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Vacations By Rail · Escorted tour

Northern Lights on a Winter Arctic Cruise

Oslo to Kirkenes: Bergen Railway, Arctic cruise, husky sledding, northern lights

Illustration of Northern Lights on a Winter Arctic Cruise

Vacations By Rail operates this 12-day escorted winter journey from Oslo to Kirkenes, combining the spectacularly scenic Bergen Railway with a six-night Arctic cruise and time in Norway's cultural capital. The tour begins in Oslo, where you explore on foot and enjoy a guided walking tour of the Opera House and Akershus Fortress. Day 2 takes you aboard the Bergen Railway, which climbs through snow-covered mountains and the Hardangervidda plateau to the UNESCO-listed Bryggen waterfront in Bergen. After a guided city tour and a ride on the Fløibanen funicular, you board the Havila Cruise ship for a voyage north that crosses the Arctic Circle, passes the Lofoten Islands and Trollfjord, and offers optional husky dog sledding in Tromsø and visits to the North Cape. A tour manager leads throughout. The pace is relaxed, with multiple nights in key ports and onboard the ship, making this suitable for those seeking guidance and comfort over independence.

What to know before you look closer

  • Cruise excursions in each port are optional and chargeable; book directly onboard with the ship operator
  • International flights to and from Oslo are not included in the from-price
  • Day 1 arrival and Day 12 departure transfers to the airport are independent, not arranged by the tour operator

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Oslo

    Arrival in Oslo

    Arrive in Oslo and transfer independently to the central hotel near Oslo Central Station. Walk to a nearby restaurant for dinner this evening.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Bergen

    An epic journey on the Bergen Railway

    Journey aboard the Bergen Railway from Oslo to Bergen, passing Flå, Geilo, the Hardangervidda mountain plateau, Finse and Voss.

  3. Day 3overnight: Bergen

    Touring Bergen & a trip on the Fløibanen funicular

    Guided walking tour of Bergen and the Bryggen waterfront, followed by a ride on the Fløibanen funicular. Rest of the day at leisure.

  4. Day 4overnight: Ship

    Joining our cruise for an epic voyage north

    Transfer by coach to Bergen port and board the Havila Cruise ship for a six-night northbound voyage, beginning with an overnight sailing to Ålesund.

  5. Day 5overnight: Ship

    Ålesund with an optional cruise into Geirangerfjord

    Dock in Ålesund for the day, known for its art nouveau architecture; optional excursion into Geirangerfjord available.

  6. Day 6overnight: Ship

    Continuing our voyage north to Trondheim

    Dock in Trondheim, the historic 'Viking City'; optional guided tour available. Continue north past the Kjeungskjær Lighthouse and through the Stokksund strait.

  7. Day 7overnight: Ship

    Crossing the Arctic Circle to Bodø

    Cross the Arctic Circle and drop anchor in Bodø, with optional excursions to the Svartisen Glacier or sea eagle spotting. Sail into the Lofoten Islands and the Trollfjord.

  8. Day 8overnight: Ship

    Tromsø and a thrilling husky dog sledding experience

    Disembark in Tromsø for a husky dog sledding excursion below the Lyngen Alps, or an optional tour of the Arctic capital.

  9. Day 9overnight: Ship

    Honningsvåg on the remote island of Magerøya

    Disembark at Honningsvåg, with optional excursions to the North Cape plateau, snowshoeing, ice fishing, bird watching, or a cruise to Kjøllefjord to learn about the Sámi people.

  10. Day 10overnight: Oslo

    Disembarking in the arctic city of Kirkenes

    Cruise ends in Kirkenes this morning; transfer to the airport for a flight back to Oslo for the final two nights of the trip.

  11. Day 11overnight: Oslo

    Touring modern, cultural and historic Oslo

    A 3-hour guided walking tour taking in the Oslo Opera House, Akershus Fortress and Kvadraturen, with a free afternoon and final dinner of the trip.

  12. Day 12

    Traveling home

    After breakfast, check out and transfer to Oslo airport independently to begin the journey home.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Journey aboard the Bergen Railway from Oslo to Bergen, passing the Hardangervidda mountain plateau, Finse, and Voss
  • Day 4Board the Havila Cruise ship in Bergen for a six-night northbound voyage into the Arctic
  • Day 7Cross the Arctic Circle and drop anchor in Bodø; sail into the Lofoten Islands and the Trollfjord
  • Day 8Disembark in Tromsø for a husky dog sledding excursion below the Lyngen Alps

Included

  • Expertise of a Tour Manager from start to finish
  • 5 nights' 3 & 4-Star hotel accommodation
  • 6-night cruise onboard a Havila Cruise ship
  • Standard Class rail travel
  • All rail, cruise and coach travel throughout your tour
  • All internal flights
  • Breakfast each day, 5 lunches, 9 dinners
  • Group luggage transfers between hotels from Oslo to Bergen
  • All guided tours and excursions

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance
  • Flights and Airport transfers not included
  • Excursions offered in each cruise port are operated by Havila and are optional, chargeable, and bookable directly onboard

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 Bergen Railway from Oslo to Bergen is included in Standard Class. All other rail, cruise, coach, and internal flights are also included.
Is this an escorted tour?
Yes. Vacations By Rail provides a Tour Manager from start to finish who leads the group throughout the 12 days.
What is the main cruise ship?
The Havila Cruise ship carries passengers on a six-night northbound voyage from Bergen to Kirkenes.
What meals are included?
Breakfast each day, five lunches, and nine dinners are included. Optional cruise excursions may offer additional meals.
How much walking is involved?
Mobility Rating 3 applies. Activities include guided walking tours in Bergen and Oslo, and optional excursions such as husky dog sledding, snowshoeing, and ice fishing.
Which hotels are used?
The itinerary includes the Thon Hotel Opera in Oslo (3 nights) and the Thon Hotel Bristol in Bergen (2 nights). The remaining 6 nights are aboard the Havila Cruise ship.

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