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Great Rail Journeys · Escorted tour

Northern Lights on a Winter Arctic Cruise

Oslo to Kirkenes by rail, train and Arctic cruise seeking Northern Lights

Illustration of Northern Lights on a Winter Arctic Cruise

Great Rail Journeys' 12-day Northern Lights tour combines the Bergen Railway, a Norwegian fjord cruise, and Arctic exploration from January to March 2027. The journey begins with flights from London Heathrow to Oslo, then a day exploring the capital before an epic train journey on the Bergen Railway, northern Europe's highest and most beautiful line, passing mountain plateaus, ski resorts, and fjords into Bergen. After a guided tour of Bergen's UNESCO Bryggen waterfront and a funicular ride, you board the Havila cruise ship for six nights sailing north through snowy fjords, crossing the Arctic Circle, and passing the Lofoten Islands and North Cape. A highlight is a husky dog sledding excursion beneath the Lyngen Alps near Tromsø. The voyage offers chances to see the Northern Lights as you travel through Arctic wilderness. The tour returns to Oslo for a final two nights and guided walking tours of the Opera House, Akershus Fortress, and historic Kvadraturen district before flying home.

What to know before you look closer

  • The single supplement is high: GBP 5,199 versus GBP 3,799 per person on a double, roughly 37% more than half the double rate.
  • Days 3 and 10 include independent dinners not covered; day 3 evening is free in Bergen and day 10 is free in Oslo to dine along the Harbour Waterfront.
  • Port excursions in each harbour are optional, chargeable, and bookable directly onboard the Havila ship; confirm what you wish to book before departure.
  • Northern Lights sightings are not guaranteed; the itinerary offers a chance to witness them during the Arctic voyage, but visibility depends on weather and solar activity.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Oslo

    Flying directly to Oslo

    Holiday begins at London Heathrow where you meet the Tour Manager before boarding a morning flight to Oslo. On arrival, transfer by rail to the central hotel near Oslo Central Station and the Norwegian Opera House. Walk to a nearby restaurant for dinner.

    Meals: Dinner

  2. Day 2railovernight: Bergen

    An epic journey on the Bergen Railway

    Journey aboard the iconic Bergen Railway, northern Europe's highest and most beautiful line, from Oslo to Bergen. Pass through the Hallingdal Valley, the ski resort of Geilo, the Hardangervidda mountain plateau, the village of Finse, and descend into fjords before arriving in Bergen. Check in for a two-night stay.

    Meals: Breakfast

  3. Day 3overnight: Bergen

    Touring Bergen & a trip on the Fløibanen funicular

    Guided walking tour of Bergen including the UNESCO World Heritage Bryggen waterfront and a ride on the Fløibanen funicular with spectacular views. Afternoon free to explore independently. Dine independently this evening.

    Meals: Breakfast

  4. Day 4overnight: Onboard ship (sailing to Ålesund)

    Joining our cruise for an epic voyage north

    Morning at leisure in Bergen, then transfer by coach to Bergen port to board the Havila cruise ship for a six-night northbound voyage. Settle into interior cabins, enjoy dinner together, and commence overnight sailing to Ålesund.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  5. Day 5overnight: Onboard ship (sailing north)

    Ålesund with optional cruise into Geirangerfjord

    Pass ports of Florø, Måløy and Torvik before docking in Ålesund, renowned for its art nouveau architecture. Free day to explore the waterfront, visit the Ålesund Museum, or book an optional mini-cruise into Geirangerfjord. Lunch aboard ship or locally. Continue northbound voyage over dinner.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  6. Day 6overnight: Onboard ship (sailing to Bodø)

    Continuing our voyage north to Trondheim

    Dock in historic Trondheim, the 'Viking City' founded over a thousand years ago. Time to explore including the Nidaros Cathedral. Optional guided tour of Trondheim bookable onboard. Continue north past the Kjeungskjær Lighthouse and through the strait of Stokksund. Look out for the Northern Lights after dinner.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  7. Day 7overnight: Onboard ship (sailing through Lofoten Islands)

    Crossing the Arctic Circle to Bodø

    Cross the Arctic Circle at 66.5 degrees north. Dock in Bodø to explore or take optional excursions (city tour or Sea Eagle spotting). Return to sea in the mid-afternoon for first glimpse of the Lofoten Islands, entering the strait of Raftsundet and the sapphire waters of Trollfjord.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  8. Day 8overnight: Onboard ship (sailing north)

    Tromsø and a thrilling husky dog sledding experience

    Disembark in Tromsø, the largest city in northern Norway. Scenic drive to a winter wonderland location below the Lyngen Alps for a husky dog sledding experience, introduction, training, and a thrilling ride with views of fjords and snow-capped peaks. Alternatively explore Tromsø independently or book a city tour onboard. Re-board ship and cruise through waters home to orcas and humpback whales.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  9. Day 9overnight: Onboard ship (sailing to Kirkenes)

    Honningsvåg on the remote island of Magerøya

    Arrive at Norway's northern coast where Arctic and Atlantic oceans mix. Disembark at Honningsvåg on Magerøya island, the world's most northerly fishing village. Optional excursions include a trip to the North Cape plateau, snowshoeing, ice fishing, bird watching, or a cruise to Kjøllefjord to learn about Sámi culture. Overnight voyage towards Kirkenes in continuous sunlight, sunset merging into sunrise.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  10. Day 10overnight: Oslo

    Disembarking in the Arctic city of Kirkenes

    Cruise ends in Kirkenes after passing Vardø, the easternmost town in Norway. Transfer to Kirkenes airport for a flight back to Oslo. Return to the hotel for the final two nights. Evening free to dine independently along the Harbour Waterfront of Bjørvika.

    Meals: Breakfast

  11. Day 11overnight: Oslo

    Touring modern, cultural and historic Oslo

    Full day in Oslo with a 3-hour expert-guided walking tour starting at the Oslo Opera House, continuing to Akershus Fortress and the historic Kvadraturen district. Free afternoon to visit the Viking Ship Museum, National Museum, Edvard Munch gallery, or watch the changing of the guard at the Royal Palace. Final dinner of the holiday this evening.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  12. Day 12

    Homeward bound

    After breakfast, check out and transfer to Oslo airport for the flight back to London Heathrow. Holiday draws to a close on arrival in London.

    Meals: Breakfast

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Journey on the Bergen Railway from Oslo to Bergen, passing the Hallingdal Valley, Geilo ski resort, Hardangervidda mountain plateau, and the village of Finse before descending into fjords.
  • Day 4Board the Havila cruise ship in Bergen to begin a six-night northbound voyage into the Arctic.
  • Day 7Cross the Arctic Circle at 66.5 degrees north, then sail into the sapphire waters of Trollfjord through the Lofoten Islands.
  • Day 8Husky dog sledding excursion below the Lyngen Alps near Tromsø with views of fjords and snow-capped peaks.
  • Day 9Arrive at Honningsvåg on Magerøya island, the world's most northerly fishing village, with optional trip to the North Cape plateau.

Included

  • Expertise of a UK Tour Manager from start to finish
  • 5 nights' 3 & 4-star hotel accommodation
  • 6 nights' onboard a Havila Cruise ship
  • Standard Class rail travel
  • All rail, cruise and coach travel throughout the tour
  • Return flights from London Heathrow to Oslo
  • All internal flights
  • Breakfast each day
  • 5 lunches
  • 9 dinners
  • Group luggage transfers between hotels from Oslo to Bergen
  • All guided tours and excursions
  • Husky dog sledding excursion in Tromsø
  • Fløibanen funicular ride in Bergen

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance
  • Excursions offered in each port (operated by Havila, optional, chargeable, and bookable directly onboard)
  • Independent dinners on days 3 and 10

Also sold by

The same itinerary is listed by more than one company. Prices and inclusions can differ; compare before booking.

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. The tour includes Standard Class rail travel on the Bergen Railway from Oslo to Bergen, plus all coach and internal flights. The six-night cruise is included.
Is this tour escorted or independent?
It is escorted. Great Rail Journeys provides a UK Tour Manager throughout, and includes guided walking tours in Oslo and Bergen, plus the husky dog sledding excursion in Tromsø.
Which cruise ship is used?
The Havila cruise ship, a modern vessel used for the six-night northbound voyage from Bergen to Kirkenes.
What accommodation is included?
Five nights in 3 and 4-star hotels: three nights at the Thon Hotel Opera in Oslo and two nights at the Thon Hotel Bristol in Bergen. Six nights are aboard the Havila cruise ship in interior cabins.
When does the tour run?
Great Rail Journeys offers three departures: January 2027, February 2027, and March 2027.
What is the daily cost?
From GBP 3,799 per person (approximately USD 5,074), or USD 423 per day. Single cabins and rooms cost from GBP 5,199.

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