Hurtigruten Unveils New Sámi-Inspired Menu to Celebrate Arctic Cuisine

Hurtigruten, the renowned cruise line known for its voyages along the Norwegian coastline, has launched a unique new onboard menu featuring Sámi-inspired dishes. This innovative menu, created by Sámi culinary ambassador Máret Rávdná Buljo, celebrates the traditional food culture of the Sámi people, an indigenous community from Arctic Europe. These new dishes will be available to passengers sailing on Hurtigruten’s Signature Voyage ships as part of the company’s ongoing commitment to sustainable, culturally rich dining experiences.

The Sámi cuisine introduced by Hurtigruten provides a unique culinary experience that merges traditional techniques and modern innovation. It aims to share the history and culture of the Sámi people through food, giving travellers an authentic taste of indigenous Arctic cuisine.

Máret Rávdná Buljo, a Sámi culinary ambassador and reindeer herder, was instrumental in designing the new menu. Her culinary creations will be available on MS Trollfjord and MS Finnmarken – Hurtigruten’s flagship Signature Voyage ships. These ships will feature a variety of Sámi-inspired dishes that incorporate local, sustainable ingredients from the Norwegian coast.

The new menu includes dishes such as reindeer liver burgers, lingonberry porridge with whipped cream, and smoked reindeer meat in broth. These offerings are crafted to reflect the heritage and flavours of Sámi cuisine while also embracing modern presentation techniques. Highlighting the use of ingredients like cloudberries, reindeer meat, seaweed, and truffle-infused products, the menu is a true homage to the rich culinary history of the Sámi people.

These dishes will also be available on Hurtigruten’s MS Midnatsol from 2026, which will be upgraded to a Signature Voyage ship and operate the Svalbard Line. This expansion ensures that more travellers will have the opportunity to experience the unique fusion of indigenous flavours during their Arctic journeys.

Sámi cuisine has historically been underappreciated in Norway, but Hurtigruten’s new initiative aims to change that by highlighting the importance of indigenous food traditions. Buljo’s influence as a leading figure in Sámi culinary arts is central to this initiative, as she works to integrate traditional ingredients into contemporary menus.

The dishes onboard Hurtigruten vessels are designed not only to deliver an authentic taste of the Arctic but also to educate passengers about the Sámi people’s history and culture. For example, reindeer play a central role in the cuisine, reflecting the Sámi’s deep connection with reindeer herding, which has been a part of their culture for centuries. Additionally, the inclusion of local seaweed and wild berries showcases the sustainable practices inherent to Sámi traditions, with a focus on foraging and respecting nature.

The launch of this new menu is part of Hurtigruten’s larger initiative, Norway’s Coastal Kitchen, which aims to deliver high-quality, locally sourced food to guests while supporting Norwegian food producers. Hurtigruten collaborates with over 70 local suppliers to ensure that the ingredients used in the menus are fresh, sustainable, and ethically sourced.

Hurtigruten is also committed to promoting sustainable food systems and reducing its environmental impact. By prioritising locally sourced and seasonal ingredients, the company supports small-scale food producers while minimising its carbon footprint. This approach is particularly evident in its new Sámi-inspired menu, where every dish is designed not only to offer an authentic taste of the Arctic but also to honour the principles of sustainability that are central to Sámi culture.

While the Sámi-inspired menu is available on Hurtigruten’s Signature Voyage ships, the company is also expanding this concept across other vessels. On the Original Coastal Express ships, such as MS Nordkapp and MS Vesterålen, select dishes from Rávdná Buljo’s new menu will be available in the main restaurant Torget and the fine-dining restaurant Kysten. Additionally, the Brygga Bistro on certain vessels will introduce two of Buljo’s signature dishes later this year, giving even more guests the chance to savour Sámi-inspired meals.

This widespread integration of Sámi dishes across Hurtigruten’s fleet showcases the company’s dedication to bringing unique, local dining experiences to passengers while ensuring that indigenous traditions are celebrated on the world stage.

Hurtigruten’s new menu offering is an exciting development for travellers seeking a deeper connection to the destinations they visit. By introducing Sámi cuisine to its vessels, Hurtigruten not only offers an exceptional dining experience but also enriches the journey by connecting passengers to the history and culture of Norway’s indigenous Sámi people. With a focus on sustainability, local food sourcing, and cultural respect, this initiative aligns perfectly with Hurtigruten’s broader goals of promoting responsible travel and showcasing the diversity of Arctic Europe.

For those planning a voyage along the Norwegian coastline, Hurtigruten’s Sámi-inspired menu promises a memorable culinary journey that reflects the heritage, culture, and stunning landscapes of the Arctic.