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Great Rail Journeys · Escorted tour

Trondheim, Bodø & the Lofoten Islands

Norwegian Arctic Circle rail journey from Trondheim to Lofoten Islands

Illustration of Trondheim, Bodø & the Lofoten Islands

Great Rail Journeys operates this 10-day escorted tour of Norway's Arctic north, departing from London Heathrow and returning there on Day 10. The journey begins in Trondheim, the ancient Viking capital, where you walk Bakklandet's cobblestone streets and tour Nidaros Cathedral. Day 3 is devoted to the Nordland Railway, a 453-mile Standard Class passage across the Arctic Circle to Bodø, skirting fjords and rugged peaks. From Bodø, a hybrid-electric fjord cruise reaches Saltstraumen (the world's strongest tidal current) before you meet reindeer herders at a Sámi village and share lunch in a traditional lavvu tent. Three nights follow in Svolvær, the Lofoten Islands' main town, with visits to the preserved fishing village of Nusfjord and the Lofotr Viking Museum, home to the world's longest reconstructed longhouse. The final stop is Narvik, where a guided tour covers World War II naval and land battles, and Day 9 brings a return journey on the historic Arctic Train to Bjørnfjell, built in 1902 to haul iron ore and now celebrated for its mountain and fjord views. Hotels are 3 to 4-star; a Tour Manager is with the group throughout.

What to know before you look closer

  • The single supplement (from £3749) is nearly 25 percent more than half the double-occupancy price (£2999).
  • The midnight sun excursion to Gimsøy Beach on Day 6 is optional and only available on departures from 31 May 2026 to 8 June 2027.
  • Only one lunch is included across the 10 days; other meals must be arranged independently.
  • The maximum group size is 40, which is large for an escorted tour.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Trondheim

    Arrival in Trondheim, the former Viking capital

    Your Scandinavian holiday begins at London Heathrow, where you meet the Tour Manager before boarding a flight to Trondheim via Oslo. On arrival, transfer by coach to the hotel beside the Nidelva River, just a short distance from the historic centre. Free time before dinner to relax or explore surroundings.

    Meals: Dinner

  2. Day 2overnight: Trondheim

    Discovering Trondheim on a guided walking tour

    After breakfast, set off on a walking tour of Trondheim with an expert guide. Stroll along the cobblestone streets of Bakklandet (the Old Quarter), marvel at the Gothic exterior of Nidaros Cathedral (the world's northernmost medieval cathedral), and visit the Baroque Stiftsgården Royal Residence with 140 rooms. Free afternoon to continue sightseeing independently, including optional visits to the Ringve Music Museum and Archbishop's Palace Museum.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  3. Day 3railovernight: Bodø

    A journey on the epic Nordland Railway

    Leave Trondheim early to join the spectacular Nordland Railway for a 453-mile journey across the Arctic Circle to Bodø. Pass sparkling lakes, rugged peaks and tranquil fjords; look out for reindeer and sea eagles. Onboard café available for lunch. The train passes through Fauske and along the shore of Skjerstad Fjord before arriving in Bodø.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  4. Day 4overnight: Bodø

    Cruising Beiar fjord and a special Sámi experience

    Head to Bodø pier for a fjord cruise on a hybrid-electric sightseeing ship through the sparkling Beiar fjord. Sail first to Saltstraumen (the world's strongest tidal current), then into the narrow Beiar fjord. Back on land, board a coach to a Sámi village to meet and feed reindeer, enjoy a Sámi-style lunch in a traditional lavvu tent, and listen to age-old folk tales.

    Meals: Breakfast

  5. Day 5overnight: Svolvær

    To Svolvær, the capital of the Lofoten Islands

    Scenic coach journey of around four hours from Bodø to Bognes, then catch the ferry to Lødingen on the Lofoten Islands. Scenic drive through idyllic fishing villages to Svolvær for a three-night stay. Arrive in the late afternoon, check in to the central hotel before dinner.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  6. Day 6overnight: Svolvær

    Exploring the preserved fishing village of Nusfjord

    Scenic drive with a local guide across the Lofoten Islands to Nusfjord, one of Norway's oldest and best-preserved villages. See the famous wooden rorbu cabins, old fish oil factory and smokery. Free afternoon to explore before returning to Svolvær. Optional midnight sun excursion by coach to Gimsøy Beach (only on departures from 31st May 2026 to 8th June 2027).

    Meals: Breakfast

  7. Day 7overnight: Svolvær

    Free time in Svolvær and the Lofotr Viking Museum

    Leisurely breakfast and free morning to relax or explore Svolvær. Optional visits to the War Memorial Museum or the island of Svinøya. Later, travel by coach to the Lofotr Viking Museum, a living history museum with the world's longest reconstructed longhouse, historical exhibitions and a reconstructed Viking ship. Enjoy a light lunch of local delicacies including juniper-smoked salmon and cured meats.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  8. Day 8overnight: Narvik

    A guided tour of Narvik War Museum

    Leave Svolvær after breakfast and travel by coach to Narvik. Walk to the Narvik War Museum for a guided tour covering the naval and land battles of World War Two at Ofotfjord and the surrounding mountains. Large collection of artefacts including weapons, uniforms and photos. Free afternoon to explore Narvik or relax before dinner.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  9. Day 9railovernight: Narvik

    A breathtaking journey on the Arctic Train

    Scenic return journey on the Arctic Train from Narvik to Bjørnfjell on the Swedish border. Built in 1902, the line was originally used to transport iron ore from Kiruna, Sweden, to Narvik. Today it offers incredible views of the fjord, immense mountains and cascading waterfalls. An expert guide shares insights about the line's history. Free afternoon in Narvik before the final dinner together.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  10. Day 10

    Homeward bound

    After a final breakfast, transfer by coach to Evenes airport for a connecting flight to Oslo, then fly to London Heathrow.

    Meals: Breakfast

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Walking tour of Trondheim's Bakklandet Old Quarter and the Gothic Nidaros Cathedral, the world's northernmost medieval cathedral.
  • Day 3The Nordland Railway crosses the Arctic Circle on a 453-mile journey from Trondheim to Bodø, passing fjords, rugged peaks, and reindeer herds.
  • Day 4Hybrid-electric fjord cruise through Beiar fjord to Saltstraumen, the world's strongest tidal current, followed by a Sámi village visit with reindeer feeding and traditional lavvu tent lunch.
  • Day 7Visit the Lofotr Viking Museum to see the world's longest reconstructed longhouse and a reconstructed Viking ship, with lunch of juniper-smoked salmon and cured meats.
  • Day 9The Arctic Train returns from Narvik to Bjørnfjell on the Swedish border via the historic Ofoten Line, built in 1902, with views of fjords, mountains and waterfalls.

Included

  • Expertise of a UK Tour Manager from start to finish
  • 9 nights' 3 & 4-star hotel accommodation
  • Standard Class rail travel
  • All rail, cruise, ferry and coach travel throughout the tour
  • Flights from London Heathrow to Oslo, and Evenes to London Heathrow
  • Breakfast each day
  • 1 lunch
  • 6 dinners
  • Group luggage transfers between all hotels
  • All guided tours and excursions

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included in the price?
Yes. The package includes Standard Class rail travel on the Nordland Railway from Trondheim to Bodø and the Arctic Train from Narvik to Bjørnfjell, as well as all coach, ferry, and cruise travel.
Is this an escorted tour or independent?
It is a fully escorted tour. Great Rail Journeys provides a UK Tour Manager from start to finish, and all guided tours and excursions are led by experts.
What is the itinerary like? How many nights in each location?
The 10-day tour spans: 2 nights in Trondheim, 2 nights in Bodø, 3 nights in Svolvær on the Lofoten Islands, and 2 nights in Narvik. Day 10 is travel home.
What meals are included?
Breakfast is provided every day, one lunch (on Day 7 at the Lofotr Viking Museum), and six dinners. Other meals are your responsibility.
When does this tour run?
Great Rail Journeys operates five departures between May and September 2027, specifically in May, June, July, August, and September.
What hotels are used?
The tour uses the 4-star Radisson Blu Royal Garden Hotel in Trondheim, the 3-star Thon Hotel Nordlys in Bodø, the 3-star Thon Hotel Lofoten in Svolvær, and the 4-star Quality Hotel Grand Royal in Narvik.

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