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. Spend your next two nights in the village of Sortland. (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.
Optional Experiences
Whale Watching in Andenes
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 and Henningsvaer. Spend 3 nights in the town of Svolvaer. (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
Optional Experiences
Sea Eagle Safari by RIB in Svolvaer
Return to Evenes, drop off car before your flight home via Oslo. (165km, approx 2.5 hours)
Prices & departures
What's Included
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Accommodation in rooms with private bathroom
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Car rental throughout with unlimited mileage
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24 hour emergency assistance from our team during your holiday
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No surcharge guarantee
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Full financial protection
From £899 Excluding Flights
6 Nights
Feb-Mar & Oct-Nov
Prices are per person based upon 2 sharing, subject to availability. Your Travel Specialist will confirm the exact price based upon your tailored requirements, inclusions, and travel dates.
Make this trip yours
Every destination and itinerary you see here can be adapted to suit you – so reach for that bucket list and start imagining your next adventure here.
Eric
34
Countries visited
4
Shooting stars with northern lights
We create holidays that are as individual as you are. And we’ve been doing it for 40 years, crafting each and every holiday using our in-depth knowledge and enthusiasm for our destinations. Whatever your brief, we’ll create an amazing trip for you to get excited about. That might mean adapting one of our existing itineraries or we’ll build you one from scratch.
Experts with real experience
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Kieran
Travel Specialist
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Phoebe
Travel Specialist
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Lauren
Travel Specialist
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Gary
Travel Specialist
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Eric
Travel Specialist
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Jo
Travel Specialist
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Jenna
Travel Specialist
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Dawn
Head of Customer Experience
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Freya
Travel Specialist
