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Trondheim, Bodø & the Lofoten Islands

Discover the spellbinding natural beauty and rich cultural heritage of Norway’s northern coast on summertime journey across the Arctic Circle

From £2,999 per person


Embark on an immersive exploration of Norway's northern coast, witnessing striking natural wonders and encountering captivating history.

Beginning in the ancient Viking city of Trondheim, board the iconic Nordland Railway for a scenic journey across the Arctic Circle to Bodø. Enjoy a serene cruise across Beiar fjord and visit a Sámi village before travelling to Svolvær, the picturesque capital of the remote Lofoten Islands.

Discover fascinating Viking and World War II history before a spectacular journey on the Arctic Train from Narvik to Bjørnfjell.

The itinerary for your journey
Unforgettable Experiences

What’s included

Day 1 - Arrival in Trondheim, the former Viking capital

Your Scandinavian holiday begins at London Heathrow, where you meet the Tour Manager before boarding a flight to Trondheim via Oslo.

Separated from eastern Norway by the mighty Dovrefjell Mountains, Trondheim was founded by Olaf Tryggvason, a Viking king, more than a thousand years ago. Today, it's one of Norway's most populous cities and a technological hub, boasting several tech-focused and scientific institutions.

On arrival in this fascinating city, we transfer by coach to our hotel beside the Nidelva River, just a short distance from the historic centre. With spare time before dinner, you're free to relax or explore your surroundings. In the evening, we return to the hotel for dinner.

Day 2 - Discovering Trondheim on a guided walking tour

After breakfast at our hotel, we set off on a walking tour of this historic city with an expert guide.

Strolling along the cobblestone streets of Bakklandet, the city's Old Quarter, we pass cheerful houses in shades of red, blue, yellow and green. Just outside the city centre, we marvel at the Gothic exterior of Nidaros Cathedral, the world's northernmost medieval cathedral and a pilgrim destination for more than 1,000 years. We also visit the Baroque Stiftsgården Royal Residence, one of the largest wooden buildings in Scandinavia with 140 rooms.

In the afternoon, you're free to continue sightseeing at your own pace. The Ringve Music Museum is situated on a hill and surrounded by the city's botanical gardens, and the Archbishop's Palace Museum is a treasure trove of local archaeological finds. You might like to revisit the Old Quarter, where you can enjoy lunch or a coffee in one of the relaxed cafés or bakeries. Returning to our hotel in the evening, we enjoy dinner together.

Day 3 - A journey on the epic Nordland Railway

Leaving Trondheim early this morning, we join the spectacular Nordland Railway. Equally beautiful in summer as it is in winter, this train makes its way across the Arctic Circle to Bodø, a 453-mile route that passes through some of Norway's most amazing landscapes.

As we cross the Arctic Circle, gaze out at the sparkling lakes, rugged peaks and tranquil fjords. Look out for reindeer in the mountains or elusive sea eagles soaring over the coast. For lunch, you can visit the onboard café, which serves mains, side dishes, pastries and drinks made with local ingredients.

As the train reaches Fauske, it turns west along the shimmering shore of Skjerstad Fjord before arriving in Bodø, known as the city with the world's most beautiful coastline. Transferring to our hotel, we enjoy dinner.

Day 4 - Cruising Beiar fjord and a special Sámi experience

Heading to Bodø pier after breakfast, we embark on a holiday highlight: a spectacular fjord cruise. Our hybrid-electric sightseeing ship glides silently through the sparkling blue water, providing the perfect environment to appreciate the fjord's natural beauty. As we sail, a knowledgeable host shares fascinating insights about the fjord's history, geology and wildlife.

We sail first to Saltstraumen, the world's strongest tidal current, where we marvel at the swirling water from a safe distance. From here, we journey into the narrow Beiar fjord, hugging the rugged coast. Travelling by boat is one of the only ways to see these incredible landscapes in their totality.

Back on land in Bodø, we board a coach to a Sámi village for a special experience. For thousands of years, the indigenous Sámi have lived a semi-nomadic, reindeer-herding lifestyle in northern Scandinavia. With a local guide, we have an exciting chance to meet and feed the reindeer. As we learn more about life in the village, we enjoy a Sámi-style lunch in a traditional tent called a 'lavvu' and listen to age-old folk tales. Later, we return to our hotel.

Day 5 - To Svolvær, the capital of the Lofoten Islands

Today brings a scenic coach journey of around four hours from Bodø to Bognes. From here, we catch the ferry to Lødingen on the Lofoten Islands. After disembarking, we take a scenic drive through idyllic fishing villages to Svolvær for a three-night stay in the tiny capital of the Lofoten Isles.

Described as Europe's most dramatic and spectacular islands, the Lofoten archipelago is connected to mainland Norway by a series of bridges and ferries. These remote Arctic Circle islands are defined by jagged mountains with vivid green slopes extending to the aquamarine sea, white sandy beaches and traditional red fishing huts. With a deep connection to the Viking era, Lofoten is known for its abundant fishing, which is why people have settled here for millennia.

Arriving in Svolvær in the late afternoon, we check in to our central hotel before dinner.

Day 6 - Exploring the preserved fishing village of Nusfjord

In the morning, we set out on a scenic drive with a local guide across the Lofoten Islands to Nusfjord, one of Norway's oldest and best-preserved villages. Once home to cod fishermen who used to hang their catch outside their homes, the tiny settlement is now a destination for travellers who want to experience the atmosphere of a traditional seafaring village.

Huddled around the harbour are the village's famous wooden cabins, or 'rorbu', painted mustard, cream and red. Set against the craggy peaks and deep blue waters, these colourful cabins make for a picture-postcard scene of Norwegian coastal life. We can also see former community buildings like the old fish oil factory and smokery, which have been lovingly renovated.

Enjoy an afternoon at leisure to explore the charming village before we return to Svolvær in the evening. You're free to dine independently before our midnight sun excursion*. We travel by coach to Gimsøy Beach, a beautiful white sandy beach with a range of spectacular mountains, a popular place to experience this natural phenomenon.

*Please note: the midnight sun excursion will only run on departures from 31st May 2026 to 8th June 2027.

Day 7 - Free time in Svolvær and the Lofotr Viking Museum

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and a free morning to relax or explore Svolvær. With a variety of shops, galleries, restaurants and cafés, the compact capital of the Lofoten Islands is a lovely place to wander. For a taste of history, you might like to visit the War Memorial Museum housed in the old post office. Or visit the tiny island of Svinøya (directly translating to 'Pig Island' in English) for a stroll around the old fishing village. You can reach it by walking across the Svinøya bridge, only a short distance from the town centre.

Later, we travel by coach to the Lofotr Viking Museum, a living history museum where historians, actors and craftsmen in period dress give visitors a taste of life in the Lofoten Islands during the Viking Age. Boasting the world's longest reconstructed longhouse, historical exhibitions and a reconstructed Viking ship moored in the harbour, this museum brings the fascinating Viking Age to life. Here, we enjoy a light lunch of local delicacies including juniper-smoked salmon, cured meats and side dishes.

In the evening, we return to the hotel for dinner.

Day 8 - A guided tour of Narvik War Museum

Leaving Svolvær after breakfast, we travel by coach to Narvik, a pretty port town on a peninsula between two fjords. On arrival, we walk to the Narvik War Museum for a fascinating historical experience.

As a valuable ice-free harbour for transporting iron ore, Narvik was the centre of intense battles during World War Two. The British Royal Navy, together with the Polish Navy, fought the German forces on the nearby Ofotfjord while a two-month campaign took place on land.

With an expert guide, we learn about the naval and land battles that took place in Ofotfjord and the mountains surrounding Narvik. Featuring a large collection of artefacts from the war, including weapons, uniforms, photos and more, the museum offers fascinating insights into the fight at the Arctic Front. After the museum visit, you have the rest of the afternoon to explore Narvik or relax at the hotel before we gather for dinner in the evening.

Day 9 - A breathtaking journey on the Arctic Train

Today brings one of the trip's highlights: a scenic return journey on the Arctic Train from Narvik to Bjørnfjell on the Swedish border. After breakfast, we head to the station to board this iconic train.

The Arctic Train has a fascinating history, overlapping with the stories we heard yesterday at the Narvik War Museum. Built in 1902, it was an essential means of transporting iron ore from the mines in Kiruna, Sweden, to the ice-free port of Narvik. In 1940, the line became strategically important during the Battle of Narvik, when both sides wanted control of the ore.

Today, the line is popular with visitors for a different reason. Passing through breathtaking Arctic scenery, it offers incredible views of the fjord in Narvik, immense mountains and cascading waterfalls. As we gaze out the windows at the panoramic views, our expert guide shares insights about the line's history. Returning to Narvik, you have a free afternoon to relax or explore the town further before we gather for our final dinner together.

Day 10 - Homeward bound

From feeding reindeer in an authentic Sámi village to stepping back in time at the immersive Lofotr Viking Museum, this tour brought Norway's fascinating history, culture and natural beauty to life. We discovered the World War Two history of Narvik with an expert guide, cruised through the spectacular Beiar fjord, and experienced a breathtaking journey on the Arctic Train.

After a final breakfast, we transfer by coach to Evenes airport for our connecting flight to Oslo. From the Norwegian capital, we fly to London Heathrow, where your Scandinavian tour draws to a close.

Classic collection

Our Classic range is what we're known for. Enjoy curated moments with plenty of inclusions. Centrally located hotels, premium travel options and engaging group tours with a seasoned expert are included. You'll be in groups with an average of 20-25 travellers and a maximum of 30*. *Scandinavian and Worldwide tours are on average 30-35 and a maximum of 40.

Departure Dates
4 May 2027From £3,299
1 June 2027From £3,499
9 July 2027From £3,299
6 August 2027From £2,999
3 September 2027From £3,499

All prices are per person and assume full occupancy of the room.
Please always refer to the website for up-to-date prices and availability.

Trains
Nordland Railway
Nordland Railway

The Nordland Railway runs between the historic Viking capital of Norway, Trondheim, to the beautiful coastal city of Bodø in northern Norway. The railway is 453 miles in length, making it Norway's longest mainline railway. It is also one of only a few railway lines in the world that crosses the Arctic Circle. The railway, also called 'the train of the midnight sun', takes passengers through the beautifully varied scenery of northern Norway and includes views of lakes, rivers and fjords, as well as the spectacular Svartisen Glacier.

The Nordland Railway crosses the Arctic Circle (66 degrees north) near Lønsdal, the highest station on the line at 1678 feet above sea level. The northern part of Norway is famous as an ideal place to view the Northern Lights. During the summer, in fine weather, the sun remains visible 24 hours a day.

Arctic Train

Departing from the ice-free port town of Narvik, the Arctic Train travels along the Ofoten Line to Bjørnfjell at the Swedish border. Built in 1902, this railway line was once an essential means of transporting iron ore from the mines in Kiruna, Sweden, to Narvik. In 1940, it became strategically important during the Battle of Narvik, when both sides wanted control of the ore and the port.

Today, the Ofoten Line is still used as a transport route for iron ore, but it's more popular as a tourist attraction. Passing through breathtaking Arctic landscapes, it offers panoramic views of the Ofotfjord, immense mountains and cascading waterfalls. Passengers can enjoy stories about the line's history shared by an expert guide as the scenery rolls past the windows.

Hotels
Thon Hotel Nordlys, Bodø
Thon Hotel Nordlys, Bodø

Prominently situated beside Bodø's marina and pier, close to the Salten Museum, this 3-Star hotel overlooks the Nyholm Sound with views of the imposing Lofoten Wall in the distance. The Egon Restaurant offers steaks, seafood specialties and excellent breakfasts while the Windjammer Bar serves pizzas, burgers and a variety of chilled beers. Guest rooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi, flatscreen TV, fridge, minibar and hairdryer.

Quality Hotel Grand Royal, Narvik
Quality Hotel Grand Royal, Narvik

In the centre of Narvik, this 4-Star hotel features a sky bar with stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The Linken Restaurant & Bar serves Spanish tapas with hints of North Norwegian flavours, and guests can enjoy a meal in a Rallarn Pub & Café or relax with a drink in the bar. Guest rooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi, flatscreen TV, tea & coffee-making facilities and hairdryer.

Thon Hotel Lofoten, Svolvaer
Thon Hotel Lofoten, Svolvaer

Centrally located in Svolvær Harbour, this stylish 4-Star hotel is a short distance from the town's attractions, including the Lofoten Culture Centre. The Restaurant Paleo Arctic offers local specialities like dried cod and Lofoten lamb, and guests have access to the neighbouring fitness centre. Guest rooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi, flatscreen TV, minibar, tea & coffee-making facilities and hairdryer.

Radisson Blu Royal Garden Hotel, Trondheim
Radisson Blu Royal Garden Hotel, Trondheim

Situated beside the Nidelva River, this 4-Star hotel is a short distance from Torvet Square and the historic Bakklandet district. The 73 Bar & Restaurant features fresh, local produce and the Bakkus Restaurant serves breakfast daily. Guest rooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi, flatscreen TV, fridge, ironing equipment, electric kettle, hairdryer and complimentary toiletries.

Upgrades

We offer a selection of upgrades and 'add-ons' designed to help you make the most of your holiday - and make it even easier!

Flight upgrade

Flight upgrades to SAS Plus (Scandinavian Airlines) from £250pp. Call our expert team for details.

This page was printed from www.greatrail.com/tours/trodheim-bodo-and-the-lofoten-islands/#NLS27 on 6 June 2026.
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