Across the Arctic Circle
Relax in Bergen, cross the Arctic Circle on board the Hurtigruten Coastal Steamer and spend three nights on the stunning Lofoten Islands.
Overview
Start this seven night holiday with a night in the gateway to the fjords. The picturesque city of Bergen is the southernmost calling point of the Hurtigruten Coastal Steamer and a picturesque city with a long history. The famous colourful wharf is on the UNESCO World Heritage list, there are spectacular view points around the city and a vast array of boat trips to deep fjords and steep mountains.
Your cruise starts by weaving through the outer Bergen archipelago and stopping in numerous picturesque fjord villages. These are working ships that continue to provide an essential communication link for isolated communities along the spectacular Norwegian coastline. Your second day on board is one of the most scenic days of this holiday. Starting in the Art Nouveau city of Ålesund the ship weaves through Storfjord and Sunnylvsfjord on the way to the famous Geirangerfjord.
Your final destination is Svolvær and the stunning Lofoten Islands. You will take a step back in time as you stay in the traditional rorbeur (fishermen’s cabins) at the water's edge. Fishing, Viking history and the Sami culture all have an important part to play in everyday life on the Lofoten Islands. You will see 'drying racks' where fish are still dried in the old-fashioned manner and small villages surrounding scenic harbours, protected by snow-capped mountains. We do recommend you rent a car locally as this is the best way to get around.
Highlights of this holiday
The city of Bergen, the boat excursions and scenery around Bergen, the scenic cruise, crossing the Arctic Circle and the magical Lofoten Islands.
Suggested Itinerary
| Day 1 | Flights from UK to Bergen |
| Self transfer to Bergen city centre | |
| Check in to your hotel | |
| Time to explore Bergen | |
| Day 2 | Breakfast at your hotel |
| Day to explore Bergen | |
| Day 3 | Breakfast at your hotel |
| Day to explore Bergen | |
| 2000 departure from Bergen | |
| 3 course evening meal on board | |
| Day 4 | Breakfast |
| Day on board - Ålesund region | |
| The ship visits the famous Geirangerfjord | |
| 3 course evening meal | |
| Day 5 | Breakfast |
| Day on board | |
| Optional excursion in Trondheim | |
| 3 course evening meal | |
| Day 6 | Breakfast |
| Cross from Bodo towards the Lofoten Islands | |
| 3 course evening meal | |
| 2200 arrival in Svolvaer | |
| Transfer to Svinoya Rorbeur (fishermen's cabins) | |
| Day 7 | Breakfast |
| Time to explore the beautiful region of Svolvaer and the Lofoten Islands | |
| Day 8 | Breakfast |
| Time to explore the beautiful region of Svolvaer and the Lofoten Islands | |
| Day 9 | Breakfast |
| Transfer to Svolvaer airport | |
| Flights back to UK (via Bodo & Oslo) | |
| Times are approx. |
Accommodation
Hotel Admiral - Bergen
The Admiral Hotel is located on the quayside in Bergen. Half of the rooms offer a harbour view and views of the historic quay just across the water. You will also find a cosy waterside terrace. The hotel is conveniently located just a couple of minutes’ walk from shops, bars and restaurants and the airport bus stop is handily located close to the tourist office on the quayside.
There is lots to do and we recommend a visit to the tourist office. There are several fjord excursions including the Hardanger- and Sognefjords. The famous Flåm railway is easily accessible and the train to / from Oslo offers spectacular scenery. A guided walk is a good idea to obtain local knowledge. Admire the views from the funicular (in the city) or take the cable car to the top of the 'seven mountains'.
Click on the image for more photos.
Hurtigruten Coastal Steamer
A fleet of 11 ships cruise the beautiful Norwegian fjords taking you through breathtaking scenery and giving you the opportunity to see natural phenomena, such as the midnight sun and the Northern Lights from Bergen in the south to Kirkenes in the far north.
The journey is quite spectacular and you won't spend much time in your cabin. You must be on deck or in the panoramic lounges to witness this jaw-dropping scenery. Click on the photo to the left to see the typical cabins on board.
You will be accommodated in an unspecified outside cabin.
Svinoya - Traditional Fishermens Cabins
You will find these traditional fishermen’s cabins (rorbeur) just 600m from the centre of Svolvaer on a group of small islands, connected to the mainland by bridge.
There are 30 original or newly built rorbeur close to the water’s edge. Each cabin has been furnished to a modern standard and is located on the small islands just outside Svolvaer. They are well equipped with living room / kitchen, bedroom(s) and bathroom with WC and shower. The cabins have between one and three bedrooms with space for between two and six people in double / twin beds.
alternative accommodation in Svolvaer
Svinoya - Rorbeur Suites
There are eight modern rorbeur suites at the water's edge in Svolvaer. Each rorbeur has approx 115sqm of living space, three double / twin bedrooms, two bathrooms, a sauna, a fireplace, a private balcony and a waterfront terrace, plus a fully equipped kitchen including a dishwasher. These outstanding rorbeur have space for up to eight people (including a sofa bed) and are an ideal location for friends and families to explore the nature and beauty of the Lofoten Islands.
Activities & Excursions
Bergen
Plenty to see and do for all tastes. Take a look at the Bergen tourism website.
Hurtigruten - between Bergen & Svolvaer
2B GEIRANGER WITH TROLLSTIGEN PASS
£164 PER PERSON
View the UNESCO listed Geirangerfjord from the viewpoints along the Eagle Road before heading off towards Trollstigen. This National Tourist Route has 11 hairpin bends. A great chance to see the mountain scenery inland. At the bottom of Trollstigen there is time for some light snacks and a drink. Drive through the rolling Romsdalsfjord landscape before enjoying an evening meal in Molde and re-joining your ship. Duration:7hr30 Available 2nd Jun-1st Sep.
3A NIDAROS CATHEDRAL & RINGVE MUSEUM
£51 PER PERSON
Trondheim - Norway's third largest city with a spectacular Gothic style cathedral. Marvel at the cathedral’s incredible architectural details and exquisite works of art. After a guided tour of the cathedral, you have some free time to explore. From Nidaros Cathedral, the bus takes you to the Ringve Museum of Musical History, where your enthusiastic tour guide will bring the history of Norway’s music to life. Duration:3hr Available 3rd Apr-2nd Sep.
4A SVARTISEN GLACIER
£170 PER PERSON
This excursion is about Norway's largest glacier, stunning archipelago scenery and the sea eagle (Europe's largest bird of prey). Transfer to a small boat to weave between the islands, see the glacier from a distance and keep your camera close by just in case the sea eagle is near. Svartisen Tourist Centre offers you a warm drink and the centre’s varied buffet of delicious cakes as you admire the beauty of this enigmatic ice world. Duration: 6hr Available1st May-30th Sep.
4F LOFOTR VIKING FEAST
£101 PER PERSON
Viking history is important to the Lofoten Islands so a visit to the Lofotr Viking Museum is recommended. On the trip to Lofotr, the guide will tell you about the Viking Ages, the museum and how life was for the Vikings who lived here. Upon arrival we are invited in to experience the chieftain’s house, which has been recreated in full size, and features exhibits of finds from the Viking Age. The chieftain and the lady of the house welcome us to join them for a real Viking feast in the banquet hall; a taste of the Viking Age, with traditional food, costumes, singing and dancing in authentic surroundings. Afterwards travel to Svolvaer to rejoin your ship. Duration:3hr Available 1st Apr-30th Sep.
Svolvaer
TROLLFJORD & SEA EAGLE SAFARI
£73 PER PERSON
£37 PER CHILD
A scenic boat tour through the Lofoten archipelago to Trollfjord. Sea eagles (Europe's largest bird of prey) are common in this area and there is a good chance of seeing one. This is a 3hr tour with daily departures between 15th Jun and 15th Aug. Departs from the centre of Svolvaer.
SEA KAYAKING
£120 PER PERSON- HALF DAY
£184 PER PERSON - FULL DAY
See this amazing location from the sea and under your own steam. Your experienced guide will show you the best places to visit. The location of this tour will depend on sea and weather conditions on the day. You will be provided with sea kayak, cag, poggies and transfer. Daily departures. Must be booked at least three weeks prior to departure.
BIKE & HIKE
£67 PER PERSON
The perfect mixture of walking and cycling in stunning surroundings to find a scenic viewpoint. 5hr tour. Departs from Svolvaer centre. Daily departures. Must be booked at least three weeks prior to departure.
3HOUR MOUNTAIN HIKE
£48 PER PERSON
Hike to a viewpoint above Svolvaer with an experienced guide. Departs from Svolvaer centre. Daily departures. Must be booked at least three weeks prior to departure.
TROLLFJORD - RIB SAFARI
£84 PER PERSON
A RIB tour to Trollfjord and back. Open sea, fresh air, crystal clear water, steep mountains, sea eagles and sandy beaches! Not suitable for those with back problems. The boats are of a very high standard and are 36 feet (11 metres) in length. This is a 1hr30 to 2hr tour with daily departures between 1st Jun and 31st Aug.
Dates
This holiday is available all year.
As a midnight sun holiday this is available late May, June, July to mid-August
It is a Northern Lights holiday from October to March!
Prices
From £2295 per person based on 2 people in double / twin
Single supplement from £325
Price includes
Flights from UK to Bergen
2 nights b&b in Bergen
3 night cruise in unspecified outside cabin incl half board
3 nights in a traditional rorbeur in Svolvaer incl breakfast
Transfer to Svolvaer airport
Flights back to UK
Information
