5 min read
Published 25. October 2024
Top Shore Excursions in Norway on Hurtigruten & Havila
Norway’s coastal cruises with Hurtigruten and Havila Voyages offer unparalleled opportunities to discover the country’s majestic landscapes, rich culture, and abundant wildlife. As the ships glide through fjords and between islands, they provide access to unforgettable shore excursions.
However, the selection varies based on whether you're sailing northbound (from Bergen to Kirkenes) or southbound (from Kirkenes back to Bergen). Each direction reveals a different facet of Norway’s beauty, offering unique adventures along the way. Let’s explore the best shore excursions and when you can experience them.
Understanding the Difference: Northbound vs. Southbound Voyages
While both northbound and southbound journeys sail along the same stunning coastline, they offer distinct perspectives and experiences due to differences in timing, daylight, and stop duration.
- Northbound Voyages (Bergen to Kirkenes): The northbound route offers longer daytime hours for excursions, especially during summer when the midnight sun shines bright. It emphasizes the journey toward the Arctic, giving passengers the chance to witness the changing landscapes as they venture north—from the lush fjords of the south to the stark tundra of the far north. Wildlife encounters and opportunities to explore remote locations are often highlighted.
- Southbound Voyages (Kirkenes to Bergen): The southbound route presents a chance to see the coast in a new light as you head back south. Often, the excursions on this route take advantage of evening light, providing magical golden-hour experiences, particularly for wildlife safaris and scenic drives. This route emphasizes coastal engineering marvels, cultural landmarks, and allows passengers to revisit beloved sights with a fresh perspective.
Now, let’s dive into the top shore excursions and when you can experience each of them.
RIB-Safari to Saltstraumen and Sea Eagles
No journey along Norway's coast would be complete without an exhilarating RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat) safari. As you speed over the waters to the Saltstraumen, the world's strongest tidal current, the sheer power of nature becomes palpable. Thousands of gallons of water surge through narrow straits, creating swirling maelstroms perfect for spotting fish—and the mighty sea eagles that soar overhead. Watching these majestic birds swoop down, talons extended, is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that brings you face-to-face with Norway's wild beauty.
Best For: Thrill-seekers and nature enthusiasts
Tip: The light varies greatly between seasons; for golden light and excellent photo opportunities, try the evening excursions during summer.
Availability: Northbound & Southbound
Feast with the Vikings in Lofoten
Step back in time to the era of Viking chieftains on the Lofoten Islands. On this shore excursion, you’ll enter a longhouse and be greeted by the warmth of crackling fires and the scent of freshly cooked meat. Dressed in traditional Viking attire, hosts offer you a true Viking feast, filled with stories of conquest, seafaring adventures, and Norse mythology. Between bites of hearty fare, you’ll feel the echoes of ancient history blending with the present-day beauty of the islands.
Best For: History lovers and culinary adventurers
Highlight: The island’s stunning scenery—a mix of jagged peaks and azure waters—adds to the otherworldly experience.
Availability: Northbound
Sea Eagle Safari in Trollfjorden
A visit to the mystical Trollfjorden is a journey into one of Norway’s most dramatic landscapes. This narrow fjord, surrounded by towering cliffs and snow-capped peaks, is the perfect stage for the Sea Eagle Safari. Onboard a small boat, you'll navigate the tight, cliff-lined waters, scanning the skies for sea eagles, which boast an impressive wingspan of up to 2.5 meters. The way these creatures swoop through the fjord, set against a backdrop of sheer granite walls, makes this excursion an absolute must.
Best For: Wildlife photographers and those who crave serene yet thrilling landscapes
Tip: The northbound journey often offers more sightings, thanks to the timing and light conditions.
Availability:Northbound
The North Cape Plateau
For those journeying north, the ultimate destination awaits: the North Cape Plateau. As one of the northernmost points in Europe, this windswept cliff plunges into the Arctic Ocean, offering visitors the chance to stand on the edge of the world. On this excursion, you’ll witness the stark, haunting beauty of the Arctic tundra, where the midnight sun blazes in summer and the northern lights dance in winter. Whether you’re seeking the surreal light of the midnight sun or the aurora’s green glow, the North Cape delivers a view and feeling unlike any other.
Best For: Adventurers and those chasing the magic of Arctic light
Highlight: Capture the iconic globe monument and feel the thrill of being at the top of Europe.
Availability: Northbound
Hiking at Torghatten
For active explorers, the hike up Torghatten—a mountain pierced by a giant hole—is an unforgettable shore excursion. This geological wonder, with its legend of trolls and Viking history, offers a moderately challenging climb, leading to the iconic hole that stretches 160 meters through the mountain. Once at the top, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of the archipelago below—a perfect mix of emerald islands, turquoise waters, and distant mountains.
Best For: Hikers and nature lovers
Tip: The hike is accessible on both northbound and southbound routes, offering a fresh perspective each time.
Availability: Northbound & Southbound
Trondheim and the Nidaros Cathedral
In the ancient city of Trondheim, history and beauty intertwine at the magnificent Nidaros Cathedral. This Gothic masterpiece, built over the tomb of St. Olav, the patron saint of Norway, stands as one of the most significant pilgrimage sites in Northern Europe. Wander through its stone arches and admire the intricate stained-glass windows, or simply stroll along the cobblestone streets of Trondheim, where past and present coexist harmoniously.
Best For: Cultural explorers and history buffs
Highlight: The guided tours often include access to the cathedral’s crypt, offering a deeper dive into its storied past.
Availability: Northbound & Southbound
Bergtatt Marble Mine
Venture underground into the magical Bergtatt Marble Mine, an extraordinary shore excursion available on the southbound journey. With its crystal-clear lakes and illuminated caverns, this former mine is now a surreal experience that combines natural beauty and engineering marvels. Glide across the underground lake by boat as you explore the glittering rock formations and enjoy a taste of fresh mountain spring water flowing straight from the cavern walls.
Best For: Families and those looking for a unique, off-the-beaten-path adventure
Highlight: The atmosphere of the mine, lit by soft, ambient light, makes it feel like an enchanted realm.
Availability: Southbound
Experience the Atlantic Road
Often described as one of the world’s most scenic drives, the Atlantic Road offers a thrilling connection between the islands and rocky islets of Norway’s coast. This shore excursion takes you on a journey over a series of bridges that seemingly leap from island to island, with the waves of the Atlantic crashing below. Whether you’re seeking adrenaline during stormy weather or calm on a sunny day, this road delivers. The southbound cruises often make this one of their premier experiences, providing a glimpse of Norway's coastal engineering marvels.
Best For: Road trip enthusiasts and those seeking iconic views
Tip: Southbound cruises often schedule this excursion when the light hits just right, creating perfect photo opportunities.
Availability: Southbound
Explore Norway Your Way with Hurtigruten & Havila Voyages
Each shore excursion along the coastal route, whether you're sailing north or south, offers its own blend of history, nature, and adventure. Hurtigruten and Havila Voyages provide curated experiences that allow you to immerse yourself fully in Norway’s wonders—be it through adrenaline-pumping safaris, hikes through geological marvels, or a journey into the heart of Viking heritage.
Ready to embark on your Norwegian adventure? Choose your journey and let the stunning fjords, majestic wildlife, and rich culture reveal themselves at every turn. Whether northbound or southbound, every mile along Norway's coastline is a new chapter in a story you’ll never forget.