Experience Overview
Enter a world of extremes where night looks like day, day looks like night and regardless of the season, the scenery's more than perfect. Leave the Arctic Circle behind and discover northern Norway's captivating sights and long, fabled history. Begin in the capital, Oslo, and make your way to Trondheim, the Viking city home to the Nidaros Cathedral and the remains of St Olav, Norway's patron saint. Explore the rugged, unbelievably picturesque Lofoten Islands by land and water before finishing in Tromso, a vibrant city famed for its cultural offerings despite its relative isolation.
Highlights
- Spend three nights in the long-adored Lofoten Islands, a patchwork of fishing villages. Head out to the narrow Trollfjord for a chance to see sea eagles and take in some of the most breathtaking scenery.
- Visit Trondheim, which translates as 'a good place to live', stroll past the colourful wooden storehouses flanking the river, ride the northernmost tram and enjoy a forest walk and picnic just like the locals do.
- Gaze at the immense Nidaros Cathedral, an incredible Gothic building that houses the remains of St Olav, the patron saint of Norway.
- Hop on an e-bike in Tromso, and learn about life hundreds of kilometres north of the Arctic Circle, where the arts and culture scene is thriving despite its isolated, northerly location.
- Be joined by a locally-based leader who knows all of the hard-to-find spots and can offer the best local advice and connect with your small group of like-minded travellers.
- By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, Eden Reforestation Projects. Donations help them provide local employment opportunities and tackle climate change one tree at a time as they restore forests across 10 different countries.
Trip Details
Product Code: 1650
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: Train,Public bus,Ferry,Tram,E-bike
Guide Language: English
Supplier Code: BMSN
Starts: Oslo, Norway
Finishes: Tromsø, Norway
Duration: 9 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical rating: Average
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (7), Lunch (1),Accommodation: Hotel (8 Nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD 5415 (CAD 602 /day)
Itinerary
Welcome to Norway, where you’ll discover the irresistible charm and eccentricity of Oslo. With so much to see and do in Oslo, we recommend that you arrive a few days before the trip begins, so you can see as much of the city as possible. Tonight why not seek out some traditional Norwegian fare with the group?
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today you'll leave Oslo behind and take the train across the stunning countryside to Trondheim. Trondheim was the first capital of Norway (although some historians would argue that) and remains the city where kings go through their coronation. Its name translates as 'a good place to live', with 'trond' meaning 'a good place' and 'heim' home, and it truly is. The city is situated on the Trondheimsfjord and colourful wooden storehouses flank the Nidelva River that runs through town, while the city's outskirts are surrounded by hilly wilderness. There are some great seafood restaurants in town, so why not venture out with the group for a bite to eat in the evening?
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
The forested Bymarka awaits you today – a large nature reserve in Trondheim’s west. Take an easy walk around Lianvatnet, a freshwater lake surrounded by grassy slopes and shady paths. Enjoy a picnic lunch by the lake before free time to explore Bymarka further or return to the centre of Trondheim for sightseeing at leisure. An absolute must-see is the Nidaros Cathedral, an immense Gothic cathedral built from 1070 on, which remains the northernmost Gothic structure in Europe. Quite simply, it's incredible. There are several museums to visit including the Archbishop's Palace, which contains the real Crown Jewels, and the Rockheim Museum, providing a history of Norwegian pop music since the 1950s. In the evening walk over to the nearby station for an overnight train to Bodo, departing just before midnight.
Included Activities:
- Trondheim - Bymarka forest walk & picnic lunch
Optional Activities:
- Trondheim - Ringve Music Museum (150 NOK)
- Trondheim - Rockheim National Museum of Popular Music (170 NOK)
- Trondheim - Kristiansten Fortress - Free
- Trondheim - Sverresborg Folk Museum (190 NOK)
Accommodation:
- Overnight train (Number of Nights: 1)
Wake up just north of the Arctic Circle as we pull into the town of Bodø this morning. There's ample time for you to explore this interesting town until we leave on the afternoon ferry to Svolvaer on the Lofoten Islands. Bodø is a modern city as it was rebuilt after essentially being destroyed by German bombers during WWII. With a dramatic backdrop of rugged ranges, Bodø has the densest population of white-tailed sea eagles in the world, so once you're done exploring why not grab a drink or some food by the quay and take in the vista while these impressive birds circle above (just watch your food). Board the afternoon ferry to the Lofoten Islands. After arriving late in the evening, settle into your comfortable accommodation in the town of Svolvaer. The location of our cabins is ideal, centrally situated in the harbor right by Svolvær town center. The sunny atmosphere provides a unique experience of Lofoten's beautiful landscape. From the cabins, it's a short distance to fishing spots at sea, idyllic beaches, majestic mountains, and notably the iconic Svolværgeita mountain.
Included Activities:
- Bodø - Leader-led orientation walk
Optional Activities:
- Bodø - Public Bus to Saltstraumen Maelstrom (84 NOK)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
The Lofoten Islands are known for picturesque fishing villages, pristine nature and, of course, the Midnight Sun. This is viking country, and the beauty of the area is unparalleled and near-impossible to convey in words. Svolvaer, one of the main towns on the islands, relies heavily on fishing and an ever-growing tourism industry as it's used as a primary base to explore the other islands. This morning head out on an excursion by RIB (rigid inflatable boat) to the narrow and steep-sided Trollfjord. On this exhilarating trip around the small islands and skerries of the Raftsundet Strait, you'll also get the chance to see sea eagles, it’s a special experience when one circles just a few metres above your head. The afternoon is free to explore as you wish and there are several optional activities for you to choose from. Perhaps enjoy a sea kayaking trip around Svolvaer's picture-perfect harbour (subject to availability) or hike through the dramatic granite peaks jutting out of the ocean.
Included Activities:
- Svolvær - Trollfjord Cruise & Sea Eagle Safari
Optional Activities:
- Svolvær - Sea Kayaking Excursion Day (1095 NOK)
- Svolvær - Traditional Fishing Trip (1095 NOK)
- Svolvær - Lofoten War Museum (120 NOK)
- Svolvær - Bike Hire (450 NOK)
- Svolvær - Sea Kayaking Excursion Evening (1195 NOK)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today, after breakfast, enjoy a hike to Linken peak (105 m above the sea level). This is a picturesque and easy hike (approximately 2 hours) that offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and the sea. For those who are up for a further challenge and exercise your leader can additionally take you for Tjeldbergtinden hike to enjoy a spectacular view over the sea and fjords and Svolvær city below. Those feeling less energetic can return to Svolvaer after the Linken Peak hike and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.
Included Activities:
- Svolvær - Leader-led hike to Linken Peak
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Depart the Lofoten Islands on a long but scenic travel day to Tromsø. Start with a local bus ride to Harstad, you'll have some free time here so perhaps take your time for lunch or explore the little town. Later on continue by local ferry past stunning scenery, plenty of fjords and even a maelstrom to Tromsø. Located far above the Arctic Circle, Tromsø is northern Norway's major cultural centre thanks to a range of music and arts festivals and an increasing student population courtesy of the University of Tromsø. Enjoy a free evening on arrival in town.
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, start exploring Tromsø on an e-bike tour and learn about life north of the Arctic Circle. You'll stop at some of the local's favourite city sites like MS Polstjerna, an extremely well-preserved vessel that took part in seal hunting (entry not included), an old farmstead from the 19th century, Prestvannet, the biggest lake on the island and more. Then, explore Tromsø at your leisure. Perhaps learn about the region's fascinating history at the Polar Museum and Tromsø Museum, check out the many art galleries or take a boat cruise in the surrounding waters (the city is actually built on an island). No visit to Tromsø would be complete without a beer at the city's oldest pub, Olhallen, part of the Mack Brewery that is even older than the pub. It was founded by Ludwig Mack, a baker who cared not for the drunkenness of the townsfolk. Mack started brewing beer in 1877 as a less alcoholic alternative to the spirits drunk by most. The brewery is still family-owned and frequented by young and old, traveller and local, student and teacher. Perhaps meet in the evening for an optional final group dinner together.
Included Activities:
- Tromsø - E-bike city tour
Optional Activities:
- Tromsø - Tromsø Museum (110 NOK)
- Tromsø - The Polar Museum (110 NOK)
- Tromsø - Cable Car to Fjellheisen (320 NOK)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Your trip comes to an end today. There are no activities planned for this final day. If you want to extend your stay in Tromsø we are happy to book additional accommodation for you, subject to availability. Please enquire at the time of booking.
Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Danielle - Traveled, August 2022
Highly recommend the Northern Norway Explorer tour. It was truly amazing, beautiful scenery and sights. The tour gave plenty of time to see things and we had the most amazing tour guide Jo who made this trip a truly memorable experience.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/28/2022
Asher - Traveled, August 2022
Amazing way to see Norway and experience the culture. Gives you independence over your trip but takes out all the stressful hassle so you can just have a great time and enjoy the sights
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/28/2022
Joel - Traveled, August 2022
A trip to the far north with this group was worthwhile. The travel during the trip was equally as wonderful as the destinations. The ferry rides were the most scenic I’ve done anywhere.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/28/2022
Edan - Traveled, August 2022
This trip has a large amount of time spend traveling. 3 of the middle 5 days are spent at least half a day on some form of public transportation. I would look for a trip that got me to the north faster - Lofoten and Tromso and found various spots to stay there for multiple days.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/17/2022
Katherine - Traveled, July 2022
A great scratch the surface to get a taste of Norway and how to travel, the night train was a great part of this trip. Unfortunately the included Kayak trip in Tromso didn't happen, a big disappointment as this was to be my highlight for the trip. I will go back to Norway to do further exploring but I will go solo and alone.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/26/2022
John - Traveled, July 2022
Not recommended. A northern Norway trip should start in the north, not Oslo. Far too much travel in what is effectively a 7 day tour. Reine, the headline photo on the cover page, is not visited.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/29/2022
Nicola - Traveled, May 2022
A lot of this trip could be done by yourself, but as a single traveller, I like to travel with people. Especially when you have an excellent tour leader (Kati). There is enough time to see the towns you visit along the way and the night train was a lovely way to travel.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/15/2022
Nina - Traveled, May 2022
Trip lets you see Norway's magnificent scenery but be prepared for long journeys and ensure you have good waterproof comfortable shoes as there is a lot of walking to appreciate each stop.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/05/2022
Mafwa - Traveled, August 2023
Great way to experience length of Norway and see amazing scenery, churches, museums, and more. Be prepared for a couple of long (all day) travel days.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/28/2023
Samir - Traveled, August 2023
Great trip. Shane was amazing. Made the whole trip very relaxed. Great group of people on the tour. I would say logistical wise. I’ve never been in intrepid trip with so much public transport and resulting unpredictability. 3.5-4/8 days spent in purely travel although the ferry rides were dramatically scenic. Norway was beautiful.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/30/2023
James - Traveled, July 2023
The real meat of this tour takes place in Trondheim, Svolvær and Tromsø, and each of those locations will stun with their charm, beauty and remoteness. Once you cross the arctic circle and the midnight sun makes its appearance, prepare to be amazed at 3am as to why it’s still bright out!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/15/2023
Helena - Traveled, July 2023
An amazing adventure! Well worth it if you'd like to see as much Norway as possible. The travel days were well balanced with local walks and time to explore. Definitely recommended!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/17/2023
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