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Map of Northern Norway Explorer including Norway

Explore the landscape and history of Norway's northerly reaches.

Enter a world of extremes where night looks like day, day looks like night and regardless of the season, the scenery's much more than alright. 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.

Start
Oslo, Norway
Finish
Tromso, Norway
Destination
Norway
Style
Original
Theme
Explorer
Code
BMSN
Physical rating
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1, Max 12

Why you'll love this trip

  • 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.

  • Explore the long-adored Lofoten Islands, a patchwork of fishing villages, and head out to the narrow Trollfjord for a chance to see sea eagles and to take in some of the most breathtaking scenery in the entire world.

  • 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.

Is this trip right for you?

  • The areas visited on this trip can be very cold at night throughout the year, especially at the start and end of the season. Please bring appropriate clothing for adverse weather conditions, including base layers, hat, gloves, scarf, coat and anything else that you think may be applicable.

  • Hotels in Europe often don't have double beds, but rather two single beds that can be pushed together/apart. Some accommodation on this trip may also have shared bathroom facilities.

  • This trip is designed to give you a fair amount of free time so you can explore each destination at your own pace. We will, however, take you on regular orientation walks, so you'll be on your feet quite a lot. While this may be tiring for some, it’s the best way to get your head around a place and to set yourself up for further discoveries.

Intrepid Travel norway lofoten islands
Intrepid travel norway wilderness
group enjoying eagles in Trollfjorden, Norway

Itinerary
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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 plan to 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 (1 night)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6pm. Please look for a note in the hotel lobby or ask the hotel reception where it will take place. If you're going to be late, please inform the hotel reception. We'll be collecting your insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting, so please ensure you have all these details to provide to your leader. If you can't arrange a flight that will arrive in time, you may wish to arrive a day early so you're able to attend the welcome meeting. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).

Today you'll leave Oslo behind and take the train across the stunning countryside to Trondheim (approximately 7 hours). Trondheim was the first capital of Norway 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 (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Although a global ban on commercial whaling came into effect in 1986, approximately 1,000 whales are still being killed every year, as Iceland, Norway and Japan ignore the ban. We strive not to visit places that serve whale on any of our trips, however often this is unavoidable and there is a likelihood that you will come across whale meat on a menu or at a market stand.

This morning, head out of Trondheim and hop on the 100-year-old northern-most tram to Bymarka Nature Reserve, during which you'll have an amazing view of the Trondheim city. Enjoy a walk following the forest trails, full of great view and even a glimpse of the Pilgrim Trail. Then enjoy a picnic lunch in the forest just like the Norwegians do. Back to Trondheim and then enjoy a free afternoon at your own pace. 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. Trondheim is a great city to explore on foot thanks to a bunch of lovely cafes and the Nordre Gate pedestrian-only area. 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. Transfer in the evening to the station for an overnight train to Bodo, departing just before midnight.
Accommodation
  • Overnight train (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Trondheim - Bymarka forest walk & picnic lunch
Optional Activities
  • Trondheim - Ringve Music Museum - NOK140
  • Trondheim - Rockheim National Museum of Popular Music - NOK160
  • Trondheim - Kristiansten Fortress - Free
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch

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 essentially 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 (approx 3.5 hours). Arrival will be at around 9 pm. Upon arrival settle into your comfortable accommodation in the town of Svolvaer.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Bodø - Leader-led orientation walk
Optional Activities
  • Bodø - Public Bus to Saltstraumen Maelstrom - NOK84
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
Please note that you will have all day to explore Bodø, from our arrival on the overnight train in the morning (around 9 am) until our departure on the ferry to Svolvaer in the afternoon (around 5 pm). Your luggage will be stored at the train station for this duration, which is also where you will find toilet facilities.

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. Sea eagles have the largest a wing span of any eagle, reaching up to 2.65 metres. It’s a special experience when one circles just a few metres above your head. The afternoon is free and there are several optional activities for you to choose from, so why not 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. Whatever you decide, you're guaranteed a pristine environment and scenery.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Svolvær - Trollfjord Cruise & Sea Eagle Safari
Optional Activities
  • Svolvær - Sea Kayaking Excursion Day - NOK995
  • Svolvær - Traditional Fishing Trip - NOK1095
  • Svolvær - Lofoten War Museum - NOK100
  • Svolvær - Bike Hire - NOK450
  • Svolvær - Hike to Tjeldbergtind - Free
  • Svolvær - Sea Kayaking Excursion Evening - NOK1095
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Depart the Lofoten Islands on a long but scenic travel day to Tromsø. Start with a local bus ride to Harstad (approx 3.5 hours). 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 (approx 3 hours). 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 (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Please note that the stop at Harstad will be dependent on public bus schedule which is subject to change, so we won't always be able to stop here.

This morning, start exploring Tromsø on a e-bike tour and learn about the local life north of the Arctic Circle, stopping at some of local's favourite city sites like MS Polstjerna, an extremely well-preserved vessel that took part in seal hunting (entry not included), an old farmsted from the 19th century, Prestvannet, the biggest lake on the island and so on. Then explore Tromsø at your leisure. Learn about the region's fascinating history at the Polar Museum and Tromsø Museum, check out the many art galleries or perhaps 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, and 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.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Tromsø - E-bike city tour
Optional Activities
  • Tromsø - Tromsø Museum - NOK70
  • Tromsø - The Polar Museum - NOK100
  • Tromsø - Cable Car to Fjellheisen - NOK320
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Please note that the ebike tour will be weather dependent. If it's not possislbe due to unfavourable weather, an alternative activity will be arranged.

Your trip comes to an end today. There are no activities planned for the final day and you are able to depart the accommodation at any time. 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.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Want to tailor this itinerary?

Meals

6 breakfasts, 1 lunch

Transport

Train, Public bus, Overnight Train, Ferry, Tram, e-bike

Accommodation

Hotel (6 nights), overnight train (1 night)

Included activities

  • Trondheim - Bymarka forest walk & picnic lunch
  • Bodø - Leader-led orientation walk
  • Svolvær - Trollfjord Cruise & Sea Eagle Safari
  • Tromsø - E-bike city tour

Dates & availability

Trip departures are unavailable.

There are currently no scheduled departures on our Northern Norway Explorer trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.

Prices may go up, so secure your trip today!
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Important notes

Please note due to overnight train overbookings this summer, all departures in 2023 season apart from 27 July, will follow amended itinerary with a local flight from Trondheim to Bodo on day 3 followed by evening ferry to Lofoten Islands. For more information, please contact our booking agent.

1. A single supplement is bookable for this trip, excluding Day 3. Availability is limited due to small properties we use. please speak to your booking agent for further information.

Essential trip information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

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