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Marvellous Escapes · Tailor-made rail holiday

Oslo to the Aurora

Eight-day Oslo to Bodø rail journey with sleeper trains and Northern Lights hunting

Illustration of Oslo to the Aurora

Marvellous Escapes operates this 8-day tailor-made rail holiday that combines scenic daytime travel with sleeper train comfort and a chance to witness the Northern Lights. The journey departs the UK with a flight to Oslo, then travels north by the Dovre Railway to Trondheim, a historic coastal city once the Viking capital of Norway. From Trondheim, you board the SJ Nord sleeper train bound for Bodø, crossing the Arctic Circle under winter skies with views from your cabin window. Days 4 and 5 in Bodø allow time to explore the Arctic town before the highlight: a guided Northern Lights hunting tour led by local experts into the surrounding wilderness. The return journey follows the Nordland Line, one of Europe's most remote rail routes, then another sleeper train carries you south to Oslo for your final full day at leisure. Throughout, hotels include breakfast. This itinerary suits independent travellers who appreciate slow travel, dramatic landscapes, and the atmosphere of sleeping aboard trains.

What to know before you look closer

  • The from-price is GBP 1,599 per person; confirm current availability and any seasonal supplement with Marvellous Escapes before booking

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. Depending on your arrival time, 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. Relax ahead of your exciting journey through the heart of Norway.

  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, where you'll enjoy an overnight stay. Take time to explore its colourful waterfront, cobbled streets, and the magnificent Nidaros Cathedral.

  3. Day 3railovernight: 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: Bodø

    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. Whether exploring or unwinding, Bodø offers the perfect Arctic escape.

  5. Day 5overnight: Bodø

    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 6railovernight: Sleeper train

    Sleeper train to Trondheim

    Today you'll experience one of Norway's most extraordinary rail journeys. Travel the full length of the Nordland Line from Bodø to Trondheim, crossing the Arctic Circle and passing through remote fjords, forests, and mountain plateaus. In Trondheim, board the SJ Nord sleeper train for your overnight journey south, relaxing as the landscapes roll by en route to Oslo.

  7. Day 7railovernight: Oslo

    Oslo

    Arrive in Oslo fresh from your sleeper train. Spend your final full day at leisure in Norway's stylish capital. Wander through the waterfront district of Aker Brygge, visit the striking Oslo Opera House, or explore cultural gems like the Munch Museum or Viking Ship Museum.

  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 2Dovre Railway journey from Oslo to Trondheim passes snow-capped mountains, dense forests, and remote valleys
  • Day 3SJ Nord sleeper train departs Trondheim at night, crossing the Arctic Circle with the chance to glimpse Northern Lights from your cabin window
  • Day 5Guided Northern Lights hunting tour led by local experts into the surrounding Bodø wilderness, away from city lights
  • Day 6Nordland Line full journey from Bodø to Trondheim crosses the Arctic Circle, passing remote fjords, forests, and mountain plateaus

Included

  • 2-nights hotel accommodation in Oslo with breakfast included
  • Overnight hotel accommodation in Trondheim with breakfast included
  • 2-nights hotel accommodation in Bodo with breakfast included
  • Flights to and from the UK to Oslo
  • Rail from Oslo to Trondheim
  • Sleeper train from Trondheim to Bodo
  • Nordland line train from Bodo to Trondheim
  • Sleeper train Trondheim to Oslo
  • Hunting the Northern Lights tour

Questions travellers ask

Is all the train travel included?
Yes. The package includes the Dovre Railway (Oslo to Trondheim), two nights on the SJ Nord sleeper train (Trondheim to Bodø and return to Trondheim), and the Nordland Line (Bodø to Trondheim). Flights from the UK to Oslo and return are also included.
Is this an escorted or independent tour?
It is an independent tailor-made journey. You travel between destinations on your own, with a guided Northern Lights hunting tour in Bodø. Marvellous Escapes provides 24-hour on-trip support.
Which hotels are included?
Two nights in Oslo, one night in Trondheim, and two nights in Bodø, all with breakfast included.
What is the Northern Lights tour?
A guided experience led by local experts that takes you into the wilderness surrounding Bodø, away from city lights, for the best chance to witness the Aurora Borealis.
How many nights do I spend on the sleeper train?
Two nights. One on the SJ Nord from Trondheim to Bodø (Day 3), and another on the sleeper train from Trondheim back to Oslo (Day 6).
Does the itinerary include any activities in Trondheim or Bodø?
Days in Trondheim and Bodø are at leisure to explore on your own. The itinerary suggests visiting Trondheim's colourful waterfront and Nidaros, and in Bodø you can visit the Norwegian Aviation Museum or stroll the harbour. The only guided activity is the Northern Lights hunting tour in Bodø.

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