Shore Excursions for Norway - 2023 Coastal Cruises

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

On this excursion you travel over the mountains from the old trading post and fishing village of Kjøllefjord to Mehamn. Along the way, guides tell you about the Sámi people, the region's geography and climatic conditions, as well as what life is like on the Finnmark coast and how the local people utilize nature during the summer and winter seasons. Some of Norway’s best snowmobile instructors provide training before you hop onto your own vehicle for this once-in-a-lifetime trek through spellbinding, snowbound scenery. Experience snowy valleys, invigorating winter air, and maybe even the mystical northern lights in the dark and starry polar night sky. In spring, the sun returns to produce ubiquitous daylight and milder temperatures. Back in Mehamn, the world’s northernmost mainland town, we rejoin the Hurtigruten ship and continue our cruise to Kirkenes.

Physical Level: For all guests
Port: Kjøllefjord - Mehamn
Season: May-Aug

On this excursion, we learn about the challenges faced by today's reindeer herders, and how their traditional ways remain relevant in the modern world. Sámi reindeer herders symbolize Sámi culture and are dependent on vast areas of wilderness. The Sámi herders still live a nomadic lifestyle, following the reindeer migrations from the plains to the coast in April and back inland again in September. On this excursion you meet a herding family and their reindeer at summer pasture on the Nordkyn Peninsula. They invite you in to an evocative encounter around the fire in a traditional 'lavvo' (a temporary dwelling similar to a teepee) while the reindeer graze outside. This family of reindeer herders, artisans, and guardians of Sámi traditions share insights into the challenges herders and the Sámi people contend with. Through stories, chanting ('joik'), handicrafts,and reindeer broth, you get a genuine taste of Sámi culture.

Physical Level: For all guests
Port: Kjøllefjord - Mehamn
Season: Sep-Oct

Join this excursion and learn about the arctic nature's 'pantry and pharmacy'. Here you can sample dried reindeer meat, juice of crowberry, herbal tea (nettle) and roseroot mixture. And maybe you will feel the presence of the Noaidi...The Sami shaman. For the Sami people, the Autumn has always been a labour- intensive time; food stocks had to be filled up before the winter came. Arctic nature is surprisingly abundant in herbs and berries. These are not just rich in vitamins and good for adding flavors to the diet, but was once also used as medicine. The Sami shaman had valuable knowledge about the possibilities nature provided in relation to the prevention and cure of diseases.