Overview

New for 2015 we expect this tour of Scandinavia to be extremely popular. This is a magnificent 8 night holiday into the land of the midnight sun visiting Stockholm, Bodø, Trondheim and Oslo along the way.

The Arctic Circle Train - Stockholm to Narvik
This train leaves Stockholm in the early evening, heading north passing through the cities of Uppsala, Sundsvall and Umeå before heading inland and crossing the Arctic Circle into the land of the midnight sun with dense forests, wide rushing rivers and some beautiful coastal scenery, especially around the High Coast. The stretch between Boden and Narvik is the route of the famous Iron Ore train. Kiruna is home to the world's largest underground mine and these mighty trains are regularly seen transporting their heavy cargo to the ports of Narvik or Luleå. Spectacular Arctic scenery and the famous gateway to the mountains, Lapporten, as you cross the international border at Riksgränsen from Sweden to Norway.

The Northern Railway - Bodø to Trondheim
Arguably the most famous train in Scandinavia with truly amazing coastal and mountain scenery as you cross the Arctic Circle. This is geographically the narrowest part of Norway and mountains rise out of the sea in this region. Snow-capped mountains, enclosed bays, 44 stations, 293 bridges and 154 tunnels all feature along the longest rail route (729km) in the Norwegian network. Simply magical!

The Dovre Railway - Trondheim to Oslo
This is a journey through scenic national parks, deep mountain valleys and features Gudbrandsdalen valley and the mighty Dovrefjell mountain range with the track rising to 1000m above sea level and the mountains towering above. You will also pass Mjøsa, Norway's largest lake and many wooden station buildings worthy of a quick photo when the train stops. A diverse journey from the ancient capital to current capital city with a vast expanse of beautiful scenery in the middle.

 

Itinerary

Day 1	Fly from UK to Stockholm
	Collect your 48hr Stockholm Tourist Card at the airport
	Check in to your centrally located hotel
	Time to explore Stockholm
Day 2	Breakfast at your hotel
	A day at leisure to explore Stockholm and the archipelago
Day 3	Breakfast at your hotel
	Day at leisure to explore Stockholm and the archipelago
	1755 departure on the "Arctic Circle Train" towards Lapland
	Private cabin on board
	Sit back, relax and enjoy the Swedish countryside
Day 4	Wake up in Swedish Lapland
	Crossing the Arctic Circle during the morning
	Enjoy the wilderness scenery towards Kiruna
	Between Kiruna and Narvik wonderful mountain scenery
	Cross the international border between Sweden and Norway at Riksgränsen
	1418 arrival in Narvik on the Norwegian coast.
	Check in to your hotel in the centre of Narvik
	Afternoon at leisure
Day 5	Breakfast at your hotel
	0700 long distance bus to Narvik
	You won't want to close your eyes! Enjoy the fjord and mountain scenery
	1317 arrival in Bodø
	Check in to your hotel
	Afternoon at leisure
Day 6	Breakfast at your hotel
	Morning at leisure in Bodø
	1230 departure on the Northern Railway to Trondheim - famous for the scenery
	Cross the Arctic Circle
	2200 arrival in Trondheim
	Check in to your hotel
Day 7	Breakfast at your hotel
	Day at leisure to explore the history and culture of Trondheim
Day 8	Breakfast at your hotel
	0825 departure on The Dovre Railway for Oslo
	Magical mountain scenery
	1500 arrival in Oslo
	Check in to your hotel
Day 9	Breakfast at your hotel
	Day at leisure in Oslo
	Afternoon flights back to UK
	Times are approximate

Accommodation

Rex Hotel - Stockholm

A refurbished town house from 1866, Hotel Rex provides comfort and privacy. Located in the exciting central area of Vasastan it is just a 2 minute walk to the underground and just a few minutes walk from major attractions such as the Vasa Museum, Stockholm harbour, shopping districts and a wide variety of restaurants.

This is where the locals live! The area around Rex Hotel is not on the beaten tourist trail. Instead you will find cosy bars and restaurants full of locals. The entire Stockholm region and beyond is quickly and easily accessible by the underground. All the rooms are en-suite and wifi is available throughout the hotel.

Please click on the image for more photos.

Arctic Circle Train - Sweden

A comfortable way to travel between Stockholm, Swedish Lapland and Narvik in northern Norway. The night train crosses the Arctic Circle and between the end of May and mid-August is in the land of the midnight sun. A true scenic wilderness, especially between Kiruna and Narvik through the mountains. There is something romantic about sleeping on the night train with the gentle rocking of the train and the ping, ping, ping of the level crossings.

You will be accommodated in a private sleeper cabin with space for 6, 3 or 2 people in bunk beds. Bathroom facilities are available in each carriage and you will also find a restaurant car in the middle of the train.

 

Quality Hotel Grand Royal - Narvik

Narvik is the end destination for the Arctic Circle Train from Stockholm and from where most of the iron ore mined in Kiruna is shipped around the world. It is also the scene of strategic battles during WWII as the allies as Nazis fought for control of the iron ore shipping routes in 1940 as Narvik provided an ice free port during the harsh winter months.

Quality Hotel Narvik is located in the centre of Narvik just a short distance from the railway station and with good bus connections to Bodø, Tromsø and the main airport at Evenes. There are 162 en-suite hotel rooms and wifi is available throughout the hotel.

Please click on the image for more photos.

Clarion Collection Hotel Grand - Bodø

Clarion Collection Hotel Grand was a victim of WWII. On 27th May 1940 Bodø was heavily bombed and the building was extensively damaged. In the dining room there is a mirror, which is one of the few items not to be damaged during the bombing raid.

This hotel, which dates from the 1850's, is now a modern hotel in the centre of Bodø reflecting the rich culture and long history of this northern city. You will find a relax area, warm atmospheric restaurant and 97 rooms just a 5 min walk from the railway station and the Hurtigruten Coastal Steamer quay.

Please click on the image for more photos.

Clarion Collection Grand Olav - Trondheim

Trondheim can be traced back to 997AD when it was founded as a trading post. It was the capital of Norway during the Viking Age and there is a long history and rich culture to explore. The Nidaros Cathedral has long been one of the most important religious sites in northern Europe and was built between 1070 and 1300over the burial site of King Olaf.

Clarion Collection Hotel Grand Olav is located in the centre of Trondheim close to the railway and bus station with excellent connections to the airport, Oslo and Bodø. There are 106 en-suite individual hotel rooms and wifi is available throughout the hotel. Afternoon tea is included along with a simple evening meal between 6pm and 9pm.

Please click on the image for more photos.

Royal Christiania - Oslo

Hotel Royal Christiania is situated less than 100m from the Central Station in Oslo, making it perfect for the airport train. The major shopping and entertainment districts and all the major tourist attractions are within easy reach and the waterfront is less than ten minutes walk away. When you've spent the day making the most of your stay in Oslo, relax in the pool and sauna.

Click on the image for more photos.

 

 

Turn the Norway trains into night trains

Night Trains in Norway

Some of the most famous night train journeys across Europe are in Norway.

The Northern Railway between Bodø and Narvik is 729km long and is famous for crossing the Arctic Circle into the land of the midnight sun and the spectacular Norwegian scenery. There are 44 stations, 293 bridges and 154 tunnels!

The Dovre Railway serves the 548km route between Oslo and Trondheim passing through the beautiful Dovre Mountain Range where you may see musk oxen. The line also follows the Gaula River, teeming with salmon and has a steep climb at Oppdal through the Driv Valley.

You will be accommodated in a private sleeper cabin with space for 2 people in twin beds. Bathroom facilities are available in each carriage and you will also find a restaurant car on-board.

Activities & Excursions

The joy of visiting these cities is the vast amount of attractions that appeal to so many different people, regardless of age, ability and interests. You can enjoy the energy, vitality and diversity of each of these breathtaking cities, but also luxuriate in the tranquillity and beauty of the surroundings. We don't have any set activities here other than providing tourist cards in Stockholm. Here are some links to the local tourism websites which we hope you will find useful:

Stockholm Tourism (tourist card included)

Bodø Tourism

Trondheim Tourism

Oslo Tourism

 

Dates

Almost daily departures throughout the year.

For the midnight sun we recommend the end of May to mid-August.

For northern lights we recommend October to March.

Prices

Prices from £1425 per person in a double / twin room

Supplements from
£395 single supplement

Price includes 
return flights from the UK
48hr Stockholm tourist cards
overnight trains with private cabins on a room only basis as detailed
day trains between Bodø and Trondheim, Trondheim and Oslo as detailed
hotel accommodation as detailed including breakfast
long distance coach between Narvik and Bodø

Gallery

Stockholm & Archipelago

Swedish Trains - Typical Views of Northern Sweden

Norwegian Trains - Typical Views of Norway

Oslo

Information

This is an extremely flexible holiday with the option of numerous stops along the way. For example we recommend a stop in Luleå, Swedish Lapland, for a visit to this beautiful archipelago or to Treehotel.

Alternative Hotels in Oslo

Alternative Hotels in Stockholm