Norwegian Fjords - Winter Excursions 2012/13

There are several exciting, educational and entertaining excursions during your cruise through the Norwegian Fjords. The excursions are different depending on whether you are heading northbound or southbound. All activities are limited by space and are subject to availability.

Northbound activities and excursions
Southbound activities and excursions

Northbound

Art Nouveau - Ålesund (2C)
A colourful and picturesque coastal town rebuilt in 1904 following a devastating fire, featuring elaborate spires and tower typical of the art nouveau era.
This Hurtigruten excursion is leisurely paced and a wonderful opportunity to become acquainted with one of Norway’s most beautiful towns. After docking at the pier you are met by a local guide who takes you on a very relaxed and pleasant stroll through the streets of Ålesund.
Along the way, explore the town’s scenic fishing port of Brosundet, the special Apotekertorget Square and the exciting and finely decorated main street – all this and more, to savour the entire town’s rich history and lively street life.
Price £24pp
Dates 16Sep-15Apr
Times 1230-1430
Location: Between Bergen and Trondheim
Notes: A walking tour. No meals included. Not available 24-26Dec, 31Dec, 1Jan or 9-13Apr.

Atlanterhavsparken & Mount Aksla (2D)

Atlanterhavsparken is one of Northern Europe’s largest salt-water aquariums and offers an opportunity to enjoy close encounters with some of the marine life that can be found in and around the coastal waters of Norway.
The tour to the Aquarium includes a spectacular diving show in Norway’s largest aquarium tank, where the fish can be seen being hand-fed by the divers, and a visit to the open-air pool to see the resident penguins.
After the visit to Atlanterhavsparken we continue onwards and upwards to Aksla where you can admire the view of Ålesund below and capture some memories before returning to the quay side.
Price £36pp
Dates 16Sep-15Apr
Times 2hrs
Location: Ålesund, between Bergen and Trondheim
Notes: Bus from quay side. No meals included. Not available 24-26Dec, 31Dec, 1Jan or 9-13Apr.

Trondheim & Nidaros Cathedral (3B)

This special excursion enables you to discover the Viking town of Trondheim – Norway’s first capital. It was founded around 997 by Viking King Olav Tryggvason, who named it Nidaros. 
By Norwegian standards, Trondheim is a large city but preserves the charms and intimacies of a small town. Trondheim is full of colorful contrasts: monastic ruins, impressive wooden buildings, colorful wharves and a beautiful red bridge dating from 1861. The Kristiansten Fortress, from the 1600s, stands guard above the town. 
Trondheim is home to a world-famous research and educational community, modern sports facilities, lively nightlife and countless services. The bus takes you on a relaxing tour of the town and makes a stop at Utsikten (“The View”) to admire the capital from up high.
Sightseeing in Trondheim is incomplete without a visit to its premier cultural treasure, Nidaros Cathedral. Built over the burial site of St. Olav (Norway’s patron saint), the construction of the impressive cathedral began as early as 1070. After an insightful guided tour, many people describe this Gothic-style cathedral as the most beautiful church in all of Norway.
Price £38pp
Dates 1Oct-14Apr
Times 2hrs
Location: Trondheim
Notes: Suitable for everyone. Photography is not permitted in the cathedral

Lofotr Viking Feast (4E)

Customs and legends of viking life. From Stamsund you travel by bus to Lofotr Viking Museum, where you are invited in to experience the largest house known from the Viking age. The Chieftain’s house has been recreated in full size, with exhibits of finds from the Viking age.
The Chieftain and the Lady of the house wants to give you an unforgettable night as they invite you to join in on a real Viking feast in the banquet hall. Experience the magic and excitement as they make sacrifices to the Gods, hoping that the sun will turn to avoid Armageddon. Will we receive a sign from above?
After a meal fit for the gods, you travel by bus to Svolvær, where you board Hurtigruten.
Price £82pp
Dates 1Oct to 31Mar
Times 1900-2150
Location: Between Trondheim and Tromso
Notes: Suitable for all. Not available 23-26Dec. Dinner included.

Arctic Capital - Tromso (5A)
As the largest town above the Arctic Circle, Tromsø reveals many modern urban pleasures as well as a trading and seafaring history of hunting for walrus and polar bears off Svalbard and East Greenland, transporting logs from Russian rivers, the Pomor seafaring trade, coal mining and sealing.
Age-old battles of surviving in a harsh Arctic world and a natural resource-rich far north have provided hard-earned lessons that have turned Tromsø today into an advanced research and education centre.
During this excursion you will visit the Polaria Centre. This Arctic education centre features an aquarium, educational displays and a panorama theatre screening room. After a short panoramic film about this part of Norway, experience the centre’s Arctic “expedition” to learn more about the Northern Lights, tundra, blizzards, polar bears and seals.
The Tromsø tour also includes a stop at the famous Arctic Cathedral – an architectural masterpiece and town landmark. Built in 1965, the design of the church is inspired by the natural surroundings and traditional beliefs of northern Norway and features a fantastic glass mosaic.
For travellers wanting to learn much more about the impact of living in the Arctic and seafaring world, this is an invaluable trip.
Price £45pp
Dates All year except 24-25Dec
Times 1445-1715
Location: Tromso
Notes: Suitable for all. Bus tour.

Husky Sledding - Tromso (5B)
This tour heads to the island of Kvaløya, where we change clothes and footwear and meet eager huskies anxious to pull the sleds over the frozen landscape.
It is deep dark winter and the only light comes from our headlamps and the starry sky. The mood is magical as the dogs run almost silently over the snowy plains and we anticipate seeing the Northern Lights.
The trip comes to a close in a well-heated lavvo (Sami tent) and you can enjoy an open fire and a hot drink whilst recounting the day’s adventure of dog sledding in Norway.
Price £119pp
Dates 1Nov - 30Apr
Times 1430-1830
Location: Tromso
Notes: Good physical condition required. Headlights and thermal suits. Dependant on snow / weather conditions.

The North Cape (6A)
Cross the 71st parallel. Some thing few can claim! The northern most point of the European continent.
This is Finnmark, a fascinating region of Sami, Russian and Finnish overlapping cultures. In summer, you may see herds of grazing reindeer and Sami camps, while during this exotic winter journey, you might find yourselves following a snowplough for the final eight miles up to this world famous cliff. 
The North Cape plateau rises more than a thousand feet – almost vertically – from the icy cold Arctic Ocean. North Cape Hall is an inviting, modern interpretive centre where we can freely enjoy a wide-panorama movie about Finnmark and the North Cape, buy souvenirs, see displays and relax with a bite of food. 
Step outside and brace yourself against the winds as you stand beside the famous North Cape globe. Be in awe of the view and remember to take photographic evidence of this amazing point on our planet. Few people on earth can say they stood at the top of the world.
Price £82pp
Dates All year
Times 1200-1500
Location: Between Tromso & Kirkenes
Notes: Suitable for all. Bus / walking tour.

Snowmobile in Lapland (6D)
After being kitted out for your snowmobile adventure in overalls, special boots, hat, gloves and helmet, you are taken to the starting point of the trip.
After receiving driving instructions from the guides you start the drive to Mehamn. Along the way your guide will tell you about life on the Finnmark coast and the Sami that live here.
Enjoy the exhilarating ride through the snow covered landscapes of the Finnmark all the way to the Hurtigruten quay in Mehamn (weather permitting). Every participant will drive their own snowmobile, driving licence required.
Price £217pp
Dates 15Dec-10May
Times 1730-1945
Location: Between Tromso & Kirkenes
Notes: For those in good physical condition. Outer warm clothing provided.Snow / weather dependent.

The Russian Border - Kirkenes (7A)
Kirkenes is the only town in Norway where East meets West – and it is also the turning point of the Hurtigruten. On this exploratory excursion, you travel to the Russian border. Start with a short tour of Kirkenes before going farther afield, travelling by bus through surprisingly fertile landscape. You will see charming green hills dotted with scrub, birch and pine that survive despite the harsh Arctic climate.
The history of the region is truly stimulating and has been quite dramatic at times, so this is an educational morning as well. You eventually arrive at Storskog, the border station between Norway and Russia.
While you cannot cross the border into Russia, you are permitted to take pictures and video. It is often possible to buy Russian crafts at the border such as charming, hand painted matryoshka nesting dolls.
We visit Bjørnevatn, a small mining community, before heading towards Pasvikdalen. This area is very vigorous, with green hills and trees. We make a photo stop on a hill with a wonderful view of the area.
This is a fascinating excursion with knowledgeable guides and perfect for travellers interested in Scandinavian and Russian history and culture.
Price £36pp
Dates All year
Times 1015-1215
Location: Kirkenes
Notes: Bus tour. Suitable for all

Distribution of clothing and safety briefing. Along the way, your guides educate you about the history of Sami, their culture and Arctic climate and animal life.
After your invigorating journey on snowmobiles, enjoy a taste of local traditions with dried reindeer meat and a hot beverage in a well-heated lavvo – the Sami equivalent of a tent. All participants are provided with warm winter clothes and receive instruction in snowmobile safety at the start of this tour.
If you wish to drive, remember to bring your driver’s licence. This is a fast-action adventure where you experience Finnmark’s winter firsthand. It is great fun and a remarkably different excursion for adventurers of all ages.
Price £124pp
Dates 15Dec to 15May
Times 1015-1240
Location: Kirkenes
Notes: Driving licence required. Warm outer clothing provided. 2 people per snowmobile.

Husky adventure - Kirkenes (7F)
Join a sledge ride with eager Huskies. Experience the feeling of wilderness during the thrilling ride! The driver meets us at the quay in Kirkenes. We drive to the Snow Hotel, situated beside Gabba Reindeer Park. Here we will put on warm outdoor clothing (snow overalls, shoes, gloves and hats are provided).
The eager huskies are harnessed to your sledge waiting to transport you across the frozen landscape. There will be two passengers per sledge travelling with a "musher" (guide).
Our guides have plenty of experience, many have even competed in dog races. You can have a go at driving the sledge yourself or simply sit back and enjoy the ride. The track is just over 5 km long set against the picturesque landscape. Experience the feeling of wilderness during the thrilling ride! At the end of the trip we gather around the fire for a hot drink. You also have the option to visit the Snow Hotel or the reindeer.
Price £108pp
Dates 15Dec - 1May
Times 2hrs30
Location: Kirkenes
Notes: Warm outer clothing provided.

 

Winter - Southbound

Snowmobile in Lapland (8F)
You may have seen the Northern Lights on board your hurtigruten ship. Now you may see them in the middle of the night from a snowmobile!
After being kitted out for your snowmobile adventure in overalls, special boots, hat, gloves and helmet, you are taken to the starting point of the trip.
After receiving driving instructions from the guides you start the drive to Mehamn. Along the way your guide will tell you about life on the Finnmark coast and the Sami that live here.
Enjoy the exhilarating ride through the snow covered landscapes of the Finnmark all the way to the Hurtigruten quay in Mehamn (weather permitting). Every participant will drive their own snowmobile, driving licence required.
Price £266pp
Dates 15Dec-10May
Times 0100-0330
Location: Between Tromso & Kirkenes
Notes: For those in good physical condition. Outer warm clothing provided.Snow / weather dependent

A taste of Vesterålen (9A)
Harstad to Sortland is one of Hurtigruten’s classic excursions and exemplifies why passengers are so enthusiastic about these excursions.
The trip begins in Harstad, where you begin the morning with a little sightseeing through the town streets and then stop at a viewpoint. A few kilometres outside town, in Trondeneshalvøya, stands the white medieval church, Trondenes Kirke. In addition to housing several art treasures, the church is a premier cultural heritage site from the late Middle Ages. (Special, short ecumenical services are sometimes held here for our passengers). 
Next door, Trondenes Historical Center offers an in-depth exhibit complete with sounds, scents and objects that capture the region’s dramatic span from the Viking Age and Middle Ages to the present. The bus then takes us across Hinnøya, an island, where you can enjoy views of the beautiful fjords, steep mountains and fertile farms. 
You then cross the Gullesfjord by ferry and have coffee, tea and freshly baked cakes. Ferry along the Sigerfjord and in Sortland, the centre of the Vesterålen islands, you rejoin the Hurtigruten ship. Idyllic in summer, picture perfect in winter, this is an eventful tour filled with scenery and Viking culture.
Price £57pp
Dates All year
Times 0815-1245
Location: Between Tromso & Trondheim
Notes: Bus tour. Coffee & Cake

Trondheim & Nidaros Cathedral (11A)
This special excursion enables you to discover the Viking town of Trondheim – Norway’s first capital. It was founded around 997 by Viking King Olav Tryggvason, who named it Nidaros.
By Norwegian standards, Trondheim is a large city but preserves the charms and intimacies of a small town. Trondheim is full of colorful contrasts: monastic ruins, impressive wooden buildings, colorful wharves and a beautiful red bridge dating from 1861. The Kristiansten Fortress, from the 1600s, stands guard above the town.
Trondheim is home to a world-famous research and educational community, modern sports facilities, lively nightlife and countless services. The bus takes you on a relaxing tour of the town and makes a stop at Utsikten (“The View”) to admire the capital from up high.
Sightseeing in Trondheim is incomplete without a visit to its premier cultural treasure, Nidaros Cathedral. Built over the burial site of St. Olav (Norway’s patron saint), the construction of the impressive cathedral began as early as 1070. After an insightful guided tour, many people describe this Gothic-style cathedral as the most beautiful church in all of Norway.
Price £38pp
Dates All year
Times 0800-0950
Location: Trondheim
Notes: Bus and walking tour.

Trondheim City Walk (11D)
The harbour was developed during the second half of the 19th century, and you start your walk here at the quay. You walk up to “Stiftsgården”, the royal residence in Trondheim, and continue to the market square to take a closer look at the statue of the city’s founder, Olav Tryggvason, which towers over this busy square. From here, we continue to Nidaros Cathedral, the national monument of Norway. 
Cross the old city bridge with its red gateway, which the locals call “the portal of happiness”, and enter the area of the city called Bakklandet, which has managed to preserve its charming wooden architecture. Here, you find the world’s one and only bicycle lift.  Originally this was the industrial part of the city, but now the old factories have become desirable housing surrounded by small shops and restaurants.
Price £19pp
Dates All year
Times 2hr30
Location: Trondheim
Notes: Walking tour