Northern Lights and Spectacular Fjords: A Norwegian Odyssey
- Details
Details
Careful consideration has gone into collating this winter "Best of Norway" itinerary. We have combined our Aurora hunting experience and expertise with our local partner's depth of knowledge and pride in the awe-inspiring country they call home. Our 11-day itinerary offers an unforgettable adventure, blending the thrill of hunting for the Northern Lights with the serenity of the fjords and some of Norway's most charming towns.
Your journey through Norway's breath-taking landscape will begin in Tromsø, the "Gateway to the Arctic." You will chase the Aurora on a minibus tour, hoping to witness their mesmerizing dance across the night sky. Embark on a husky sled ride through the snow-covered landscape, and enjoy a traditional dinner under the night sky at a reindeer herder's camp.
Then, aboard the Hurtigruten, the world-renowned coastal ferry service, you will experience a coastline like no other. Norway's fjords are truly beyond superlatives. Towering mountains, cascading waterfalls and red-painted fishing villages become your backdrop on your journey south. On route, you will stop to explore the Lofoten Islands - a photographer's paradise with their own dramatic landscape.
Additionally, you will stop to discover the historic city of Trondheim, known for its colourful houses and the Nidaros Cathedral. Later, you'll disembark the Hurtigruten at Bergen, with its UNESCO World Heritage Site Bryggen district. Here you can take a scenic funicular ride to Mount Fløien for panoramic views of the city and its surroundings.
From Bergen you will venture into the true heart of Norway's fjord country with a cruise through the Nærøyfjord. Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Nærøyfjord is renowned for its dramatic scenery. You will continue your journey by boarding the Flåmsbana, a scenic railway that winds through valleys and waterfalls before joining the main line to Oslo, the vibrant capital of Norway. Explore Oslo's cultural attractions, including the Holmenkollen area which enjoys great views over the city.
Important Information
Itinerary
The order of activities listed in this agenda is provided for guidance only. Your final and detailed itinerary will be provided either with your final travel documents (which will be emailed to you around a week prior to departure), or upon arrival in each destination featured on the itinerary.
Pricing
Please note that the prices below are “from” prices and subject to change due to availability at the respective hotels. This also applies to cabins on the Hurtigruten; supplements may apply.
Accommodation
Due to the pressure on hotel rooms that can arise in the Winter season, we may offer a range of hotel options (and the best cabin available for your dates of travel on The Hurtigruten) and this may occasionally have some impact on the price of your trip although this will of course be highlighted to you in any quote you receive.
Activities
Please note that if you are travelling early in the winter season and there is not enough snowfall, then some activities may be adapted by the local team, or alternatives provided, to ensure everyone’s safety and comfort. For more information on this, please see our booking terms and conditions.
Itinerary
After your private transfer from the airport to the Clarion Edge, a modern and comfortable hotel located in the heart of the Tromsø , you will embark on a search for a Northern Lights display beyond the glow of the city lights.
Travelling by minibus allows you to outrun any potential cloud cover and go further in search of the Northern Lights. Your guide will use the weather forecast and their expert knowledge to determine the best location for potential viewings.
Upon arrival at your chosen spot, you will keep warm by the campfire and enjoy warm drinks and a light meal as your guide helps you look for the lights. If conditions are favourable and they do make an appearance, you can also get tips on how to capture the moment on camera. Your guide will also be taking photos which will be provided to you. If you bring your own camera, tripods are also available to rent for the evening for a small fee payable locally. The activity starts at 6pm and last for approximately 6 hours.
If you would like to have more time to settle in at your hotel and would prefer to have a free day before this nighttime activity, please speak to one of our travel experts for a quote including an extra night.
Meals: Light Dinner
This morning you will enjoy one of the Arctic’s most famous (and also most thrilling) activities. Experience the exhilaration of being pulled by a team of Alaskan Huskies as you glide along snow-covered trails. Your sled will be driven by an expert musher so you are free to taken in the splendid views of the surrounding mountains and fjords.
After your sledding adventure, you can visit the kennels to thank these canine athletes for their efforts, before warming up with a traditional lunch in a cozy gamme-hut, featuring delicious Bidos, chocolate cake, coffee, and tea. This unforgettable experience combines the thrill of dog sledding with the beauty of the Arctic wilderness.
This evening you will again set out in search of the Northern Lights, this time in the company of the indigenous Sámi people. After transferring to a local reindeer camp where darker skies await, you will meet with the herders who will introduce you to their animals. You will have a chance to feed the reindeer as the Sámi herders tell you all about their life in the north.
Following your time with the animals, you will be invited inside a gamme to warm up by the fire and enjoy a traditional three-course Sámi meal. After dinner, you will move to the Lavu (Sámi tent) to gather around the fire and listen to stories about the Sámi culture as well as a traditional song, called a joik. As you spend time here, your guide will keep an eye on the sky where hopefully the Northern Lights will appear. You will be out for approximately 4 hours tonight, including transfers.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast this morning, you will head out on a polar fjord cruise. Your vessel is crewed by local fisherfolk who will share tales and traditions that their ancestors have passed down through the generations as you sail through the stunning fjords that surround Tromsø.
As well visiting the best fishing spots where their forebears have been fishing for centuries, you will also be able to observe the marine wildlife which teems in the Arctic waters around you. From sea eagles and migratory birds to the several species of whale and dolphin which seek herrings in the winter seas, you have every chance of a magical wildlife encounter. Depending on the conditions, you will have a chance to fish for your lunch, with help from the local fishers. The catch will be served as a light lunch, on board and you can sit back and enjoy the fruits of your labour as you admire the snow-covered mountains surrounding Tromsø. This activity is approximately 5 hours in duration.
Later today you will board the Hurtigruten to begin your journey from Tromsø to Bergen. We will endeavour to provide the best cabin available for your needs, please notify one of our Travel Experts of any specific requirements so these may be taken into account. Dinner is served on board.
Meals: Breakfast, Light Lunch, Dinner
Cruising with the famous Hurtigruten (Old Norwegian mail ship) is an unforgettable experience. This is a scenic journey that takes you along the rugged and beautiful coastline of Norway. This route is part of the Hurtigruten’s traditional coastal voyage, which travels between Bergen in the south and Kirkenes in the north, passing through some of the country’s most stunning landscapes – including the famously striking Lofoten Islands where you will stop for this evening’s activity.
As you continue south, you’ll pass by the picturesque Seven Sisters mountain range and the Torghatten mountain with its distinctive hole. The ship will then navigate through the narrow channels of the Norwegian coastline, providing breathtaking views of the fjords, islands, and coastal communities.
One of the highlights of the trip is the passage through the Geirangerfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, and lush greenery. The ship will also pass through the Hjørundfjord, another stunning fjord that is less visited than the Geirangerfjord but equally beautiful.
This evening you will visit Hov, which is on the outside of Lofoten facing north, with almost no light pollution and no mountains that are blocking the view. All this makes it one of the best spots to see the Northern Lights in Lofoten. And what better way to hunt the Lights then from the back of one of the famous Icelandic horses!
The tour starts in a lighted riding arena where you can get to know your horse before you ride into the night. When you are back from the tour you can try to ride in a faster tempo in tølt (and trot) in this area. Tølt is the gait that has made the Icelandic horse so famous.
Your route takes in the famous white beaches, and you will ride past ancient remnants from the Viking Age and visit a small fishing village. The ride will be at a relaxed pace. Hot drinks, head torches and riding equipment (including warm gloves, helmets, boots and outer garments) are included.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today the Hurtigruten will call at Trondheim, which although it is the third largest city in Norway, its centre is easy to explore on foot and offers countless photo opportunities.
Trondheim’s historic harbour, developed in the late 19th century, offers a picturesque journey through time. From the vibrant student district of Solsiden with its café culture to the charming wooden houses of Bakklandet, you will discover the city’s architectural gems and rich history. Admire the iconic Nidaros Cathedral, a masterpiece of medieval architecture, and explore the bustling market square where the city’s founder, King Olav Tryggvason, is commemorated.
Depending on the schedule of your tour, you can take lunch on board today or try one of the local establishments in Trondheim (at your own arrangement)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today you will arrive in Bergen, Norway’s second city and home to the historic Bryggen wharf with its Hanseatic Museum and the funicular railway to Mount Floien, which offers beautiful views across the city, which is famously surrounded by seven mountains, and the fjords beyond.
You will be transferred to the centrally located Zander K hotel, which has combines modernity with a boutique style and is popular with travellers and locals alike.
Tonight you will be able to check out Bergen’s dining scene which features several historic restaurants focussing on seafood and local cuisine as well as a good selection offering international flavours. If you just fancy a light bite there are also some fantastic bakeries and Norway’s most famous hotdog stand.
Depending on the schedule of your tour, you can take lunch on board today or try one of the local establishments in Trondheim (at your own arrangement)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
This morning you will be met at your hotel by your guide, who will escort you on a private guided tour of Bergen. You will cover Torgallmenningen square, the Hanseatic Quarter, UNESCO World Heritage site Bryggen (another UNESCO World Heritage site) and the fishmarket.
After your tour you will be able to visit Mount Floien, most definitely one of the city’s must sees! The funicular “Fløien” takes you from downtown area to the top in just six minutes, ascending 320 meters on merely 850 meters of rail. This funicular railway is one of Norway’s most visited attractions, and the trip up the hillside is a thrilling experience by itself.
In addition to the stunning views, at the top there is a restaurant, cafeteria and a souvenir shop. Meet the world’s friendliest goats, or try the delicious homemade cinnamon rolls, and take the opportunity for a leisurely hike on the mountain’s many and varied trails.
If you are feeling athletic, you could walk up (or down) along the charming footpaths that zigzag all the way from the city centre to the top of Mount Fløien. Frequently used by the locals, this walk takes approximately 40 minutes and is highly recommended as an alternative to riding the funicular.
Meals: Breakfast
This morning you will take a private transfer from your hotel in Bergen to Gudvangen, a tiny village which sits at the end of the majestic Nærøyfjord and is dwarfed by the sheer scale of the landscape around it.
You will take to the waters of the fjord (yet another UNESCO World Heritage site!) on a cruise from Gudvangen to Flåm, and you will soon understand why this fjord has been called one of Nature’s masterpieces.
On arriving at Flåm, you will check into the Fretheim Hotel for your night in this cosy village at the foot of Aurlandsfjord.
Meals: Breakfast
The Flåm Railway, or Flåmsbana, is one of the world’s steepest train rides built on standard tracks. The railway takes you from the bottom of the Aurlandsfjord, through the Flåm valley, to the high mountains surrounding Myrdal station. The journey is 20km and offers panoramic views of some of the wildest and most magnificent nature in the Fjord region.
At Myrdal, you will change trains and switch to the mainline to continue your journey on to Oslo which will take approximately 5 hours. You can bring your own food and snacks onto the train, but there is also a café serving hot and cold meals and drinks (including alcohol for consumption in the café area only).
On arrival, you will check in to your hotel – The Amerikalinjen – which is just two minutes’ walk from the station. This former shipping office has now been re-imagined as a luxury hotel boasting a restaurant, cocktail bar and even an excellent bakery.
Meals: Breakfast
This morning you will experience premium views of Oslo from the top of the ski jump hill in Holmenkollbakken, as well as learning about the long and impressive history of skiing (and ski-jumping) in Norway – they do say that all Norwegians are born with ski’s on their feet and now you can find out why!
The remainder of your day is free for you to explore Oslo at your own pace. And for dinner why not try one of the restaurants with view over the waterfront at Aker Brygge of sample fine dining in the trendy Grünerløkka district.
Meals: Breakfast
Sadly, this morning your Norwegian odyssey comes to an end, and you will be collected at your hotel for a private transfer to Gardermoen Airport for your flight home.
Meals: Breakfast
What's included?
- Transfers: Private airport transfer on arrival in Tromso and departure from Oslo, all activity transfers where required, taxi on arrival in Bergen, private transfer from Bergen to Gudvangen
- 2 nights Clarion The Edge in Tromso, 3 nights on board the Hurtigruten (various cabin options – supplements may apply), 2 nights at the Zander K Hotel in Bergen, 1 night in the Freitheim Hotel in Flåm, 2 nights in the Amerikalinjen in Oslo
- 10 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 1 light lunch, 4 dinners, 1 light dinner
- Northern Light Chase by minibus
- Dogsled ride
- Reindeer Camp Dinner with Northern Lights Watch
- Polar Fjord Cruise
- Northern Lights by Horseback
- Guided city walk Trondheim
- Bergen Guided Tour
- Mount Fløien funicular
- Nærøyfjord Fjord Cruise
- Flåmsbana
- Guided tour of Holmekollen
- Fully qualified guides and instructors during activities
Accommodation
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| Situated right in the centre of Tromsø, the Clarion Hotel The Edge puts you in a prime location to explore the ‘Paris of the North’ and is an excellent base to transfer to your memorable activities. Hotel Facilities
NB: The hotel is cash-free. They take payment by credit or debit card and accept all major international cards |
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The original Hurtigruten coastal express route has often been described as the “Route 66” of Norway. Operating since 1893 as a mail service, it grew into something much bigger; connecting people and places in a way that was not possible before – Norway’s coastline is undeniably beautiful, but it certainly presents more than its fair share of challenges for travellers. Operating through all seasons and all conditions, the Hurtigruten is akin to the backbone of the country has become iconic in modern Nordic folklore.
There are 8 ships in the Hurtigruten fleet operating on the coastal express currently – all of which boast outside cabins, spacious lounges, gyms, saunas and even outdoor hot tubs. Dining options consist of Torget (Marketplace) which is the main restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner in buffet style, Kysten (The Coast) for a la carte options and Brygga (Wharf) for bistro style dishes with a Nordic twist. Hurtigruten’s ingredients come from 50 Norwegian farms, bakeries and producers from across the country.
Please feel free to discuss your specific cabin requirements with our Travel Experts and they will identify the best cabin available for your dates and quote accordingly. They will also be able to provide further details on the vessel used for your journey.
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The Zander K is a cosmopolitan yet casual hotel, offering contemporary Nordic-style rooms and a relaxed atmosphere. It is located in the heart of Bergen, just a short distance from the centre, waterfront and the Fløyen funicular. It has 249 rooms, all fully ensuite, with upgrades to triple, family, superior rooms with a view and suites also offered subject to availability and a supplement.
Facilities
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Complimentary bicycles for guest to use – what better way to see the city!
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Breakfast buffet
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Free Wi-Fi
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On site restaurant and bar (featuring beer from local micro-breweries)
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A gym
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24 hour reception
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The Fretheim Hotel has allowed guests to experience staying in the heart of the fjords since 1870 and offers views over the water and surrounding mountains. Situated a very short distance from the Flåm railway, yet surrounded by its own gardens, the hotel combines its old-world charm with convenience.
The hotel has 122 rooms ranging from standard twin rooms and historical rooms (these signature rooms are located in the oldest part of the hotel and with a traditional feel) to a variety of upgraded rooms and suites.
Amenities include:
- Located next to the reception area and looking over the gardens and fjord beyond, the Lobby Bar is your destination for hot drinks through the day and cocktails in the evening.
- The hotel boasts two restaurants, Arven for breakfast, lunch and dinner (offering both a buffet and a la carte menu in high season) and Utsyn which offers a variety of burgers in the evening.
- Free Wifi is available throughout the property
- Reception is open 24 hours
- There is a small fitness centre on site but you can also enjoy numerous hiking and bike trails on your doorstep
- It is possible to rent small electric buggies to explore the local area also
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The Amerikalinjen Hotel is a historic hotel located in the former offices of the Shipping Line of the same name. Known for its Art Deco architecture (which is reflected in room décor also) and its central location, it is just a short walk from the Oslo Opera House, the National Gallery, and the Royal Palace. The hotel offers standard, superior and deluxe rooms as well as suites – upgrades subject to availability and a supplement.
Amenities include:
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The hotel boasts a brasserie, cocktail bar, jazz club, relaxation lounge, bakery and even a floating bartender if you need a cocktail delivered direct to your door!
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Gym and Finnish Sauna
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Room service (within specified hours)
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Free Wi-Fi
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Rooms facilities include air conditioning, a minibar, flatscreen TV and a hairdryer
Tour Map
Additional Info
Please note: This holiday is in essence a multi-city break and as such operates quite differently to some of our other holidays in more remote locations. Because you will often be based in a central city hotel, your activities will start at various meeting points (full details and directions will be provided in your final travel documents) which you will need to walk to (or arrange your own taxi unless otherwise stated) in good time for the activity to begin. You will then normally be met by a bus which will either take you directly out on your activity or to a central meeting point from where you will then head out on your adventure.
Due to the city location and also being on the Hurtigruten, the group sizes for some activities and transfers will be larger than some of our other holidays although some are also private to you. We have lots of itineraries to suit everyone. So, if you enjoy the buzz of a city and like to explore its sights and sounds on a guided tour as well as in your free time, then this holiday is a great option for you. If you prefer a more remote destination with activities on site, then please ask one of our travel experts who would be very happy to make some suggestions.
Price is based on 2 persons travelling
Tour terms, click here
Booking conditions click here
Key Facts
For your best chance to see the Northern Lights, contact the UK’s only Aurora specialists
