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Day 8 – Southbound excursions
The excursion prices shown are when pre-booking
We recommend all our guests to pre-book excursions, as some of the excursions have limited capacity. Only remaining seats will be sold on board. Each excursion has a code, e.g. 8A. The number 8 indicates the day that the excursion takes place, i.e. on day 8.
Please find prices for excursions here – April 2019 to December 2020.
Overview
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8A Breakfast at North CapeMay, June, July, Aug, Sept |
8B The Northernmost Town in the WorldJune, July, Aug, Sept, Oct, Nov, Dec, |
8C Midnight Concert
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8F Snowmobile Trip into the Polar NightDec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May |
8G Mountain Hike in HammerfestJune, July, Aug, Sept, Oct |
8H Into the Ice: Stories of a Polar HeroNov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar |
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8I Arctic Midnight Adventure in TromsøMay, June, July, Aug |
8A Breakfast at North Cape
Imagine having breakfast at the top of Europe. A scenic coach tour from the town of Honningsvåg to North Cape, one of the northernmost points in Europe.
Highlights of the excursion
- Experience the North Cape early and exclusively in the morning
- Eat a tasty breakfast while enjoying the endless view to the horizon
- View a film about North Cape and the surrounding area through its four distinct seasons
- See majestic Porsanger fjord and large parts of western Finnmark from the bus
North Cape plateau towers 307 m (1,000 feet) above the Arctic Ocean, and you feel like you´re at the very end of the world. Breakfast is served in North Cape Hall, with a lavish buffet and views out across the endless horizon. You can also see an impressive 180° panoramic film about the North Cape region through the perspectives of its four distinctly different seasons.
You can also visit a souvenir shop, built directly into the cliff and featuring a viewpoint, small chapel and Thai museum curiously commemorating the King of Siam´s visit here in 1907. From Honningsvåg, we drive through an underwater tunnel that connects the town with the mainland. The bus continues south along the majestic Porsangerfjord before heading back to the coast and Hammerfest, the northernmost town in the world, where we rejoin the ship.
Important information
Transportation: Bus
Physical requirement: Level 1 – Suitable for everyone
Meals on the excursion: Breakfast
Clothes/ footwear: Comfortable shoes, warm and windproof clothing
Duration: 6 hours
Approx. arrival/departure times: 05:30 - 11:30
Dates available: 8 May to 7 October
8B The Northernmost Town in the World
Join us on a coach tour that explores and explains the events that have shaped Hammerfest, a town at the top of Europe.
Highlights of the excursion
- Guided and scenic bus tour around one of the northernmost towns in the world
- Visit the Museum of Reconstruction of Finnmark and Northern Troms
- See UNESCO World Heritage site - the Meridian Column
- Become a member of The Royal and Ancient Polar Bear Society
Established in 1789, Hammerfest is one of the world´s northernmost towns, with a lot of unique history to share. This excursion starts with a visit to the Museum of Reconstruction of Finnmark and Northern Troms. The museum features an impressive exhibition about the impact World War II had on Northern Norway and the massive post-war efforts to rebuild the region. Our next stop is the Meridian Column, a UNESCO World Heritage site commemorating the first official measurement of the earth´s exact size and shape.
From here, we have a spectacular view of the liquid natural gas (LNG) refinery on the nearby island of Melkøya, the processing site for natural gas produced from the Snøhvit offshore field in the Barents Sea. The town of Hammerfest has a long, eventful history. Back in 1891, for example, it was the first town in northern Europe to get electric street lighting run on hydropower. As we head up Mount Salen, you learn more about Hammerfest’s unique history dating back to the Viking Age. Atop Salen we enjoy great views over the town and our waiting ship.
Important information
Transportation: Bus
Physical requirement: Level 1 – Suitable for everyone
Clothes/ footwear: Comfortable shoes, warm and windproof clothing
Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes
Approx. arrival/departure times: 10:50 - 12:35
Dates available: 8 June to 8 April
Note: City guide and map provided. Not available 01.01, 24.-25, 31.12.
8C Midnight Concert in the Arctic Cathedral (Tromsø)
There is perhaps no more beautiful way to experience Tromsø than by attending a midnight concert at the city´s iconic Arctic Cathedral.
Highlights of the excursion
- See the Arctic Cathedral ´s impressive interior architecture and stained-glass mosaic
- Hear beautiful Norwegian folk songs and hymns performed by professional musicians
- Experience the cathedral´s breathtaking acoustics
- Source inspiration from this profoundly moving musical experience
Hear beautiful Norwegian folk songs, as well as moving sacred and classical music selections, amidst flickering candlelight in the cathedral´s elegant sanctuary. This incredible musical experience is enhanced by the Arctic Cathedral’s fantastic acoustics.
The Arctic Cathedral in Tromsø is, in fact, a parish church, but commonly referred to as a cathedral because of its soaring architecture. Additionally, the eastern wall behind the altar is decorated with one of the largest and most monumental stained-glass mosaics in Europe. Join us for an unforgettable visit to the church on this midnight concert excursion It is an inspirational event that fills your soul and is the perfect way to end the day.
Important information
Transportation: Bus
Physical requirement: Level 1 – Suitable for everyone
Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
Approx. arrival/departure times: 24:00 - 01:15
Dates available: All year
Note: No filming or photography is permitted during the concert. The duration of the concert is approximately 45 minutes. The programme may vary. There is no guide on the bus. Not available on 01.04.
8F Snowmobile Trip into the Polar Night
Join us on an unforgettable snowmobile tour into the polar night across one of Europe’s most extreme and exciting natural environments.
Highlights of the excursion
- See the world’s northernmost mainland town, Mehamn
- Drive a snowmobile over the mountains between Mehamn and Kjøllefjord
- Hear interesting stories about life on the coast of Finnmark
- Possibly see the Northern Lights
The excursion starts with a bus trip from Mehamn, the world’s northernmost mainland town, up and over the mountains to the old trading post and fishing village of Kjøllefjord. Along the way, your guides tell you about the indigenous Sámi people, the area´s geographic and climatic conditions, what life is like in this part of Norway, and how the locals effectively utilise nature. Some of Norway’s best snowmobile instructors are on hand to ensure you receive proper training before departing.
Then off we go to experience snowy valleys, invigorating winter air and perhaps the mesmerizing Northern Lights in the clear, starry sky. During spring, the sun returns, resulting in a different, yet equally exhilarating experience due to many more hours of daylight and a milder climate. We conclude our expedition in Kjøllefjord where you rejoin the Hurtigruten ship.
Important information
Transportation: Bus/snowmobile
Physical requirement: Level 3 – Average physical condition
Meals on the excursion: Warm drink
Duration: 2 hours 15 minutes
Approx. arrival/departure times: 00:45 - 03:00
Dates available: 8 December to 17 May
Clothes/Footwear: Comfortable shoes, warm and windproof clothing. Special clothing is provided
Note: Valid driving licence must be presented. Subject to weather/snow conditions
8G Mountain Hike in Hammerfest
Join a walking tour that follows a path through Hammerfest´s past and up to the top of nearby Mount Salen for magnificent views of the Arctic Ocean and surrounding islands.
Highlights of the excursion
- Join a guided walk and mountain hike in one of the northernmost towns in the world
- See the distinctive parish church of Hammerfest
- Pass through beautiful scenery and Hammerfest´s only forest
- View a magnificent panorama of the Arctic Ocean and surrounding islands at the top
We begin our guided hike in the city and pass by the distinctive parish church before heading for the slopes of Mount Salen. Hammerfest was established in 1789 at the site of an old anchorage. The first part of the name, `Hammer´, derives from the Old Norse word, `Hamarr´, which means `steep mountainside´.
The second part, `fest´, comes from the Old Norse word, `festr´, which means `fastening´ (for boats). On our way out of town, we follow `Gammelveien´ (`the Old Way´), which is essentially a hiking path around Mount Salen and was once the only way in and out of the city.
During our ascent, we also pass through Hammerfest’s only forest, Jansvannskogen. Scaling the mountain´s summit demands a fair amount of physical fitness, but the stunning views are worth it. On a clear day you can see the islands of Melkøya, Sørøya and Seiland. The route down follows a popular zigzag path to the town centre, where we take a well-earned rest before heading back to the ship.
Important information
Physical requirement: Level 4 – Good physical condition
Meals on the excursion: Warm drink and snack
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Approx. arrival/departure times: 10:45 - 12:15
Dates available: 8 June to 7 November
Clothes/Footwear: Hiking shoes, warm and windproof clothing
Note: Recommended equipment is backpack with water bottle, extra clothing, camera, sunglasses. Guide will bring necessary safety equipment. Participants should have good general health
8H Into the Ice: Stories of a Polar Hero
Get outdoors and discover one of the greatest figures in polar history on this excursion from Hammerfest to nearby Mount Salen.
Highlights of the excursion
- Learn more about polar explorer and chef Adolf Lindstrøm and the expeditions he was on
- Become a polar explorer yourself and join us on a mini-expedition to the summit of Mt. Salen
- Help plant a flag on the top of the mountain
- Taste some of Lindstrøm’s favourite dishes
Adolf Henrik Lindstrøm from Hammerfest was a cook and explorer who participated in all the expeditions that nurtured Norway’s status as an important polar nation. Lindstrøm joined Nansen, Amundsen and Sverdrup on their expeditions to both the North Pole and South Pole. He sailed through the North-West Passage and around the American continent. No Norwegian had more experience in Arctic and Antarctic areas.
Learn even more about this remarkable polar legend on this excursion, which begins with a bus trip from Hammerfest pier to `Framheim´, a large cosy tent with fireplace named after the Amundsen expedition camp at the South Pole, on nearby Mount Salen. After donning warm clothes, we launch our own expedition by foot to the top of the mountain where you really get a sense of being outdoors in the Arctic. We plant a Norwegian flag at the summit and return to `Framheim´ for a taste of Lindstrøm’s favourite recipes.
Important information
Transportation: Bus
Physical requirement: Level 4 – Good physical condition
Meals on the excursion: Favourite Lindstrøm dishes, including`steak a la Lindstrøm´, and hotcakes
Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes
Approx. arrival/departure times: 10:55 - 12:40
Dates available: 8 November to 22 March
Clothes/Footwear: Hiking shoes, and warm, windproof clothing. Special clothing, walking sticks and spikes are provided
Note: The mini-expedition is on uphill terrain, but not steep. Participants need to be in good physical condition
8I Arctic Midnight Adventure in Tromsø
Enjoy a sightseeing tour of Tromsø’s famous sights from the seaside.
Highlights of the excursion
- Explore Tromsø and its famous sights by sea
- Experience a refreshing and thrilling speed-filled boat trip on the water
- Enjoy a guided tour with all gear provided
- Get closer to the elements and marine wildlife
Join us on a midnight excursion, under the Midnight Sun, to explore Tromsø by sea. You are met at the quay and given a safety demonstration before we head out on the water. Our sturdy RIB boats deliver both safety and speed, and our experienced crew ensure you have an unforgettable trip.
We see the Arctic Cathedral and other landmarks and go to the spot where the remains of the German WWII battleship “Tirpitz” lies on the sea floor, near the city centre.
Important information
Transportation: RIB
Physical requirement: Level 3 – Average physical condition
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Dates available: 8 May to 8 August
Clothes/Footwear: Comfortable shoes, warm and windproof clothing. Special clothing is provided
Note: The excursion is not suitable for guests with back problems