Lofoten and the Northern Lights
Lofoten and the Northern Lights
from £816 excluding flights
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Highlights
Great potential to see the northern lights
Drive between islands and see picture-postcard fishing villages
Enjoy optional activities such as whale watching
Marvel at spectacular fjord scenery
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
Explore at leisure
With the route, transport and accommodation sorted, each day offers the freedom to explore
Overview
On this wonderful self drive holiday see the peaked mountains and tranquil fjords of northern Norway as they form a stunning backdrop to an already perfect setting of isles, inlets and quaint fishing villages. The Arctic light here is forever changing from burning red at dusk and dawn to the beautiful blue of polar night. And once skies are dark, the northern lights have a chance to take over.
Take time to explore the Lofoten and Vesteralen islands off the northwest coast of Norway. Like a dragon's tail the pointed mountains, Lofotenveggen, form a majestic backdrop to the stunning group of Lofoten islands. With excellent road and bridge connections between villages and hamlets, driving here is simple and straightforward even in wintertime.
Explore the west of Langoya island in the Vesteralens, where small hamlets and villages are dotted with the traditional rustic fisherman's cabins, or rorbuer. Visit Nyksund, in its heyday an important fishing village, but left to ruin when the population moved out. In recent years many of the historic buildings have been renovated - there are two cosy restaurants, a hotel, a guesthouse and a museum explaining the fascinating history of this little town.
The swift changes in weather in this area provide magnificent light conditions and this, coupled with dramatic, awe-inspiring scenery, continues to inspire artists and photographers alike. Many art galleries and photo exhibitions can be found here as well as local arts and crafts centers showcasing traditional trades. Visit a blacksmiths or watch a weaver, glass blower or ceramic artist at work.
In the evening, the magical northern lights may often flicker and perform across the dark night sky, so keep your fingers crossed - enjoy a fleeting glimpse or perhaps some amazing displays, which may last for hours.
Itinerary
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 Evenes, Norway
On arrival in Evenes, collect your rental vehicle and drive to the harbour town of Harstad for an overnight stay. (44km, approx 40 minutes)
On arrival in Evenes, collect your rental vehicle and drive to the harbour town of Harstad for an overnight stay. (44km, approx 40 minutes)
Day 2 Harstad - Sortland
Watch as the Hurtigruten ships meet in the harbour around at 08:00hrs - one heading south and the other one north. Much of Hurtigruten history is based in the Vesteralen Islands and no doubt you will see the ships working their way up and down the coastline. Head west to Langoya, an island connected to the mainland by the beautiful Sortland Bridge. Your stay here is based at the comfortable Hotel Sortland for 2-nights. (75km, approx 2 hours - including ferry crossing)
Watch as the Hurtigruten ships meet in the harbour around at 08:00hrs - one heading south and the other one north. Much of Hurtigruten history is based in the Vesteralen Islands and no doubt you will see the ships working their way up and down the coastline. Head west to Langoya, an island connected to the mainland by the beautiful Sortland Bridge. Your stay here is based at the comfortable Hotel Sortland for 2-nights. (75km, approx 2 hours - including ferry crossing)
Day 3 exploring Vesteralen
Take an optional whale watching trip from Andenes on the island of Andoya. Whale watching can be especially rewarding in the winter months with regular sightings of sperm, orca and humpback whales. As weather conditions are more changeable in the winter months, it is advisable to book these trips locally.
Take an optional whale watching trip from Andenes on the island of Andoya. Whale watching can be especially rewarding in the winter months with regular sightings of sperm, orca and humpback whales. As weather conditions are more changeable in the winter months, it is advisable to book these trips locally.
Day 4 Sortland - Henningsvaer/Svolvaer
Drive to Stokmarknes and visit the Hurtigruten Museum before continuing to Melbu and south to the islands of Lofoten. Take the car ferry to Fiskebol (additional cost) then continue to one of the beautiful seaside settlements of Svolvaer or Henningsvaer for a 3-night stay. Stay at the Svinoya Rorbuer in Svolvaer which offers comfortable accommodation in traditional old style cabins. (115km, approx 2 hours)
Drive to Stokmarknes and visit the Hurtigruten Museum before continuing to Melbu and south to the islands of Lofoten. Take the car ferry to Fiskebol (additional cost) then continue to one of the beautiful seaside settlements of Svolvaer or Henningsvaer for a 3-night stay. Stay at the Svinoya Rorbuer in Svolvaer which offers comfortable accommodation in traditional old style cabins. (115km, approx 2 hours)
Days 5-6 exploring Lofoten
Spend time at leisure to explore Lofoten. Visit some of the highlights of the Lofoten; drive along the rugged coastline, visit quaint fishing villages, travel all the way to the furthest point, called A, one of the places visited by Joanna Lumley in her much-televised pursuit of the northern lights
Spend time at leisure to explore Lofoten. Visit some of the highlights of the Lofoten; drive along the rugged coastline, visit quaint fishing villages, travel all the way to the furthest point, called A, one of the places visited by Joanna Lumley in her much-televised pursuit of the northern lights
Excursions
Prices and Departures
Price from £816 excluding flights
Airfares are quoted separately to the holiday price and start from around £280 per person (with higher fares during peak times). 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
- 1 night at Thon Hotel in Harstad
- 2 nights at the Sortland Hotel on a breakfast basis
- 3 nights at Svinoya Rorbuer in standard cabins for 2 people on breakfast basis, and with self-catering facilities
- Car rental throughout with unlimited mileage
- 24 hour emergency assistance from our team during your holiday
- No surcharge guarantee
- Full financial protection
Prices from per person
Based on two sharing, unless stated otherwise. Prices for other combinations of passengers and rooms available on request. Other vehicle types also available.
| Departure | Duration | Twin price |
|---|---|---|
| Oct - Nov | 6 nights | £816 |
| Feb - Mar | 6 nights | £887 |
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