Most travelers will find that about five days is perfect for a well-paced Norway trip with stops in the Lofoten Islands, Tromsø, spending the night on the Hurtigruten coastal ferry, and Bodø. Or, extend your trip and explore more of the country—some of the best-loved trip extensions include Vesterålen or Oslo. See more ideas for the Lofoten Islands, Tromsø, the Hurtigruten, and Bodø itineraries below.

How many days do you need in the Lofoten Islands, Tromsø, the Hurtigruten & Bodø?

  • Most travelers spend 5 days in the Lofoten Islands, Tromsø, time on the Hurtigruten, and Bodø combined
  • With 6 or more days, most travelers choose to add more stops to their trip
  • The most common extensions are Oslo and the Fjord Region

How Many Days to Spend in Norway

Recommended Itineraries for Lofoten Islands, Tromsø, the Hurtigruten & Bodø

Recommended Itinerary for 5 Days

Lofoten's village of Reine after dusk
Lofoten's village of Reine after dusk
Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in Tromsø - Flight to Bodø Bodø
Day 2 Ferry to Moskenes - Explore Reine & Hamnøy Hamnøy
Day 3 Drive to Svolvær - Hurtigruten Hurtigruten
Day 4 Hurtigruten - Return to Tromsø & Explore Tromsø
Day 5 Depart Tromsø  


In less than a week, experience snow-covered scenery and the northern lights with this photogenic road trip through the Lofoten Islands. The trip begins with a car ferry from Bodø, where you'll drive across the coastline at your own pace and explore some of Norway's oldest and most colorful fishing towns, hugging the shore with traditional red "rorbu" (fishermen's huts). Conclude the adventure with an overnight coastal steamer to Tromsø for a slice of Northern Norway's biggest city. Read more

Plan your trip to Norway
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.

Extended Itineraries

13-Day Itinerary Including Oslo, the Fjord Region & Røros

Snowscapes in the Lofoten Islands
Snowscapes in the Lofoten Islands
Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in Oslo Oslo
Day 2 Oslo City Tour Oslo
Day 3 Oslo - Train to Røros Røros
Day 4 Dogsledding in Røros Røros
Day 5 Train to Trondheim - Explore Trondheim
Day 6 Train from Trondheim to Bodø Bodø
Day 7 Explore Bodø - Hurtigruten to Svolvær Svolvær
Day 8 Explore Lofoten - Northern Lights Horseback Excursion Svolvær
Day 9 Explore Svolvær - Hurtigruten to Tromsø Hurtigruten
Day 10 Hurtigruten - Arrive in Tromsø - Explore Tromsø
Day 11 Transfer to Trapper's Farm - Overnight Excursion Tromsø
Day 12 Breakfast at Trapper's Farm - Return to Tromsø Tromsø
Day 13 Depart Tromsø  


Not for the faint of heart, this epic 13-day trip through Norway's wintry north includes a dizzying array of destinations, travel modes, and activities that are highly unique to the Arctic. Start in the capital of Oslo and then take a train to the UNESCO-listed village of Røros. From here, dogsled in the mountains and walk through Trondheim before sailing to the Lofoten Islands. Finish with an overnight cruise to Tromsø for more dogsledding and sophisticated dining options in the "Paris of the North." Read more

How to travel between Lofoten Islands, Tromsø, the Hurtigruten & Bodø

How to get to the Lofoten Islands
Charming, fairy tale, red homes on stilts contrast with the rugged landscape of the Lofoten Islands. No matter the season, the Lofoten Islands offer plenty to see, do, and explore in all types of weather. Read more

How to get to Tromsø
Tromsø is one of the best places to see the northern lights, which is one of the most beautiful wonders of the world. Tromsø is located in northern Norway and is above the Arctic Circle. Read more

Map

Map of Lofoten Islands, Tromsø, the Hurtigruten & Bodø: Best Itinerary Ideas
Map of Lofoten Islands, Tromsø, the Hurtigruten & Bodø: Best Itinerary Ideas