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Arctic Norway and Midnight sun in Lofoten

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13 days From £3,899 per person
4.7 stars(59 reviews)
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Experience Norway’s celebrated cities, superb railways, breathtaking fjords and remote Lofoten islands, and witness the stunning natural phenomenon of the Midnight Sun

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Mobility Rating 4

2025 Tour code: AYJ25

About the tour

Join us on a journey across the length of Norway - from sophisticated Oslo to the Arctic Circle - travelling on four of the country's world-renowned rail routes, the Flåm, Bergen, Nordland and Rauma railways - cruising across the exquisite Geirangerfjord, discovering otherworldly landscapes and stunning archipelagos along the way.

On this exceptional tour of Norway's beautiful cities and Arctic Norway, we experience a taste of life in the spellbinding north, visit historic Viking cities and ancient ports, and witness the surreal summer phenomenon of the Midnight Sun.

Unforgettable experiences

Riding the Nordland Railway into the enchanting Arctic Circle
Riding the Nordland Railway into the enchanting Arctic Circle
Boarding the Nordland Railway in Trondheim we travel north to Bodø, watching breathtaking valleys, tranquil fjords and magical glaciers roll past the panoramic windows of our comfortable carriage, as we cross the Arctic Circle on the magical ‘Polar Express’.
A once-in-a lifetime journey on the fabulous Flåm Railway
A once-in-a lifetime journey on the fabulous Flåm Railway
Regarded as one of the world’s most stunning railways, the gorgeous Flåm Railway rises from beside a fjord to a height of more than 2,800 feet, passing verdant valleys and the dramatic Kjosfossen waterfall.
Travelling the full length of the stunning Bergen Railway
Travelling the full length of the stunning Bergen Railway
Admire the amazing Hardangerjøkule Glacier as you travel from Oslo along the Bergen Railway, the highest in northern Europe, on a jaw-dropping journey into Norway’s untamed wilderness.
Experiencing the Midnight Sun in the remote Lofoten Isles
Experiencing the Midnight Sun in the remote Lofoten Isles
Witness the breathtaking phenomena of the Midnight Sun on a late-night excursion to Gimsoy Beach, on the Lofoten Islands - a beautiful white sandy beach which overlooks a range of spectacular mountains.
Cruising across the peaceful waters of the glorious Geirangerfjord
Cruising across the peaceful waters of the glorious Geirangerfjord
Norway’s fjordlands are world famous, but the Geirangerfjord is known as the ‘jewel in the crown’. We experience it on a serene boat trip, sailing into a spectacular panorama of glacial water, towering cliffs and plunging waterfalls.
Enjoying a sea eagle safari off Norway’s wild northern coast
Enjoying a sea eagle safari off Norway’s wild northern coast
Take an extraordinary trip into sea eagle territory on this unique boat safari, making a fishing stop enroute to attract sea eagles and, while looking out for these majestic, endangered creatures, possibly spotting heron, seals, dolphins and even whales.
Uncovering the history of Norway’s Viking cities
Uncovering the history of Norway’s Viking cities
Explore the painted wooden buildings of Norway’s first capital, Trondheim and the wonderful UNESCO-listed waterfront of Bergen – all of which played an important part in Viking history.

What’s included

Itinerary

Day 1 - Flying from London Heathrow to Oslo

Our Nordic adventure begins at London Heathrow where we meet our Tour Manager and the rest of our group of fellow travellers before our morning flight to Oslo, Norway's capital. Our group then travels on Oslo's modern and efficient rail system to our central hotel in the city. These spacious and sleek modern trains provide an immediate glimpse of the country's effective railway system as we glide efficiently right to the heart of the Norwegian capital.

Our 4-Star hotel is directly outside the station and only a short distance from Oslo's famous 17th-century cathedral. Used for state occasions, it is encircled on three sides by the beautiful Romanesque Revival bazaars - a charming, curved arcade built in the mid-1800s to house butchers stalls, they now contain independent stores and cosy restaurants. This afternoon you are free to relax or orientate yourself with the neighbourhood, before dinner together. This evening, we take a short walk from our central hotel to a local restaurant where we get to know each other better during a three-course meal.

Includes
  • Dinner
Day 2 - Discovering Oslo, one of the world’s most walkable capitals

After breakfast, we begin to explore the Norwegian capital with a local guide by coach, visiting some of its most renowned sights. We start at Oslo's incredible opera house, with its unique angled exterior of marble and white granite, which visitors are encouraged to walk on the roof for great views across Oslofjord, if the weather is suitable. We see the City Hall and the neoclassical Royal Palace, then continue to Vigeland Sculpture Park to walk among the extraordinary art of Gustav Vigeland. Our tour ends at lunchtime and you are at leisure for the rest of the day.

You could visit the Aker Brygge district known for its pier and interesting eateries. Oslo offers many world-class museums including the Munch Museum and the National Museum, containing works by the expressionist painter Edvard Munch, renowned for 'The Scream'. Another option is to take a gentle cruise around idyllic Oslofjord, possibly stopping at the Fram Museum to view a 19th-century ship used for polar exploration or visiting the Norsk Folk Museum. Dinner is on your own tonight, and you could try new Nordic, international cuisine or fresh seafood in Aker Brygge.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 3 - A journey on the Bergen Railway, one of the world’s greatest rail journeys

This morning we take a short walk to the station for an epic rail journey from Oslo to Bergen. Travelling on the world-famous Bergen Railway, the highest in northern Europe, we enjoy views of the wild Norwegian countryside, passing breathtaking glaciers, mountains and spectacular fjords. Our route enters deep forest, and we can look out for wild reindeer and arctic foxes as we cross the Hardanger Plateau. As we approach the summit of the route, Finse, it feels as if we are completely alone in nature. Set 4,000 feet above sea level, this has been a popular training ground for arctic explorers including Scott and Shackleton.

Arriving into Bergen at the end of the afternoon, we are transferred by coach to our hotel, which is just steps away from the waterfront and Bergen's main square. After checking in, there's time to settle in and view your surroundings in this fascinating harbour city, before dinner with our group at our hotel this evening.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4 - Exploring Bergen, a beautiful city in the heart of the fjords

We embark on a guided sightseeing tour of Bergen by coach, visiting the Bryggen Waterfront, a World Heritage site. These brightly painted wooden buildings were once the centre of the old Hanseatic port that played a key role in trade between Norway and the rest of Europe. The city's narrow streets and bustling fish market give us a sense of life here for merchants in the 13th century.

After our tour, this afternoon is free to continue exploring on your own. You could visit the Bryggen Museum to view the world's largest collection of runic inscriptions, or you might like to take a ride on the Fløibanen funicular to enjoy spectacular views across countless scenic islands, providing a great sense of why Bergen is called the 'capital of the fjords'.

This evening you are free to dine independently and, as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, Bergen has some excellent restaurants for you to choose from. Popular local dishes are all based on fresh seafood - Bergen fish soup, fish cakes and traditional steamed cod.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 5 - A picturesque ride on the Flåm Railway, 12 miles of beauty

Two scenic rail journeys await us today, beginning with the Bergen Railway. Leaving Bergen, our train climbs into the craggy mountains, travelling alongside deep fjords and through tunnels hewn out of solid rock, before arriving in remote Myrdal - 2,840 feet above sea level.

In Myrdal, we board the famous Flåm Railway for an unforgettable ride along one of the steepest lines in the world. As we descend to the fjord-side village of Flåm for the night, tucked away in the innermost corner of Aurlandsfjord, our train negotiates horseshoe curves, twists, turns and 20 tunnels. Along this dramatic route we are treated to a moving picture of rushing rivers, tumbling waterfalls and snow-capped mountains passing by our window.

We make a photo stop at the cascading Kjosfossen waterfall as it bounces down the hillside. Our train arrives into Flåm this afternoon, just a few hundred metres from our hotel, where we enjoy a buffet dinner this evening.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6 – Loen, a tiny village beneath a mighty glacier

Today we travel by coach to Loen, an idyllic village located in the innermost area of the Nordfjord region, a tiny spot on the landscape in contrast to the glorious green-blue fjord, the mighty Jostedalsbreen Glacier and looming snow-dusted mountains.

Along our way to Loen, we stop at the Fjaerland Glacier Museum where entrance is include and you are free to look around. Housed in a building designed by the architect Sverre Fehn, the museum's external design reflects the surrounding landscape of jagged mountains and angular glaciers. Inside, award-winning exhibits tell the story of Norway's glacial landscapes and history of glaciology.

We continue our scenic journey by coach, taking a short trip on the Mannheller-Fodnes ferry to Fodnes, before transferring to our hotel in Loen for two nights, set between magnificent fjords. Arriving this afternoon, there's time to refresh and enjoy the stunning scenery, before a buffet dinner at our hotel.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 7 - Cruise into the deep blue World Heritage Geirangerfjord

After breakfast in the beautiful surroundings of Loen, we make our way by coach to the 'jewel in the crown' of Norway's fjords - Geirangerfjord - on a journey which passes the Dalsnibba viewpoint, Europe's highest fjord view at a staggering 4,500 feet.

We see beautiful Geirangerfjord in the best way possible, on a cruise boat across the serene waters of this spectacular UNESCO-listed site. Acclaimed for its unique landscape, this nine-mile-long branch of Storfjord (meaning 'Great Fjord') has distinctive towering cliff walls and impressive waterfalls.

As we cruise, the scenery envelops us in a world of stunning colour and beauty - the lush green of the trees contrasting with the blue water and brilliant white of the snow-capped distant peaks. When it rains, waterfalls appear seemingly from nowhere, cascading majestically into the water below. After disembarking at Hellesylt, we take a scenic drive back to Loen where your afternoon is free, to relax and possibly enjoy the facilities and mountain views at our hotel. We dine at the hotel restaurant this evening.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8 - A trip on ‘Europe’s most beautiful’ Rauma Railway, on to Trondheim

We set off by coach this morning on a journey to Åndalsnes on Romsdalfjord, travelling along the serpentine Trollstigen Mountain Road* and admiring cinematic views across deep green valleys and cascading waterfalls. We cross the fjord at Eidsdal to Linge by ferry. On arrival in Åndalsnes, we board the beloved Rauma Railway - described as Europe's most beautiful railway line' - a 71-mile-long journey filled with scenic views of magnificent and contrasting landscapes. We enter the jaw-dropping Romsdal Valley, pause to admire the rushing Verma waterfall and cross the famous Kylling Bridge.

Following the course of the emerald green River Rauma, our train glides around the surrounding hillsides as we pass the insurmountable 'Troll Wall' and the banks of the peaceful Romsdal Fjord, finally reaching the picturesque hamlets and villages of Dombås. Here, we change trains and continue our journey to the historic city of Trondheim for two nights. We walk the short distance from the station to our four-star hotel on Trondheim's fjordside harbour, where we have a late dinner in the hotel.

*The opening date of Trollstigen Road varies due to road and snow conditions. Early departures before mid-June may travel on an alternative route.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 9 - Explore Trondheim, Norway’s Viking Capital

Awaking in the atmospheric harbourside of Trondheim this morning, we discover this vibrant city's fascinating history on a guided tour. Once a major trading centre, Trondheim is now a hub of technology and innovation. We walk through the city's Old Quarter, pass the colourful waterfront houses of Bakklandet, and admire the elegant Gothic architecture of Nidaros Cathedral. We also visit the sumptuous Royal Residence, the largest wooden building in Northern Europe with around 140 different rooms.

The afternoon is yours to continue sightseeing at your own pace. Among the city's broad avenues, old warehouses and pretty timber dwellings, there are a number of attractions waiting to be explored, such as the Ringve Music Museum, situated on a hill and surrounded by the city's botanical gardens, and the Archbishop's Palace Museum - a treasure trove of local archaeological finds. The old town has a number of charming bookstore cafés and bakeries with a reputation for relaxed lunches and great coffee. You dine independently tonight, and you'll find Trondheim's food culture is first class.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 10 – The Nordland Railway and Bodø

After an early breakfast, we depart Trondheim for an unforgettable journey north on the sensational Nordland Railway, a 452-mile journey to Bodø. Affectionately known as the Polar Express due to the picture-book scenes enroute, as we travel through some of Norway's most amazing landscapes, we experience a slideshow of mountain vistas, tranquil fjords and glimmering lakes rolling past the windows of our comfortable carriage.

The Nordland takes us through the beautiful and varied landscapes of northern Norway, and we cross the Arctic Circle at 66 degrees north shortly before reaching the town of Lonsdal, the highest point on the route. There is a chance we might see reindeer in the mountains or the elusive sea eagle soaring over the picturesque coast. In the height of summer, the sun may illuminate our entire journey, giving us the spectacular experience of nearly 24-hour daytime. The train reaches Fauske before turning west for the final approach to Bodø, our scenic base for the night. We are transferred by coach to our hotel where we have dinner.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 11 – The Midnight Sun on the Lofoten Isles

This morning we are transferred to Bodø pier where we board a ferry to the picturesque port of Moskenes, arriving in the early afternoon. From here we take a scenic drive through idyllic fishing villages to Svolvær for a two-night stay, the tiny capital of the beautiful Lofoten Isles. Described as Europe's most dramatic and spectacular islands, the Lofoten archipelago is connected to mainland Norway by a series of bridges and ferries. These remote Arctic Circle islands are defined by jagged mountains with vivid green slopes extending to the aquamarine sea, white sandy beaches and traditional red fishing huts.

After a 3-course dinner at our harbourside hotel in Svolvaer, we take a Midnight Sun excursion to Gimsoy Beach, a beautiful white sandy beach with a range of spectacular mountains - a popular place to experience this natural phenomenon.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 12 - Exploring the Lofoten Isles from Svolvær, and a sea eagle safari

Today we continue exploring the Lofoten archipelago, with a full morning of sightseeing on various islands. We begin by making a photo stop at the charming fishing village of Henningsvaer, then continue to the rugged yet beautiful Vestvågøy island and its town of Leknes - set between green meadows and dramatic mountains - where there's free time to find lunch. Our return journey includes a detour through the remote but scenic village of Kvalnes.

After returning to Svolvær this afternoon, we take a safari cruise into sea eagle territory. We make a short fishing stop, with the aim of attracting sea eagles close to the boat. On board we enjoy refreshments including fish soup, coffee, tea and snacks. Our cruise boat offers warm thermal suits and comfortable places to sit out on deck or inside the salon. While we look out for the majestic, endangered sea eagle, other wildlife - such as heron, seals, dolphins and possibly even whales - may also make an appearance. Once back on land, we transfer back to our hotel where you are at leisure for the rest of the day and free to dine independently this evening in Svolvær.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch
Day 13 - Homeward bound

We have an early start this morning, so our hotel provides us with a picnic breakfast as we transfer to Evenes airport for our flight to Oslo. There's some time in Oslo airport before we board our flight back to London Heathrow, landing this afternoon. After saying our goodbyes to fellow travellers, new friends and our Tour Manager, we make our way homewards. Our holiday may be over, but memories of Norway's spellbinding Arctic landscapes, remote islands and fascinating cities are sure to linger.

Includes
  • Breakfast

Additional information

Departure times

Provisional departure and return times, where available, can be found together with our dates and prices by clicking on the 'Prices & Availability' button. We write to all booked customers approximately 10 weeks prior to the start of their tour to advise the exact departure and return time for their particular group.

Mobility information

Due to the nature of our tours they are generally unsuitable for those with restricted mobility. If you’d like to discuss any particular holiday with us in this respect, then please don’t hesitate to call us.

Hotels

Thon Hotel Bristol, Bergen

Thon Hotel Bristol, Bergen

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Radisson Blu Hotel, Bodø

Radisson Blu Hotel, Bodø

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Fretheim Hotel, Flåm

Fretheim Hotel, Flåm

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Alexandra Hotel, Loen

Alexandra Hotel, Loen

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Clarion Hotel The Hub, Oslo

Clarion Hotel The Hub, Oslo

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Thon Hotel Lofoten, Svolvaer

Thon Hotel Lofoten, Svolvaer

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Clarion Hotel, Trondheim

Clarion Hotel, Trondheim

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Trains

Bergen Railway
Flåm Railway
Nordland Railway
The Raumabanen Railway

Enhance your holiday

Upgrades

Flight upgrades
London Hotels
UK rail connections

Reviews

4.7 stars4.7 / 5 · 59 reviews

  1. 5 stars
    (44)
  2. 4 stars
    (14)
  3. 3 stars
    (1)
  4. 2 stars
    (0)
  5. 1 star
    (0)

J Pollitt

5 stars

Submitted 30/Jul

A wonderful holiday...loved it! Not so much a holiday as an adventure!

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Alan

5 stars

Submitted 27/Jul

Overall, this was an excellent holiday. Most importantly at the outset, we need to acknowledge the quality of service provided by our tour manager, Chris Sanders. His leading of the tour was conducted in a most professional and friendly manner, well-organised and engaging which gave full assurance to the group. Whilst travelling, he communicated necessary information but also gave space for us to relax and take in the scenery. He was also flexible to accommodate changing circumstances due to weather and other factors in order to give us the best possible experience. All this was done only after full consultation and agreement from the group. This quality of leadership was maintained throughout the holiday from our departure from Heathrow Airport to our return. The itinerary was well-paced as were the inclusive city tours, giving us free time to explore independently. Generally, the hotel accommodation was off good quality with the following specific comments. Hotel Thon, Oslo - excellent both in terms of quality and location. Hotel Thon, Bergen - well situated in the city centre but did not match the Oslo quality. It is an older building and the restaurant was inadequate to cater for the number of guests. Fretheim Hotel, Flam - excellent both in terms of quality and location. Alexandra Hotel, Loen - the jewel in the crown of the holiday! Excellent standard throughout. On the day of departure, the option to create your own packed lunch from the breakfast bar for 100NOK was great value! Clarion Hotel, Trondheim - modern hotel and again, great location but the inclusive dinner was of only average quality. Radisson Blu, Bodo - modern hotel, good facilities but again, mediocre meal. The breakfast boxes provided for our departing journey were poor and contained spreadable materials but without any means of spreading them! Thon Hotel, Lofoten - Excellent location but again, the inclusive meal was disappointing as was the breakfast box provided on our departure. With regard to the city walking tours, the local guides in Oslo and Bergen were excellent. The guide in Trondheim was friendly but lacking in confidence and hence seemed to be disorganised. The guide in Lofoten was inexperienced and seemed to have an agenda to deliver at all costs but did not engage with the mood of the group and the rainy conditions. Our tour manager, Chris, sensitively and diplomatically curtailed this event, again with the full approval of the group. Our coach driver on Lofoten was excellent. He would communicate occasionally on tour but gave safe driving his top priority. Finally, this was "Great Rail Journeys"! and all the rail aspects of the holiday were excellent providing comfortable travel and great scenery. Particular highlights of the holiday were the Flam Railway, crossing into the Arctic Circle on the "Polar Express" (helped by the complementary provision of Prosecco!), the Sea-eagle Safari and midnight sun on the beach. Overall, this is a great package at great value and we have already had no hesitation recommending it to friends.

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A Byford

5 stars

Submitted 19/Jul

The best way to see Norway ! My wife and I felt that we were able to see and experience far more of the country by travelling across the land. However we did need trains ,planes coaches and ferries. The organisation was , as usual , superb and the hotels ( all of them ) were of a very good standard. Norway is an expensive country but an awful lot of the cost is included in this package. Thank you GRJ Alan and Joy Byford

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Lynne Barwick

5 stars

Submitted 16/Jul

The tour was excellent, the tour manager was first class and everything went off smoothly coaches tickets and guides all went according to plan. The only thing that was well below what would be expected was the included meals, with the exception of the hotel in Oslo. The quality was extremely poor and quite obviously done as cheaply as possible.

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customer

4 stars

Submitted 16/Jul

Amazing experience

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Jean-Pascal Beaudoin

5 stars

Submitted 15/Jul

It was our second trip booked with VBR/GRJ and once again it didn’t disappoint: Easy to book. Good communications from booking to end of trip. Quality itinerary, accommodation and food. Tour manager there to make the experience as seamless as possible. Lofoten Islands are the highlight of this tour. I suggest arriving two days in advance in Oslo to explore the city in more depth. Lots to see.

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