Above the Arctic Circle

The itinerary shown is an example of this self-drive holiday. We have many other hotels and route recommendations which can be tailored to your requirements. Please discuss with our Travel Specialists who can put together a bespoke itinerary for you.

Day 1: Arrive Kiruna

Fly to Kiruna. On arrival 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.

Day 2: at leisure

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.

Day 3: Icehotel - Inari

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. Approximate distance 473 km / driving time 6 hours. 2 nights stay at Wilderness Hotel Inari.

Day 4: Time in Inari

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.

Day 5: Inari to Hammerfest

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. Approximate distance 332 km / driving time 4 hours and 30 minutes.

Day 6: Day at leisure in Hammerfest/North Cape

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 & 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 North Cape Hall 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 Gjesværstappan, home to hundreds of thousands of puffins, gannets and cormorants, or go fishing for giant king crabs and eat the tasty monsters afterwards. Approximate distance 206 km / driving time 3 hours each way.

Day 7: Hammerfest - Lyngenfjord

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 4200BC. 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. Approximate distance 342 km / driving time 5 hours.

Day 8: Time on Lyngenfjord

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 the Sami camp and visit the reindeer.

Day 9: Lyngenfjord to Tromso

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. Other hotels are available.

Day 10: At leisure in Tromso

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.

Day 11: Tromso to Senja

Continue south to Nordkjosbotn and then west to Finnsnes, the gateway to Senja. Continue to the west coast to the small hamlet of Hamn and spend two nights at Hamn I Senja. Approximate distance 208 km / driving time 3 hours. 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 (total journey time approximately 3 hours 15 minutes).

Day 12: Explore Senja

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!

Day 13: Senja to Abisko

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 Abisko Mountain Station. Approximate distance 260 km / driving time 4 hours.

Day 14: At leisure in 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.

Day 15 Depart Kiruna

Return to Kiruna for your flight. Approximate distance 110 km / driving time 90 minutes.