Above the Arctic Circle

northern norway midnight sun north cape vnor

Above the Arctic Circle

from £1751 excluding flights

14 nights
Jun-Sep

Customers rate Discover the World

Average score 4.8/5 Based on 1220 reviews. Powered by Feefo

Highlights

Explore captivating Tromso City with it's many attractions

swedish lapland abisko lapporten gap summer istk

Enjoy Sweden's beautiful Abisko National Park

Explore under the long days of the midnight sun

Sample the Finnish fells and myriad lakes

finland traditional sami handicraft bag istk

Learn about the region's rich Sami heritage

norway north cape globe midnight sun istk

Visit North Cape, the northernmost point in Europe

Why this trip...

Tailor made

This itinerary can be tailor made to suit you and is intended to give you a guideline of what is possible in a given timeframe

Well-researched route

We've put our years of experience into creating this well-paced itinerary that includes the places we know you'll enjoy

Culture

Experience local culture and heritage as part of this holiday

Overview

Marvel at stunning scenery and picturesque open roads on this self drive across Finland, Norway and Sweden, bathed in the midnight sun. Experience the best of Lapland under the light nights of the Arctic summer on this comprehensive exploration of lakes, fjords, waterways, national parks and more, and get a true feel for this Sami heartland.

Hike and bike along the forest trails, see reindeer roaming freely and enjoy true summer wilderness. From the lakes and forests of Finland, venture north to the rugged mountains and fjords of Norway. Stand on the North Cape 307m above sea level and look out to where the Atlantic and Arctic Oceans meet, hike in the spectacular Lyngenfjord and explore the beautiful island of Senja, with its outstanding white sand beaches. Venture into Sweden and spend time hiking in the Abisko National Park.

This itinerary may cover what is collectively known as Lapland, but the diversity of these three countries is easily distinguishable, and equally spectacular. Activities offered are varied: hiking; walking; canoeing; fishing; cycling to name a few – with several national parks on the itinerary you’ll enjoy a lot of Lapland’s great outdoors as well as some lovely hotels along the way.

Itinerary

On arrival in Kiruna collect your rental vehicle and drive east to the famous Icehotel. Approximate distance 14 km / driving time 15 minutes. Spend two nights at the Icehotel. The stay is based in hotel style rooms, but you have the option to spend a night in one of the Ice rooms in Icehotel 365.

Icehotel Accommodation

365 icehotel deluxe suite raindrop prelude ak

Find out about room types and dining options at the inspiring and totally 'cool' Icehotel in Swedish Lapland.

There are many optional activities for you to take part in at the Icehotel. These include white water rafting, tree top challenge park, learn how to survive in the wilderness or create your own ice masterpiece with an ice sculpting class.

swedish lapland river rafting icehotel ak

swedish lapland jukkasjarvi wilderness skills guide icehotel ak

swedish lapland icehotel27 ice sculpting

Cross the border over to Finland and continue to Inari, the centre for Sami culture. Visit the Sami museum Siida, and other places to check out are Ukko Island, The Wilderness Church of Lake Pielpa and fell areas with hiking opportunities. Stay two nights Wilderness Hotel Inari.
(Approx 473 km / 6 hours)

Explore the Sami heartland, go canoeing or hiking, take a boat trip in Lemmenjoki National Park, the largest in Finland, famous for its gold rich rivers so give gold panning a try.

finnish lapland view across lake inari summer istk

finnish lapland inari reindeer grazing in summer istk

Drive North West and leave Finland behind, crossing the border to Norway. On the journey stop off for lunch at Karasjok, the Sami Capital and explore the town before continuing on to Hammerfest.
(Approx 332 km / 4.5 hours)

Hammerfest is one of the oldest towns in Norway. It is a compact town but it a busy town. There are many shops, restaurants and museums to visit including The Royal and Ancient Polar Bear Society and the Museum of Post War Reconstruction. Alternatively you can drive to the northernmost point in Europe, North Cape. With its cliff face jutting into the sea, the plateau rises 307 metres above sea level. The visitor centre holds various exhibitions throughout the year, and the chapel St Johannes Kapell is the world’s northernmost ecumenical chapel. The North Cape island of Magerøya harbours other secrets. Visit the bird cliff of Gjesvaerstappan, home to hundreds of thousands of puffins, gannets and cormorants, or go fishing for giant king crabs and eat the tasty monsters afterwards (Approx 206 km / 3 hours each way).

Leaving Hammerfest behind, drive south to Alta. Visit the modern and elegant Cathedral of the Northern Lights or the Alta Museum with samples of its famous rock art which dates back to 4200 BC. Alta also makes and ideal lunch stop. Then continue west along the coast with amazing views to the Lyngen alps and Sorkjosen. Two nights at Hotel Reisafjord.
(Approx 342 km / 5 hours)

Spend the day enjoying this magnificent area, beautiful Lyngenfjord and the lush green Lyngen Alps which rise to 1800m. Go hiking or perhaps take a boat trip to see the Midnight Sun.

Drive south west on the coastal road enjoying the scenic beauty of mountains and fjords. Follow the signs to Tromso, the main city in Northern Norway and enjoy a two night stay at Clarion Collection Hotel Aurora.

northern norway djupvik village lyngen alps istk

norway tromso view of scandic ishavshotel istk

Tromso city has many attractions to visit and with plenty of cafes and restaurants you will be spoilt for choice. Outside the city there are also plenty of activities to enjoy, with midnight sun cruises, fishing trips and even the Polar zoo an option.

Continue south to Nordkjosbotn and then west to Finnsnes, the gateway to Senja. Continue to the west coast to the small hamlet of Hamn. Alternatively, there is a ferry route from Brensholmen (1 hour drive from Tromso) to Botnhamn on the northern tip of Senja, then drive along the coast to Hamn. Spend two nights at Hamn I Senja
(Approx 210 km / 3 hours)

Discover the striking scenery along the Senja National Tourist Route, a 90km stretch of road on the island of Senja. The peaked mountain tops, white sand beaches and rolling hills make this island one of the most beautiful along the Norwegian coast. Explore the colourful fishing hamlets, hike along the marked pathways or perhaps be a fisherman for the day!

northern norway hikers resting at viewpoint senja istk

norway senja walkway to beach okshornan peaks devils jaw istk

Drive back towards Finnsnes and continue south to Narvik, then head east on the road to Sweden, over the mountain pass from Bjornfjell to Riksgransen with beautiful mountain and lake views. Cross the border into Sweden and continue to Abisko National Park for a two night stay at SFT Abisko Turistation.
(Approx 260 km / 4 hours)

SFT Abisko Turistation

abisko mountain station exterior swedish lapland rth

SFT Abisko Turistation is the only hotel located within Abisko National Park

Time to explore the beautiful Abisko National Park, well known for its excellent hiking and outdoor pursuits – it enjoys one of the sunniest climes in the country due to its rain shadow position. Spend time in the great outdoors whether hiking, mountain biking, canoeing or maybe fishing.

Return to Kiruna for your flight back home. (Approx 110km / 1.5 hours)

Accommodation Options

We have selected properties for this holiday as referenced in the itinerary. However, with a wide choice of accommodation in the region, we can mix and match different grades and styles to suit your personal preference.

Discuss your options with our Travel Specialists.

Prices and Departures

Price from £1751 excluding flights

Airfares are quoted separately to the holiday price. When enquiring, our Travel Specialists will provide the best fare possible from your preferred airline / airport.
Note: Airfares tend to be cheaper the earlier you book.

What's Included

Accommodation in rooms with private bathroom
All breakfasts, 4 dinners
Car rental throughout
24 hour emergency assistance from our team during your holiday
No surcharge guarantee
Full financial protection

This itinerary starts from around £1,751 per person, based on 2 sharing a room with private bathroom in standard hotels, and rental of an intermediate vehicle.

Prices may vary depending on departure date and booking date, as well as any changes to the included components. The final cost of a tailored holiday will be based on the level of accommodation, size of vehicle, included activities, travel season, and how far in advance it is booked. We will confirm the exact price for your holiday in your individual quotation, based on your chosen travel dates and inclusions.

Please note, during the month of July 2024 Kiruna Airport is closed due to maintance. The holiday will be based in and out of Tromso during this time.

Choice of Vehicles

We would always recommend a 4WD for winter travel, but many clients also prefer the greater security and comfort that a larger vehicle provides year round – upgrade your vehicle from as little as £10 per person per day.

We can offer a wide range of rental vehicles for this holiday – our team will be happy to talk you through the options and provide a quote for the most suitable category based on your individual requirements.

Highlights