Expedition Team in Norway

Our experts are here to safeguard both explorers and the pristine environment. They serve as your invaluable hosts throughout your expedition cruise.

"I see our guests become bergtatt – which means moved with respect and awe – as soon as we sail into the sublime nature of the Norwegian coast."
- Ralf Westphal, Expedition Leader

Unmatched expertise

Expedition Teams at Hurtigruten represent the best of the best. The Expedition Team Leader and Assistant Expedition Leaders are experts on safety and sustainability, making sure your exploration of these remote destinations is done right. Together with guest lecturers and scientists, they will enhance your voyage with first-hand knowledge and fascinating insights, ensure your complete safety during landings, and guarantee the lightest possible footprint in this pristine environment.

Leading and teaching

During your discovery of Norway, your Expedition Team will lead the way on hiking, walking tours, outings to local performances, and onshore events.

Briefings occur before each activity, making you aware of any potential risks and of strict protocol regarding local wildlife. Both on and off the ship, lectures are held on a wide variety of specialist topics that cover:

biology
geography and geology
history and art
culture and local traditions

Expedition Team members in Norway

Get to know some of the Expedition Team members you may encounter on a cruise to Norway:

Ralf Westphal

Germany Expedition Leader

Ralf gained a PhD in outdoor education at Edinburgh University and has since worked in a range of diverse roles such as ranger, Outward Bound instructor, lecturer as well as trekking and sea kayak guide in national parks in Svalbard and North-East Greenland.

“In 8th grade, our class constructed Inuit-style kayaks. It took four months, but it really planted the seeds that led me to want to explore new frontiers.”

Judith Heinrich

Expedition Coordinator Germany

Raised in Germany, Judith completed her Master´s degree in Tourism Business Administration in the UK, which led her to working in a hotel on Mauritius and in Scandinavia as a tour guide.

Next, she moved on to Costa Rica, followed by time in Pucón, Chile. Returning to Germany, she worked as a Product Manager planning polar expedition cruises.

Her role at Hurtigruten gives her the chance to share her extensive travel experience and expertise with guests from around the world.

Bjørn Skogstad

Lecturer in history Norway

Bjørn was born and raised in Svolvær on the Lofoten islands in northern Norway. In 2016, he finished a five-year integrated master’s degree, comprising teaching studies and a research-based master’s thesis at the University of Oslo.

From 2012-2017, he worked as a lecturer and event host at the Fram Museum in Oslo.

Olav Orheim

Lecturer in glaciology and climatology Norway

Olav has led numerous scientific expeditions in the Arctic and Antarctica. He was managing director of the Norwegian Polar Institute from 1993 to 2005 and administrated polar research at the Research Council of Norway from 2005 to 2012.

Olav acquired his PhD in Glaciology at Ohio State University, studying the glacier history in Antarctica.

Dominic Barrington

Geologist and Photographer Australia

Dom is a first-generation Aussie of English heritage. Dom gained his master’s in exploration geology in London.

His true passion is for photography and exploration, both from above and underwater (Dom is an avid scuba diver and instructor). His images have been published and highly commended in several magazines.