Day 1 – Arrive Oslo.
Welcome to Norway!
Arrive at Oslo International Airport. You will be met and *transferred to our hotel. The journey takes about 45 minutes, depending on traffic. *If on suggested flights. A Private Transfer will be booked otherwise.
Our accommodation is The Hub, a vibrant gathering place in the middle of Oslo.
Take some time to rest after your flight. Depending on when you arrive, you may want to explore some of Oslo’s landmarks close to the hotel. The popular area of Aker Brygge is within walking distance, with its many seaside restaurants and shopping opportunities.
Tonight, we will meet in Norda, the hotel restaurant for a light dinner so we can all meet each other and go over our upcoming journey. Then an early night after a long flight.
Overnight: The Hub, Oslo (Light Dinner)
Day 2 – Oslo.
After breakfast this morning, we meet our local guide in the lobby and set off for a guided tour through Oslo with focus on modern city development, art and architecture. Our tour will include icons such at the Opera House and Deichman Library, two iconic parts of the fjord city development.
We will pass such national landmarks as the Parliament building, with its two imposing lion statues at the main entrance, the Cathedral, the National Theatre and the magnificent Royal Palace, the official residence of the present Norwegian Monarch.
We will stop for lunch in a restaurant located in the hills just above Oslo, with a stunning view of the inner Oslo fjord, the city and the Opera House.
We will have entry to the new Munch Museum, an art museum dedicated to the life and works of the Norwegian artist Edvard Munch, best known for The Scream.
You may also drop into the new National Museum, a museum which is truly a colossus of Norwegian art and will combine the collections of the Norwegian Museum of Decorative Arts and Design, the Museum of Contemporary Art, and the National Gallery all under one very large roof.
This evening, we can all meet for a Cocktail in the bar, and then head out for a casual dinner at a local favourite where the wines are biodynamic and organic, and the sharing dishes are made from mostly local and organic produce, and change according to season.
Overnight: The Hub, Oslo (B / L / D)
Day 3 – To Bergen
Today is a big day. So grab your book, your earbuds and throw on your comfy pants!
After breakfast, we walk across to the train station. (Our main luggage will be forwarded to Bergen, so we will only carry our day bags). The Bergen Railway is a six.5-odd hour trip between Oslo and Bergen that’s been voted one of the world’s most beautiful train journeys: it is the scenic mountain track to the fjords.
Our journey takes us through some of the absolute highlights of Norwegian nature: forested valleys, stunning fjords, and Northern Europe’s largest high mountain plateau, Hardangervidda. The Bergen Railway, built in 1909, is Northern Europe’s highest railway line, with Finse being the highest train station at 1,222 metres above sea level. With almost 500 kilometres of railway, we have a unique opportunity to experience many of the dramatic contrasts one finds in Norwegian nature. *We will be travelling in Plus, so we will have an extra comfy travel experience.
Upon arrival at Bergen train station, we will be transferred to our hotel, the Skostredet Hotel. Our stunning accommodation is a contemporary boutique hotel immersed in Bergen’s historic bar and restaurant area. With a perfect balance between Scandinavian craftsmanship and Japanese finesse, the hotel is a green oasis that invites calm and well-being.
After a long day, your evening is free.
Overnight: Skostredet Hotel. (B)
Day 4 – Bergen
This morning we wake up in the ‘Gateway to the Fjords’.
We meet our guide and enjoy a private walking tour in the beautiful Hanseatic town including the fish market, the old Hanseatic warehouses, the cathedral (exterior only) and many charming wooden houses, as well as the fortress. We will combine history, culture, food and everyday life as we walk through both the most famous attractions of Bergen and the off-the-beaten-path parts of the city. From medieval architectural gems such as Håkon’s Hall and St. Mary’s Church to the heritage buildings at Bryggen; from the old fish market to the new one and from the former city halls to the heart of the city at Byparken.
We ride by the funicular to Mount Fløyen for a panoramic view of Norway. The route winds its way down from the mountain with many twists and turns, passing fantastic views and charming old wooden buildings. When you are almost at the bottom, you will see Skansedammen; in winter it’s frequented by ice skaters.
We will stop for coffee, hot chocolate and the famous, and delicious, Bergen Skillingsbolle. The skillingsbolle has been Bergen’s favourite pastry for over 500 years, and originates from Bergen. You should never leave Bergen without having devoured at least one!
Surrounded by the sea, deep fjords and high mountains and with ample access to fertile mountain pastures, the region surrounding Bergen produces first-rate produce from the sea and land. Its rich traditional culinary culture and access to produce from magnificent surroundings provide the inspiration for creative and innovative cuisine. Tonight we meet to dine together at a Food & Wine Bar with a focus on high-quality, local, seasonal ingredients; sustainability and authentic food at its core. The menu is simple but thoughtfully crafted, always aligned with the seasons and featuring ingredients from local fishermen, divers, hunters, and farmers.
Overnight: Skostrdet Hotel. (B / D)
Day 5 – Bergen
Today is a free day to enjoy Bergen. Whatever it is you choose to do, we will be there to guide you and help you book anything that needs booking.
Visit Arven Silverfactory. Arven offers a wide range of beautiful silverware and unique jewellery, all handcrafted and made in the heart of Bergen. You can watch our goldsmiths and silversmiths at work through a 40-metre-long glass wall in our shop. Visit Oleana. This shop is known for exclusive Norwegian knitwear. Here you will find sweaters, shawls, accessories and Norwegian craft tradition. Visit The Apothecary to find your signature scent. Elegant atmosphere, delicate interior and a shop full of perfume brands. Here you can discover your own signature scent, in addition to finding everything from skin care to delicate shirts. Or more here: Shopping.
Indulge in a spa and sauna. A day trip on the water. Or spend the day wandering the galleries.
Tonight could be a great opportunity to enjoy a fantastic splash out meal at Cornelius. Seafood in Bergen has always been at the heart of the city’s culinary culture, and the sea off Bergen abounds with tasty delicacies. A boat will take you to the restaurant and the journey will take about 30 minutes with views to the skerries, fjord, and the bustling life along the coast from Bryggen wharf in the city to ‘Holmen’ Island. Inspired by the weather of the day, Cornelius serves its famous Meteorological Menu of exquisite seafood and trimmings, prepared using innovative culinary techniques and with a genuine passion for seafood.
Overnight: Skostrdet Hotel (B)
Day 6 – Kvitnes Gård
Today we leave Bergen and begin our journey towards Kvitnes farm, situated at the foot of the Møysalen mountain, on Hinnøya island in Vesterålen. Vesterålen, lying north of Lofoten, is an archipelago of green islands surrounded by whales, seals, and seabirds. It is inhabited by coastal people who have lived there since the Stone Age.
First up this morning we are transferred to the Bergen airport where we catch a flight to Evenes (via Bodø). We then have a 2 hour private transfer to Kvitnes Gård.
Kvitnes Gård is a culinary adventure waiting to be explored among the fjords of the Arctic. As soon as you step into the centuries-old ancestral home of chef Halvar Ellingsen – now a fine-dining restaurant and guesthouse – I can assure you that your time here will be nothing short of extraordinary. Ellingsen was the youngest chef to be named Norway’s best chef and returned ‘home’ in 2015 to refocus his exacting standards on growing, harvesting and refining the spoils of northern Norway.
The menus are not just about food, they are a journey through the local ingredients and the history of the region. The raw materials prepared at the restaurant come mainly from the farm which has its own garden and animals. Aside from sugar, flour and wine, they aim to exclusively use local ingredients from Vesterålen, Senja and Lofoten. Every day is different, and menus are never repeated. This is an experience – not a meal.
We stay the night in the gorgeous, rustic rooms of the farm.
Overnight: Kvitnes Gård (B / D)
Day 7 – Lofoten Islands
This morning we will likely wake up to the sound of sheep singing or to a grunt from one of the pigs. Breakfast continues in the same style as dinner, where you get fresh bread, eggs from the chickens and lamb roll from their own animals. After a lazy breakfast, we take a wander around the farm. Ellingsen and his team grow all their own vegetables on the farm. They also have sheep, pigs, cows, ducks, hens, quail, and lots of other animals that produce food for the restaurant – they use whole animals as much as possible. Other animals are just used to help run the farm; for example, the ducks eat snails that would eat the vegetables.
After our morning tour, we transfer to Ballstad Village & our accommodations. Hattvika Lodge is a rorbu, historic fishermen’s cottages with views of the Norwegian Sea. For generations, Hattvika has been the address for fishermen during the legendary Lofoten fishing season, and today the fisherman’s cabins are available for us to sleep in. (*NOTE: The rorbu’s are shared apartments. Each Guest has their own bedroom, but a bathroom is shared between 2 people.
The world’s only Cod Liver Oil Taste Depot is located at Hattvika Lodge. Lofoten’s history is based on the Lofoten fishery – the world’s largest fishing takes place just outside your cottages. Cod Liver Oil has traditionally been used by locals as light oil, for paints fisherman cottages and vitamin supplements. This is pure Omega-3. At Hattvikholmen, millions of bottles of Cod Liver Oil are produced annually and you, as a guest, can get your daily dose from the Cod Liver Oil Taste Depot.
Overnight: Hattvika Lodge – Fishermen Cabin (B / D)
Day 8 – Lofoten Islands
Lofoten is epic, featuring huge contrasts between dizzying peaks, bone-white Arctic beaches and pastures that form the foundation of some of the most incredible food. It’s also the Kingdom of the Weather Gods—the constantly changing climatic conditions, light and seasons are an attraction in themselves. The combination of the untamed ocean and stormy seas, jagged alpine mountains plunging into the water, tiny, sheltered fishing villages and white beaches with crystal clear waters will never cease to enchant you.
Today is a little fluid, but rest assured, we have some great sightseeing on hand. We will be driving on Scenic Route Lofoten, and will make sure not to miss Dan Graham’s glass construction. This piece of art has reflecting walls that display the magical Arctic beauty of winter in Lofoten.
Our host will guide us through the picturesque landscape, typical for the Lofoten islands. Along the way we will stop at the mandatory photo stops before ending in lovely Henningsvær.
We spend the afternoon wandering Henningsvær, delighting in the local Arts scene and boutique stores.
We can have lunch at Lysstøperiet Cafe (own account) and indulge in a fabulous Cinnamon or vanilla bun.
We dine tonight at Lofoten Food Studio. Chef Roy Magne Berglund transformed his garage into a chef’s counter and built a fine dining restaurant right in his backyard. In his culinary playground, he crafts tasting menus inspired by the four seasons, using local ingredients from Lofoten. His twelve-seat communal counter connects visiting foodies from around the world. Berglund cooks every dish, washes every plate, pours every glass of wine, and shakes every cocktail. This makes the experience feel more like you’re dining in someone’s home than sitting in a restaurant.
Overnight: Hattvika Lodge (B / D)
Day 9 – Lofoten Island
This morning, we take a drive to the Lofotr Viking Museum. We will see the world’s longest reconstructed longhouse; a reconstruction of the original Chieftain’s House. The reconstruction is adjacent to the original site where the archaeological excavations took place. Smell the tar and fire, hear the local Norse stories, learn about crafts and experience how people lived in the Viking Age. We will have access to the Exhibition rooms, using an audio guide system.
From here, we travel to Bøstad to Lofoten-Gardsysteri, an organic and bio dynamic cheese farm. Here, Marielle and Hugo make cheeses that have won both gold and silver in the National Championships. We have an afternoon introduction course to cheese making. We will participate in making the cheese they sell in the farm shop. We will learn about the whole process from when the dairy is milked, until it ends up on our plate as a cheese. We will also get an introduction to organic farming and the entire biological cycle on the farm. And of course, there will be cheese tasting!
We return to Ballstad. Dinner this evening will be light and easy at Fangst. As after dinner, we will escape into the darkness on the hunt for the Northern Lights. The natural phenomenon Aurora Borealis is a fantastic sight and is best experienced in places with minimal artificial light, preferably out in nature where reflections in the sea, mountains and a fantastic landscape make this an experience out of the ordinary. Our guide will escort us around the archipelago in a private vehicle to some of the best spots to experience the northern lights according to the night’s forecast.
Overnight: Hattvika Lodge (B / L / D)
Day 10 – Hurtigruten Overnight Cruise
We have a free day today before transferring to Stamsund this evening to board our overnight Hurtigruten cruise to Tromsø. We transfer from Hatvikka at approx 6.30pm, with our boat departing Stamsund at 7.40pm.
Perhaps a harbour sauna is called for. Spending time recuperating with private access to the sauna overlooking the ocean is just about perfect. And if you’re feeling really brave, why not take a dip in the ocean to cool off?
Or maybe a bit of sea kayaking? Lofoten’s beautiful surroundings and deep fjords offer perfect surroundings for kayaking experiences. Local guides are available from basecamp in Hattvika.
We transfer to Stamsund at approx 7pm, and board our boat, which departs at 7.40pm. Our overnight voyage on board our Hurtigruten cruises through narrow fjords and past wild mountains to Tromsø, a city characterised by hunting and fishing, polar expeditions, and courage. It is also the land of the Sami, Norway’s indigenous people. This overnight is part of the Norwegian Coastal Express, a 130-year-old route, connecting the coastal communities of Norway. And possibly, you will see the Northern Lights dancing across the skies in the evening.
Tonight, we dine on board on board, in the a-la carte restaurant. After dinner, there will be time to rest before we head out on deck for Aurora spotting.
Overnight: Hurtigruten Cruise (B / D)
Day 11 – To Tromsø
We continue sailing along the Coastal Route towards Tromsø. For your time on board, we recommend that you explore the ship and simply enjoy the beautiful Arctic nature that flows by outside the large panoramic windows. There is also a well-equipped gym on deck 7, a jacuzzi on deck 8 and a sauna.
Arrival in Tromsø is estimated to be approx. 2.30pm.
Tromsø is located in the middle of the Northern Lights Oval, which is the area with the highest probability of seeing the lights. This means that there will always be good chances of Northern Lights, regardless of the sun’s cycles. This natural phenomenon can be observed late August to April, depending on the weather conditions and solar activity. If the sky is clear, you might be able to see the Northern Lights right above the city. (Note: Aurora can be a shy diva, so there are NO promises.)
When we arrive in Tonight we will be picked up and taken by minibus on another chase for the magical Northern Lights. We will leave the city lights behind us and drive to where we expect the evening’s best weather conditions. On some nights this may lead us to the coast around Tromsø, on other nights we may drive all the way into Finland! If conditions allow, we will stop at a scenic spot and light a bonfire and enjoy some Norwegian hotdogs & hot drinks. On some nights, the Aurora appears right away; on other nights, we have to be patient. Sometimes we see a faint greenish line across the horizon; sometimes it’s a bucket full of colors dancing in the sky. NOTE: This evening is specifically designed for those who are up for a real chase, which often involves traveling long distances and returning late.
Overnight: Scandic Vervet (B / L / D – Hot Dogs & Hot Drinks)
Day 12 – Tromsø
From November to January, the whales swim to the fjords on the hunt for herring. This morning, we board a boat and head out to sea to go whale watching to see orcas, humpback whales, and mink whales and feel your heart beat a little faster as they gracefully breach in the frosty air. (Note: climate, hunting grounds, and weather can influence when whales appear).
Northern Norway is unique for whale watching all year round, but orcas and humpback whales crowd the fjords in winter. No one knows what the day will bring, because as with any other safari, it is the animals that decide when to appear. However, your chances here are good. The sea areas off Skjervøy, north of Tromsø, are the whales’ hunting grounds. From November to January, these giant marine mammals migrate towards the coast in search of herring.
The wildlife is not the only impressive part of a whale watching safari. The whale watching season coincides with a period of large variations in light. The Polar Night in Tromsø stretches from around 27 November to 15 January. However, there is not constant darkness. When the sky brightens for a while in the middle of the day, you may get a magical mix of dusk and dawn. It’s hard to beat the sight of a whale fin in front of pink polar skies and snow-capped mountains.
Lunch will be a warm stew on board.
This amazing, and once in a lifetime journey, is an all-day excursion. On return to Tromsø and our hotel, your evening is free.
Overnight: Scandic Vervet (B / L)
Day 13 – Tromsø
The Sami are the indigenous people of the north. Even though the Sami are now part of modern society, they maintain ancient traditions such as joik, handicrafts and reindeer husbandry. The Sami people have always adapted their traditional way to the nature around them. For centuries, the Sami have lived by hunting, fishing, farming and reindeer husbandry. We are often asked if it’s possible to visit Sami settlements, but such settlements no longer exist in Norway. The Sami are part of our modern society, live in towns and villages and are involved in all occupations. However, the Sami traditions remain strong, as they have for hundreds of years.
We will be picked up in Tromsø and hop on a 45-minute’ drive to our guide’s camp. Upon arrival, we will be greeted by our Sami guide. We enjoy a 25-30-minute sleigh ride as the reindeer guide us around the valley and along the coast.
Afterwards, we will have the opportunity to feed 300 of these magnificent animals before entering the range. You will learn more about these amazing animals while enjoying the views with the Lyngen Alps in the background and enjoying this patch of Arctic paradise.
We then head to the Gamme (modern-traditional Sami hut) for a hot drink and a warm tasty Biddos, the traditional Sami reindeer stew. Inside the Gamme, our guide will tell you more about life in the Arctic, Sami knowledge and culture, and will show you a collection of Sami artifacts and clothing. The most important part of the Sami experiences is the storytelling, and it is easy to be fascinated by the Sami’s proud history and mythology.
We should arrive back in Tromsø at about 3pm, and you have the afternoon free. Perhaps spend the time discovering the classic symbols of Tromsø like the Cable Car and Arctic Cathedral. You can visit several museums like the Polar Museum, the Arctic University Museum of Norway, The Science Centre, Troll Museum and the Northern Norway Art Museum.
Tonight we will meet and head out for light dinner at a local Gastro Wine Bar that focuses on both internationally and locally inspired dishes, tasty cocktails and carefully selected wines. The menu is constantly changing to follow the seasons.
Overnight: Scandic Vervet (B / L / D)
Day 14 – To Oslo
This morning, we fly back to Oslo for a final night in the capital before our international departures the following day.
We check back into The Hub, and settle in.
This afternoon, as a final Nordic treat, I suggest we pack our swimmers (or not!) and head to The Well, the largest spa in the Nordic region. The Well is a wellness center with bathing traditions from around the world. You can disconnect from the outside world and experience 11 different pools, 15 various saunas and steam baths, more than 100 showers, waterfalls, a Japanese bathhouse with an onsen, an Oriental hammam and amazing treatments.
This evening, we will celebrate our Nordic journey with a casual farewell dinner at an informal gourmet restaurant where the kitchen is constantly challenging itself to create new and exciting flavour combinations inspired by Scandinavian cuisine. A perfect way to end our journey through Norway.
Overnight: The Hub, Oslo (B / Farewell Dinner)
Day 15 – Departure
Departure day. (B)
Depending on your flight time, you may have some time this morning to enjoy a last-minute stroll before being transferred to Oslo Airport to either fly home or further your travels in Europe.
*Departure Transfers are not included.
*The best way to get to the airport is by Airport Express from the Central Station across the road.
*A Private Transfer may be booked if you wish.
