Hurtigruten

Excursions

Enhance your voyage with Hurtigruten’s wide range of optional excursions that allow you to delve deeper into the dramatic landscapes, rich history, and charming culture of Norway and Svalbard. On offer is more than 130 excursions up and down the coast, each run by local suppliers who are ready to showcase the wonders of their home.  Take your pick from a palette of active adventures such as kayaking along Ålesund’s waterways or quad biking to the North Cape. If you’re interested in history, you can join a World War II tour in Kristiansund or explore the hidden rooms of Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim. There are also plenty of opportunities to sample the delicacies of the Norwegian coast, with visits to the world’s northernmost brewery and boat trips to go king crab fishing with locals.

Sustainability

A deep love for Norway’s coast compels Hurtigruten to take care of its pristine waters and shores – as well as the livelihoods of those who live there. They’ve banned all unnecessary single-use plastic – the first cruise line to do so, and are in the process of transforming their ships with major green upgrades. Their entire fleet will be more energy efficient, cutting CO2 emissions by 25% and NOx by 80%, and three ships will be upgraded to hybrid power. The majority of the ingredients they use for their onboard cuisine are received by their ships at half of the ports they visit – with as few food miles in between as possible. Not only does this provide farming and fishing families with important income, but it also cuts down on the energy needed to transport or refrigerate ingredients. As part of their innovative Sea Zero project, Hurtigruten are partnering with SINTEF, one of Europe’s largest independent research organisations, to explore solutions in energy efficiency and battery electric power to produce the first zero emission ship on the Norwegian coast by 2030.

Northern Lights

The Northern Lights have enthralled mankind for a long time. Today, they still captivate travellers who venture north to the Arctic. On a cruise with Hurtigruten along the Norwegian coast, the aurora borealis comes to you. Where Hurtigruten sails in northern Norway is directly beneath the Auroral Zone, an area of consistent auroral activity. Of the 34 ports they visit from Bergen to Kirkenes, 22 are north of the Arctic Circle, giving you plenty of opportunity to see the Northern Lights.

The Northern Lights simply cannot be described in words – they have to be experienced. And Hurtigruten has a promise to you: they are certain the Northern Lights will make an appearance on your 12-day Hurtigruten voyage. But if they don’t, they will give you another 6 or 7-day Classic Voyage free of charge.

Wildlife

Fjords and mountains. The midnight sun and the Northern Lights. To many, Norway is defined by its natural wonders. If you come here, you'll understand why. Dramatic and diverse, Norway's nature ranges from serene forest-covered hills in the southeast and spectacular fjords and glaciers in the west to Arctic wilderness in the north. The Norwegian coastline is also a haven for wildlife. Known for its loving relationship to fish, Norway has a rich diversity of fauna, including whales, sea eagles and the king crab. And by sailing on Hurtigruten’s small ships you’ll be as close to nature as possible.