In summer, you might come across herds of grazing reindeer at this far-northern outpost at the top of Europe. In winter, endless white plains and snow-capped mountains, dramatic weather and the Arctic´s special light. Just before reaching the cape in winter and early spring, the bus must follow a snowplough. The North Cape plateau itself soars 307 metres, almost vertically, above the Arctic Ocean.

The iconic ‘globe’ sculpture has become the symbol of North Cape and is a popular spot to get that all-important picture. At North Cape Hall, built partially into the cliff, you can watch an impressive 180° panoramic film about the local Finnmark region and North Cape itself. Inside you also find a souvenir shop, viewpoint, a small chapel and Thai museum, opened in 1989 to commemorate a visit by the King of Siam in 1907.

Important information

Transportation: Bus

Physical requirement: Level 1 – Suitable for everyone

Clothes/ footwear: Comfortable shoes, warm and windproof clothing

Duration: 3 hours

Approx. arrival/departure times: 11:30 - 14:30

Dates available: All year

6B Birdwatching Safari

Fascinated by multitudes of birdlife? Come join us on this excursion to see one of Norway´s largest and most impressive bird cliffs, near North Cape.

Highlights of the excursion

• See one of the largest bird cliffs in Norway.
• Study the different species up close.
• Take in the breathtaking scenery surrounding the nature reserve.
• Visit and learn more about the small fishing village of Gjesvær, dating back to the Viking Age.

The birds here live on a cluster of small rocky islands called Stappan Nature Reserve, close to the fishing village of Gjesvær. Warm and cold ocean currents collide here, rendering the sea rich in nourishing nutrients. The bird cliffs are also some of the most accessible in Norway. A short boat trip from Gjesvær puts you right in the heart of this bird watcher´s paradise. From the boat we can observe the Finnmark region’s largest flock of puffins, together with large numbers of kittiwakes.

During the nesting season, the area teems with life as mighty sea eagles hover above in search of prey, while guillemots, razorbills, cormorants, Arctic skuas, northern fulmars, Brünnich’s guillemots, and the large northern gannet fill the air with a cacophony of shrieks and screeches. In autumn, you can also catch a glimpse of Europe’s smallest seabird, the British storm petrel.

Important information

Transportation: Bus, boat

Physical requirement: Level 2 – Suitable for most

Clothes/ footwear: Comfortable shoes, warm and windproof clothing

Duration: 3 hours

Approx. arrival/departure times: 11:30 - 14:30

Dates available: 6 April to 5 September

Note: Fantastic film and photo opportunities. Bring a camera and binoculars. The tour is not suitable for persons with impaired mobility. Please note that going ashore in the nature reserve is not permitted. Types of birds vary throughout the year.

6C Sami Culture

Experience the Sámi people of far-northern Europe and their remarkable native culture.

Highlights of the excursion

• See and hear about the area of Nordkyn peninsula on the top of Norway
• Meet a Sámi family of reindeer herders, artisans, and heralds of Sámi traditions
• Hear about their everyday lives and traditional chanting (Joik)
• Taste reindeer broth and see some of their beautiful handicrafts

The Sámi are indigenous people living on Europe's northern fringe. They are known for herding reindeer, their distinctive handicrafts (duodji) and affinity for nature. The Sámi homeland (recognised and protected under the international conventions of indigenous peoples) is named Sàpmi and extends from the middle of Norway to north-western Russia, including northern Sweden and northern Finland. On this excursion, we learn about the challenges faced by today´s reindeer herders, as well as how traditional ways can remain relevant in the modern world.

Sámi reindeer herders symbolise the culture and are dependent on vast areas of wilderness. They still live a nomadic lifestyle, following the reindeer migrations from the plains to the coast in April and back again in September. On this excursion you meet a herding family and their reindeer at summer pasture on the Nordkyn peninsula. They invite you to a close and evocative encounter around the fire in their traditional lavvo (teepee) while reindeer graze outside. The members of the family are reindeer herders, artisans and heralds of Sámi traditions.

They provide insight into the challenges that reindeer herders and Sámi culture contend with. Through stories, chanting (joik), handicrafts and reindeer broth, you get a genuine taste of Sámi culture.

Important information

Transportation: Bus

Physical requirement: Level 1 – Suitable for everyone

Meals on the trip: Coffee/Bouillon

Clothes/ footwear: Comfortable shoes, warm clothing

Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes

Approx. arrival/departure times: 17:00 - 19:30

Dates available: 6 May to 5 September

6D Snowmobile Trip In The Arctic

Join us on an unforgettable snowmobile trip through one of Europe’s most extreme and exciting natural Arctic regions.

Highlights of the excursion

• Drive a snowmobile over the mountains from Kjøllefjord to Mehamn
• Hear the guides´ stories about life on the Finnmark coast
• Possibly see the Northern Lights
• Visit the world’s northernmost mainland town, Mehamn

On this excursion you travel from the old trading post and fishing village of Kjøllefjord over the mountains to Mehamn. Along the way, the guides tell you about the Sámi people, the geography and climatic conditions, what life is like on the Finnmark coast, and how the local population utilises nature both in summer and winter. Some of Norway’s best snowmobile instructors provide training before you hop onto your own vehicle for this once in a lifetime trek through spellbinding snowbound scenery. Experience snowy valleys, invigorating winter air and perhaps the mystical Northern Lights in the starry polar night sky. In spring, the sun returns to produce ubiquitous daylight and milder temperatures. Back in Mehamn, the world’s northernmost mainland town, we rejoin the Hurtigruten ship and continue our voyage to Kirkenes.

Important information

Transportation: Bus/snowmobile

Physical requirement: Level 3 – Average physical condition

Clothes/ footwear: Comfortable shoes, warm clothing. Special clothing is provided.

Note: Valid driving licence must be presented. Subject to weather/snow conditions

Duration: 2 hours 15 minutes

Approx. arrival/departure times: 17:15 - 19:30

Dates available: 6 December to 15 May

6E Sami Autumn

Learn about the natural medicines and mystical cultural facets of the indigenous Sámi people living in far northern Europe.

Highlights of the excursion

• Garner insight into Sami culinary traditions and medicinal herbs
• Taste different traditional Sámi dishes and herbs
• Learn about Sami culture and hear tales about the Sami Shaman (Noaidi)
• See beautiful scenery and hear about everyday life in Europe’s northernmost region

You often hear the Sámi say `nature is our culture´ and considering their intuitive knowledge about nature and its potential you can understand why. No one has made greater use of nature's own "pharmacy and pantry" than the Sámi reindeer herders. On this excursion, reindeer herders share their insight and a taste of Sámi culinary traditions as well as medicinal herbs sourced from Arctic nature. You also learn about Sámi culture and handicrafts as well as listen to joiks and tales about the Sámi Shaman (Noaidi).

As the excursion crosses Europe's northernmost reaches by bus, a guide tells us about the Nordkyn peninsula, its nature, seasons, weather, climate and everyday life in the two fishing villages of Kjøllefjord and Mehamn. Most people are not aware that the Arctic wilderness abounds in herbs and medicines. A growing number of people today are utilizing ancient knowledge about Arctic flora as a means to alleviate pain and discomfort. The Sámi are known for herding reindeer, distinctive handicrafts (duodji) and their affinity for nature. Traditional food such as reindeer meat, fish and berries are still an important part of the Sámi diet.

Important information

Transportation: Bus

Physical requirement: Level 1 – Suitable for everyone

Clothes/ footwear: Comfortable shoes, warm clothing

Meals on the trip: Taste of local specialties

Duration: 2 hours 15 minutes

Approx. arrival/departure times: 17:15 - 19:30

Dates available: 6 September to 5 November

6F The North Cape Exclusive

North Cape has drawn adventurous souls from around the world for centuries. Come along on this scenic three-hour tour and see why. Reserved only for our Platinum guests.

Highlights of the excursion

• Small group and private tour guide at your service during the entire tour
• Visit the northernmost point on the European continent, North Cape
• See the enigmatic North Cape `Horn´
• Receive your very own North Cape Certificate

The North Cape plateau and North Cape `Horn´ on the island of Magerøy, have both fascinated visitors and helped guide mariners to safe havens. Here, extremes are the norm. The unpredictable Arctic weather and starkly contrasting seasons have shaped the fauna and flora as well as the lives and culture of the local inhabitants. Get a unique and unforgettable look at this remarkable way of life above the Arctic Circle, explained in detail by a private tour guide who show you the ''top of Europe'' and share knowledge about the significance of these historical landmarks. Also visit North Cape Hall and see a short panoramic film about the region, starring all four of its vastly different seasons. Top it off with a local delicacy in the café. We conclude the tour by awarding you a North Cape Certificate – your own special memory of this incredibly special place.

Important information

Transportation: Minibus

Physical requirement: Level 1 – Suitable for everyone

Clothes/ footwear: Comfortable shoes, warm and wind proof clothing

Meals on the trip: Arctic snack and drink

Duration: 3 hours

Approx. arrival/departure times: 11:30 - 14:30

Dates available: All year except on 25 December and 1 January

Note: This exclusive tour is for Platinum guests only

6J Expedition to the North Cape - The Historical Route

Journey to the North Cape like a true explorer - approach by RIB boat and hike up the mountainside to the famous plateau.

Highlights of the excursion

• Spectacular scenery and bird cliffs
• See the coastline of Finnmark in a RIB boat
• Walk the historical route up to the North Cape plateau
• Visit North Cape, the northernmost point on the European continent

From Havøysund, an exhilarating RIB boat ride takes you along the rugged coastline of Finnmark, stopping by the cliffs to see nesting seabirds up close, while your guide shares stories about the local geography and culture. Approaching by boat, you’ll admire the impressive North Cape plateau from the sea before going ashore in Hornvika. After a short refreshment break, make the hike up the mountainside along the historical route to the North Cape’s breathtaking view.

Important information

Transportation: RIB/bus

Physical requirement: Level 4 – Good physical condition

Clothes/ footwear: Hiking shoes, warm and windproof clothing

Meals on the trip: Packed lunch, Coffee/ tea, dried reindeer meat, chocolate and snacks

Duration: 6 hours

Dates available: 1 June to 30 September

Note: We recommend you bring a backpack with water bottle, extra clothing, camera and sunglasses. Special clothing is provided (survival suits, life vests, goggles, hats and gloves). Entrance to the North Cape is included.

6H Fishing Village Visit

Join us on a tour to visit two small fishing villages and discover Christmas year-round at the very top of Norway.

Highlights of the excursion

• Enjoy a guided tour of the island Magerøya
• See the fishing villages Skarsvåg and Kamøyvær
• Visit the ‘Christmas and Winter House’ where Christmas is celebrated all year round
• See the artwork of local artist Eva Schmutterer at her gallery “East of the sun”

The excursion departs Honningsvåg by coach, crossing through fantastic scenery on the island Magerøya, towards the tiny fishing hamlets of Kamøyvær and Skarsvåg. Along the way, your guide tells you about the nature, local culture and history. In Skarsvåg, we visit the `Christmas and Winter House´, known for its quaint Yuletide ambiance and Christmas decorations year-round. Admire and acquire locally produced ornaments and knitwear and learn about the life of a fisherman`s family in the world’s northernmost fishing village. We then proceed to Kamøyvær and see its small fishing fleet, lighthouse, picturesque harbour and fish processing plants.

After a short stroll through the village, we visit artist Eva Schmutterer at her cosy little gallery, `East of the Sun´. The permanent exhibition includes arts and crafts inspired by Magerøya and the changing seasons. If weather permits, there is a short photo stop on the return trip at Tufjorden viewpoint, where you catch a glimpse of the North Cape `Horn´, which juts out of the side of a cliff.

Important information

Transportation: Bus

Physical requirement: Level 2 – Suitable for most

Clothes/ footwear: Comfortable shoes, warm and wind proof clothing

Meals on the trip: Cake at Christmas and Winter House

Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes

Approx. arrival/departure times: 11:15 - 13:45

Dates available: All year

Note: Not available 24, 25, 31.12 and 01.01