Great Rail Journeys · Escorted tour

Trondheim, Bodø & the Lofoten Islands

Trondheim, Bodø & the Lofoten Islands, a rail journey with Great Rail Journeys

Discover the spellbinding natural beauty and rich cultural heritage of Norway's northern coast on a summertime journey across the Arctic Circle

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

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

Similar journeys, different answers