HONNINGSVÅG - Sept 12, 2011

Transfer to the North Cape
Excursion Code: E-HVG1
Duration:  approx. 3 hrs
Level:  easy to moderate
Price: $125
Bus transfer without guide to the North Cape. The North Cape Plateau as well as the fishing village of Honningsvåg are situated on the island of Magerøy some 1,300 miles south of the North Pole. It is no doubt one of the main attractions of Norway. The North Cape itself is a steep rock with a massive wall reaching more than 1,000 feet above sea level. The North Cape Hall has shopping facilities, post office and a chapel, a bar, restaurants and a cinema with a 225-degree wide-screen. There will be an audio-visual presentation of Lapland and the North Cape, showing the magnitude of Lapland’s breathtaking scenery during the four seasons. The cinema can accommodate 250 persons during each show and the show has a duration of approx. 20 min. The show is visual, and will be announced before starting in English, German and French. Adjacent to the cinema there is a Hall of Fame, with models of important events that have taken place at the North Cape Plateau, and a large hall with a terrace offering a nice view of the ocean further north. There will be ample time for photo-taking, shopping, writing and posting cards before returning by coach to Honningsvåg through the barren landscape characteristic of the North Cape area. On the way from Honningsvåg to the North Cape you will stop at a Lapp tent where you can see how the Lapp people live in our days, and maybe buy a gift produced by the Lapps.

Note: There is no guide on that tour. Weather conditions can change very quickly at the North Cape. Warm Clothing is stronlgy recommended.

Taste the King Crab! 
Excursion Code: E-HVG2
Duration:  approx. 2.5 hrs
Level:  easy
Price: $132
On this tour you will come face to face with the king crab and be served a delicous meal of the succulent crab meat.The tour starts from the pier and you will be taken by bus to Sarnes to a Lavvo camp. Soviet scientists introduced the red king crab to the Murmanskfjord near the border with Norway in the 1960s. The scientists wanted to increase the yield from local fisheries. Since then, millions of crustaceans have spread west into Norwegian waters. The king crab can measure up to 6.5 feet between its claws, and weigh as much as 22 pounds. However in this area you are most likely to catch  "small" crabs at 6 to 15 pounds.  At the camp in Sarnes you will sit down and help prepare the catch of the day. The meal that follows is an absolute feast. The king crab will be served with bread, lemon and mayonnaise. The superb, white meat of the legs and claws is particularly juicy and has a naturally sweet taste. Ordinary crab will never be the same after you have tried the king crab. After the meal you will be picked up by the bus again and taken back to the pier in Honningsvåg where the tour ends.

Note: Incl. King Crab meal with all trimmings, mineral water, coffee and biscuit. Explanation during King Crab meal is in English.


TROMSØ - Sept 13, 2011

Tromsø Cable Car & Arctic Cathedral
Excursion Code: E-TOS1
Duration:  approx. 2.5 hrs / morning
Level:  easy to moderate
Price: $113
This excursion may be combined with E-TOS2.

Tromsø - Gateway to the Arctic - is beautifully situated on a forest-covered island linked to the mainland by a sweeping concrete bridge 3,398 ft long. You start the tour with a short city sightseeing before you continue across the Tromsø Bridge, which connects Troms Island with the mainland, to Tromsø cable car. The cable car takes you up to Storsteinen, 1,381 ft above sea level. Enjoy the fantastic view of Tromsø and its surroundings from the top, before you head back down again. After our tour with the cable car you proceed to the Arctic Cathedral. This church is a masterpiece of architecture, designed to reflect the nature, culture and faith in the Arctic regions. Its spires are said to represent the 11 apostles left after the betrayal. The entire east wall is formed by one of the largest stained-glass windows in Europe. The ultra-modern architecture symbolizes the immense strength of the pack-ice in the Arctic Ocean. After our visit to the Arctic Cathredal you drive back to Troms Island. There will be an optional drop off at Polaria for those who wish to visit this experience centre, before the bus returns to the pier where the tour ends.

Note: Good walking shoes recommended. Suitable for wheelchairs.

Discover Tromsø on Foot
Excursion Code: ETOS-2
Duration:  approx. 3 hrs / afternoon
Level:  moderate
Price: $85 
This excursion may be combined with E-TOS1.

Tromsø - Gateway to the Arctic - is beautifully situated on a forest-covered island linked to the mainland by a sweeping concrete bridge 3,398 ft long. On this tour you will be taken on a historical and cultural city walk through the charming city centre of Tromsø and visit the Polar Museum and Mack Brewery. Most of Tromsø, including the city center, is located on the small island of Tromsøya. The city center of Tromsø contains the highest number of old wooden houses in Northern Norway, the oldest house dating from 1789. The Polar Museum is housed in a restored wharfside warehouse from the 1830s. In a picturesque maritime setting of old houses with the 1789 Skansen complex next door, the Polar Museum is a pearl of old Tromsø. The museum contains exhibits about our proud Arctic history, both trapping and polar expeditions. Finish the tour at Macks Brewery, the world’s northernmost brewery. Macks Brewery was founded in the autumn of 1877 by Ludwig Markus Mack. It became one of Tromsø’s largest industrial business and today it is Northern Norway’s most beloved and well known brand. You will be taken on a guided tour and get to know the art of making arctic beer. The tour ends in Tromsø’s oldest pub, Ølhallen (The Beer Hall) where you can enjoy a cold beer in historical surroundings. From the brewery it’s a short walk back to the pier where the tour ends.

Note: Incl. one Mack beer. Good walking shoes recommended.

Sami Culture Adventure
Excursion Code: ETOS-3
Duration:  approx. 7 hrs / full day with lunch
Level:  moderate
Price: $318
This excursion is dedicated to the Sami culture. The Sami people are nomads that have been living side by side with other Norwegians for many centuries. From the town center you will drive approx. 1.5 hours by coach out in the wilderness to a Sami summer camp near the beautiful Lyngen Alps. Seated toghether inside a Sami Lavvu, you will hear folk tales and learn about Sami culture and history, including an introduction to traditional Sami handicraft. A warm meal based on Sami traditions will be served during the visit. You will also get the opportunity to try throwing of the lasse, the traditional way to capture a reindeer for marking or slaughter, as well as learn about handling of half wild reindeer. After the visit at the Sami camp you drive back to Tromsø.
Note: Incl. a warm Sami meal. Warm, layered clothing and comfortable walking shoes recommended. Rain gear in case inclement weather.


HENNINGSVÆR - Sept. 14, 2011

Sea Eagle Safari
Excursion Code: E-HEN1
Duration:  approx. 1.5 hrs
Level:  more difficult
Price: $153
This excursion may be combined with E-HEN2 or E-HEN3.

The tour starts by the pier in Henningsvær. Lifejackets, glasses and gloves will be handed out and a security briefing will be given. You then embark on the thrilling ride. Nordland is the kingdom of the sea eagle. Here you will find the world’s densest population of these magestic birds of prey that can have a wing span of up to 8 feet.

The rafting boats will take you along the coast from Henningsvær allowing you to experience the sea eagles at thrillingly close quarters in their natural environment. Although the main purpose of the trip is to see the eagles in their natural habitat, as well as the scenery of the Lofoten islands, you can sometimes see other species from the animal kingdom like seals, puffins and cormorans. The tour ends at the pier in Henningsvær.

Note: Warm clothing and comfortable shoes recommended. This tour is not wheelchair accessible.

Lofoten & Viking Museum
Excursion Code: E-HEN2
Duration:  approx. 5 hrs
Level:  easy
Price: $115 
This excursion may be combined with E-HEN1.

The tour starts with a drive through the dramatic Lofoten landscape, passing Kabelvåg – that used to be the largest and the principal fishing village in Lofoten. Your first stop is at the Viking Museum at Borg. The Viking Museum has an exhibition of items found by archeologists, as well as recreations of Viking homes. The idea of the museum is not only to show how the Vikings lived a thousand years ago, but to recreate the atmosphere in a Viking village with handicrafts, buildings and food typical for the area and the era. The tour continues to the small village of Undstad where approx. 30 houses are built upon a small area to protect each other against stormy weather. The people make their living from farming and fishing. Afterwards the tour continues over Hagskaret with spectacular view over Lofoten, via Leknes and Valberg, on the way back to Henningsvær.

The Attractions in Storvågan
Excursion Code: E-HEN3
Duration:  approx. 3.5 hrs
Level:  easy to moderate
Price: $110 
This excursion may be combined with E-HEN1.

On this excursion you will experience the three attractions in Storvågan - Galleri Espolin, Lofoten Museum and Lofoten Aquarium. About 30 minutes drive from Henningsvær you find close to Kabelvåg the small place of Storvågan. Storvågan was one of the first fishing villages in Lofoten. A thousand years ago, commercial fishing operations were carried out in the Vestfjord. Every winter, fishermen from all over Northern Norway came here to harvest their share of the wealth of the seas. Right up until the 1900s, Storvågan was the seat of powerful landowners who built their wealth on the stockfish trade. Our first stop is Galleri Espolin - Norway's largest collection of the works of pictorial artist Kaare Espolin Johnson (1907-1994). The history of art is conveyed in an unforgettable way. There are two permanent exhibition halls and one for changing exhibitions as well as a video room, Espolin room and an art shop. Later at Lofoten museum visitors are given an impression of the atmosphere in the old fishing village and the contrast between the simple, every day life of the fisherman in his rorbu cabin, and the extravagance of life at the home of the squire. At the Lofoten Aquarium you have the chance to study our exiting marine life, with fish and sea mammals from Lofoten and the North Norwegian coastline. With its 23 large and small aquarium tanks, the Lofoten Aquarium caters for all ranges. Return to the ship.

Note: Flat and comfortable shoes are recommended. Some walking over cobblestones, gravel and few steps.


ALSTAHAUG - Sept. 15,2011
Important Note: Tendering by Polarcirkel Boats from the ship to the pier and back (we recommend wearing rain trousers).

Walking Tour with Petter Dass Museum
Excursion Code: E-AL1
Duration:  approx. 2.5 hrs
Level:  moderate
Price: $38
The borough of Alstahaug is an island community on the coast of Helgeland with a population of about 7,500 inhabitants spread across no less than 917 islands and islets of all shapes and sizes, the largest of which is called Alstenøya. On this tour you will learn more about the famous Norwegian parson poet Petter Dass. You will be met at the tender pier by guides from the Petter Dass Museum and taken on a tour of the newly built museum, the historical buildings and Alstahaug church. The parson poet Petter Dass (1647-1707) lived and worked at Alstahaug from 1689 until his death. His name is therefore strongly connected with the place. Petter Dass holds a significant position in our cultural history. Through his distinctive writings, bearing the stamp of Northern Norway’s natural and human environment, Petter Dass is considered one of the most important poets of the Dano-Norwegian realm of his time. The church at Alstahaug is one of seven Northern Norwegian medieval churches that have been preserved. The site has been a church site since about 1200, when the first section of Alstahaug church was built. The first bishop of Northern Norway, Mathias Bonsach Krogh (1754-1828), was also parson of Alstahaug for a period. Accordingly, the church at Alstahaug is considered Northern Norway’s first cathedral. The tour ends at the pier.

Note: This tour involves walking for a longer period of time.


VEGA (IGERØY) - Sept 15, 2011
Important Note: Tendering by Polarcirkel Boats from the ship to the pier and back (we recommend wearing rain trousers).

Vega – The Kingdom of the Eider ducks
Excursion Code: E-VT1
Duration:  approx. 4 hours
Level:  easy to moderate
Price: $161
The Vega Archipelago is a cluster of dozens of islands centered on Vega, just south of the Arctic Circle. The islands were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2004. The Vega Archipelago gained world heritage status mainly due to the unique interaction between Eider ducks and generations of fishermen/farmers. You travel by coach from the pier to the E-house at Nes. The "E-house" is a museum and documentation centre for Eider ducks, situated in an old building in Nes. At the museum you can learn about the tradition of keeping Eider ducks as domestic animals on the Vega Islands. Throughout generations the islanders have carefully guarded the birds to secure their eggs and downs for luxurious eiderdown-quilts. They have kept Eiders as domestic animals, building their nests and protecting them during the nesting season.  From Nes you drive to Vegstein and Gladstad. In Gladstad you visit Vega Church, a wooden church from 1864 with an alterpiece by Even Ulving. Gladstad also has a village museum which houses exhibitions on Vega’s primary industries and Stone Age history. In Vegstein there is shown a collection of old boat engines. Return to the pier.


BREKSTAD (ØRLAND) - Sept. 16, 2011

Scenic Drive at Ørlandet with Austrått Manor
Excursion Code: E-BR1
Duration:  approx. 2.5 hours
Level:  moderate
Price: $55 
The tour starts from the pier and we drive to our first stop of today’s tour, Austrått Manor. Austrått is one of the oldest manors in Norway, dating from as early as the Viking Period. The portal opening onto the main court contains richly decorated masonry work from 1656 showing beautiful coat-of-arms and statues of angels. The court is a a colouful sight, flanked on either side by galleries decorated by caryatid sculptures. The main wing is entered by a double staircase and loggia; here you find wrought-iron work and coats-of-arms from the 17th century. The halls have a baroque interior containing one of Bjelke´s chests as well as displaying many paintings and a variety of furniture. The fireplace in the great hall is original. The core of the building is the chapel dating from the 12th century. It is exquisite. Seven wooden sculptures from medieval times are displayed here. The pulpit, the altar piece and the stalls all date from the 1650s and there are also paintings from the 17th century. Return by bus for a scenic drive at Ørlandet. Ørland is rich in culture and natural beauty,with its flat lanscape and wide skies giving such unique light effects it is a favorite place for artists, abound with a magnitude of various species of flora and fauna. Brekstad is Fosens largest shopping area with about 60 different shops and businesses. Driving along the shore to Uthaug you will get a view of the famous Kjeungskjæret Lighthouse that can be seen in the distance.  Here a short photo stop will be made. Return to the pier where the tour ends.

Uthaugsgården & Sjøgata
Excursion Code: E-BR2
Duration:  approx. 2.5 hours
Level:  moderate
Price: $64 
A short drive from the pier in Brekstad lies Uthaugsgården. Uthaugsgården was built around 1740 and bought by the Lund family in 1829. During that time the main activity beside farming was fishing and trading with fish. The fish, which was salted and dried down at the seaside, was also sold to foreign markets. The fishermen sailed their own vessels along the coast to Bergen and from there to other European countries. The house of Uthaugsgården consists of more than 40 rooms. Much of the furniture and equipment was bought on trade travels abroad. You will see the development of about 250 years of different activities and family life. After a tour of the farm you walk the short way to Sjøgata at Uthaug. This is a row of old fishermen’s houses facing the sea. The Boathouse Museum at the end of Sjøgata is a building from the middle of the 17th century. It houses an impressive collection of fishing gear. The tour ends at the pier in Brekstad where the ship will be waiting.


ÅLESUND - Sept 17, 2011

Overland to Geiranger via Trollstigen
Excursion Code: E-AE5
Duration:  approx. 8 hrs / full day with lunch
Level:  moderate
Price: $253
This full day tour shows spectecular sceneries on the way from Ålesund via Åndalsnes and the Trollstigen mountain road to Geiranger. You will have your first stop on Mt. Aksla at the “Fjellstua” Mountain Lodge to enjoy the magnificent view over Ålesund and the islands. Continue your trip towards the town of Åndalsnes and then drive by coach approx. 2 hours over Ørskogsfjell Mountain. In Åndalsnes you will enjoy lunch at one of the town’s best hotels, Grand Hotel Bellevue, before the tour continues with the highlight of the tour, the spectacular Trollstigen mountain road. The Trollstigen road has 11 hairpin bends on its way 2,800 ft up to the mountain, ringed by the “Bishop,” “King” and “Queen” peaks. It took 8 years to build this road and it was opened in 1936 by King Haakon VII. It remains an example of great engineering and road building. You will make a short stop at the Stigfossen Waterfall which has a total drop of over 1,000 ft on our way to the viewpoint at Trollstigheimen. The next photo stop will be made at the spectacular Gudbrand gorge, where the foaming river gushes deep below. The gorge is 16 ft wide and 82 ft deep. Your coach will then take you to the fairytale valley of Valldal, known for its strawberry production before arriving Linge. From Linge a ferry will take us across the fjord to the village of Eidsdal. Continue over the mountain landscape to the famous viewpoint Ørnesvingen (Eagle’s road), offering a breathtaking view of the Geiranger fjord below. The tour ends at the tender pier in Geiranger where the ship will be waiting.

Note: Incl. lunch at Grand Hotel Bellevue. Walking information: In/out of bus for photo stops. Walking on uneven and rocky ground at Trollstigen & Gudbrand gorge.

Ålesund Walking Tour
Excursion Code: E-AE1
Duration:  approx. 2.5 - 3 hrs / morning
Level:  moderate
Price: $43 
Ålesund, the largest town on the Northwest coast, has a beautiful setting, built on several islands stretching out into the ocean. A large part of Ålesund was destroyed by fire in 1904 and rebuilt in the Art Noveau–style, typical for the first decade of this century.  Today, it is a bustling town where the fish and fish processing industry are the main sources of income. The Art Nouveau Centre in Ålesund documents the town's unique architectural history with the introduction of Art Nouveau architecture after the great Town Fire of 1904. Experience the fascinating and exciting history that is presented to you through a time machine and multi-media shows that portray the town before and after the fire. Take a stroll through the many rooms in the listed building known as "The Swan Pharmacy," and be mesmerized by the beautiful and authentic décor. The tour continues through the Jugendstil quarters (Art Nouveau) of the town centre and inner harbour, through the attractive park at the foot of Mount Aksla and back to the pier.

Note: Flat and comfortable shoes are recommended. Not suitable for wheelchairs or people with walking difficulties.

The Islands of Giske & Godøy
Excursion Code: E-AE3
Duration:  approx. 3 hrs / morning
Level:  moderate
Price: $93
The community of Giske consists of four islands. Two of them will be visited at this tour - the Giske and Godøy Islands which lies further to the west. The tour to the islands goes via bridges and underwater tunnels, the longest being 2.5 miles. Giske is known as the Saga Island and for the fact that the Viking Chieftain Rollo was born here. This island is fairly flat and fertile. Here you will visit the old stone church dating back to 1150, originally a chapel belonging to the mighty Giske-family. From Giske you continue over to the Godøy Island. On the north-western side of the island the land is flat and fertile and you drive towards the headland where the small fishing village of Alnes is situated facing the Atlantic Ocean. You will take a closer look at the old lighthouse before returning to Ålesund. On the way back to the ship, you will visit the viewpoint Mt. Aksla, with a spectacular view of Ålesund and the islands that you have just visited.

Note: Some walking involved, considerable number of steps in the lighthouse.  Not suitable for wheelchairs.


GEIRANGER - Sept. 7, 2011
Important Note: Tendering by Polarcirkel Boats from the ship to the pier and back (we recommend wearing rain trousers).

Walk to the Norwegian Fjord Centre
Excursion Code: E-GEI1
Duration:  approx. 2 hrs
Level:  moderate
Price: $24
The Norwegian Fjord Centre is the information centre for the West Norwegian Fjords World Heritage Site. The World Heritage Site, which is represented by the Geirangerfjord and the Nærøyfjord, is one of only two natural heritage sites in Norway on the UNESCO List of natural and cultural World Heritage Sites. The West Norwegian Fjords were inscribed on the List on July 14th, 2005 and encompass some of the longest, deepest, narrowest and most beautiful fjords in the world. Opened in June 2002 by HM Queen Sonja, the Norwegian Fjord Centre offers a unique and rewarding insight into the history, the colourful people and the fabulous natural scenery of the area. The very latest technology is used to bring you information about the local flora and fauna, geological features (including landslides and landslide areas), hydro-electric power development, road-building, tourism and transport, folk life and nature. The interactive multimedia exhibit ”From Mountain to Fjord” will show you the stunning natural World Heritage Site as it appears through the four seasons of the year.

Note: The Fjord Centre is a 1 km uphill walk from the pier. There will be no official guide joining the group. A minimum of 35 persons is required to operate that tour.

Geiranger Panorama
Excursion Code: E-GEI2
Duration:  approx. 3.15 hrs
Level:  easy to moderate
Price: $123
This tour shows Geiranger and the spectacular Geiranger Fjord from the most famous viewpoints in the area. From the landing stage in Geiranger the drive goes uphill via the Ørnesvingen (Eagle’s road) to the viewpoint, offering a breathtaking view of the fjord and your ship. After a photo stop, you return to Geiranger and continue through the wild Flydal Valley along numerous hairpin bends to Lake Djupvatn. Afterwards you continue along the fascinating road to the summit of Mt. Dalsnibba (5000 ft). From here you can see far beyond the Geirangerfjord on a clear day. On the way back to Geiranger and to the ship, there will be a photo stop at Flydalsjuvet viewpoint.

Sea Kayaking on Geirangerfjord
Excursion Code: E-GEI3
Duration:  approx. 3.15 hrs
Level:  more difficult
Price: $115
Your guide will meet you at the tender dock in Geiranger and lead you through the village of Geiranger to the kayak base at Geiranger Camping. During this short walk your guide will point out the interesting sights of the village. Upon arrival at the kayak base you will be given a safety talk and paddling explanation. This takes approx. 20 minutes. Once this is completed everyone will get  a life jacket and assisted into double sea kayaks. As soon as everyone is on the water you will begin paddling as a group out towards the Seven Sisters Waterfall. Upon arrival at a good view point there will be time for pictures and the guides will give a brief interpretation of Geiranger Fjord, the high mountain arms and the waterfalls before paddling back to Geiranger. For the paddling excursion you will use two person sea kayaks and all necessary paddling equipment is provided for. Previous sea kayak experience is not required. Well trained certified guides will teach you all you need to know.

Note: Sea kayaking is an outdoor physical activity and paddling to the desired destination is dependant on the conditions and paddling speed of the group. Previous sea kayaking experience is not required.


OLDEN - Sept. 18, 2011
Important Note: Tendering by Polarcirkel Boats from the pier to the ship (we recommend wearing rain trousers).

Briksdal Glacier Walking Tour
Excursion Code: E-OLD2
Duration:  approx. 4 hrs
Level:  more difficult
Price: $102
The village of Olden is situated at the end of the innermost arm of lovely Nordfjord, which cuts its way inland to the mighty ice fields of the Josterdals Glacier, Europe’s largest glacier. Briksdal Glacier, your destination on this tour, is one of its arms. Leaving Olden’s centre by coach, pass two picturesque churches and the beautiful lakes Floren and Olden. At the end of the valley lies Rustøen, around which numerous waterfalls tumble from the ice field. The road ascends through woodlands to the Briksdalen Inn, where you leave the coach. The walk to the glacier viewpoint takes 45 minutes, and although the first part is somewhat steep, the rest of the way is comparative flat. The spectacle is truly awe-inspiring, with waters of the lake in front of the glacier reflecting the greens and blues of the ice. From time to time a sound like thunder is heard as the glacier calves dropping a chunk of glacier ice into the fjord. After the visit to the glacier you will return to the Briksdalen Inn for coffee, tea and cake. The tour ends at the pier.

Note: 45 minutes uphill walk to the glacier view point. Total walking time is approx 150 minutes. Participants should be generally fit. Comfortable and solid hiking/walking boots are recommended and raingear. Coffee, tea and cake included.

Briksdal Glacier with Troll-Cars
Excursion Code: E-OLD7
Duration:  approx. 4 hrs
Level:  moderate
Price: $148
The village of Olden is situated at the end of the innermost arm of lovely Nordfjord, which cuts its way inland to the mighty ice fields of the Josterdals Glacier, Europe’s largest glacier. Briksdal Glacier, your destination on this tour, is one of its arms. Leaving Olden’s center by coach, you pass two picturesque churches and the beautiful lakes Floren and Olden. At the end of the valley lies Rustøen, around which numerous waterfalls tumble from the ice field. The road ascends through woodlands to the Briksdalen Fjellstove, where you leave the coach. The powerful Briksdal Glacier is a part of the Jostedal Glacier National Park. The wild glacier swoops down from a height of 4,000 ft to the lush, narrow Briksdal Valley. When you arrive at Briksdal Fjellstove the “Troll-cars” are waiting to take you safely to where the road ends – at the famous glacier. It’s a fantastic trip on a narrow road that crosses the foaming glacier stream twice.

You return to Briksdal Fjellstove which has been the meeting place for hillwalkers and mountaineers in Briksdalen for several generations. Here you will be served some coffe/tea and cake before you return by bus to Olden and the ship.

Note: Some walking on gravel and uneven ground. Good walking shoes recommended.


NORDFJORDEID - Sept 18, 2011
Important Note: Tendering by Polarcirkel Boats from the ship to the pier (we recommend wearing rain trousers).

Norwegian Fjord Horse Centre
Excursion Code: E-NOR1
Duration:  approx. 2 hrs
Level:  moderate
Price: $80
On this tour you will get acquainted with the native Norwegian horse breed - the Fjord Horse. Due to its isolation on the west-Norwegian coast, the Fjord Horse has kept several of the "primitive" marks of the wild horse. The most notable is the dark-colored stripe along the mane, the dorsal stripe (eel) along the back, and "zebra stripes" on the legs. A short drive from the pier you find Norwegian Fjord Horse Centre – the national center for the native Norwegian horse breed.It  is no accident that it is situated at Nordfjordeid, which has been named "The Mecca of the Fjord Horse." This is caused by the long Fjord Horse traditions. Every year since 1886 there has been a stallion-exhibition during the first weekend of May. You will be given information about the Fjord Horse and the work of the centre, get a closer look at the horses and maybe even see the horses in action. On our way back to the ship you will make a photo stop at one of the evidences from the Viking period that has been found in this area.  In one of the burial mounds that are found at Myklebust in Eid a man was buried in a big ship in the 9th century. Maybe he was one of the local kings along the coast who fought against Harald Hårfagre and the consolidation of Norway? In another big burial mound, graves dating from a time period of 250 years have been found. These are probably family graves. Return to the pier where the tour ends.

Note: Walking on uneven ground, gravel and grass.