Ahead of the official launch of the Svalbard Express and North Cape Express in 2023, Hurtigruten has unveiled its new excursions for the two premium offerings.

An upgraded extension of the traditional coastal express, which connects 34 communities along Norway’s coast, the two new itineraries will offer half and full-day port visits. Now available for booking online, the 63 optional excursions provide a significantly different experience for travellers searching for deep exploration.

“Extended port visits will allow travellers to spend more time exploring both land and sea,” Hurtigruten Norway CEO Hedda Felin said.

“While the fully refurbished MS Trollfjord will serve as a comfortable home base for guests with plenty to offer while onboard, these authentic, local excursions will allow guests to curate their own experience and develop an intimate connection with the destination.

“With the new excursions, travellers will gain knowledge of local culture, nature, geology, and history.”

Hurtigruten Asia Pacific managing director, Damian Perry, added to Felin’s sentiments saying the new collection of excursions will appeal highly to Australian and New Zealand travellers.

“Our guests tend to be curious and adventurous by their very nature, and now they’ll have even more opportunities to gain unique insights and creating unforgettable memories in each destination, from an Arctic Dip Sauna and Swim experience to the truly awe-inspiring Whale Watching in Arctic Silence, which is an absolute must!” Perry said.

Svalbard Express (Summer)

With its first departure on 3 June 2023, just one month ahead of Hurtigruten Norway’s 130-year anniversary, the Svalbard Express is a revival of the Coastal Express’ summer cruise to Svalbard, which ended over 50 years ago.

On average, guests will have six hours to explore 14 handpicked areas along Norway’s coast and Svalbard, the northernmost community on Earth, all while basking in the Midnight Sun. In addition to an array of optional excursions, the one-way journey (with both northbound and southbound options) includes two nights in Longyearbyen and two excursions: a wilderness evening at Camp Barentz and an adventure aboard the hybrid-electric catamaran MS Bard. Highlights of the new Svalbard Express excursions include:

• Fishing in Lofoten – Guests will have an opportunity to fish from a traditional 39-foot fishing cutter before cooking and eating their fresh catch on board.
• Hiking and Birdwatching in Gjesværstappan Nature Reserve – For over five hours, travellers will hike through the spectacular Gjesværstappan Nature Reserve while keeping an eye out for razorbills, puffins, skuas, gannets, and eagles.
• Legends of Torghatten and Brønnøysund – One of Norway’s most iconic places, Torghatten is known for its spectacular hole and the enthralling myths behind it. Travellers will hear enchanting myths and Viking stories while enjoying lefse, a traditional flatbread, over a fire pit.
• Kayaking in Lofoten – For a close-up experience of Norway’s fishing villages, guests can explore Henningsvær aboard a two-person kayak and learn about the area’s rich history and culture from a local guide.
• Træna Culture Walk – Poetry, Art and Heritage – Travellers will see artwork, hear music, and taste local foods as they explore the chapels, cafés, and museums of Husøya, as well as take in spectacular views across the islands of Træna.
• Arctic Dip – Sauna & Swim – In this invigorating experience, guests can enjoy a sauna in Træna’s oldest building, a boathouse that stands on the shore, before plunging into the Norwegian Sea.

All excursions available on the Svalbard Express itinerary can be found here.

North Cape Express (Winter)

For the first time ever, Hurtigruten will sail from Oslo, with the North Cape Express. Sailings will take place during the Northern Lights season and explore nearly the entire length of Norway’s coast. As with Hurtigruten Norway’s Coastal Express departures from the end of September through the end of March, the company offers its unique Northern Lights guarantee.

With the first North Cape Express departing on 26 September 2023, guests will have an average of six hours in each of the 16 selected ports, fjords, and islands. Highlights of the new North Cape Express excursions include:

• North Cape and King Crab Experience – In this six-hour excursion, guests sample King Crab from the Barents Sea – served the traditional way, with soft bread, mayonnaise, and a slice of lemon – in the small village of Sarnes.
• Dog Sledding in Alta – An ride through a winter wonderland, this excursion takes guests to Alta, home to Europe’s longest dog sled race, for a day of dogsledding. After venturing into the wild, guests can share hot drinks around a crackling wood fire in a laavo, a Sami herdsman’s tent.
• Whale Watching in Arctic Silence – Guests cruise silently aboard a specially designed, hybrid-electric boat, ensuring minimal disruption while watching for orca and humpback whales in their natural habitat.
• Arctic Ice Fishing – After snowshoeing to an off-the-beaten-track location, adventure-seekers will cut their own whole in the ice and fish before tasting their freshly caught bounty back at the restaurant.
• Snowmobiling to the North Cape – Travellers can discover the snow-covered landscape of the Arctic on this four-and-a-half-hour snowmobile adventure to the European mainland’s northernmost point.

All excursions available on the North Cape Express itinerary can be found at the Hurtigruten website.

Supporting the excursions program, the two new itineraries will offer onboard lectures on Norwegian history, culture, food, nature and wildlife, as well as photography, cooking, handicraft, and art classes.