At a glance
- Hurtigruten has over 130 shore excursions curated to appeal to active travellers, culture lovers, foodies and more
- The cruise line has a range of shore excursions tailored to each season
- It’s easy to book Hurtigruten shore excursions online, or by calling the customer service centre on 02045710661
What to expect from Hurtigruten
Hurtigruten doesn’t operate in the same way as conventional cruise lines. If you’re after mega ships with thousands of passengers, sprawling water parks and flashy casinos, this probably isn't what you're looking for.
What Hurtigruten offers instead is an experience shaped by over 130 years of heritage and a strong sense of place. Since 1893, its fleet has been sailing Norway’s undulating coastline, connecting remote communities and transporting cargo and local passengers.
Today, it is still a part of everyday life for locals, but it’s also evolved into one of the most authentic ways for visitors from across the globe to experience Norway’s coastline. Its small ships provide access to ports that few other cruise lines can reach, while its team of regional experts offer local insight that goes far beyond the typical tourist narrative.
This commitment to revealing the ‘real’ Norway underpins every aspect of the cruise line’s approach, from its multi-award-winning cuisine to its ethos of sustainability.
Hurtigruten's shore excursions are no exception. Without further ado, here’s everything you need to know about the impressive line-up of over 130 options.
Are Hurtigruten’s shore excursions worth it?
Put simply, yes. Hurtigruten has spent over 130 years building genuine relationships with local communities, and that puts it in a strong position to offer shore excursions that showcase both Norway’s must-see sights and its hidden gems.
Its on board Expedition Teams work closely with local suppliers to provide experiences that would be difficult, or in some cases impossible, to arrange independently. This is particularly true given the relatively short stops in some ports and the remoteness of many destinations. As a result, travellers on Hurtigruten’s shore excursions get a far greater level of access and context than most tourists.
Better still, Hurtigruten offers more than 130 shore excursions, spanning all four seasons and a range of interests, so you can find the most ‘worth it’ option for you. Here are a few of our top picks, depending on what you’re looking for.
The best excursions for active travellers
Norway is one of the most coveted destinations for travellers seeking adventures in the great outdoors. This is embodied in the Nordic philosophy of friluftsliv, which roughly translates to “open-air life” and represents a commitment to immersing oneself in nature for mental and physical wellness.
Hurtigruten’s itineraries are an excellent way to make the most of the country’s diverse natural landscapes, from glacier-carved fjords to vast fjells and everything in between. For example, expect to see sites known for their lush greenery and majestic waterfalls, such as the UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord.
Quad biking to the North Cape
Honningsvåg | Difficulty level: active | Find out more
On this small group tour, you begin with an exhilarating quad bike tour of Magerøya Island, known for its barren, windswept beauty and panoramic Arctic views.
The crescendo, however, arrives when you reach the North Cape. This dramatic plateau, towering 307 metres above the Barents Sea, tops bucket lists for good reason – it’s widely considered the northernmost point on Europe’s mainland.
As well as taking in the stark, sweeping views, you’ll be able to snap a picture with the world-famous North Cape globe and visit the North Cape Hall, which has informative exhibits and a gift shop where you can send postcards.
Keep in mind that while gear, such as gloves and helmets, are provided, you must have a valid driving license.
Kayaking in Ålesund
Ålesund | Difficulty level: challenging | Find out more
Ålesund is a true highlight along the Norwegian Coast, thanks in no small part to its Art Nouveau architecture, which rose from the ashes of a devastating fire in 1904.
This excursion allows you to appreciate the characterful buildings from a unique vantage point, gliding through the waterways that cut through the city centre. As you take in the organic, nature-inspired ornamentation, flowing lines and turrets, your certified guide will share local knowledge.
There are several stopping points along the route, too, giving you the chance to pause, catch your breath and snap a photo or two.
Mountain hike in Hjørundfjord
Urke | Difficulty level: challenging | Find out more
On this hike, you’ll get to enjoy nature that very few travellers ever get to see. Hurtigruten is one of a small number of cruise lines to sail Hjørundfjord, which is too narrow and difficult to navigate for mid-sized and large ships.
Visiting such an off-the-beaten-track fjord, however, is well worth the effort, thanks to its breathtakingly beautiful views of the Sunnmøre Alps.
This excursion will see you disembarking your ship by tender boat, before a rugged ascent, including a stone stairway for 500 metres, to a summit that offers vistas that have to be seen to be believed. You also get to visit the village of Sæbø, explore an abandoned but well-preserved bear cave and take a coffee break in Leknes before rejoining your ship.
The best excursions for foodies
Hurtigruten, which was named ‘Best for Cuisine’ at the 2025 Wave Awards, is widely recognised for the calibre of the food it serves on its ships. At the heart of its approach is Norway’s Coastal Kitchen – simply put, a concept that puts freshly sourced, regional ingredients front and centre.
Part of what enables Hurtigruten to deliver authentic Norwegian cuisine of such high quality is the relationship the cruise line builds with suppliers across the country. It works with over 70 local producers, from family farms and fisheries to breweries and bakeries.
A major bonus of these carefully cultivated partnerships? Hurtigruten is well-positioned to provide exceptional shore excursions that give guests deeper insights into Norway’s rich culinary heritage.
Lofotpils Brewery
Svolvær | Difficulty level: easy | Find out more
In 2006, a beer connoisseur in Svolvær set out on an ambitious endeavour – to create Lofoten’s first brewery, with beers crafted using fresh water from the archipelago’s rugged mountains.
On this excursion, you’ll take a tour of the craft brewery, which is housed in an old fish-landing facility dating to 1937. This will give you a comprehensive look at the beer-making process, and of course, no tour would be complete without a taste or two. Discover how the use of Lofoten’s fresh water adds a unique depth of flavour.
King crab adventure
Kirkenes | Difficulty level: easy | Find out more
Seafood lovers won’t want to miss this invigorating excursion. Kirkenes is affectionately known as ‘King Crab City’, thanks to its prime position for catching the enormous red crustaceans that thrive in Arctic waters.
Not only can these impressive creatures weigh up to 10 kilos with a leg span of two metres, but they’re also known for having a luxurious, rich flavour, with just a hint of brine to balance their sweetness.
On your king crab safari, you’ll join a seasoned fisherman on a RIB (a type of small boat) and cruise out to the nearby fjords. Here, you’ll watch cages laden with crab pulled from the water, and perhaps even lend a hand yourself.
Then it’s on to a rustic, fjord-front boathouse, where it’s a local chef’s turn to work their magic. Once they skilfully transform your catch into a succulent feast, it’s time to dig in. Bon appétit! Or as the Norwegians say, vel bekomme.
Farm visit in Lofoten
Stamsund | Difficulty level: moderate | Find out more
This is an excellent excursion to see how a family-run eco-farm in northern Norway operates. Aalan Farm, which supplies award-winning cheese and herbs to Hurtigruten’s ships, is kept in good order by husband-and-wife duo Tove and Knut, along with some help from their seven children, dog, cat and pet pig.
It takes some doing, considering they’re looking after 200 milk goats, 70 baby goats, a free-range cow (Victoria), a horse, a creamery, an herb garden, a shop and café.
On your visit, you’ll learn about the realities of life on the farm and get the chance to taste their impressive range of made-from-scratch products.
The best excursions for culture lovers
Beyond landscapes sculpted by ancient glaciers, the lure of the Northern Lights and a distinctive culinary scene, Norway offers a rich seam of cultural heritage well worth exploring.
One of the most compelling aspects of travelling with Hurtigruten is that you’re sailing alongside people who know Norway best and call it home. On every voyage, you’re joined by an experienced Expedition Team of locals and specialists, offering insight into coastal communities and everyday life along the route.
Crucially, that means access to cultural perspectives that most visitors never encounter, from folktales passed down through generations to traditions that survive only in remote pockets of Norway’s coast.
Sámi Culture
Kjøllefjord | Difficulty level: easy | Find out more
The Sámi are the indigenous people of Sápmi, a large area encompassing parts of northern Norway, Sweden, Finland and Russia. An important part of their cultural heritage is nomadic reindeer herding – the animals have long been an important source of food, fur and transportation in the harsh Arctic conditions.
On this excursion, you’ll meet with a Sámi family in a traditional lavvo tent. Around a cosy fire, they’ll share firsthand knowledge of reindeer herding and perform a joik, or a type of traditional Sámi song. You’ll also have a chance to taste dried reindeer meat and see duodji, which is a distinctive type of handicraft.
Trondheim with Nidaros Cathedral
Trondheim | Difficulty level: easy | Find out more
This tour will reveal the layered history of Norway’s Viking-age capital, which dates back over 1,000 years to 997 AD. Highlights include the Old Town Bridge (Gamle Bybro), which has been nicknamed ‘The Portal to Happiness’, and the colourful wooden houses of the postcard-perfect neighbourhood of Bakklandet.
These scenes make a wonderful prelude to the impressive Nidaros Cathedral. Beyond being a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, it’s arguably one of the most famous symbols of Norwegian national identity. Today, it’s the site of royal consecration ceremonies for the country’s monarchs.
Your guide will provide context into the cathedral and leave you with your own copy of a book to provide further historical grounding as you sail on.
The best excursions for a winter cruise
Hurtigruten offers shore excursions across all four seasons, with options tailored to showcase the best of each. In winter, you have the chance to experience some of the most memorable ones, as landscapes transform into snowy wonderlands.
Of course, it’s impossible to talk about a Hurtigruten winter cruise without mentioning the Northern Lights. Travellers from across the globe dream of seeing them, and northern Norway is an ideal place to glimpse the celestial spectacle thanks to its position under the auroral oval.
In fact, Hurtigruten likes your chances so much that it offers a Northern Lights Promise. If you sail the Norwegian coast with them on a voyage of 11 days or more during the auroral season and they don’t appear, the cruise line will invite you back for a six- or seven-day Coastal Express voyage (find the full T&Cs here).
These favourable conditions also mean you might see the Northern Lights on select excursions. While by no means guaranteed – the aurora is infamously elusive, after all – certain polar night excursions maximise your chances.
Snowmobile trip in the polar night
Mehamn | Difficulty level: moderate | Find out more
This snowmobile journey takes you through Finnmark’s dramatic winter scenery, with views of snow-clad mountains set against star-studded skies.
Depending on conditions, you may even glimpse the Northern Lights above, making for an otherworldly experience.
During the excursion, an experienced guide will also share details of local life, including traditions rooted in Sámi culture, as well as insights into the rugged natural environment.
After your ride, a bus will meet you to take you to Kjøllefjord, a fishing village where you’ll rejoin your Hurtigruten ship.
Keep in mind, this excursion requires a valid driving license. Children aged six and up are allowed when accompanied by an adult.
Snowshoeing in Tromsø
Tromsø | Difficulty level: challenging | Find out more
This shore excursion involves exploring an Arctic winterscape on foot. It begins with a short bus journey from the port to the top of Tromsøya Island. Here, you’ll be provided with modern snowshoes – a type of specialised footwear that distributes your weight, allowing you to ‘float’ on the snow rather than simply sinking.
Once you’re strapped in, you’ll take a hike through the mostly flat terrain, enjoying views of snow-laden spruce and listening to your guide’s commentary about local nature and everyday life.
Once you reach a small clearing, you can cosy up around a bonfire with a hot drink and a lefse (a classic Norwegian flatbread) or hit the slopes on a toboggan.
Dog sledding
Tromsø | Difficulty level: challenging | Find out more
You may recognise this extraordinary adventure from Lorraine Kelly’s Norwegian Odyssey, currently streaming on Channel 4.
It begins with a scenic drive from Tromsø port to a dog sledding basecamp in the rustic seaside town of Breivikeidet. Here, you’ll have the chance to meet the huskies, who are eager for a run through the snow. Following a safety briefing from the knowledgeable staff, it’s time to have a go at driving your own sled through the Arctic landscape. If you’re very lucky, the Northern Lights may even emerge above.
Afterwards, you get more chances to cuddle with your new best friends and warm up with a hot drink and homemade cake in a traditional Sámi gamme.
One thing for families to keep in mind? While children are welcome, they must be at least four.
The best excursions for a summer cruise
While the promise of the Northern Lights and forests blanketed in white certainly have their appeal, summer in Norway is not to be overlooked. For one, it’s a ‘coolcation’ alternative to too-hot-to-handle weather in destinations like the Med, thanks to its gloriously mild weather, ideal for hiking, cycling, kayaking and other outdoorsy pursuits.
Its varied landscapes have their own seasonal enticements, too. When the snow and ice recede, places that are inaccessible in the colder months are suddenly within reach, and flora and fauna flourish. Reindeer can be seen grazing on wild berries in Finnmark, while waterfalls cascade with snowmelt from the mountains.
The biggest draw, however, is the Midnight Sun. The endless daylight means more time to explore, and the ethereal golden hours will have you reaching for your camera.
Senja wildlife safari
Senja | Difficulty level: moderate | Find out more
Senja is often described as ‘the fairytale island’, and for lovers of flora and fauna, it’s easy to see why. Remote and sparsely populated, it’s one of Europe’s last few pockets of wilderness.
In summer, the island’s white sand beaches and clear, turquoise waters glitter in the Midnight Sun, making for scenes that would look more at home in the Caribbean than on an island roughly 200 miles above the Arctic Circle.
And of course, the main event is the wildlife. Seals bask on coastal rocks, white-tailed sea eagles wheel overhead and reindeer graze on the fresh vegetation.
Husky dog wagon ride
Longyearbyen | Difficulty level: moderate | Find out more
While dog sledding is only possible in winter, this is a strong alternative for wildlife lovers travelling in the summer months.
Alongside the chance to interact with Svalbard’s huskies, which are surprisingly cuddly despite their fearsome appearance, you’ll travel through the far-flung island’s open terrain and may even spot some of the other animals that call this Norwegian archipelago home.
If fate is on your side, sightings can include reindeer and Arctic foxes, as well as walruses along the coast. Pods of belugas are sometimes visible offshore.
FAQs
How do I book Hurtigruten’s shore excursions?
Simply visit Hurtigruten’s excursions hub, enter your booking reference or select your voyage from the drop-down menu and select your chosen excursion.
Press ‘add to reservation’ and a member of Hurtigruten’s team will be in touch to arrange payment and confirm your excursion booking.
You can also book by reaching out to Hurtigruten’s customer service centre on 02045710661. Find more contact information on their website.
How do I know if an excursion will be offered on my specific Hurtigruten cruise?
You can see the full list of excursions for each voyage online. Note that you also have the option to filter them by your specific interest, for instance, culture or food, and season.
If you’ve already booked your voyage, you can also log in to your booking portal to view all available excursions. If you’ve booked via a travel agent, they will be able to help you with relevant information.
When should I book my Hurtigruten shore excursions?
You can start booking your excursions from 180 days before you set sail. You’ll receive an email once bookings are open, though note that sometimes extra excursions are added later on.
We recommend booking earlier rather than later to avoid disappointment, as the most popular excursions tend to fill up ahead of time.
That said, remaining slots on excursions are bookable on board your Hurtigruten ship, depending on availability. The Expedition Team can help you see what spaces are left and assist with securing your spot.
Bookings made on board are the same price as those made prior to departure, but keep in mind they will be charged in Norwegian Kroner, and an exchange rate will apply.
How physically demanding are Hurtigruten’s shore excursions?
Hurtigruten offers a wide range of shore excursions that require different levels of mobility and fitness. Here’s the brand’s difficulty rating, so you can easily identify how challenging each excursion will be:
Level one: Easy: suitable for most people
Level two: Moderate: some mobility required
Level three: Active: good mobility necessary
Level four: Challenging: good mobility and fitness needed
Are any of Hurtigruten’s excursions suitable for travellers with limited mobility?
Hurtigruten provides a selection of excursions that are suitable for wheelchair users and travellers with limited mobility. Accessibility details for excursions are listed on their website, or reach out to their customer service centre at 02045710661 for tailored advice.
What happens if your Hurtigruten excursion gets cancelled?
Sometimes, shore excursions are cancelled due to booking numbers or weather conditions. In such situations, you will receive a full refund to your original payment method.
Save up to £1,200 per cabin
Immerse yourself in Norway's beauty by taking advantage of Hurtigruten's limited-time offer, where you can save up to £1,200 per cabin on select Coastal Express and North Cape Line departures between October 2026 and March 2027!
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