Shore Excursions for Norway - 2023 Coastal Cruises

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

Before hopping aboard the sled and letting a team of dogs pull you over the frozen terrain, you change into proper clothing and footwear. Then sit back and enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding polar sea and surrounding mountains. During the clear skies of the dark polar night the only light you see emanates from the stars, moon, and – on occasion the Northern Lights. During winter we light up the sled ride with headlamps. In spring, the sun is back, the days are longer, and the climate is milder. After the ride you are invited into a Sámi lavvo (similar to a teepee) to relax, warm yourself by the open fire, and sip a hot beverage. Here you'll learn more about a typical Sámi working day and dog sledding at the Tromsø Wilderness Center.

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

Experiencing the Tromsø area from sea level offers an entirely different perspective. Kayaking is not only fun and exciting – if challenging and intense at times, it also allows you to get up close to local marine wildlife. With an experienced guide, you paddle on the fjord with Tromsø’s lofty mountains as a stunning backdrop. This is the land of the midnight sun and it never gets dark during summer. No paddling experience is required to join this excursion, your guide provides initial instruction before you head out on the water and assists you throughout the entire tour. We use stable, double-hulled sea kayaks to ensure the highest degree of safety.

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

On this excursion we take you cross-country skiing along flat terrain, most of which is on prepared trails. Take in the beautiful scenery as you gently cross-country ski along the top of Tromsøya Island, just a short drive from Tromsø's city center. First, our experienced ski instructors teach you some fundamental ski techniques: how to put your skis on and take them off, getting back up after a fall, and how to glide across a completely flat surface. As you become more accustomed to the skis and gain confidence, the instructors teach you other techniques, so that by the end of the tour, you may want to challenge yourself on small hills. After our cross-country ski trek, we take a break, and you are served a hot beverage and a traditional Norwegian snack called ‘lefse’.

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

The tour starts with a short bus ride through a lovely winter landscape of birch and spruce forests to the top of Tromsøya Island. Equipped with modern snowshoes, you easily walk on the snow, breathing in the crisp air and experiencing Norway's frozen winter landscape just like a local. Follow your guide through the forest and into a clearing, where you can help light the bonfire and then warm yourself by the blaze. The guide shares his knowledge about the surrounding nature, and offers interesting insights about traditional folklore, the local area, and everyday life in Tromsø. Just when you thought it couldn't get any better, you hop aboard a toboggan and speed down a snowy hill. After you’ve had your fill of fun, we return to the clearing, restock the bonfire, warm ourselves, and savor hot beverages and a sweet snack. It really doesn't get much better than this!

Physical Level: For most guests, requires some physical effort
Port: Tromsø
Season: May-Oct

On this excursion you head to the Tromso Wilderness Centre on Kvaloya Island, a scenic area with views of the ocean and mountains. Here you will meet more than 250 huskies and puppies, receive an introduction to dog sledge driving and learn about the world's longest dog sledge race, the Iditarod, presented through pictures and film footage. It's important to wear good footwear if you want to join the Wilderness Centre's guide in exploring the plant and bird life around the centre, before meeting back in the traditional Sami lavvo (tent) for a hot drink and a slice of cake.

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

Tromso is located beside the mighty Arctic Ocean, surrounded by towering mountains. Not only is it the largest town north of the Arctic Circle, it also has a fascinating history that includes walrus and polar bears hunting in the Arctic Ocean, the transporting of logs from Russian rivers, the Pomor trade, coal mining and sealing. The battle to survive in the hard but naturally resource-rich far north provided hard-earned experiences that, more recently, have turned Tromso into a research and education centre. Our tour begins with a ride on the city's famous cable car up to the mountain ledge of Storsteinen (1,377 ft above sea level). From here, marvel at the spectacular panoramic views of Tromsø and its surrounding islands, mountains, and fjords. Take a short walk around the mountain plateau, or enjoy something to eat or drink at the Fjellstua restaurant. We also visit the Polaria visitor center, which features an Arctic aquarium, seal pool, educational displays, and a panoramic theatre. The tour also includes a stop at the famous Arctic Cathedral, an architectural masterpiece and town landmark.