The Lofoten Islands and the Midnight Sun

Home to a population of 50,000, Bodo is the largest town in northern Norway. It is built on a long, narrow peninsula at the entrance to the Salt Fjord, and serves as a gateway to the Lofoten Islands. Bodo has a long history as a fishing port, though today Bodo is largely a modern town, having lost most of its nineteenth century buildings during the Second World War.

Bodo is popular as a centre for outdoor activities, including kayaking, golfing, and fishing in the Saltstraumen strait, which contains the world’s strongest tidal current. It also has a strong art scene attracting local artists, potters, and jewellery makers.

After checking in at your hotel, the rest of the day is free for you to explore Bodo and its surrounds. If time allows, the small coastal village of Kjerringoy makes for a lovely side excursion from Bodo.

From Moskenes, you can begin your exploration of the southern Lofoten islands. The nearby fishing village of Å (pronounced “oh”!) is the perfect place to start. This traditional village has a number of beautifully preserved 19th-century buildings, several of which have been incorporated into an open-air museum, the Norwegian Fishing Village Museum.

From Å, continue 8km to Reine, a picturesque fishing village home to around 300 residents. Bright red fishermen’s cabins dot the shoreline at Reine, overseen by the granite peaks of the Lofoten Mountains.

You stay tonight in a deluxe wooden cabin with fjord view at the Reine Rorbuer, a lovely hotel consisting of 32 restored fishermen’s cottages. Supper is included during your stay. Seafood is the speciality at Reine Rorbuer, though the restaurant caters for all tastes and diets, including vegetarian.

If you prefer to explore independently, there are a number of scenic areas that you can access by car as well as several walks in the area ranging from 2-6 hours. The Rorbuer also offers bike hire.

In the evening, embark on a 3-hour guided kayaking excursion on Reine Fjord. Enjoy paddling in the shallow waters of the fjord, past arctic beaches and rugged mountain peaks, and enjoy spectacular views under the midnight sun.

At the end of your guiding kayaking excursion, return to Reine Rorbuer for dinner and overnight.

Today’s 120km drive will see you cross several of the islands, providing endless photographic opportunities – of towering mountain spires, pristine Arctic beaches, isolated fishing villages, and, of course, incredible seascapes! – along the way. We particularly recommend a stop at Ramberg Beach, 27kms from Reine on the road to Svolvaer. This is one of the loveliest beaches on the islands.

Further into your journey, you may also like to make a stop at the Viking Museum in Borg, where you can explore a reconstruction of a Viking Chieftain’s home.

On arrival in bustling Svolvaer, check-in at the Thon Hotel, overlooking the harbour area.

After an early breakfast, check out of your hotel and board the 8am ferry bound for Skutvik on the Hamaroy peninsula, a journey of 3 hours across the West Fjord. From Skutvik, drive 50km through the beautiful scenery of Hamaroy to reach Bognes, where you catch the ferry to Lodingen (1 hour). From Lodingen, it is a 75km drive to Harstad.

Harstad is located on Hinnoya island and is the third largest city in northern Norway, with a population of 24,000. Sheltered by mountains on either side, the city has a pleasant, comparatively mild climate.

You stay tonight at the Thon Hotel Harstad, which is located in the centre of the city, close to the harbour area and with views out onto Vaags Fjord. Shops and restaurants are only a short walk away.

Time allowing, this afternoon we recommend a visit to the Trondenes Historical Centre. This fascinating museum presents an overview of the history of Harstad and the surrounding region, from the very early Viking settlements, through the Middle Ages and into World War II.

The Polar Park protects a number of species native to Norway, including large predators such as bears, lynx and wolves, as well as moose, reindeer, muskox, wolverine and deer. The emphasis here is on exhibiting the animals in their natural surroundings, providing them with very large enclosures (the park boasts one of the highest ratios of land-per-animal in Europe) and an authentic environment.

On arrival in Tromso, check-in at the Edge Hotel by Clarion, located on Tromso’s quayside. This well-positioned hotel has a roof terrace with fabulous views of the city and harbour.

The largest city in northern Norway, with a population of approx. 60,000, Tromso is a lively, modern city with a spectacular setting amid the Lyngen Alps and blue fjords. Historically, Tromso was a fishing and trading port, subsequently becoming the jumping off point for Arctic expeditions, as it remains to this day.

There are plenty of interesting sites to visit in Tromso. Its most iconic building is the Arctic Cathedral, instantly recognisable by its peaked roof and beautiful stained-glass windows. Built in 1965, the cathedral can be seen from the harbour and many other parts of the city; midnight concerts of Norwegian music are held here during the summer months. In complete contrast, Tromso Cathedral in the centre of the city dates back to 1861 and is made entirely of wood – it is the most northerly Protestant church in the world.

A ride on the Fjellheisen cable car to Mt Storsteinen will take you to an altitude of 421m above sea level. At the top of the cable car is a large outdoor terrace granting views of the islands, mountains, fjords and sea.

Finally, Tromso’s Polar Museum gives a fascinating insight into the lives of Norway’s early trappers and explorers, such as Fritjof Nansen and Roald Admundsen. It is well worth a visit.

There is also much to do in the region surrounding Tromso. Approx. 1 hour’s drive (55km) from Tromso is the island of Sommaroy. Remote and isolated, visiting Sommaroy is like stepping back in time. The island has a small fishing village, many beautiful beaches, and great walking trails. Sommaroy is worth visiting for the drive alone, which is spectacular!