Three new summer excursions from Hurtigruten

Animal lovers can now enjoy three new summer excursions introduced by Hurtigruten this summer. Available from now until the end of August, the excursions are centered around horses, reindeers and salmon and offer guests unique experiences that take them even closer the culture and nature of Norway.  All three are available when travelling on the southbound voyage from Kirkenes to Bergen.

New excursions:
LOFOTEN BY HORSE: Explore the breathtaking scenery of the Lofoten on horseback. Starting in Svolvear, riders will travel on island horses from the house farm in Gimsøy on the Atlantic coast of the Lofoten archipelago and head towards Stamsund, riding through white powder sand and gently rolling hills. En route, guests pass historic sites of the Viking era – for example, the island of Gimsøy is home to the highest density of relicts from the saga period. This excursion offers an unparalleled opportunity to discover the area’s natural beauty whilst also getting a sense of its rich history. It is also suitable for guests with little or no horse-riding experience, as island horses are known for their gentle nature. Priced from £102pp.

REIDNEER SPOTTING IN THE SUMMER NIGHT - This excursion takes guests overland from Mehamn to Kjøllefjord. Unusually it takes place late a night as this time is still perfect for wildlife spotting because the Norwegian summer nights are as bright as day. The route continues inland to Nordkyn, Europe’s northernmost peninsula. The first observation post is some 300 metres above sea level for great views in all directions – offering the chance to watch reindeer at varying distances with binoculars that are provided as part of the trip. The guide will provide a wealth of interesting information about the Sami culture, their special relationship with the reindeer and life at 71 degrees north. The tour continues on to ‘Camp Summer Night’, which offers magnificent views of the Kjøllefjord and the arrival of the Hurtigruten ship. As everyone indulges in stories about the region’s traditions and myths, a traditional meal with reindeer meat, freshly baked bread and cranberry compote will be served and guests even have the option of roasting their own meat over the open fire. Priced from £66pp.

VISIT THE SALMON – This excursion to a salmon farm takes place in Brønnøysund. Guests will find out exactly why the Norwegian coastline offers the perfect conditions for sustainable and responsible aquaculture. Norway is one of the world’s largest exporters of fish and seafood, with some 37 million people around the world enjoying Norwegian fish every day. During the salmon farm excursion, guests can watch the salmon being fed, find out all about modern fish farming, try their hand at using an underwater camera and taste the salmon. Priced at £58pp.

In order to accommodation these new excursions, minor changes have been made to the schedule of the southbound route. The laytimes in Svolvær and Brønnøysund have been extended slightly, and the ones in Bodø und Sandnessjøen shortened slightly instead. The arrival and departure times in Stamsund were pushed back by half an hour.

Classic Round Voyage this summer – prices in August lead in at £1515pp for an 11-night voyage from Bergen to Kirkenes and back. Price includes half board and based on an unspecified inside cabin in August. Flights are extra and cost from £450pp.

For more information call Hurtigruten – 0844 448 7601 www.hurtigruten.co.uk