Home Bespoke Tours Arctic Wonders: A Journey Through Lapland, Tromsø, and Majestic Norwegian Fjords Immerse yourself in an all-round winter adventure across Finnish Lapland and Northern Norway, which culminates in a breathtaking fjord trip from Bergen to Oslo. Best time of year: Winter, spring Suggested duration: 12 nights Traveller type: Arctic explorers, for families, for adventure-seekers Set out on the ultimate winter odyssey to the Arctic and embrace a world of exhilarating adventures — unique experiences that will both intrigue and fascinate you. This all-encompassing journey will take you through some of Northern Europe’s most stunning landscapes, combining vast Arctic wilderness and snow-covered Lappish forests with modern cityscapes and magnificent Norwegian fjords, perfect for savouring year-round. Your adventure begins in Rovaniemi, the lively capital of Finnish Lapland and home to the enchanting Santa Claus residence. Here, you will stay in a luxurious suite or, even better, a unique glass igloo — an ideal accommodation for observing the mesmerising Northern Lights from the comfort of your bed. During this part of your vacation, you will enjoy experiences unparalleled elsewhere in Europe: a captivating icebreaker cruise and a visit to an actual amethyst mine, complemented by quintessential winter activities like dog sledding and a traditional Finnish sauna. Afterwards, hop over the border to Norway’s Arctic capital, Tromsø, a city that serves as a gateway to thrilling winter adventures. During your stay in this modern town, you will join several Northern Lights safaris, embark on a sightseeing fjord cruise, and visit an authentic reindeer farm. However, the genuine highlight of your journey will be an overnight programme at the Tromsø Ice Domes, an experience you will undoubtedly remember for the exceptional stay in an exclusive ice suite. Following a short flight to Bergen, you will explore what is arguably Norway’s most beautiful city, best known for its colourful waterfront district, Bryggen. From this charming destination, you will begin a journey to the Norwegian fjords, which boast an irresistible allure regardless of the season. The tour commences with a scenic train trip to Voss and a no less picturesque bus ride to Gudvangen, culminating in an unforgettable cruise across the UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord. After an overnight stay in the lovely mountain town of Flåm, you will complete your winter odyssey with an engrossing ride along the Flåm Railway. Oslo, Norway’s vibrant capital, will be the final stop on your two-week winter itinerary. Here, you will have the chance to discover the city on a comprehensive sightseeing tour, explore its fascinating museums independently, or indulge in modern Norwegian cuisine, all before bidding farewell to Northern Europe. Previous tour itinerary Day 1 Arrive in Helsinki and catch a connecting flight to Rovaniemi, where you will stay in a luxurious suite or a glass igloo. Spend the evening exploring Lapland’s capital at your leisure. Day 2 Begin your day with a scenic drive through picturesque Lappish landscapes to the coastal town of Kemi, where you will join a full-day icebreaker cruise and navigate through the massive sheets of ice in the Bothnian Bay aboard a truly spectacular, enormous vessel. Day 3 Spend the morning on a fascinating tour of the unique Lampivaara Amethyst Mine — arguably the only gemstone mine in the world that welcomes visitors — and take on the role of a prospector by trying to find your own amethyst. In the afternoon, explore Rovaniemi independently and visit the town’s Christmas market. Day 4 Experience an exhilarating dog sledding ride in the morning, followed by some relaxing time at a private sauna — a truly quintessential Finnish experience. Day 5 Check out of your hotel and take a flight to Tromsø, Norway’s Arctic capital, which offers visitors a combination of stunning modern architecture and many winter activities. In the evening, join a Northern Lights chase by minibus and head to the best spots for Aurora viewing. Day 6 Begin your day with a scenic morning cruise across the fjords around the islands west of Tromsø and visit the charming Arctic villages of Kaldfjord and Ersfjordbotn. In the afternoon, join an overnight programme to the Tromsø Ice Domes, which is a true once-in-a-lifetime winter adventure. Explore the premises on an introductory guided tour, then choose between another Northern Lights chase or a snowshoeing excursion, followed by a memorable night in an ice suite. You may also stop by the unique ice bar for a relaxing drink before heading to your room. Day 7 Set out on a fascinating 4-hour visit to a reindeer farm with a leisurely reindeer sledding trip before departing from this icy wonderland. Upon your return to Tromsø, another Aurora safari awaits you in the evening. Day 8 In the morning, take an early flight to Bergen, arguably Norway’s most beautiful city. Explore Bergen at your leisure, ending the day with a delicious dinner at one of the upscale restaurants in the city centre. Day 9 Begin your day with a 3-hour guided city tour, exploring Bergen’s major attractions and hidden gems while walking through its charming streets. This urban walk culminates in a gripping cable car ride to Mount Fløyen, which overlooks Bergen and features a remarkable viewpoint platform with an on-site restaurant. Day 10 It’s time for the first part of the renowned Norway in a Nutshell journey, which will guide you through some of the country’s most stunning landscapes. The trip begins with a scenic train journey to Voss, followed by a picturesque bus ride to the quiet coastal village of Gudvangen. Next, you will embark on a majestic cruise across the UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord to the beautiful mountain town of Flåm, where you will stay overnight. In the evening, you will join a tour to Stegastein, a breathtaking viewpoint that offers incredible vistas over Aurlandsfjord. Day 11 This morning, you will experience what many call the world’s most scenic train journey — a captivating ride along the Flåm Railway to Myrdal, a remote mountain station where you will switch trains and travel to Oslo. Conclude your day with independent sightseeing around the Norwegian capital and an elegant dinner at one of the exquisite restaurants in Aker Brygge, the city’s vibrant waterfront district. Day 12 Discover Oslo with an in-depth, 4-hour combined sightseeing tour, visiting the city’s most remote attractions by vehicle. The rest of the day is yours to spend exploring the capital at your own pace. Day 13 It’s time to conclude your wonderful winter vacation. Depart from Oslo or extend your stay in the city. Travellers in thermal suits swim in the icy water after an exciting icebreaker cruise in Finland. Tour highlights Our favourite stops Santa Claus Village Rovaniemi’s Santa Claus Village, a world-famous tourist attraction and the official residence of Joulupukki, promises an unforgettable winter experience for all ages, particularly for families with children. Visitors can take photographs with Santa himself, cross the Arctic Circle, and even send postcards to friends and family — a truly special memento for loved ones. To fully immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere, visitors can book a stay at one of the on-site accommodation options, choosing from cosy cottages, luxurious glass igloos, or chic hotel suites. A plethora of exhilarating winter activities — all available for booking directly in the village — will enrich the guests’ stay, including Northern Lights safaris, snowmobiling, dog and reindeer sledding. A visit to the local market, filled with stalls selling handicrafts and festive treats, will further enhance the experience, while Snowman World, a winter activity park, will undoubtedly captivate adults and children alike. Fjellheisen cable car In just four minutes, the Fjellheisen cable car whisks travellers up to Mount Storsteinen, which overlooks Tromsø from a height of 421 metres above sea level. In addition to enjoying spectacular views of the city and mountains, visitors can set out on scenic hikes, have a hearty meal at the on-site restaurant, or even go snowshoeing in winter. Polaria Polaria, an Arctic museum housed in a modern architectural masterpiece, invites visitors to learn about the polar regions and their wildlife. Its highlight is the Arctic Walkway, which takes guests on a thrilling journey through this frozen region, featuring equipment for polar exploration, Arctic animals, and even a simulated permafrost tunnel. Bryggen Bryggen is a colourful waterfront district that dates back to the era of the Hanseatic League, a powerful medieval network of German merchants. It is one of Norway’s most popular tourist attractions and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can even stop by the local Hanseatic Museum to gain valuable insights into the history of Bryggen and that influential merchant guild. Nærøyfjord Nærøyfjord is an arm and arguably the most beautiful stretch of the Sognefjord, the country’s longest and deepest fjord, also known as the “King of the Fjords.” As the name suggests, Nærøyfjord is one of the world’s narrowest fjords. Nestled between towering mountains and tiny, picturesque villages in green meadows, this fjord is best experienced on an unforgettable cruise from Gudvangen to Flåm. Vigeland Sculpture Park Considered by many to be the main artistic attraction in Oslo, the Vigeland Installation (often called Vigeland Park) is the world’s largest open-air exhibition by a single artist. Gustav Vigeland began working on his creation in 1924 after moving into his new studio nearby in Frogner. Over the span of two decades, Vigeland created more than 200 bronze and iron sculptures that make up the modern installation, culminating in the monumental Monolith, a giant obelisk comprising 121 intertwined human figures. Places you’ll explore Review the route Helsinki Rovaniemi Tromsø Bergen Voss Gudvangen Flåm Myrdal Oslo Helsinki Finland’s capital city and cultural centre, Helsinki is famous for its world-class architecture, avant-garde design, and vibrant food scene. Read more Rovaniemi Rovaniemi, the gateway to Finnish Lapland, is a vibrant city on the edge of the Arctic Circle, where travellers can meet Santa Claus in his official residence and enjoy a wealth of thrilling Arctic experiences — from dog sledding and snowmobiling to the Northern Lights chase. Read more Tromsø Nestled within the Arctic Circle and warmed by the Gulf Stream, Tromsø is a city that invites travellers to dive into a world of thrilling winter outdoor adventures. Explore the best things to do in Tromsø and when to visit. Read more Bergen Bergen, nicknamed “the city of seven mountains,” is the country’s second-largest city and the gateway to the West Norwegian fjords. Read more Voss Oftentimes referred to as “Norway’s adventure capital,” Voss is home to two major ski resorts, attracting travellers year-round with its abundance of outdoor activities — from rafting and hiking in summer to skiing and snowboarding in winter. Read more Gudvangen Nestled at the end of the UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord, Gudvangen is famous for the reconstructed Viking village of Njardarheimr and the spectacular scenery of imposing mountains and cascading waterfalls that surround it. Read more Flåm Flåm, a small mountain village in western Norway, sits on the shore of the Aurlandsfjord and draws crowds of travellers thanks to the Flåmsbana, which many call the world’s most scenic train ride. Read more Myrdal Myrdal, a small mountain village and train station, is best known as the last stop of the Flåmsbana, one of the world’s most scenic train rides. Read more Oslo Oslo, the capital of Norway, is a vibrant city known for its modern architecture, rich history and cultural core — packed with museums, parks, and a stunning waterfront. Read more Helsinki Finland’s capital city and cultural centre, Helsinki is famous for its world-class architecture, avant-garde design, and vibrant food scene. Read more Rovaniemi Rovaniemi, the gateway to Finnish Lapland, is a vibrant city on the edge of the Arctic Circle, where travellers can meet Santa Claus in his official residence and enjoy a wealth of thrilling Arctic experiences — from dog sledding and snowmobiling to the Northern Lights chase. Read more Tromsø Nestled within the Arctic Circle and warmed by the Gulf Stream, Tromsø is a city that invites travellers to dive into a world of thrilling winter outdoor adventures. Explore the best things to do in Tromsø and when to visit. Read more Bergen Bergen, nicknamed “the city of seven mountains,” is the country’s second-largest city and the gateway to the West Norwegian fjords. Read more Voss Oftentimes referred to as “Norway’s adventure capital,” Voss is home to two major ski resorts, attracting travellers year-round with its abundance of outdoor activities — from rafting and hiking in summer to skiing and snowboarding in winter. Read more Gudvangen Nestled at the end of the UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord, Gudvangen is famous for the reconstructed Viking village of Njardarheimr and the spectacular scenery of imposing mountains and cascading waterfalls that surround it. Read more Flåm Flåm, a small mountain village in western Norway, sits on the shore of the Aurlandsfjord and draws crowds of travellers thanks to the Flåmsbana, which many call the world’s most scenic train ride. Read more Myrdal Myrdal, a small mountain village and train station, is best known as the last stop of the Flåmsbana, one of the world’s most scenic train rides. Read more Oslo Oslo, the capital of Norway, is a vibrant city known for its modern architecture, rich history and cultural core — packed with museums, parks, and a stunning waterfront. Read more Frequently asked questions How it works Pricing Travel support Can I book an itinerary exactly as it is on your website? Not quite. Every traveller is unique, and so is every itinerary we create. The sample itineraries on our website are meant to inspire you and give you an idea of what’s possible. Your personal Travel Consultant will design a bespoke trip tailored specifically to your preferences, interests, and travel style. What’s the difference between a private trip and a group tour? All our trips are private and tailor-made. We do not offer scheduled group tours. Instead, we focus on fully customized itineraries designed just for you and your travel companions. Whether you’re travelling solo, as a couple, with family, or with friends, every detail will be crafted to suit your individual needs. How do we start planning a custom itinerary? It all begins with a conversation. Once you reach out to us, one of our Travel Consultants will get in touch to learn more about your travel style, interests, and must-sees. From there, we’ll craft a personalised itinerary, refining it with your feedback until it’s just right. Once confirmed, we handle all the logistics, so you can simply enjoy the journey. How long does the planning process take? It depends on the complexity of your itinerary and how much customisation is required. Some trips come together in a matter of days, while others – especially those with special arrangements or remote destinations – can take a few weeks. We recommend getting in touch as early as possible to ensure availability and a seamless experience. Can I make changes to my itinerary after booking? Absolutely. We understand that plans can evolve, and we’ll do our best to accommodate any adjustments. Changes may be subject to availability and potential additional costs, but we’ll always strive to make your trip as flexible as possible. What added value do you provide? Planning a seamless and memorable trip takes time and expertise – that’s where we come in. From itinerary design and booking to on-the-ground logistics, we take care of everything, ensuring a hassle-free experience. We work with trusted local partners, personally vet every element of your journey, and remain available 24/7 should you need assistance. With us, you’re not just booking a trip – you’re investing in a carefully curated travel experience. Can you arrange a rental car for my trip? Yes, we can arrange a rental car for you. Once we discuss the terms and pricing, you can decide whether to book through us or arrange it independently. We’ll ensure that you have the right vehicle for your itinerary and provide recommendations for driving routes and road conditions. Why aren’t all meals included in the price? We believe discovering local cuisine is an essential part of your journey, and everyone has different tastes. To give you flexibility, we typically include daily breakfast and occasional lunches or dinners. In remote areas, such as in hotels near fjords or remote villages, dinner is usually included. Your final itinerary will specify which meals are covered. How does your pricing work? The prices on our website are indicative and based on two or more travellers sharing the cost of accommodation, transport, and experiences. Once you get in touch, we will provide a customised quote based on your travel dates, group size, accommodation choices, and any special requests. Since every trip is tailor-made, the final cost will reflect your unique itinerary. Are international flights included in the price? No, international flights are not included. Many of our travellers prefer to book their own flights using frequent-flyer miles or loyalty points. However, if you need assistance finding the best routes or timings, we’re happy to help. All regional and domestic flights within your itinerary, as well as other transport, are included in the cost. What if my flight is delayed or cancelled? If your flight is delayed or cancelled, we recommend informing us as soon as possible so we can assist with any necessary changes to your itinerary. If you have booked your flights independently, you should contact your airline directly for rebooking options. However, we will do our best to adjust transfers, accommodations, and activities to keep your trip running smoothly. Do you provide electronic documents and itineraries? Yes! We are committed to sustainable travel, so we provide all travel documents, itineraries, and confirmations electronically. Your personalised itinerary will be accessible through a mobile-friendly application, ensuring you have all the details at your fingertips without the need for printed documents. What happens if I need assistance during my trip? We provide 24/7 support throughout your journey. Whether you have a last-minute question, need to adjust your itinerary, or require urgent assistance, our team is just a call or message away. We work closely with trusted local partners to ensure you always have someone to turn to, no matter where you are. Do I need an international driver’s licence for a self-drive tour? In most cases, a valid driving licence from your home country is sufficient for driving in the Nordic region. However, some rental companies may require an International Driving Permit (IDP), especially if your licence is not in English or does not use the Roman alphabet. We recommend checking in advance to ensure you have the correct documentation. You will also need to present your licence for activities such as snowmobile safaris. Do I need a visa to travel to the Nordic region? Visa requirements depend on your nationality and the countries you plan to visit. Many travellers from Europe, North America, and certain other regions can enter visa-free for short stays. However, starting in 2025, visitors from visa-exempt countries (such as the U.S., Canada, and the U.K.) will need to apply for an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) permit before entering the Schengen Area, which includes most Nordic countries. The ETIAS application is a quick online process and is valid for multiple trips over three years. Please note that the launch date of the system is currently unknown. Since entry requirements can change, we recommend checking with your local embassy or asking your Travel Consultant for guidance. While we can provide information, it is usually the traveller’s responsibility to arrange visas or travel authorisations. Our travel log We curate content, too Adventures Featured Tours 4 Best Places to See the Northern Lights in Scandinavia and Finland Scandinavia and Finland are, arguably, among the best places on Earth to observe the Northern Lights — a truly mesmerising natural phenomenon that attracts tens of thousands of visitors every year. The reasons for this exceptional status extend beyond their prime geographical location and long, dark winters; the region also boasts top-notch infrastructure, a variety of exciting activities, and numerous major tourist attractions. Moreover, travel companies provide an excellent selection of tours specifically designed to complement your Aurora Borealis safaris. Featured Local tips Tours 13 Best Fjords in Norway to See and Visit Norway is almost synonymous with fjords. These stunning waterways, carved by ancient glaciers, snake inland from the dramatic coastline, creating landscapes of unparalleled beauty that draw visitors from across the globe. Deciding which are the most beautiful fjords in Norway is truly tough. And to help you navigate this breathtaking landscape, our article will explore some of the best fjords in Norway, their main destinations, and the top things to do in each area. Featured 10 Best Christmas Holiday Destinations in Northern Europe Looking for a white Christmas in Northern Europe? Planning to celebrate your Christmas holidays traveling? Look no further than our article! Adventures 11 Best Things To Do in Odda, Norway Odda, a small, picturesque town in Western Norway, has been a popular tourist destination for centuries — even Kaiser Wilheim II stayed there! In recent times, the town has become popular thanks to viral photos from Trolltunga (located nearby) and the release of the “Ragnarok” series on Netflix (which was filmed in Odda). In our new article, we will discuss all aspects of traveling to Odda and explore the best things to do in Odda, Norway. By the way, we have even added Odda to our list of the 17 most picturesque towns and villages in Norway — check out more fabulous destinations in our article. And now, let’s have a look at what to do in Odda, Norway. Tours Oslo On A Budget: Detailed City Guide to the Norwegian Capital Oslo is one of the most expensive cities in the world, yet many tourists seek to visit this wonderful Norwegian capital. Even if you don’t have a great stash of cash for your next visit, it is possible for you to enjoy your time in Oslo. As you will see from this page, visiting Oslo on a budget is possible – you should just know some tips and tricks on how to do it. You can also explore a rich selection of guided city tours in Oslo at Oslo Walking. Adventures Cruise Tours The Ultimate Guide to Lofoten Islands in Summer Summer in Lofoten is arguably the best time to visit this beautiful archipelago. Even though you will (obviously) not see the Northern Lights on your Lofoten summer trip, there are plenty of exciting things to do in Lofoten in summer – from observing the beautiful midnight sun to hiking the archipelago’s countless trails to relaxing on white-sand beaches. In this guide to Lofoten Islands in summer, we will cover everything you need to know about traveling to this Norwegian archipelago.
