When travelling along the Norwegian coast with Hurtigruten, you have plenty of opportunities to get off the ship and enjoy the country on land, even during the winter months. We have chosen our favourite excursions that can be booked for your Hurtigruten winter voyage. Do any of these appeal to you?
Visit Kirkenes Snow Hotel
Visit the coolest hotel in the world and have a drink at Norway’s largest ice bar whilst also having the chance to see the Northern Lights if they decide to come out. Upon arrival you will receive a shot of crowberry before getting an exclusive showing of the hotel and some of its famous suites by the guide. Then you can wander over the reindeer and huskies that are nearby and get up close to them making some great photo opportunities. Before leaving, you get to enjoy a snack in front of a warm fire in the hotel’s restaurant. On the way back to the ship, you will have a quick stop at Prestfjellet Mountain for some truly magnificent views.
Enjoy A Husky Sledge Experience
Want to experience a thrilling dogsledding adventure across the frozen Arctic wilderness? Here is your chance. Before you start this thrilling adventure, you will be kitted out with all the warm outdoor clothing you need to go on top of your clothes to keep you as warm as possible and then you will meet the husky dogs. They are certainly eager to get going when you arrive. You will travel through wintry forests and snowy plateaus in the arctic wilderness as well as the Arctic Ice Dome upon your sled. Don’t worry though, each sledge has its own musher (guide) driving them so you can sit and relax enjoying the thrilling experience. Before leaving, you can enjoy a hot drink next to a campfire.
See The Midnight Concert At the Arctic Cathedral In Tromsø
There is perhaps no more beautiful way to experience Tromsø than by attending a midnight concert at the city’s iconic Arctic Cathedral. The Cathedral is famous for its modern architecture that enhance the acoustics of the music and singing inside. The midnight concert features a mix of Norwegian folk songs and sacred and classical musical selections that will certainly stir some emotions inside you. A look at the Eastern Wall behind the altar is a must as it is decorated with one of Europe’s largest stained-glass mosaic that is simply beautiful. This excursion is the perfect way to end a day.
Take Part in a Snowmobile Safari
If you fancy racing a snowmobile across a vast snowy expanse and meeting the people who live here then this excursion may be for you. This excursion only takes place in the height of winter as you drive across a frozen fjord. You will have guides looking after you throughout this wonderful experience who will throughout the time explain what it’s like in the Arctic climate and the unique wildlife that lives here. Once the journey has ended, you can enjoy a nice hot drink and a taste of dried reindeer meat before going back to the ship.
Visit The Russian Border
The town of Kirkenes is where East meets West as it is only a few short miles away from the Russian border. This excursion is a great way learn about the Norwegian and Russian culture and how they work alongside each other. Before the excursion begins, you will see how this is so with the street signs also being written in Russian and you will certainly here some Russian being spoken around the town. The Russian border takes place at Storskog and defines the border of the Schengen agreement also so is one of the most heavily guarded borders in the whole of Europe. You are not allowed to cross the border but you can most definitely take pictures. After visiting the border, the excursion continues onto Gapahuken Restaurant where you can taste some traditional Russian food and get some spectacular views of Russia. Â
If you are interested in going on a voyage along the Norwegian coast with Hurtigruten, give us a call – we’d be delighted to talk to you.
