Arctic Rail Odyssey

Arctic Rail Odyssey
from £4,120 excluding flights
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Highlights

Ride the scenic Dovre and Rauma railways in Norway

Explore the history and culture of Copenhagen, Oslo and Stockholm

Take the Hurtigruten ferry for a stay in the dramatic Lofoten Islands

Discover Trondheim and the world’s most northerly medieval cathedral

Spend a night in one of Icehotel 365’s unique Art Suites

Experience optional activities, from boat trips to forest spas and moose safaris
Why this trip...

On track and flight free
Slow travel from London to the classic towns and cities of Europe with your rail tickets and accommodation taken care of

Carefully planned
This itinerary has been thoughtfully designed to provide the experiences and places you'll enjoy at a comfortable pace

Nordic Heritage
With over 38 years of experience in creating trips to Nordics we know this region inside out
Overview
One of our longest, widest-ranging rail holidays, this incredible three-week odyssey takes you beyond the Arctic Circle – and because it’s available from March to October, you can choose summer for the midnight sun or early spring or autumn for the northern lights. There are so many highlights packed into this itinerary, it’s difficult to describe – in just a few sentences – what lies in store for you…
All three Scandinavian capitals with their rich history and exciting design and cuisine. The original Icehotel, plus an opportunity to stay in Swedish Lapland’s equally extraordinary Treehotel and Arctic Bath. World-renowned scenic rail journeys on the Dovre and Rauma Lines, as well as the epic Nordland and Arctic Circle trains. The dragon-back peaks of the Lofoten Islands at Svolvaer. The dizzy heights of the Norwegian Fjords at Andalsnes. Viking heritage at Trondheim. Swedish style at Malmo. It’s all effortlessly woven into this comprehensive rail holiday, seamlessly connecting St Pancras Station with the bewitching Far North of Europe.
Three Scandinavian capitals
Travelling by train through Belgium and Germany, spend a night in Cologne before reaching Copenhagen, where you have two days to sample everything from designer fashion to Danish hygge; fine Nordic cuisine to fascinating Norse history. Continuing north (via Gothenburg), you arrive in Oslo, sitting pretty between mountains and the sea. Explore the Norwegian capital’s medieval fortress and cutting-edge opera house; discover the striking sculptures of Gustav Vigeland and the plucky little polar ship of Nansen and Amundsen. Sweden’s capital must wait until later in your trip (there’s the small matter of the Lofoten Islands and Icehotel to enjoy first), but on the southward leg of your rail journey, Stockholm shines out as one of Europe’s most charming and beautifully preserved cities – particularly its medieval centre, Gamla Stan.
Scenic railways to the fjords
Even before you reach Oslo, the views from your train carriage will have been memorable enough (crossing the Oresund Bridge between Denmark and Sweden, then weaving through the countryside and coast up to Gothenburg etc), but leaving the Norwegian capital, you’re on track for a truly captivating rail adventure. First, the Dovre Railway takes you through Gudbrandsdalen – Norway’s ‘King of the Valleys’ – to Dombas where you change trains for the famous Rauma Railway to Andalsnes. Following the tumbling, turquoise Rauma River, this breathtaking branch line weaves through head-spinning scenery, including Trollveggen, Europe’s highest perpendicular mountain wall. After a night in Andalsnes, you return on the Rauma Railway to Dombas before continuing to the old Viking capital of Trondheim.
On track to the Arctic Circle
From Trondheim, the Nordland Railway sweeps you over 700km north – a stunning 10-hour journey through the Trondelag forests and Saltfjellet mountains, crossing the Arctic Circle before reaching the coastal town of Bodo. The Lofoten Islands are just a ferry ride away. After exploring this majestic archipelago of saw-tooth peaks, glacial valleys and colourful fishing harbours, a bus transfer takes you to Narvik on the mainland. From there, the Arctic Circle Train skirts the pristine lakes and fells of Abisko National Park, arriving in Kiruna, close to Jukkasjarvi and the legendary Icehotel where you have two days to fall under the spell of its dazzling suites and spend a night sleeping on ice (available year-round, thanks to the creative ingenuity of Icehotel 365). Your Arctic Rail Odyssey continues east through the wild forests of Swedish Lapland, stopping at Boden for a night or two at the Treehotel, the Arctic Bath, or both. From quirky, luxurious tree houses to floating spa, these ground-breaking grand designs will leave you lost for words. From Boden to Stockholm, it’s a long, relaxing rail journey south through a Swedish picture-book landscape of forests, lakes, fells and villages.
Itinerary
Day 1 London - Cologne
Depart London on Eurostar to Brussels and continue to Cologne, arriving late afternoon. Explore the historic centre, dominated by the impressive Kolner Dom cathedral. Famed for its twin spires, this Gothic masterpiece contains a gilded sarcophagus said to hold the remains of the three kings who followed the star to Bethlehem. Overnight in Cologne.
Depart London on Eurostar to Brussels and continue to Cologne, arriving late afternoon. Explore the historic centre, dominated by the impressive Kolner Dom cathedral. Famed for its twin spires, this Gothic masterpiece contains a gilded sarcophagus said to hold the remains of the three kings who followed the star to Bethlehem. Overnight in Cologne.

Day 2 Cologne - Copenhagen
Travel by train to Hamburg and onwards to Copenhagen, arriving in time for dinner at the first of the Scandinavian capitals on this trip. Following two nights in Copenhagen.
Travel by train to Hamburg and onwards to Copenhagen, arriving in time for dinner at the first of the Scandinavian capitals on this trip. Following two nights in Copenhagen.
Day 3 Copenhagen
New Nordic pulses through the streets of Copenhagen, whether you’re browsing designer fashion and furniture, or perusing the menu of one of the city’s dozen or so Michelin-starred restaurants. The Danish capital also has a rich history. Viking treasures – from longboats to runic stones – can be discovered in its excellent museums, while the city’s royal palaces and castles include Amalienborg, Christiansborg and Kronborg. Spend time in Tivoli Gardens, where you’ll find a wooden rollercoaster dating from 1914, and stroll along the waterfront of the 17th-century harbour, Nyhavn, lined with colourful townhouses, bars and restaurants. Don’t miss the statue of Hans Christian Andersen’s Little Mermaid, gazing wistfully across the water. To appreciate a spot of Danish hygge, head to the soulful neighbourhood of Christianshavn. Spend two nights in Copenhagen.
New Nordic pulses through the streets of Copenhagen, whether you’re browsing designer fashion and furniture, or perusing the menu of one of the city’s dozen or so Michelin-starred restaurants. The Danish capital also has a rich history. Viking treasures – from longboats to runic stones – can be discovered in its excellent museums, while the city’s royal palaces and castles include Amalienborg, Christiansborg and Kronborg. Spend time in Tivoli Gardens, where you’ll find a wooden rollercoaster dating from 1914, and stroll along the waterfront of the 17th-century harbour, Nyhavn, lined with colourful townhouses, bars and restaurants. Don’t miss the statue of Hans Christian Andersen’s Little Mermaid, gazing wistfully across the water. To appreciate a spot of Danish hygge, head to the soulful neighbourhood of Christianshavn. Spend two nights in Copenhagen.

Day 4 Copenhagen - Gothenburg
Leaving Copenhagen, travel by train across the 8km-long Oresund Bridge to Sweden and continue north to reach the coastal city of Gothenburg. Explore the district of Haga, a perfect place for fika – a traditional Swedish coffee break usually with cake or a cinnamon bun – before browsing the traditional wooden houses and boutiques selling chocolates, fashion, antiques and Swedish delicacies. Walk up to the 17th-century fort of Skansen Kronan for panoramic city views and perhaps visit the city’s superb art museum. Dining options range from tasty street markets to mouth-watering Michelin-starred restaurants. Overnight Gothenburg.
Leaving Copenhagen, travel by train across the 8km-long Oresund Bridge to Sweden and continue north to reach the coastal city of Gothenburg. Explore the district of Haga, a perfect place for fika – a traditional Swedish coffee break usually with cake or a cinnamon bun – before browsing the traditional wooden houses and boutiques selling chocolates, fashion, antiques and Swedish delicacies. Walk up to the 17th-century fort of Skansen Kronan for panoramic city views and perhaps visit the city’s superb art museum. Dining options range from tasty street markets to mouth-watering Michelin-starred restaurants. Overnight Gothenburg.
Day 5 Gothenburg - Oslo
Today’s rail journey takes you north, weaving through the beautiful countryside of West Sweden, with glimpses of the coastline, and on to the Norwegian capital of Oslo where you enjoy the next two nights. Surrounded by mountains and sea, Oslo was named European Green Capital for 2019 in recognition of its low carbon footprint, green spaces and sustainable food production. Although the great outdoors is right on your doorstep, the city has a wealth of cultural and historical attractions, ranging from the medieval Akershus Fortress to the modern, harbourside Opera House with its rakish roof. Overnight Oslo.
Today’s rail journey takes you north, weaving through the beautiful countryside of West Sweden, with glimpses of the coastline, and on to the Norwegian capital of Oslo where you enjoy the next two nights. Surrounded by mountains and sea, Oslo was named European Green Capital for 2019 in recognition of its low carbon footprint, green spaces and sustainable food production. Although the great outdoors is right on your doorstep, the city has a wealth of cultural and historical attractions, ranging from the medieval Akershus Fortress to the modern, harbourside Opera House with its rakish roof. Overnight Oslo.

Prices and Departures
Price from £4,120 excluding flights
No flights are required on this holiday as travel is by rail from London.
What's Included
- Accommodation in rooms with private bathroom
- Breakfast throughout
- All rail travel and transfers as specified
- All compulsory seat reservation fees on high speed and international trains
- 24 hour emergency assistance from our team during your holiday
- No surcharge guarantee
- Full financial protection
From prices per person
Based on two sharing a twin room with private facilities and breakfast. Prices may vary depending on departure date. Please contact us for detailed quote based on your preferred travel dates and arrangements.
Departure | Duration | Twin Price | |
---|---|---|---|
March - October | 21 nights | £4,120 | Round trip by rail |
March - October | 19 nights | £3,687 | Fly back on Day 20 - price excludes flights* |
*Please note that flights are not included in the price, but will be quoted at the time of booking.
Although it is possible to enjoy this holiday year-round, we recommend travel from March to October, due to the very short daylight hours during the mid-winter months, hence limiting the time you have to savour the spectacular scenery along the way.
This itinerary is flexible and the number of nights at each of the overnight stays can be extended or reduced.
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