You may have read a few posts I've written about Hurtigruten before. They're very much a 'niche' market cruise line, sailing people up beyond the Northern Circle.
To learn more about them you can click here, here or here to read my old posts. In them I've tried to describe who Hurtigruten are and what they have offer. Today I'm going to really try and hammer it home with a top ten list of activities/excursion you can enjoy whilst cruising with Hurtigruten.
1. Ride a snowmobile
For most people living in Northern Norway the snow mobile is an everyday means of transport even a lifeline for some people living in the more remote areas. But.......
there also great fun to ride and a snow mobile safari is one of the most popular excursions booked with Hurtigruten.
2. Visit a snow hotel
Alta's Igloo Hotel is truly amazing, it disappears every spring, having to be rebuilt every winter. Everything is made from snow and ice; walls, chairs, tables, even the chandeliers! The hotels normal temperature is about -5C. Not sure I'd fancy spending the night there but definitely worth a visit.
3. Ice Fishing.
I know, I know! Ice fishing has to be the ultimate Arctic cliche but things become cliche because they're so popular and or common. Book up one of these excursions to find out how the experts use an auger to drill the hole, a skimming tool to keep the hole free of ice and a range of different rods to catch the fish.
4.Northern Lights.
I've wrote plenty on these in the past so I'm not going to belabour the point here. Suffice to say something every one should see at least once.
5.Explore the Sami culture.
It would be difficult to understand Northern Norway without some understanding of the Sami. They're a semi nomadic group of reindeer herders who have been native to the region for at least 2,000 years. These days they have their own flag and Parliament, located in the village of Karasjok, (the Parliament, not the flag,), in Finland. There are several opportunity's to enjoy Sami culture on an excursion, enjoying a communal fire in a goahti, (a turf covered hut), sampling local dishes like reindeer meat, salmon, smoked whitefish and cloud berries or just watching traditional village life.
6. Skiing or snowshoeing
Completely ignoring my recommendation for the fast paced and noisy snowmobiling, these excursions will really give you the opportunity to enjoy the stillness and majesty of the scenery. For the younger crowd snowboarding is also offered on many excursions.
7. Travel to the North Cape.
The North Cape is generally believed to be the most Northern point in mainland Europe. In fact it's not, the adjacent headland of Knivskjellodden is a mile closer to the pole but this still doesn't stop thousands each year visiting its majestic and savage cliffs. Don't forget the camera!
8. Dog sledding
A sled. A guide. A team of Dogs. Gliding over the snow in near silence. What more do I have to say about this amazing excursion?
9. A King Crab Hunt.
With some specimens reaching up to 30lbs and measuring more than six feet from claw to claw this isn't an excursion for the feint hearted! The Red King crab, native to the Barents Sea is hunted by fisherman all along the coast and Hurtigruten offer you the chance to join some of them for the day. If you're a qualified diver you can even continue the hunt underwater!
10. Bathing in the Barents Sea.
The Barents Sea is part of the Arctic Ocean that lies off the North coast of Russia and Norway. Not my first thought for a quick paddle but Hurtigruten will seal you up in a bright orange survival suit, which leaves only the face exposed, providing protection and buoyancy from the elements, allowing you to swim around in sub zero temperatures. Probably not one for me, but definitely one to tell the grand kids about.
So would you fancy a Hurtigruten cruise? Have you cruised with Hurtigruten before? If you got a chance to do any of these excursions you'll have to let me know what you thought about them here.
Happy Cruising
No comments:
Post a Comment