Norway's Arctic Coast - Northern Lights, Lofoten and Wildlife

Day 1 - Day of arrival - Tromso

On arrival, take the express bus (ticket included) to the city centre of Tromso.

Overnight at Clarion Collection Hotel Aurora, Tromso

Clarion Collection Hotel Aurora, Tromso

Day 2 - Tromso

Day at leisure in the city. Next to the city centre, you can easily reach the Arctic Cathedral, from where the cable car runs up to the viewing mountain. The Polar Museum is located nearby and you can also take the bus to the Tromsø Museum, which is well worth a visit and provides valuable information about Arctic life. Alternatively, you can book an excursion (not included). Why not go whale watching, dog sledding, snowmobiling or visit some reindeer?

Depart from Tromsø at 23:00 and board the Coastal Express ship at 23:45. The ship departs at 01:30 am.

Overnight at Clarion Collection Hotel Aurora, Tromso

Arctic Cathedral, Tromso, Northern Norway

Day 3 - On the Coastal Express to Lofoten

The Norwegian Coastal Express boasts a rich history spanning over 130 years, serving as a vital lifeline connecting northern and southern Norway through its maritime routes. During the night you will sail from Tromsø past the Island of Senja and onto the Vågsfjorden to dock in Harstad. Around breakfast time, the ship departs from Harstad and sails towards Risøyhamn. Along the Vesterålen you will see the towns of Sortland and Stokmarknes.

Stokmarknes is the place where it all started for the "Hurtigruten" as it was from here that the first Coastal Express the MS Vesterålen left, captained by Richard With. During your time docked here, you can take a quick look at the Hurtigruten Museum. Then back on board you will travel through the narrow Rafsund strait to the Lofoten Islands. On the south side of the archipelago, you will reach the "capital" of the Lofoten Islands, the town of Svolvær, at approx. 18:30. From here you will be picked up and transferred to the Lodge where you will be staying the next three nights.

Overnight onboard Norwegian Coastal Express Boat - Havila or Hurtigrtuen from Tromso to Svolvaer

Hurtigruten Coastal Express to Lofoten

Day 4 & 5 - Lofoten Islands

Located on Ørsvågholmen island in the breathtaking Lofoten Islands near Svolvær, Skårungen is a charming retreat with roots dating back to its days as a fishing port in 1895. Its name, "Skårungen," signifies the eager newcomer among seasoned fishermen. Here you will spend time enjoying the wonderful nature and partaking in several activities. Witness the enchanting transformation of Lofoten's winter landscape, adorned in deep reds and blues until the New Year, when it transitions into a mesmerizing array of pastel hues under the sun's gentle caress. Winter in Lofoten pulsates with excitement, offering the spectacle of the Northern Lights dancing across the sky and the ethereal beauty of the 'blue hours.'

During your stay you will go on the following excursions: Northern Lights photo tour and Sea Eagle Safari by RIB-boat. Activities are dependent on the weather and you will receive the exact time and days for the excursions upon check-in. The lodge has an excellent spa and sauna (payable locally). And for those who want more adventure, the lodge offers equipment for rent - such as skis and snowshoes or they can organise a day trip to Svolvær.

Overnight at Skårungen Lodge, Lofoten Islands

Lofoten Islands, Northern Norway

Day 6 - Svolvær – Narvik

Today it is time to leave the Lofoten and explore more of the coast on the mainland.

After breakfast, the transfer from the hotel will bring you to the centre of Svolvær, where you will take the Lofoten Express bus (ticket included) from Svolvær to Narvik. You will travel along the Lofast road, across Tjeldsund and along the Ofotfjord to Narvik. The new suspension bridge over the Rombakkfjord, an impressive structure, opened in 2018. In Narvik, you can take the gondola (optional) to the Fagertoppen viewing mountain, from where you have a fantastic view over the ocean and even of the Lofoten Islands on a clear day.

Overnight at Quality Hotel Grand Royal Narvik

Narvik

Day 7 - Narvik - Tennevoll

Narvik has played an important role in Norway’s history. Being the main port in this region, and the only way to get iron and other valuable ores out of the vast deposits in the mines in Swedish Lapland to the rest of the world, it was of strategic importance in the past and still is today. It was fought over fiercely in WWII and the museum about the “Battle of Narvik” (located in the local community centre) is well worth a visit before you leave. Netflix even released a Movie about the battle in 2023 simply called “Narvik”, also worth a watch.

In the afternoon, the Arctic Route bus line (ticket included) will take you from Narvik across the spectacular Helgelandsbrua bridge, north along the coast to a small place called Bardu. The journey takes a little over an hour and along the way you can enjoy the spectacular landscapes and the play of the light on the Arctic Ocean. Once in Bardu, a shuttle from the hotel will pick you up and you drive out to the paradise that is the Lavangen fjord where you will stay for three nights. If the conditions are good, you can watch out for the Northern Lights, on your own, in the area around the hotel. With its remote location without light pollution and offering wide open views towards the North-West, this is absolutely one of the best places to watch the Northern Lights dance across the sky. If the lights show themselves, the hotel will extinguish all the outer lights so you can even see them from your room.

Overnight at Fjellkysten Gjestehus, near Tennevoll

Tennevoll, Northern Norway

Day 8 & 9 - Tennevoll and Lavangenfjord

About 50km north of Narvik, lies the small town of Tennevoll, at the end of the Lavangen Fjord, between the dark arctic ocean and impressive mountains. A little way up the mountain from the ‘centre’ of Tennevoll lies your home for the coming days - Fjellkysten Gjestehus. The hotel was designed with inspiration from old Nordic architecture like the Vikings Langhus (Longhouses) and the Sami Gamme (Huts with turf roofs). This is truly a place to let go of everyday stress and free your mind whilst also taking in the beautiful nature and picturesque surroundings. If the conditions are good you may be able to see the Northern Lights in the area around the hotel due to its remote location without light pollution.

During your stay here, you will go on some small adventures, but have lots of time to relax too. Activities include (exact times and days will be given upon check-in): Snowshoeing during a guided tour in the mountains surrounding the town and Ice-Cave exploring in the nearby caves where the rivers that carved them leave spectacular ice sculptures. On two occasions during your stay (typically in the afternoon) the hotel Sauna and Jacuzzi are reserved for you to warm up, relax, and enjoy the view. Don’t forget to bring your swimsuits.

Overnight at Fjellkysten Gjestehus, near Tennevoll

Lavangenfjord

Day 10 - Return to Tromso

After breakfast, around noon, the shuttle from the hotel will take you to the Arctic Route bus stop in Bardu. From here you will journey back north to Tromsø where you will arrive in the evening.

Even though this city only has ca. 80.000 inhabitants, the bustling atmosphere might come as a bit of a shock after the remoteness of the past days. So take your time to adjust and enjoy your final night in the Arctic. Take a stroll around the city centre and visit one of the many excellent restaurants or dive into one of the cosy pubs this Arctic Ocean metropolis has to offer.

Overnight at Thon Hotel Tromso

Tromso, Northern Norway

Day 11 - Day of departure

As your unforgettable Arctic adventure comes to an end, a taxi transfer will take you from your hotel to the airport.