Shore Excursions for Norway - 2023 Coastal Cruises

Physical Level: For all guests
Port: Kirkenes
Season: All Year

The only town in Norway where East meets West, Kirkenes represents the turning point of your Hurtigruten voyage. You can see the Russian influence characterized by street signs in both languages, and you can often hear Russian being spoken. We drive to the Norwegian-Russian border at Storskog. The border crossing defines the limits of the Schengen area, and is one of the most guarded borders in Europe. Unfortunately, it is not allowed to cross the border, but you can take pictures. Back in Kirkenes we visit another viewpoint on Prestfjellet mountain with a view of the city and our ship.

Physical Level: For most guests, requires some physical effort
Port: Kirkenes
Season: Jun-Sept

We start our excursion with a short trip to the jetty where riverboats are ready to travel up the Pasvikelva River, which divides Norway and Russia and has cultural and political history dating back thousands of years. While traveling upriver, you learn about the history of the Sámi people, saints Boris and Gleb, and St. Trifon of the Pechenga Monastery. We also learn about the region's strategic and geopolitical significance, and about the occasional fierce fighting between Allied and Axis forces here during World War II. At the border we go ashore and learn a little bit more about Norway’s relationship with its eastern neighbor. We then enjoy a hot beverage, complemented with a dish of local cloudberries and cream. On the way back, the guide tells us about the rich plant and animal life that thrives in the area. Reindeer, bears, fish, and a multitude of bird species make this one of Norway's most exciting wilderness areas.

Physical Level: Medium, participants should be in good general physical condition
Port: Kirkenes
Season: Apr-May

Take off on a snowmobile adventure over a frozen fjord and across beautiful frozen terrain at the height of Arctic winter. During the trip, your guide tells you about the history of the extreme Arctic climate and the unique wildlife that inhabits the region. After the journey, we enjoy a hot drink and taste dried reindeer meat. We ride two people per vehicle and provide thorough instruction on snowmobile operation and safety before departing.

Physical Level: For most guests, requires some physical effort
Port: Kirkenes
Season: All Year

The snow hotel is set in idyllic surroundings. Our adventure here begins with a stroll up to the hotel and into the ice bar, where upon arrival we are served an ice-cold berry shot. The guide will then show us around. Afterwards we gather around the cozy fire where we are served a warm drink. You can also visit the dog yard and see some of the many huskies that live there.

Physical Level: Difficult, participants must be in good general physical condition
Port: Kirkenes
Season: May-Oct

Your guide meets you at the dock and provides safety instructions before you climb onto the vehicles and drive in pairs to a viewpoint overlooking the Sydvaranger mines. Here, the guide explains the history of the iron ore pits. Then you proceed to Skafferhullet, the former border crossing between Murmansk County, Russia, and Finnmark County, Norway, and you see a Russian dwelling and chapel. This border was closed for a long time when tensions were high between Russia and NATO, in which Norway is a member. Then you continue to the current border station between Russia and Norway, Storskog, where you stop for coffee and a snack. On the way back to Kirkenes, you briefly stop at the top of Prestfjell Mountain to admire the view of both the town and your waiting Hurtigruten ship.

Physical Level: Medium, participants should be in good general physical condition
Port: Kirkenes
Season: Apr-May

You start with a short drive to the camp. Here, you will be kitted out with warm outdoor clothing; Snow overalls, shoes, gloves and hats all provided for you. Then it’s time to meet the dogs. The huskies are harnessed to your sledge, eagerly waiting to transport you across the frozen landscape. Each sledge will be travelling with its own "musher" (guide). Several of these guides are active mushers with long experience so you can just sit and enjoy the ride. The track we follow is in a landscape of frozen lakes, through forest landscapes and snowy plateaus so you will get close to the arctic wilderness. If you are lucky, the northern lights will make a magical appearance, during the dark period. When the sun returns, the climate gets milder and the daylight lasts longer. After the trip, we gather around the campfire for a hot drink.

Physical Level: Medium, participants should be in good general physical condition
Port: Kirkenes
Season: Apr

These spiny giants from the Barents Sea can weigh up to 13 pounds and have leg spans measuring up to six feet wide. An experienced guide takes you out on this unforgettable king crab fishing trip in a RIB (rigid-inflatable boat). You cruise along the Bøkfjord and out to the Barents Sea to find the right place to anchor. All hands on deck are needed to help pull up the crab pots from the depths of the sea. The king crab is a recent arrival in Norway and actually originates from the North Pacific Ocean. Soviet marine biologists began releasing them into the nearby Murmansk Fjord in the 1960s, and the first king crab was caught in Norwegian waters in the mid-1970s. The spiny giants are now caught as far west as Tromsø. After hauling up enough crabs, you head to a traditional boathouse along the fjord to prepare and eaqt your catch. Eat as much of this Arctic marine delicacy as you like. Bon appétit!