday life in Lofoten.

Excursion is subject to a minimum number of participants.