The only town in Norway where East meets West, Kirkenes represents the turning point of your Hurtigruten voyage. You can see the Russian influence characterized by street signs in both languages, and you can often hear Russian being spoken. We drive to the Norwegian-Russian border at Storskog. The border crossing defines the limits of the Schengen area, and is one of the most guarded borders in Europe. Unfortunately, it is not allowed to cross the border, but you can take pictures. Back in Kirkenes we visit another viewpoint on Prestfjellet mountain with a view of the city and our ship.

Important information

Transportation: Bus

Physical requirement: Level 1 – Suitable for everyone

Clothes/ footwear: Comfortable shoes, warm clothing

Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes

Approx. arrival/departure times: 09:30 - 12:00

Dates available: 1 January to 31 December

7B Riverboat to Russian Border

Explore Russia´s frontier with Norway along the river that divides the two distinctly different yet strangely similar countries.

Highlights of the excursion

• Travel along the Pasvik River, dividing Norway and Russia, in riverboats
• See beautiful scenery and learn more about the area´s rich history
• Stop at the Russian border and take pictures, while expert guides explain Russia´s relationship with Norway
• Enjoy a hot drink, complemented with cloudberries and cream

By the time you reach the jetty, the river boats are ready to take you up the Pasvikelva, a river with a cultural history dating back thousands of years. While sailing up the river you get to hear about the history of the Sámi people, the sacred Princes Boris and Gleb and St. Trifon of the Pechenga Monastery. At the border, we go ashore and learn a little bit more about Norway’s relationship with its neighbor to the East, Russia.

Then you can enjoy a hot drink complimented by cloudberries with cream. On the way back, the guide tells you about the rich animal and plant life that thrives in the area. Reindeer, fish and bears make this one of the most exciting wilderness areas in Norway.

Important information

Transportation: Riverboat

Physical requirement: Level 2 – Suitable for most

Meals on the excursion: Coffee/tea, cloudberries with cream

Clothes/ footwear: Comfortable shoes, warm and windproof clothing. Life vests are provided

Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes

Approx. arrival/departure times: 09:30 - 12:00

Dates available: 1 June to 10 September

7C 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.

Highlights of the excursion

• Drive a snowmobile across a frozen fjord and snowy terrain
• See and experience the beautiful Arctic winter landscape
• Learn about the history and extreme climate of the area
• Enjoy a hot drink and taste reindeer meat

On this excursion, you will drive a snowmobile over a frozen fjord, across the beautiful landscape in the height of the Arctic winter. During the trip your guides will tell you about the extreme Arctic climate and the unique wildlife that inhabits the area. After the journey, you can enjoy a hot drink and taste dried reindeer meat. We drive two people per vehicle and will receive thorough instructions on snowmobiling safety before the trip starts.

Important information

Transportation: Bus/snowmobile

Physical requirement: Level 3 – Average physical condition

Meals on the excursion: Coffee and dried reindeer snack

Clothes/ footwear: Comfortable shoes, warm and windproof clothing

Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes

Approx. arrival/departure times: 09:30 - 12:00

Dates available: 15 December to 5 May

Note: Valid driving licence must be presented. Thermal suits and helmets are provided. Children under the age of 15 can only be passengers. Subject to weather/snow conditions

7D Kirkenes Snow Hotel

A hotel built out of snow and ice? It´s true. Visit the Snow Hotel, set in idyllic Arctic surroundings near Gabba Reindeer Park a short drive from Kirkenes.

Highlights of the excursion

• Join a guided tour around a hotel made of snow and ice
• Visit a bar made of ice and try our berry shot
• Visit the dog yard

The snow hotel is set in idyllic surroundings. Our adventure here begins with a stroll up to the hotel and into the ice bar, where upon arrival we are served an ice-cold berry shot. The guide will then show us around. Afterwards we gather around the cosy fire where we are served a warm drink. You can also visit the dog yard and see some of the many huskies that live there.

Important information

Transportation: Bus

Physical requirement: Level 2 – Suitable for most

Meals on the excursion: Warm drink

Clothes/ footwear: Comfortable shoes, warm and windproof clothing

Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes

Approx. arrival/departure times: 09:30 - 12:00

Dates available: 20 December to 1 May

Note: Subject to weather/snow conditions

7E ATV/Quad-Safari to the Russian Border

Discover the town of Kirkenes, the surrounding nature, historical sights and the Russian border on this motorized quad bike adventure.

Highlights of the excursion

• Explore the area around Kirkenes and the Russian border on a quad bike.
• Get an insight into the history of the area
• See the border station between Russia and Norway
• Have a snack while enjoying the view

Discover Kirkenes, the area around it and the Russian border by quad bike. Spend two hours exploring the nature, historical sights and highlights. The guide meets you at the quay and introduces you to safety instructions before you drive in pairs to the viewpoint overlooking the Sydvaranger mines. Here, the guide will give you an insight into the history of the place.

The Russian border at Skafferhullet was the former border crossing point between Murmansk (Russia) and Finnmark (Norway). From here you can see a Russian dwelling and a Russian chapel. At the current border station between Russia and Norway, Storskog, we serve coffee and a snack. On the way back to Kirkenes, there will be a brief stop at Prestfjellet Mountain to enjoy the view of both the town and your waiting Hurtigruten ship.

Important information

Transportation: ATV

Physical requirement: Level 4 – Good physical condition

Meals on the excursion: Coffee and snack

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

Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes

Approx. arrival/departure times: 09:30 - 12:00

Dates available: 7 May to 6 October

Note: Bring driver’s license. 2 people per vehicle. We drive along the main road.

7F Husky Sledge Adventure

Want to experience a thrilling dogsledding adventure across the frozen Arctic wilderness? Here is your chance.

Highlights of the excursion

• Enjoy an exhilarating dog sledge trek across the Arctic wilderness
• Enjoy the silence while the dogs work their way through the landscape
• Experience the facets of winter light this far north
• Warm yourself around the fire with a hot drink

You start with a short drive to the camp. Here, you will be kitted out with warm outdoor clothing; Snow overalls, shoes, gloves and hats all provided for you. Then it’s time to meet the dogs. The huskies are harnessed to your sledge, eagerly waiting to transport you across the frozen landscape. Each sledge will be travelling with its own “musher” (guide).

Several of these guides are active mushers with long experience so you can just sit and enjoy the ride. The track we follow is in a landscape of frozen lakes, through forest landscapes and snowy plateaus so you will get close to the arctic wilderness. If you are lucky, the northern lights will make a magical appearance, during the dark period. When the sun returns, the climate gets milder and the daylight lasts longer. After the trip, we gather around the campfire for a hot drink.

Important information

Transportation: Bus/car

Physical requirement: Level 3 – Average physical condition

Meals on the excursion: Warm drink

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

Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes

Approx. arrival/departure times: 09:30 - 12:00

Dates available: 1 November to 1 May

Note: Subject to weather/snow conditions. The trail we drive is approx. 6 kilometers long

7H King Crab Expedition

Come along for a fantastic day out on the water, catching, preparing and most importantly eating red king crabs.

Highlights of the excursion

• Go out on the fjord together with experienced fishermen
• Help to pull the King Crab cages from the depths
• See our chef prepare today’s catch
• Enjoy your King Crab meal

Come and join us for a fantastic day on the water, where we will show you how to catch, prepare and most importantly eat these giants from the Barents Sea. Red King Crabs can weigh up to 10 kilos and have a leg span of 1, 8 meters. An experienced fisherman will take you for an unforgettable King Crab Fishing tour where we will cruise along the fjord to find the right place to anchor. You will be hands on deck to help pull up the King Crab cages from the depths. Your guide will take you back and serve your catch in our restaurant situated by the fjord.

Important information

Transportation: Bus/RIB

Physical requirement: Level 3 – Average physical condition

Meals on the excursion: King crab, hot drink

Clothes/ footwear: Comfortable shoes, warm and windproof clothing

Duration: 3 hours

Approx. arrival/departure times: 09:00 - 12:00

Dates available: 7 April to 15 November

Note: Survival suits and life vests are provided

7J Dog Sledding Exclusive

Take part in an exclusive dog sledding adventure through the vast Arctic wilderness, reserved only for our Platinum guests.

Highlights of the excursion

• Mush your own husky sled through the Arctic wilderness
• Enjoy the silence while the dogs work their way through the landscape
• Experience the facets of winter light this far north
• Professional mushers and guides

You start with a short drive to the camp. Here, you will be kitted out with warm outdoor clothing; Snow overalls, shoes, gloves and hats all provided for you. Then it’s time to meet the dogs. The huskies are harnessed to your sledge, eagerly waiting to transport you across the frozen landscape. We will follow a lead guide and you will be two guests per sledge, where you switch on mushing.

The track we follow is in a landscape of frozen lakes, through forest landscapes and snowy plateaus so you will get close to the arctic wilderness. We will take several breaks en route and stop for a hot drink. If you are lucky, the northern lights will make a magical appearance, during the dark period. When the sun returns, the climate gets milder and the daylight lasts longer.

Important information

Transportation: Minibus

Physical requirement: Level 4 – Good physical condition

Meals on the excursion: Warm drink

Clothes/ footwear: Comfortable shoes, warm and windproof clothing. Special clothing is provided (overalls, shoes, mittens, balaclava)

Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes

Approx. arrival/departure times: 09:30 - 12:00

Dates available: 1 December to 20 April

Note: Weather conditions determine which track we use. This tour is for Platinum guests exclusively.