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Ffestiniog Travel · Escorted tour

Northern Lights

Ten-day Arctic adventure from Oslo to Kiruna via Norwegian rail and ferry

Illustration of Northern Lights

Ffestiniog Travel's Northern Lights tour is a 10-day escorted journey starting in London and ending in Kiruna, Sweden, traveling through Norway and the Arctic north. The trip combines train, ferry, and coach travel with accommodation in 3-4 star hotels. Highlights include riding the Nordland Line as it crosses the Arctic Circle on its way to Bodø, taking a ferry to the Lofoten Islands with an overnight sailing to Tromsø, and finishing on the Ofoten Railway to Kiruna for a tour and dinner at the Jukkasjärvi Ice Hotel. Days mix guided excursions, such as a full-day coach tour of the Lofoten Islands and a visit to the Lofotr Viking Museum, with leisure time in Oslo, Trondheim, and Tromsø. A tour leader accompanies the group from London throughout, and flights, rail, ferries, most meals, and transfers are included. This package suits escorted travellers seeking guided Arctic exploration with time to explore Norway's cities and coastal landscapes, plus the chance to see the Northern Lights during the February winter departure.

What to know before you look closer

  • One overnight ferry leg (Day 6, Svolvær to Tromsø) is included in Standard Cabin; confirm sleeping arrangements with Ffestiniog Travel.
  • Only one February 2027 departure is listed; confirm availability before booking.
  • The itinerary includes one leisure day in Oslo and one in Trondheim; other days are scheduled activities or travel.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Oslo

    London to Oslo

    Fly from London to Oslo where we stay for 2 nights.

  2. Day 2overnight: Oslo

    At leisure in Oslo

    Today is free to either relax or explore Norway’s capital and largest city, known for its green spaces and museums.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Trondheim

    Heading North to Trondheim

    Departing early morning, we take our first scenic rail journey through the Gudbrandsdal Valley, crossing the Dovrefjell mountain plateau to Trondheim for an overnight stay. The main building in this historic town is the Nidaros Cathedral.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Bodø

    Across the Arctic Circle

    As our journey by rail continues north, the scenery changes from fjords to mountain passes. We experience crossing the Arctic Circle late afternoon then drop down to the coastal port of Bodø.

  5. Day 5overnight: Svolvær

    Ferry to the Lofoten Islands

    Morning at leisure before setting sail to Svolvær, capital of the Lofoten Islands, with an evening arrival. Dinner is included on board the ferry.

  6. Day 6overnight: Overnight ferry to Tromsø

    Discover Lofoten & Henningsvaer

    Full day coach excursion around the Lofoten Islands. Lunch is included at the Lofotr Viking Museum, then on to Henningsvær, referred to as the Venice of the North. Dinner is included at a nearby restaurant prior to an overnight ferry sailing to Tromsø.

  7. Day 7overnight: Tromsø

    Tromsø

    Tromsø, surrounded by fjords and forests, is our next fascinating insight into Norwegian culture. Our mid-afternoon arrival allows time to explore the city and its museums such as the Polar Museum.

  8. Day 8railovernight: Narvik

    By Road to Narvik

    This morning our tour continues by road to Narvik, with lunch included en route. Narvik has a vital role as the terminus of the iron ore rail route from Sweden.

  9. Day 9railovernight: Kiruna

    Train to Kiruna

    After breakfast we depart by train for Kiruna on the Ofoten Railway, winding through vivid and scenic landscapes. Our final excursion is to the Jukkasjärvi Ice Hotel, where a farewell dinner and guided tour has been arranged.

  10. Day 10

    Return to London

    After breakfast we transfer to the airport for our flight to London, via Stockholm.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 3Depart early morning on the first scenic rail journey through the Gudbrandsdal Valley and cross the Dovrefjell mountain plateau to reach Trondheim and see Nidaros Cathedral.
  • Day 4Ride the Nordland Line north as it crosses the Arctic Circle late afternoon, descending to the coastal port of Bodø.
  • Day 6Full-day coach excursion around the Lofoten Islands, including lunch at the Lofotr Viking Museum and visit to Henningsvær, known as the Venice of the North.
  • Day 9Travel by the Ofoten Railway from Narvik to Kiruna through scenic landscapes, then visit the Jukkasjärvi Ice Hotel with a guided tour and farewell dinner.

Included

  • Return flights in Economy Class by scheduled airline
  • Standard Class rail travel as specified
  • Private transfer by road from Tromsø to Narvik
  • Ferry Bodø to Svolvær
  • Standard Cabin accommodation onboard ferry Svolvær to Tromsø
  • Accommodation in good quality hotels on a bed and breakfast basis
  • Excursions as detailed
  • 2 dinners and 2 lunches as specified
  • All transfers as stated
  • Local taxes/fees
  • Services of a tour leader from London and throughout the tour

Questions travellers ask

Which trains are included?
The Nordland Line from Trondheim to Bodø (crossing the Arctic Circle) and the Ofoten Railway from Narvik to Kiruna. Both are in Standard Class.
Is this trip escorted or independent?
Fully escorted. A tour leader from London accompanies the group throughout the 10 days.
What is included in the price?
Return Economy flights from London, Standard Class rail travel, ferry Bodø to Svolvær with Standard Cabin accommodation, hotel stays on a bed and breakfast basis, 2 dinners and 2 lunches, all transfers, excursions to the Lofoten Islands and Jukkasjärvi Ice Hotel, and local taxes and tour leader services.
What hotels are used?
Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel (Oslo, 2 nights), Clarion Collection Grand Olav (Trondheim), Clarion Collection Hotel Grand Bodø (Bodø), Thon Hotel Lofoten (Lofoten), Thon Hotel Polar Tromsø (Tromsø), Quality Hotel Grand Royal (Narvik), and Scandic Hotel (Kiruna).
When does it depart?
February 2027 is the only listed departure, at GBP 3,790 per person.
How much walking is involved?
Moderate walking during city exploration in Oslo, Trondheim, and Tromsø; a full-day coach excursion around Lofoten with included walks to view villages; visits to museums and the Ice Hotel. No strenuous hiking is mentioned.

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