Lofoten and Northern Lights Self Drive Holiday in Norway

norway lofoten islands aurora mountain reflection istk

Lofoten and the Northern Lights

from £899 excluding flights

6 nights
Feb-Mar, Oct-Nov

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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

norway lofoten reine mountain landscape doll

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

On arrival in Evenes, collect your rental vehicle and drive to the harbour town of Harstad for an overnight stay. (44km, approx 40 minutes)

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)

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.

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norway vesteralen andenes humpback feeding on herring aws

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)

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

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Return to Evenes, drop off car before your flight home via Oslo. (165km, approx 2.5 hours)

Accommodation Options

This itinerary is based on a night at Thon Hotel in Harstad, two nights at the Sortland Hotel and three nights at Svinoya Rorbuer. However, with a wide choice of accommodation in Norway, we can mix and match different grades and styles to suit your personal preference – from fjord-side properties and city centre hotels to countryside lodges and cottages.

Discuss your options with our Travel Specialists

Excursions

Norway

Whale Watching in Andenes

from £113

4 hours | Year round

Andenes, situated on the North Vesteralen Islands is one of the most reliable places to spot whales off the coast of Norway…

Discover more

Prices and Departures

Price from £899 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

This itinerary starts from around £899 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.

* Choice of Vehicles

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.

Lofoten and the Northern Lights

Highlights