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Railbookers · Self-guided rail holiday

The Northern Lights

Self-guided rail trip from Oslo to Trondheim and Bodo, aurora hunting

Illustration of The Northern Lights

Railbookers runs this nine-day self-guided rail holiday through Norway, starting and ending in Oslo with stops in Trondheim and Bodo. After two nights exploring Oslo's museums and old town, the route heads north by train to Trondheim, where Nidaros Cathedral and the Bakklandet district set the pace for a single overnight stay. From there, an overnight train on the Nordland Line carries travelers across the Arctic Circle, through pine forests and alongside fjords, before a final descent from Arctic tundra brings the train into Bodo. Two nights in Bodo are built around an evening excursion to look for the northern lights beneath the Auroral Oval, weather permitting. The return journey retraces the route by overnight train back to Oslo for a last day in the city. Because the tour is self-guided, Railbookers arranges the trains and hotels while travelers set their own pace for sightseeing, which suits independent-minded travelers comfortable navigating without a group.

What to know before you look closer

  • Railbookers lists several possible hotels for each stop, including six options in Oslo alone; which one you get depends on availability rather than a single named hotel.
  • This is a self-guided rail holiday: Railbookers arranges trains and hotels but there is no guide accompanying travelers between sights.
  • The evening aurora hunt in Bodo is described as best on 'a dark, clear Arctic night,' so the itinerary itself does not promise a sighting.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Oslo

    Arrive in Oslo

    On arrival in Oslo following a quick train ride from the airport, check in at your hotel. Spend the rest of the day exploring the Norwegian capital. Why not head up to the Akershus Festning, a medieval castle which offers breathtaking views over the Oslofjord?

  2. Day 2overnight: Oslo

    Oslo

    Discover Oslo's fascinating history by visiting the Historical Museum or viewing a full-scale boat in the fascinating Viking Ship Museum. Be sure to wander the Gamlebyen (old town) area, as well as soaking up the waterside views with a stroll along the Akerselva River.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Trondheim

    Oslo to Trondheim

    Catch a train from Oslo to Trondheim. The city is located in a region called Trondelag. Once settled, check Bakklandet, Old Town Bridge and Nidaros Cathedral. For a great photo, cross Elgeseter Bru and capture the view from the opposite side of the river. Trondheim marks the southern limit of the northern lights zone.

  4. Day 4railovernight: onboard the train

    Overnight Train to Bodo

    Board an overnight train from the historic city of Trondheim to Bodo on the Nordland Line. The train travels through pine forests, across foothills, and alongside rivers and fjords. It even crosses the Arctic Circle! Bodo is known as the gateway to Norway's true north. It's also the perfect jumping off point for the Lofoten Islands or to hunt down the elusive northern lights.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Bodo

    Bodo

    After a final steep descent from Arctic tundra, the train travels toward the Norwegian Sea before the quaint town of Bodo comes into view. Once in Bodo, you'll discover that its main allure lies in the backdrop of distant mountain peaks and endless skies.

  6. Day 6overnight: Bodo

    Bodo

    Have breakfast then explore the town on your own. Later this evening, you'll embark on an exciting hunt for the magical northern lights! Bodo is located beneath the Auroral Oval, a belt of light that centers around the geomagnetic poles. This gives you the best chance of seeing the colorful heavens dance up above, especially if it's a dark, clear Arctic night. Remember to wear warm, insulating clothes.

  7. Day 7railovernight: onboard the train

    Overnight Train to Oslo

    Board your train from Bodo to Trondheim, then connect onto an overnight train from Trondheim to Oslo.

  8. Day 8overnight: Oslo

    Oslo

    For the last day and night in Oslo, why not visit the Nobel Peace Centre, where you can see the permanent exhibition and learn all about the Peace Prize's history. Then, walk along the breathtaking waterfront and people watch around Thorvald Meyers gate near the Grounerlokka strip. In the evening, enjoy some traditional Norwegian cuisine.

  9. Day 9

    Your Journey Ends in Oslo

    Check out of your hotel and travel to the Oslo airport to continue with your onward travels.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 3Arrival in Trondheim, with time to see Nidaros Cathedral, the Bakklandet district and the view across the river from Elgeseter Bru.
  • Day 4An overnight train on the Nordland Line crosses the Arctic Circle, passing through pine forests and alongside rivers and fjords on the way to Bodo.
  • Day 5A final steep descent from Arctic tundra brings the train down toward the Norwegian Sea and into Bodo.
  • Day 6An evening excursion from Bodo to look for the northern lights beneath the Auroral Oval, the belt of light that circles the geomagnetic poles.

Included

  • Rail travel as per itinerary
  • Northern Lights excursion
  • 3 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Oslo
  • 1-night hotel accommodation with breakfast in Trondheim
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Bodø

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes. Rail travel is included throughout the itinerary, including the overnight trains between Trondheim and Bodo on the Nordland Line.
Is this trip escorted or self-guided?
It's self-guided. Railbookers books the trains and hotels, but there is no tour guide traveling with you.
Which train does the trip use?
The Nordland Line, which runs between Trondheim and Bodo, crossing the Arctic Circle along the way.
What hotels are included?
Hotel accommodation with breakfast is included in Oslo, Trondheim and Bodo, chosen from a list of options in each city such as the Radisson Blu Plaza Oslo, Radisson Blu Royal Garden Trondheim and Clarion Collection Hotel Grand Bodø.
Is seeing the northern lights guaranteed?
No. An evening excursion to look for them is included in Bodo, but the operator notes the best chance comes on a dark, clear Arctic night.

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