Norway’s Capital & Coast

• Travel by RIB with fishermen to their king crab cages in the Barents Sea

• Watch the experienced fisherman pull the crab cages from the water

• See how the chef goes about skillfully preparing the catch of the day

• Enjoy a sumptuous king crab buffet in a rustic fjord-side boathouse

• Embarking/disembarking port: Kirkenes

• Available: 21 Apr - 30 Nov

• Transportation: Bus and RIB

• Meals: King Crab, warm drink, water

• Clothes: Comfortable shoes, warm and windproof clothing. Thermal suits and life vests are provided

• This excursion runs in the morning. Therefore, guests disembarking in Kirkenes will need to be booked on the evening flight out of town, or staying overnight, in order to be able to participate.

Come and discover why Kirkenes is aptly nicknamed ‘King Crab City’ on this thrilling fishing tour. From Kirkenes, we’ll board a RIB (rigid inflatable boat) and cruise out to the Barents Sea with an experienced fisherman as our guide.  

Red king crabs can weigh up to 10 kg and boast a leg span of almost 2 metres. Watch as the fisherman pulls up the king crab-laden cages from the depths. You might even be asked to lend a hand to haul them up if they prove to be too heavy for the fisherman alone. 

Now it’s time to bring these giant crustaceans over to the traditional boathouse that sits by the beautiful fjord.  

See a local chef prepare today’s catch, transforming them into a delicious meal. You’ll feast on as much king crab as you want, savouring the succulent white, flaky meat to your heart’s content. Be sure to bring your appetite.

Excursion is subject to a minimum number of participants.

• See the stunning scenery of Finnmark

• Visit the northernmost point on the continent, the North Cape

• Take a photo at the globe sculpture and watch a film about the area

• Learn more about the history of Finnmark and the North Cape

• Embarking/disembarking port: Honningsvåg

• Available: 1 Jan - 31 Dec

• Transportation: Bus

• Meals: N/A

• Clothes: Comfortable shoes, warm and windproof clothing

• Sámi Culture

• Snowmobile trip in the Arctic

We’ll travel by bus above the 71st parallel to North Cape that rises 307 metres from the ocean, right at the top of Europe.  

Gaze in awe at the stark yet beautiful scenery as you stand at continental Europe’s most northerly point, casting your eyes over the sea towards the North Pole.  

In summer, you might spot herds of grazing reindeer along the nearby clifftop plateaus. In wintertime, the unspoilt white plains and snow-capped mountains will reflect the soft Arctic light.  

Don’t forget the obligatory photo or that all-important selfie with the iconic globe sculpture that commemorates North Cape’s significance. 

Making a stop at the visitor centre at North Cape Hall, we’ll get to watch an impressive 180° panoramic film about the region through four seasons, learn more about the area’s long history through exhibitions in the underground tunnel, and pop into the world's northernmost chapel. There’s even a small museum and a souvenir shop.

Excursion is subject to a minimum number of participants.

• 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: 8 May - 7 Oct

• Transportation: Bus

• Meals: Breakfast

• Clothes: Comfortable shoes, warm and windproof clothing

• Snowmobile Trip in the Polar Night

The North Cape plateau rises 307 meters (1,000 feet) above the Arctic Ocean. Welcome to Europe’s northernmost point. Unlike the travellers of old who once had to climb up the cliff, we’ll be taking 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, before experiencing the four seasons of the North Cape through a panoramic film. Inside the cliff at the North Cape Hall, you can buy handmade gifts for your loved ones in the gift shop and tour the chapel and small museum.  

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

Excursion is subject to a minimum number of participants.

• Explore the Nordkyn Peninsula at the top of Europe

• Meet a warm and welcoming Sámi family of reindeer herders

• Listen to their experiences of everyday life and hear local folk music

• Taste traditional reindeer and see some of their beautiful handicrafts

• Disembarking port: Kjøllefjord

• Embarking port: Mehamn

• Available: 20 May - 31 October

• Transportation: Bus

• Meals: Dried reindeer meat

• Clothes: Comfortable shoes and warm clothing

• The North Cape

• Birdwatching Safari

• Fishing Village Visit

Discover the amazing story of the Sámi, an indigenous people living in Europe's northernmost region. Renowned for herding reindeer, their distinctive duodji traditional handicrafts, and their affinity with nature, the Sámi are a people rich in culture and history.  

Sápmi, as the Sámi call it, is their territory area that extends from the middle of Norway to the northwestern tip of Russia and includes northern Sweden and northern Finland. Life as a Sámi reindeer herder is nomadic, following the reindeers’ instinctive migrations, from the inland plains to the coast in April and back again in September.  

On this excursion, you’ll meet a family whose reindeer are at summer pasture on the Nordkyn Peninsula. While the animals graze elsewhere, we’ll come into the lavvo tent and sit around the glowing fire. Listening to their colourful tales and joik chanting and enjoying a helping of dried reindeer meat, you’ll get a real taste of Sámi life.

Excursion is subject to a minimum number of participants.

• Drive a snowmobile over the mountain between Kjøllefjord and Mehamn

• Hear the guides tell their stories about life in the Arctic region

• Look to the skies for a chance to see the magical Northern Lights

• See the world’s northernmost mainland town, Mehamn

• Disembarking port: Kjøllefjord

• Embarking port: Mehamn

• Available period: 15 Dec-30 Apr, except 24 Dec and 1 Jan

• Transportation: Bus and snowmobile

• Meals: N/A

• Clothes: Comfortable shoes and warm clothing. Thermal clothing is provided.

• Subject to weather and snow conditions

• Minimum age: 6 years old when accompanied by an adult

• Valid driving licence required

• The North Cape

• Birdwatching Safari

• Fishing Village Visit

This awe-inspiring excursion across the Nordkyn Peninsula will be a day you won’t forget. Experienced instructors will provide proper training before you hop onto your own snowmobile for this exciting trip through spectacular scenery.  

Starting from the old trading post and fishing village of Kjøllefjord, we’ll travel over the mountains to Mehamn. Discover snow-clad valleys, breathe in the fresh mountain air, and gaze in amazement at the stunning mountains that surround us. 

Along the way, the guides will share their knowledge of the areas we see, including the indigenous Sámi people, their herds of reindeer, and what life is like in this extreme landscape.  

If you’re here in winter, you may be treated to a display of the aurora borealis above, especially during the Polar Night period when the sun doesn’t rise above the horizon. In spring, the sun returns, its light reflecting off the snow and illuminating the beauty of the mountains and valleys.

Excursion is subject to a minimum number of participants.

• Visit a working, family-run farm in Lofoten

• Meet some of the family to hear about their story

• See the many cherished animals of the farm

• Sample fresh cheese and herbs made at the farm

• Disembarking port: Stamsund

• Embarking port: Svolvær

• Available:  1 Apr - 30 Sep

• Transportation:  Bus

• Meals: Tastings of local produce

• Clothes: Comfortable shoes and warm clothing

• Svartisen Glacier

• Arctic Coastal Walk

• Experience Bodø and Saltstraumen 

• RIB Safari to Saltstraumen

Today, you’ll get the chance to experience life on a farm in the far north of Norway. Aalan Farm is a herb and cheese farm in Lauvdalen, Lofoten, run by husband and wife Knut and Tove Åland, with some help from their several children.  

This farm supplies our ships with quality tea and award-winning cheeses throughout the year. It’s one of our only local food suppliers that you can visit during a voyage, allowing you to thank them in person for the delicious cheese you’ve had on the ship!  

At Aalan, you’ll learn all about the realities of life on a farm, and you’ll get a chance to taste the cheeses, herbs, and other products that they make from scratch. You can also meet the farm’s goats, dogs, cats, miniature pigs, ducks, and chickens. If you’re lucky, their free-range cow, Victoria, might also make an appearance.

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 on white sandy beaches while listening to the waves

• See the Northern Lights on horseback during autumn and winter

• Disembarking port: Svolvær

• Embarking port: Stamsund

• Available: 1 Feb - 31 Oct

• Transportation:  Bus and horse

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

• Max weight of passenger 90 kg. No horse-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 brings 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 be visiting Hov Hestegård, a horse-riding centre located on a farm with views of Mount Hoven and the ocean. 

It’s now time to 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 ride through the rugged terrain in darkness, listening to the waves and looking out for the Northern Lights.  

The route and the horses are well suited for both beginners and experienced riders. The Icelandic horse is widely known for its calm temper and comfortable gait, whether at a slow or fast trot.

Excursion is subject to a minimum number of participants.

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

• Sail into Trollfjord and maybe see your Coastal Express ship make an impressive 180° turn

• Spot sea eagles, gulls, and other birds dive and feed on fish near your boat

• Possibility of also seeing whales, porpoises, basking sharks, and seals

• Disembarking port: Tender operation in open sea

• Embarking port: Svolvær

• Available: 24 Mar - 15 Oct

• Transportation: Boat

• Meals: Coffee, biscuits and a taste of stock fish

• 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 tour through Lofoten’s fjords, past islands and mountains, towards Trollfjord. Along the way, look for sea eagles in the sky, whales in the water, and seals on the shores. 

Trollfjord only measures 2.5 kilometres in length but has steep, dramatic mountainsides. Your Coastal Express ship may also visit the fjord, squeezing through its 100-metre-wide entrance. From aboard your boat, you’ll have the perfect perspective to photograph and to film the ship turning 180° on the spot to manoeuvre back out.  

When we leave Trollfjord, we’ll start to attract the surrounding birds with fish. Gulls will dive for fish right from your hand, while sea eagles circle the boat a few times first. Throwing the fish into the sea grants awe-inspiring photo opportunities of Northern Europe’s largest eagle flexing their 2.5-metre wingspan to swoop in and grab their meal with their powerful talons.

Excursion is subject to a minimum number of participants.

• See Lofoten’s rugged landscapes from a RIB

• Pass small, sheltered bays and sandy beaches

• Look out for sea eagles during the boat ride

• Embarking/disembarking port: Svolvær

• Available: 9 Jun - 8 Sep

• Transportation: RIB (rigid inflatable boat)

• Clothes: Comfortable shoes, warm and windproof clothing. Life jackets, thermal suits, and gloves are provided

• The excursion is not suitable for guests with back problems.

• Minimum age: 6 years old when accompanied by an adult

• A Taste of Vesterålen

• Sea Eagle Safari

Experienced skippers will first take us to an idyllic lagoon lined with white sandy beaches and surrounded by islands and skerries. Here, you’ll have a good chance of seeing sea eagles, Europe’s largest bird of prey.  

We’ll continue at high speed on Vestfjord to the island of Skrova. Decades ago, the fishing and whaling industry swelled the island’s population to several thousand, but nowadays, the village is home to just under 200 people. Skrova has two nicknames: ‘Photo Island’ because of the permanent outdoor photo exhibitions found throughout the island; and ‘Hawaii Island’ because of its sunny clime and impressive scenery. We’ll stop here to learn about modern-day salmon fishing and the island’s history.  

We’ll then travel to the village of Skjoldvær, before heading back across Vestfjord to Svolvær, where we’ll be greeted at the harbour entrance by the statue of the “Fisherman’s Wife” before re-boarding our waiting ship.

Excursion is subject to a minimum number of participants.

• 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.

• Embarking/disembarking port: Svolvær

• Languages: English and Norwegian

• Available period: 4 Jan - 19 Dec

• 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 centre 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.

• Enjoy views of Lofoten’s spectacular landscapes throughout the tour

• Visit Kabelvåg, a small, charming fishing village

• See the exhibitions of Galleri Espolin and Lofoten Museum in Kabelvåg

• Admire a beautiful Vågan church, also known as the Lofoten Cathedral, as we pass by

• Disembarking port: Stamsund

• Embarking port: Svolvær

• Available period:  4 Apr - 31 Aug

• Transportation: Bus

• Meals: N/A

• Clothes: Comfortable shoes and warm clothing 

• Svartisen Glacier

• Arctic Coastal Walk

• Experience Bodø and Saltstraumen 

• RIB Safari to Saltstraumen

Starting in Stamsund, this excursion will take you on a tour of Kabelvåg, one of Lofoten’s oldest fishing villages. Our first stop though is Torvdalshalsen, a rest stop with a gorgeous view across the fjord. We’ll continue on to Kabelvåg, where the commercial part of the Lofoten fishing industry started, more than 1000 years ago.

Here, we’ll visit Galleri Espolin, which has the largest collection of the work of beloved artist Kaare Espolin Johnson. Close to the gallery lies the Lofoten Museum, where you can find out about local fishing history.

Kabelvåg may have started as the medieval town Vågar. In the centre of the village, you’ll find the main building dates back to 1815, along with Vågan Church, also known as the Lofoten Cathedral. The church was built in 1898 in the Gothic Revival style; and is one of Norway’s largest churches.

Excursion is subject to a minimum number of participants.

• Travel by bus through beautiful scenery between Sortland and Stokmarknes

• Join a guided tour around Hurtigrutemusset, housed in one of our retired ships

• Travel back in time to 1912 and 1956 through different sections of the ship

• Discover the history and stories that made The Coastal Express the icon it is today

• Disembarking port: Sortland

• Embarking port: Stokmarknes

• Available: 1 Jan - 31 Dec (except Christmas Day)

• Transportation: Bus

• Meals: N/A

• Clothes: Comfortable shoes, warm and windproof clothing

• A Taste of Vesterålen

• Lofoten Islands

• Sea Eagle Safari

• Lofoten by Horse

• RIB Adventure in Lofoten

• Discover a Fishing Village

Enjoy the scenery as we make our way by bus from Sortland to Stokmarknes, the birthplace of Hurtigruten. On the waterfront, you’ll find a full-sized ship encased within a large glass building. Here, our very own MS Finnmarken from 1956 has been lovingly restored and transformed into a museum in honour of The Coastal Express.  

Hurtigrutemuseet preserves archives, photographs and artefacts that chronicle the birth and evolution of The Coastal Express, our pivotal contribution to coastal communities, and the transformation that had on the Norwegian coast. On a guided tour, you’ll get to explore 1956 MS Finnmarken’s bridge, galley, engine room, classic dining room, and cabins. Then, you can relax in the lounge from DS Finnmarken, a Coastal Express ship from 1912. 

With knowledgeable guides and a range of interactive exhibitions, Hurtigrutemuseet promises a memorable visit, encapsulating and celebrating the legacy of the original Norwegian coastal voyage.

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 Centre which charts the islands’ history

• Learn about the traditional industry of eider duck down harvesting

• Have a complimentary hot drink and local snack in the café

• Disembarking port: Sandnessjøen

• Embarking port: Brønnøysund

• Available:  10 June - 9 Sep 

• Transportation: Boat

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

• Clothes: Comfortable shoes, warm and windproof clothing

Discover a hidden gem as you tour the UNESCO-listed islands of Vega that sit south of the Arctic Circle. We’ll venture from Sandnessjøen, through the cluster of islands, islets, and reefs by boat while our guide speaks of the fascinating culture of this coastal landscape and its people. 

Coming ashore at Gardsøy, we’ll visit the Vega World Heritage Centre which highlights the outstanding 1500-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 and after the hatchlings have moved out, the highly-prized eider down is collected.  

Through the exhibitions and short film, you’ll be taken on a journey from Stone Age settlements to fish farming of the modern day. Admire the beautiful 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.

• Feel tiny as we wander through the cathedral-like hole through the heart of Torghatten, on the island of Torget

• Hear the enchanting myths around the formation of the hole – and how geology and geography explain it

• Learn fascinating Viking stories as we drive through one of the region’s important Viking seats, mentioned in the Icelandic sagas

• Sample a local version of lefse, a traditional flatbread with a unique connection to Torghatten mythology

• Availability: 1 May – 30 September

• Included: Drink and snack

One of Norway’s most iconic places, Torghatten is known for its spectacular hole and the enthralling myths behind it. According to legend, it was created by an arrow fired by the lusty son of a mighty troll king while he was chasing a troll maiden who had been making lefse. 

On the scenic drive there, we’ll hear all about the history and modern life of Brønnøysund and the Helgeland region. When we arrive at Torghatten we’ll follow a narrow footpath along the seashore and, after a short walk, wander through the awe-inspiring hole – it’s 160m long, 35m high, and 15-20m wide. It’s so big, a Hurtigruten ship could sail through it! 

Then, we’ll share a drink and taste local lefse as we learn how and why people have thrived here for thousands of years. 

We’ll drive back past the Norwegian Aquaculture Centre, a beautiful sight from our bus.

Excursion is subject to a minimum number of participants.

• Take a short journey around the beautiful town of Brønnøysund

• Enjoy an informative tour at the Norwegian Aquaculture Centre at Toft

• Feed the salmon and hear about their marine life from experienced guides

• Have a taste of the fresh local Norwegian salmon, famous around the world

• Embarking/disembarking port: Brønnøysund

• Available: 1 Jan - 31 Dec

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

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

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

Excursion is subject to a minimum number of participants.

• Ride through the historic parts of Brønnøysund town, hearing dramatic tales of local history along the way

• Get a healthy dose of fresh air and exercise as you pedal through the geographical centre of Norway

• Visit a local modern visual artist in her showroom on a picturesque farm near the seashore

• Spot Torghatten, the mountain with the hole right through it, in the distance

When we’re kitted out with our bikes and helmets, our guide will take us on a tour of historic Brønnøysund. Along the way, we’ll hear intriguing stories about the town at the geographical centre of Norway. 

Follow the smaller roads to Tørrfiskbrygga to see traditional boats and old handcrafts, and discover why Brønnøy Church isn’t just any old Norwegian church... 

Next, we’ll cycle about 1.2 miles (2km) to the Kunstlåven, the ARTBARN, in a picturesque old farm at the end of the road near the sea. It’s the showroom of a local visual artist. We’ll share traditional coffee and cake with her here. If you like, take some time to explore outside too – head to the shore and scan the beautiful bay to spot the famous Torghatten mountain. 

When we’ve cycled back to the pier, we’ll have earned a taste of what is reputedly the best soft ice cream in the world!

Excursion is subject to a minimum number of participants.

• Enjoy a scenic bus tour including a trip around Molde, the ‘City of Roses’

• Explore the Bergtatt marble and limestone mine alongside experienced guides

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

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

• Disembarking port: Kristiansund

• Embarking port: Molde

• Available: 15 Sep - 30 Apr, except 19-31 Dec and 1-3 Jan

• Transportation: Bus and raft

• Meals: Meat soup, mountain spring water

• Clothes: Comfortable shoes and warm clothing

• Trondheim with Nidaros Cathedral

Travelling from Kristiansund, we’re met by our guides at Bergtatt who kit us out with all the necessary gear and give a safety demonstration. We’re now ready for an unforgettable journey into the enchanting marble caves.  

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

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

We’ll then be led 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. Amid 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.

• Take a relaxing guided coach journey around the city of TrondheimSee the city from above at the picturesque Utsikten viewpointAdmire the Gothic-style architecture of Nidaros Cathedral on a guided tourReceive a complimentary book about Nidaros Cathedral as a souvenir

• Embarking/disembarking port: Trondheim

• Available: 2 Jan - 31 Dec, except 25 Dec

• Transportation: Bus

• Clothes: Comfortable shoes and warm clothing

• The Atlantic Road

• Bergtatt

Founded as early as 997, this age-old Viking capital is full of culture and history, but it has also established itself as a leader of innovation and Norway’s centre of knowledge.  

A bus tour of Trondheim brings us past the former capital’s beautiful red city bridge and old wooden wharf buildings of the Bakklandet neighbourhood that have stood along the Nid River since the 18th century.  

We’ll then enjoy the magnificent panorama of the bustling city from Utsikten viewpoint which overlooks nearby Kristiansten Fortress and gives view of Munkholmen island in the fjord.  

Next stop is Nidaros Cathedral, Norway’s national shrine. Built over the tomb of St. Olav in 1070, it boasts stunning architecture and ornate Gothic-style decoration carved masterfully into the stone. After a fascinating guided tour of the cathedral, you’ll pick up a complimentary book about Norway’s Notre Dame to take home as a souvenir.

Excursion is subject to a minimum number of participants.

• See and learn more about the city of Trondheim

• Visit beautiful Nidaros Cathedral, Norway’s national shrine

• Explore Ringve Museum and learn more about Norwegian music history

• Admire the botanical gardens surrounding the museum

• Embarking/disembarking port: Trondheim

• Available: 3 Apr - 02 Sep

• Transport: Bus

• Clothes: Comfortable shoes are advised as Ringve Museum has many stairs

• If visiting on Sundays and bank holidays, guiding will take place outside the cathedral and in the Archbishop’s Palace on due to the church service taking place inside the cathedral

• Photography is not allowed inside Nidaros Cathedral or Ringve Museum

Inhabited since the Viking ages, Trondheim is full of culture and fascinating history. Today, we’ll explore two attractions in this ancient city. First, we’ll visit Nidaros Cathedral, Norway’s national shrine. This cathedral was built over the burial place of Norway’s patron saint, St. Olav, and features incredible Gothic-style architectural details and exquisite works of art. After a guided tour of the cathedral, you’ll have some free time to explore the area.  

Next, the bus will take you to the Ringve Museum of Musical History, where your enthusiastic tour guide will bring the history of Norway’s music to life. Surrounded by a gorgeous botanical garden, this stately manor house was the childhood home of 18th century Norwegian naval hero Peter Wessel Tordenskiold who distinguished himself during the Great Northern War between Norway, Denmark, and Sweden. The museum is conveniently located just outside Trondheim and is an ideal spot to enjoy views of both the city and the fjord.

Excursion is subject to a minimum number of participants.

• Tour the attractive fishing towns of Kristiansund and Molde

• Ride along the world-renowned Atlantic Road in the county of Romsdal

• Discover the impressive 17th century Kvernes Stave Church

• Enjoy a traditional local dish, bacalao, at a charming restaurant

• Disembarking port: Kristiansund

• Embarking port: Molde

• Available: 11 Apr - 10 Sep, except 17 May

• Transportation: Bus

• Meals: Bacalao, bread, caramel pudding, coffee or tea

• Clothes: Comfortable shoes and warm clothing

• Trondheim with Nidaros Cathedral

What has been named ‘the world’s best road trip’ starts with a short tour of picturesque Kristiansund before continuing to Averøy, an island that sits at the entry of ‘The Road in the Ocean,’ The Atlantic Road. This route is one of Norway's most visited attractions and won the title of "Engineering Feat of the Century" in 2005.

Covering over 8 kilometres, this unique highway zigzags along the dramatic coastline, crossing over bridges that connect the series of small islands and islets that decorate the stunning landscape.

Stopping at the unique Kvernes Stave Church, we admire the magnificent view of the fjord and take a peek at the attractive baroque interior.

We’ll stop at a cosy tavern to tuck into a Norwegian specialty, Bacalao. Made from the region's famous klippfisk (salted and dried cod), this hearty stew is influenced by Mediterranean recipes and is a result of extensive trading with southern Europe in the 19th century.

Our scenic route ends with a brief tour around the 'City of Roses,' Molde, before rejoining our ship.

Excursion is subject to a minimum number of participants.

• Private tour of the Nidaros Cathedral, Trondheim’s Notre Dame

• Admire impressive architecture and hear fascinating tales of its history

• Explore the hidden rooms of the 12th century cathedral

• Access the crypt to see the largest collection of medieval tombstones in Norway

• Disembarking/embarking port: Trondheim

• Available: 2 Jan - 31 Dec, except 25 Dec

• Transportation: Minibus

• Meals: N/A

• Clothes: Comfortable shoes and warm clothing

• Steep and narrow stairs at the Nidaros Cathedral

• The Atlantic Road

• Bergtatt

Venture to the heart of Trondheim on this exclusive tour of the stunning Nidaros Cathedral, the most important Gothic monument in Norway. 

Built over the burial site of St. Olav, the patron Saint of Norway, this impressive place was constructed from 1070 onwards and was an essential pilgrimage site in northern Europe during the Middle Ages. It remains a popular pilgrimage destination to this day. 

Cast your eyes over the beautiful Romanesque and Gothic architecture with its lofty vaults, slender pillars, eye-catching facades, and delicate ornamental decoration carefully cut into the stone. We’ll climb the winding stairway to discover the enchanting chapel and admire the magnificent stained-glass windows.  

As part of this private tour, we’ll gain access to some of the hidden chambers of the cathedral. In the basement, you’ll wander through the dark passages of the medieval tombstone crypt, home to the marble gravestones that make up Norway’s largest tombstone collection.

Excursion is subject to a minimum number of participants.

• Kayak the Nid River as it meanders around Trondheim’s Old Town

• See some of Trondheim’s main attractions from the water

• Wave back at the locals and other visitors to the city you’ll be paddling past

• Enjoy this active tour of Trondheim together with experienced instructors

• Embarking/disembarking port: Trondheim 

• Available: 1 Jan - 31 Dec, except 24 Dec

• Transportation: Taxi

• Meals: Chocolate and a drink

• Clothes: Dry suits are available between 1 Nov - 1 Apr. Life jackets and waterproofs are provided.

• Minimum age: 6 years old when accompanied by an adult

• Though you are escorted by a kayak instructor, this is not a guided tour

One of the most unique ways to see the sights of Trondheim is by exploring its waterways. That’s exactly what’s on offer as part of this urban kayak tour along the river Nid which weaves its way around Trondheim’s charming Old Town. This gentle activity is great fun for families, and suitable even for those who’ve never kayaked before.  

We’ll begin by the harbour, and glide past the colourful wooden buildings of the wharves before paddling into the city’s smaller channels. Here, you’ll get a chance to see some of the most famous landmarks, like Nidaros Cathedral, Kristiansten Fortress on a nearby hilltop, and the popular Marinen Park.  

The river Nid is also known to be a great fishing spot. You’ll have no trouble finding trout throughout the river, and you might even come across salmon in the lower reaches. Every year, salmon is caught here weighing more than 20kgs!

Excursion is subject to a minimum number of participants.

• Explore Trondheim by bike, accompanied by a professional guide

• Pass the city’s several landmarks and admire the views

• Ride alongside local Norwegians who regularly use the same cycle lanes

• Enjoy coffee and pastries at a café in the Bakklandet area

• Embarking/disembarking port: Trondheim 

• Available: 3 Apr - 2 Sep

• Meals: Coffee and pastry

• Clothes: Sturdy shoes and warm clothing for cycling

• Participants must be at least 12 years-old or 150 cm tall

• Baby trailers and child seats are available

A lot of effort has been put in to make Trondheim the most bike-friendly city in Norway. The city now has more than 5km of red cycle lanes running through its centre. Today, we’ll join the countless locals that cycle and embark on a relaxing bike tour of Trondheim. 

We’ll start from where the ship is docked and cycle along the fjord, before crossing the new bike bridge. This bridge offers some great views of Munkholmen island, Trondheim’s version of Alcatraz. From here, we’ll cycle via the neighbourhood of Ila along the river Nid, where you’ll spot the impressive Nidaros Cathedral.  

Entering the buzzy Bakklandet district, we’ll stop for coffee and pastries at one of the many cosy cafés in the area. Heading back to the ship, we’ll cross the historic district and the modernised part of the trendy Solsiden area, a former shipyard which has become very popular with the locals.

Excursion is subject to a minimum number of participants.

• Enjoy a guided walk around Trondheim, Norway’s former capital

• Pass sights such as Stiftsgården and the statue of Viking King Olav Tryggvason

• Admire famous Nidaros Cathedral from the outside and the inside

• See the old city bridge Gamle Bybro, entrance to trendy Bakklandet district

• Embarking/disembarking port: Trondheim

• Available: 1 Jan - 31 Dec, except 24 Dec

• Clothes: Hiking shoes, warm and windproof clothing

• No guiding inside the Nidaros Cathedral

• See the cathedral from the outside and get entrance to the Archbishop's Palace on Sundays and bank holidays due to the church service.

• The walk is approximately 5km

Join us on a guided walk through Trondheim and get ready to learn all about this historical city. We’ll begin at the harbour which was developed during the second half of the 19th century, before walking up to Stiftsgården, the royal residence in Trondheim. Continuing on to the market square, you’ll be able to take a closer look at the towering statue of the city’s founder, Viking King Olav Tryggvason.  

From here, we’ll walk to Nidaros Cathedral, where you’ll get a chance to step inside Norway’s national shrine, and the world’s northernmost cathedral. Get your camera ready as we pass the old city bridge Gamle Bybro, with its red, pointed archways. The bridge is known to the locals as “The Portal of Happiness”, a nickname coined in a popular waltz by 20th century Norwegian singer and composer Kristian Hoddø. Enjoy the view of the colourful wharves along the river Nid before we make our way back to the pier.

Excursion is subject to a minimum number of participants.