14 Day Norway In Search Of The Lights

Welcome to Norway! On arrival in Oslo please make your own way to your hotel. The airport train to the city centre is our recommended method (own expense).

Check in: If arriving prior to standard check-in time, which is generally 3pm local time, you are welcome to leave your luggage with hotel reception and explore your surroundings until check-in becomes available, as there are generally no scheduled activities on Day 1 of the itinerary. The hotel may grant early check-in, however this is strictly subject to availability and at the hotel’s discretion.

Transportation: Flybussen operates several routes between Oslo Airport, the city centre and the surrounding boroughs, most of them around the clock. Travel time to the city centre is 40-50 minutes. Tickets can be purchased on boarding the bus. 

Enjoy a free day at leisure to explore the Norwegian Capital and relax after your international journey.

Oslo was named European Green Capital 2019 for its dedication to conserving natural areas and reducing pollution. The compact city centre is easy and safe to explore on foot or by bike, and the efficient public transport system makes the entire city accessible without a car. Oslo has more than 40 museums, and beautiful outdoor attractions such as the Akershus Fortress and Vigeland Sculpture Park. In the evening, enjoy the nightlife and the restaurants

At the appropriate time today, make your own way back to the airport to board your flight to Norway’s far northern town of Kirkenes, high above the arctic circle. Kirkenes is known as the capital of the Barents Region and the gateway to the east and only 15 km from the Russian border. On arrival, make your own way to your central hotel. 

Transportation: Flybussen operates a service to meet all flights in Kirkenes. Your hotel is located next to the bus stop in the centre of the city. Tickets can be purchased on boarding the bus. 

Check in to your hotel before meeting back in the lobby at 1pm to be collected for one of the most amazing experiences! You will be collected from your hotel to undertake a King Crab Safari. A totally unforgettable experience awaits you on the frozen fjords of Kirkenes. This is your chance to learn how to catch, cook, and most importantly eat this mysterious creature. In this ultimate King crab fishing experience, you will be taken by snowmobile sledge* out on the fjord ice. Here you will take part in the entire experience of catching the giant, and seeing how it is prepared. The journey will culminate in a warm, rustic farmhouse restaurant by the fjord, where you will enjoy a feast, served the Norwegian way - fresh, juicy and irresistible! The portions are generous, so no one will leave the table hungry.

* Winter activities are climate affected (too cold/too warm/dangerous conditions). The King Crab safari will take place by boat if the frozen ice is too thin to support the weight of the snowmobiles. Activities can also be cancelled if the weather conditions are too dangerous to be exposed to the elements.

Note: OCTOBER/NOVEMBER departures: Due to the sea ice not being present the snowmobile sled will be replaced by a boat. An experienced fisherman will take you for an unforgettable King Crab Fishing tour on a brand new RIB boat where we will cruise along the fjord and the Barents Sea to find the right place to anchor. You will be hands on deck to help pull up the King Crab cages from the depths. Your guide will take you back and serve your catch in a rustic restaurant by the fjord, local Norwegian style. You may eat as many King Crabs as you wish, fresh from the Arctic sea.

Dinner: Dinner today is in the early afternoon and takes place at the King Crab feast. 

This morning is at leisure. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel before being collected from your hotel after lunch and driven to the iconic Snow Hotel. Tonight you will be spending the night in a wooden Gamme Cabin. These modern log cabins have beautifully designed large windows, perfect for catching a glimpse of the Northern Lights!

Tonight, head out on a Husky Dog safari* to hunt the northern lights! The Snowhotel has more than 180 huskies ready to take you for an experience you will never forget! There will be 2 people per sledge as you head out into the wilderness to spot the Northern Lights. A seasoned musher will take you by dogsled to the arctic fjord and tundra, to search for the Northern Lights (approximately 2 hrs). After, return to the warmth of your Gamme Cabin. 

* Winter activities are climate affected (too cold/too warm/dangerous conditions). The husky sledding may take place in different locations or by husky pulled cart if the snow is too thin/thick. Activities can also be cancelled if the weather conditions are too dangerous to be exposed to the elements.

NOTE: OCTOBER/NOVEMBER departures. The early season husky tours are run on recycled winter snow from the previous winter, and man made husky tracks. This trip is mid-afternoon and takes you on a 5-10km ride along the ford in the scenic Sandnesdalen

Today at the appropriate time you will be transferred from your hotel to the port to board your small ship Norwegian coastal voyage down the coast of Norway. As the ship starts its voyage south enjoy views of the surrounding Arctic landscape on deck or from the panorama lounge. Heading south, we cruise along the Varanger peninsula to Båtsfjord, before reaching Berlevåg in the evening. The latter town is home to one of Norway’s most famous male choirs, consisting mainly of local fishermen.

In the middle of the night, we dock at Mehamn, where it is possible to join an unforgettable snowmobile trip through one of Europe’s most extreme and exciting natural areas. Experience snow-clad valleys, fresh winter air and perhaps the mesmerizing Northern Lights in the clear, starry sky. At Honningsvåg, you can join an excursion that features breakfast at North Cape and the discovery of hidden parts of Finnmark along the way. We continue south to Øksfjord. In winter, our crew teaches you how to tie maritime knots on deck. After crossing open water, we make a brief stop at the old trading post of Skjervøy. We then dock at Tromsø, just in time to enjoy a magical midnight concert at the Arctic Cathedral. Alternatively, a walk around the town provides you the chance to enjoy a local brew at one of the city's many friendly pubs.

We arrive at Harstad this morning, where you have the opportunity to participate in one of the classic Hurtigruten excursion programmes: A taste of Vesterålen. Experience history, beautiful scenery and a selection of breathtaking sites that include a visit to Trondenes Church, one of Norway’s premier cultural heritage sites from the late Middle Ages. Those who choose to stay on board can admire views of this old church as we sail towards the Risøyrenna, a shallow 7m-deep channel made especially for Hurtigruten in the 1920s to provide an ‘inside route’ between Harstad and Sortland. The sand banks along the Risøyrenna are visible through the clear, green water. The island groups of Lofoten and Vesterålen offer some of the most stunning scenery you will see during the entire coastal voyage. The Lofoten region is renowned for its natural beauty with steep mountains, wild nature and small, picturesque fishing villages. The daylight sailing route through the Lofoten Islands is a highlight for many of our guests. We then cruise Trollfjord, only 2 km long and 100 m wide, surrounded by majestic mountains. If the weather and time permit – the captain makes a detour into the fjord. Steep cliffs hug the ship's sides and the dramatic landscape conjures fairy tale images of an imaginary land of trolls. Later, from Svolvær, we continue on to Stamsund, where we see the majestic peaks of the huge Lofoten wall. We leave Lofoten during the evening and set course for the mainland.

Crossing the Arctic Circle at 66°33’N is an important ‘rite of passage’. Today we celebrate the event out on deck with a `taste´ of Arctic tradition – a spoonful of cod liver oil. As we sail along the Helgeland coast, you pass hundreds of islets, fertile farmland and steep granite walls rich in local lore. Another highlight is sailing past the Seven Sisters mountain range. All seven mountains are between 900 and 1,100 m high, and it is easy to understand how these ‘ladies’ influenced ancient myths. Next we make a short stop at Nesna, an idyllic old trading post before moving on to Sandnessjøen.

Today provides an opportunity to explore the city of Trondheim. Back on board, the ship heads out into the majestic Trondheimsfjord, which is 170 km long and up to 25 km wide. Like all other Norwegian fjords, it is deep, plunging to 577 m. As we sail along the coast, you realise the importance of fish to Norwegian coastal communities. Kristiansund’s location has steadily provided the town with a wealth of opportunities in the fishing, shipbuilding and oil industries.Kristiansund is today regarded as Norway’s ‘dried cod capital’ because of its long-time export of salted dry fish. Another interesting excursion is to the Bergtatt marble mine, which includes entering a mountain and sailing across an illuminated subterranean lake, before enjoying a meal in the mine´s ‘Grand Hall’. In winter, you can enjoy beautiful scenery under the stars as you mingle with sledge dogs and experience the thrill of ice fishing. Together with a sledge team of Alaskan huskies, you take a memorable ride into the winter forest, stopping along the way to ice fish on a lake. Those choosing to stay on board at Kristiansund will experience the ship´s crossing the open sea on our way to Molde, known as Norway's ‘City of Roses’. Along the way you see see the steep, grey, pointed peaks of the Romsdal Alps.

During the night, the ship calls at Ålesund, Torvik, Måløy, as the world’s most beautiful voyage draws to a close. Before we dock in Bergen, there are some nautical miles of fascinating scenery ahead of us, including the picturesque Nordfjord below the enormous Jostedal Glacier. Here the fjord widens to the east and forges 90 km inland to Loen and Olden. A few nautical miles south of Florø, we navigate the mouth of the mighty Sognefjord, and enjoy superb views of this magnificent island-studded coastline en route. Finally, you disembark in Bergen, taking with you memories of a unique journey filled with unforgettable experiences and meetings with local people, wildlife and stunning nature. 

On arrival make your own way to your hotel. Your hotel is approximately 1.4km from the port which is a 5 minute taxi ride. 

Today is at leisure to explore Bergen, also known as the “Gateway to the Fjords”, situated on the West coast of Norway, surrounded by mountains. We recommend visiting the old Hanseatic part of town, known as Bryggen, where you can step back in time and wander between the old buildings. A highlight of any visit to Bergen is the stunning views from the top of Mt Fløien, and you can reach this by taking a journey on the funicular railway – Fløibanen. The local fish market is also a must when visiting Bergen, and perhaps enjoy dinner in one of the many seafood restaurants located in the harbour area.

A magical day in the Norwegian fjords awaits you on the quintessential 'Norway in a Nutshell’ journey. We have arranged a luggage collection service today to allow you to enjoy this spectacular day without being burdened with your luggage. Make your own way to the station to board the train to Voss. Your hotel is located right next to the station. On arrival in Voss, you'll transfer to a coach to make the scenic journey to Gudvangen. After arriving in Gudvangen, board a ferry where you'll enjoy a cruise to Flam through narrow fjords before arriving in Flam with plenty of time for lunch and to explore the waterside and stunning scenery. The magical scenery continues as you board a train and travel on Norway’s world famous train journey, the Flam Railway to Mydral. The Flåm Railway has been named one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world and is one of the leading tourist attractions in Norway. The train runs from the end of Aurlandsfjord, a tributary of the Sognefjord, up to the high mountains at Myrdal Station. The journey displays the very best aspects of Western Norway's stunning scenery. After arriving in Myrdal, board a train back to Oslo. 

On arrival make your own way to your hotel. Your hotel is approximately 1.4km from the port which is either an easy level walk or 2 minute taxi ride. 

Note: The ‘Norway in a Nutshell’ route is Norway’s most famous independent trip. The entire journey connects seamlessly and is well signed in English. Transport service times are made to connect together making the whole trip effortless.

Baggage: To make the journey easier, your luggage will be transferred to Oslo ahead of you. Your luggage (max. 1 bag per person) must be given to the reception at your hotel by 6:30AM. Luggage is picked up from reception and will be available in your hotel in Oslo in the evening.

Today enjoy a guided city tour of Oslo. An excellent choice to discover Oslo's highlights from a modern coach and with a local guide! Learn about the city’s history and culture, admire the main attractions in the city center and spectacular views from Holmenkollen Hill and experience a fascinating insight into the art of the most prolific Norwegian sculptor, Gustav Vigeland, as you walk through the unique Sculpture Park comprising more than 200 sculptures in bronze and granite. 

The trip will start at approximately 10:00am and run for 3 hours. After your city tour experience, enjoy time at leisure to explore Oslo.

Today marks the end of your magnificent and unforgettable trip through Norway. We hope you have thoroughly enjoyed your inspiring winter experience. At the appropriate time please make your own way to the airport for your onward journey.

Transportation: Flybussen operates several routes between Oslo Airport, the city centre and the surrounding boroughs, most of them around the clock. Travel time to the city centre is 40-50 minutes. Tickets can be purchased on boarding the bus.