Expeditions
Join an expedition cruise in Norway from Hamburg, Dover or Bergen to North Cape and back. These expeditions are the perfect choice to uncover gems of the stunning Norwegian coast, exclusively handpicked by those who know it best.
Explore the most scenic spots the coastline has to offer and enjoy included excursions to experience even more. Instead of short visits to lots of ports, we spend several hours to really get to know each area, giving you ample time in the magnificent scenery to bask in summer’s Midnight Sun or gaze up at the Northern Lights.
Photo: Shutterstock, Hurtigruten and Shutterstock
Drawing on our decades of sailing the coast every day for more than 125 years, we’ve created new itineraries that include some of our personal favourite places along the coast, taking you to special spots few know about let alone visit.
Our ships will dock for half a day or a full day, giving you several hours to really experience each place. Most days will feature an included excursion and you’ll have a wide range of optional excursions to choose from as well.
The Expedition Team will be there to guide you as you discover the beauty and charm of the Norwegian coast. Through talks and lectures, they’ll enhance your experience with insights that can only come from intimate, local knowledge. You’ll explore topics that relate to Norwegian culture, history, food, wildlife, geology, and much more. The ship’s onboard Science Center will be your hub of discovery where you can study microscopic samples and learn about Citizen Science projects.
Norway is at the forefront of a culinary revolution. Its pantry is the bountiful Norwegian coast. Fresh-as-can-be ingredients are grown, plucked, and harvested naturally all along the coast, and delivered directly to our chefs in the ports we bring you to. From handmade Lofoten ice-cream, artisanal cheeses, and succulent king crab, you’ll be able to savour the finest food Norway has to offer in our onboard restaurants during your expedition cruise.
Our expedition cruises bring you to explore some of Norway’s best fjords, be it the likes of Geirangerfjord, Sognefjord, or Hjørundfjord. You’ll go to the top of the European continent at North Cape or perhaps all the way to the high Arctic archipelago of Svalbard.
Behold Norway’s most photographed fishing village in Reine, browse petite bookshops in Fjærland, or enjoy a concert at the Northern Lights Cathedral in Alta. Remote yet ruggedly beautiful islands such as Senja, Træna and Værlandet are hidden treasures that few get to visit, just waiting for you to discover them.
And of course, there’s the light. In winter, between October and March, the Northern Lights colour Norway’s night skies, making our Christmas and New Year’s sailing that much more magical. Come summer, Norway above the Arctic Circle becomes the land of eternal daylight, even at midnight, granting you extra sunlight hours to explore even more.
Add some of the world’s most magnificent wildlife to Norway’s stunning landscape, and you can easily see why it’s one of the best destinations in the world for wildlife lovers. From the predatory white-tailed eagles that rule the sky to the whales along the coast – Norway is a wilderness of peerless beauty.
During your expedition cruise, you may be treated to views of whale species including pilot, minke, orca, humpback, and sperm whales swimming the waters of the Norwegian coast. Seeing these gentle giants of the seas is a wonderous experience each and every time. On rare occasions, you might even be able to witness humpback whales acrobatically breaching out of the water – a momentous spectacle that will stay with you always.
Norway has a great variety of bird species across its many habitats of cliffs, wetlands, forests, and tundra. In the summer, the days are long and insects and other food sources are plentiful. This attracts an estimated three million nesting birds such as skuas, razorbills, puffins, gannets, White-tailed Eagles, and kittiwakes. Combined with unspoilt nature and gorgeous landscapes, the Norwegian coast really is perfect for birdwatching.
Almost all reindeer in Norway are tended to in herds by the indigenous Sámi people. They usually graze in Troms and Finnmark county in northern Norway, and are sometimes seen on the outskirts of its towns too. In winter, the reindeer’s coat thickens, becomes bristly, and even their antlers grow a fur coating. Come summer, bucks shed their coat and antler fur so that their bodies are lean and their antlers sharp to compete for females.
The Norwegian Coast is ideal for exploration all year round. Discover its magnificent landscapes, wonderful wildlife, historic landmarks and unique culture through a range of activities. You can go dogsledding in the Arctic, kayak in breathtaking fjords, visit the top of the world at the North Cape, or meet Sámi reindeer herders.
Along the Norwegian coast, every season has something unique to offer. You’ll be spoilt for choice in the programme of included and optional activities available on your expedition, catering to different interests and activity levels. After exploring this stunning land, the Norwegian love of nature and the great outdoors will be sure to rub off on you too.
There’s no better way to experience Norway than through our wide range of optional shore excursions. Join a thrilling dogsled ride, visit UNESCO-listed World Heritage Sites or hike to the world famous Preikestolen for panoramic views over Lysefjord. You can also take part in cultural experiences like meeting the indigenous Sámi herders and visiting the fishing communities of Lofoten.
*Please note that some of these are optional activities at an additional cost.
Even though our ships sail close to the coast and go where the big ships can’t, there are many hard-to-reach, hidden gems to explore. Our small expedition boats can take you to remote settlements deep in the fjords or to rarely visited island communities such as Skarsvåg or Mosterøy.
Your Expedition Team share their deep knowledge of local culture, history and nature through daily onboard lectures and workshops. They will cover fascinating topics such as the geology of fjords, Viking culture, Arctic explorers or wildlife of the coast.
During your expedition, you’ll have access to the ship’s Science Center. You can dabble in scientific analysis of rock and biological matter, or learn more about Norway’s climate and geology.
Get involved with our Citizen Science projects such as Happywhale, where your photos can help identify and track whales across the planet. Your contribution to any of our science projects will help the wider scientific community with important research.
Norway’s coastal waters are home to an array of birds, marine mammals, and Arctic wildlife. Depending on when and where you visit, you may see sea eagles, Arctic skuas and Brünnich’s guillemots. Ashore, you might find mink, otter and deer, while at sea, look for whales, dolphins, seals and more.
*Please note that some of these are optional activities at an additional cost.
Given Norway’s stunning landscapes, it’s no surprise that hiking is a national pastime. Choose from scenic nature rambles, alpine mountain trails, hikes in the tundra wilderness above the Polar Circle, or walks deep in the fjords. We offer hikes to suit all fitness levels, led by either the Expedition Team or a local guide.
*Please note that some of these are optional activities at an additional cost.
Glide through tranquil waters surrounded by incredible nature or historical architecture. You can enjoy kayaking in the fjords, along city waterways, or out on the open sea paddling between islets. Get a fresh sightseeing perspective and maybe see whales or seals swim up alongside you.
*Please note that some of these are optional activities at an additional cost.
Experience the thrill of snowmobiling across the Arctic tundra under the Northern Lights or dogsledding in snow-covered woodlands. You can try exhilarating alpine activities like snowshoeing and winter fat biking as you discover Arctic Norway (usually offered from October to March, and when snow conditions are right).
*Please note that some of these are optional activities at an additional cost.
Norway provides a wealth of subjects, backdrops and beautiful lighting for keen photographers to experiment with. Our professional onboard photographer will be available to give tips to enhance your landscape and wildlife photos.
