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Marvellous Escapes · Tailor-made rail holiday

Northern Lights Odyssey

Oslo to Tromsø by rail and flight, chasing Arctic lights

Illustration of Northern Lights Odyssey

Northern Lights Odyssey is an 8-day winter journey through Norway operated by Marvellous Escapes. The trip departs London bound for Oslo, then travels north by rail and flight to Tromsø, crossing the Arctic Circle on an overnight sleeper train. Day 2 carries you aboard the Dovre Railway through snow-dusted mountains and forests to historic Trondheim. On Day 3, you board the SJ Nord sleeper train and settle into a cabin for an overnight ride to Bodø, watching for Aurora displays through your window as the train enters the Arctic. Days 4 and 5 split time between exploring Bodø's Arctic character and hunting the Northern Lights with local guides. A flight then whisks you to Tromsø, the Gateway to the Arctic, where Day 7 offers another guided Northern Lights chase into the surrounding wilderness. This itinerary suits rail travellers seeking a structured blend of scenic train journeys, time in Arctic cities, and dedicated Aurora viewing opportunities, with hotels and breakfast secured throughout and expert guidance on the most elusive phenomenon.

What to know before you look closer

  • The package price from GBP 1,899 includes rail fares, flights, and accommodation but does not specify whether all meals beyond breakfast are covered; confirm meal inclusions with Marvellous Escapes.
  • Two of the eight days are travel-focused (Day 1 arrival, Day 8 departure); the remaining days split between city exploration and Northern Lights tours.
  • Northern Lights visibility is never guaranteed; the tour is a chase into wilderness conditions, not a sighting guarantee.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Oslo

    Oslo

    Your Scandinavian rail adventure begins today with a flight from the UK to Norway's vibrant capital, Oslo. Upon arrival, make your way to your hotel and settle in for the night. Take the opportunity to enjoy a short stroll through this modern yet historic city, perhaps along the waterfront at Aker Brygge or a visit to the iconic Oslo Opera House.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Trondheim

    Trondheim

    Depart Oslo this morning and settle in for a scenic rail journey through Norway's ever-changing landscapes. Travel north aboard the Dovre Railway, passing snow-capped mountains, dense forests, and remote valleys. Arrive in the historic city of Trondheim, once the Viking capital of Norway. Take time to explore its colourful waterfront, cobbled streets, and the magnificent Nidaros Cathedral.

  3. Day 3railovernight: SJ Nord sleeper train

    Sleeper train to the Arctic Circle

    Today is yours to enjoy more of Trondheim before boarding the SJ Nord sleeper train for an unforgettable overnight journey to Bodø. Settle into your cabin as the train winds north through remote wilderness, crossing the Arctic Circle under the starry sky. This unique rail experience offers comfort, adventure, and the chance to glimpse the Northern Lights from your window.

  4. Day 4overnight: Bodo

    Bodo

    Enjoy a full day at leisure in Bodø, a dynamic Arctic town known for its stunning natural surroundings. Take a stroll along the harbour, visit the Norwegian Aviation Museum, or simply relax and soak up the crisp northern air.

  5. Day 5overnight: Bodo

    Bodo

    Today is the highlight of your Arctic adventure. After a relaxed day in Bodø, prepare for an unforgettable Northern Lights hunting tour. Led by local experts, you'll journey into the surrounding wilderness, away from city lights, for the best chance to witness the magical Aurora Borealis dancing across the night sky.

  6. Day 6overnight: Tromso

    Tromso

    This morning, fly from Bodø to Tromsø, known as the 'Gateway to the Arctic.' Upon arrival, take time to explore this charming city surrounded by stunning fjords and snow-capped mountains. Visit the Arctic Cathedral, stroll along the picturesque waterfront, or learn about Tromsø's polar history at the Polar Museum.

  7. Day 7overnight: Tromso

    Tromso

    Today is all about chasing the magical Northern Lights! Tromsø, located above the Arctic Circle, offers one of the best locations to witness the Aurora Borealis. Join a guided Northern Lights chase, venturing into the surrounding wilderness in search of the shimmering colours dancing across the Arctic sky.

  8. Day 8

    Return home

    After breakfast, check out of your hotel, and head to Oslo airport for your return flight back to the UK. If you would like to explore more of Norway, speak to your Travel Designer.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Day 2: The Dovre Railway climbs from Oslo through snow-capped mountains, dense forests, and remote valleys to historic Trondheim, once the Viking capital of Norway.
  • Day 3Day 3: Board the SJ Nord sleeper train overnight from Trondheim to Bodø, settling into a cabin as the train crosses the Arctic Circle under the starry sky.
  • Day 5Day 5: Join a guided Northern Lights hunting tour from Bodø into the surrounding wilderness, led by local experts for the best chance to see the Aurora Borealis.
  • Day 7Day 7: From Tromsø, above the Arctic Circle, undertake a guided Northern Lights chase into the wilderness in search of the Aurora dancing across the night sky.

Included

  • Overnight hotel accommodation in Oslo with breakfast included
  • Overnight hotel accommodation in Trondheim with breakfast included
  • 2-nights hotel accommodation in Bodo with breakfast included
  • 2-nights hotel accommodation in Tromso with breakfast included
  • Flights to and from the UK to Oslo
  • Rail from Oslo to Trondheim, sleeper train from Trondheim to Bodo, flight from Bodo to Tromso
  • Hunting the Northern Lights tour and Northern Lights chase

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included in the price?
Yes. Marvellous Escapes includes the Dovre Railway from Oslo to Trondheim and the SJ Nord sleeper train from Trondheim to Bodø. A flight connects Bodø to Tromsø.
What is the SJ Nord sleeper train?
The SJ Nord is an overnight sleeper train that departs Trondheim on Day 3 and arrives in Bodø the following morning. You sleep in a cabin aboard the train as it crosses the Arctic Circle.
Are the Northern Lights tours guided?
Yes. Marvellous Escapes includes two guided Northern Lights hunts, one from Bodø and one from Tromsø, both led by local experts into the surrounding wilderness.
What hotels are included?
The package includes one night in Oslo, one in Trondheim, two in Bodø, and two in Tromsø, all with breakfast included. One night is spent aboard the SJ Nord sleeper train.
Which flights are included?
Marvellous Escapes includes round-trip flights from the UK to Oslo and a domestic flight from Bodø to Tromsø on Day 6.
How much walking is involved?
Expect city walking tours in Oslo, Trondheim, Bodø, and Tromsø, including strolls along harbours and through historic streets. The Northern Lights hunts involve walking into surrounding wilderness led by guides.

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