Lofoten Islands & Svalbard Northern Lights Safari

Mar 31: Arrive Lofoten Islands

Arriving in in Oslo, you will catch a flight to Bodo where you will transfer to your connecting flight to Svolvaer in the Lofoten Islands (flight not included). This is a beautiful scenic flight over the sea and islands of the Norwegian coast. Upon your arrival to the stunning Lofoten Islands, you will be met by our local representative and transferred to your lodge. Staying in a comfortable cabin overlooking the sea, this is the perfect location for watching the Northern Lights. A welcome dinner and drinks will be served this evening. 

Overnight: Nyvagar Rorbu Hotel (D)

Apr 01: Lofoten Islands

After breakfast at your lodge, you will embark on a boat trip exploring the Lofoten Islands by sea. Sail past the impressive mountains of the Vest Fjord towards Trollfjord, one of the most beautiful and renowned places on the islands, looking out for local wildlife such as the protected white-tailed eagle. Continue on to Henningsvaer, a unique Arctic fishing village spread across several islands linked by bridges. Enjoy a traditional lunch in a local restaurant, before returning to your lodge to relax in the outdoor hot tub and sauna before dinner. After dinner, you’ll be on the lookout for the Northern Lights!

Overnight: Nyvagar Rorbu Hotel (B, L, D)

Apr 02: Lofoten Islands

Today you will take another scenic tour of the islands, this time exploring on land. Travel along the panoramic coastal roads of the islands, stopping to admire the pristine beaches, glacier valleys and granite mountains. Visit the small picturesque fishing village of Nusjford, partially built on wooden platforms over the sea in the foothills of the mountains, and enjoy lunch in a local restaurant. After lunch, head back towards your hotel along the scenic route, discovering new stops on the way.

Overnight: Nyvagar Rorbu Hotel (B, L, D)

Apr 03: Lofoten Islands - Tromsø

After breakfast, head out to explore the hills by snowshoe! Snowshoes have been used for centuries by the Indigenous communities of the Arctic territories, who have to survive long winters in the snow; the modern versions you’ll be using are made of lightweight aluminium, and fit any walking boots. The activity will be an easy hike lasting around 2-3 hours. Head back to the lodge for lunch, before transferring to the airport for your flight to Tromsø via Bodo. Around 4pm, you’ll arrive in Tromsø and transfer to your hotel by the harbour, with time to explore the city, before enjoying dinner at one of the best restaurants in town to sample the local Arctic specialties!

Apr 04: Tromsø - Svalbard

This morning, you will continue your journey north as you leave Tromsø behind and head up to the Arctic archipelago of Svalbard. Transfer to the airport to fly the 1 hour and 45 minutes before landing in Longyearbyen in the High Arctic. As you land at 78 degrees north, you’ll transfer to the northernmost town on the planet, where you can settle into your hotel and enjoy a light lunch in one of the small local restaurants. After a free afternoon, head out this evening on a snowmobiling experience. You will leave about 7pm to travel by snowmobile to the nearby mountains, accompanied by an expert guide, in the hope of sighting the Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights. Travel across the icy landscapes searching for these mystical lights, and enjoy dinner out in the wilderness, before returning to your hotel around midnight. Please note that to participate in the snowmobile tour you must have a valid driver’s licence.

Overnight: Svalbard Hotell Polfareren (B, L, D)

Apr 05: Full Day Snowmobiling

After breakfast, you will head out again on your snowmobiles. Make photographic stops along the way and look out for the wild Svalbard reindeer often seen on the route. The mountains at this time of year are covered in snow, and the landscape is spectacular. You will have your own snowmobile, and you’ll drive across the snow in the long-vanished footsteps of the old hunters and trappers as you stop at their abandoned cabins. Enjoy a remote expedition packed lunch. After an afternoon heading back to your hotel, make use of a free evening to explore the town on your own.

Overnight: Svalbard Hotell Polfareren (B, L)

Apr 06: Dog Sledding to the Ice Caves

This morning you will head out on a dog sledding expedition to the fascinating Svalbard ice caves. Meeting your team of huskies at Trapper's Station, you will learn how to prepare the sleds before setting off through the mountains of Bolterdalen Valley. After several hours of sledding across the snow, you will arrive at the ice caves. Explore the glistening caverns, filled with intricate ice formations that are illuminated by the light from your headtorch. After an expedition lunch, return to Trapper's Station to bid farewell to your dogs and enjoy a well-deserved cup of tea around the bonfire, sharing stories and anecdotes from the day's adventure.

Overnight: Svalbard Hotell Polfareren (B, L, D)

Apr 07: Depart Longyearbyen

After breakfast, bid farewell to your guides and fellow travellers and have a last wander through the town, before being transferred to the airport for your flight to Oslo (Flight included) in time to meet your international flight home (flight not included).