Luxury Under the Midnight Sun in Northern Norway - 10 Days

Highlights

• Don a drysuit and go snorkeling in the northern fjords near Bodø
• Go surfing, horseback riding, and more in the gorgeous Lofoten Islands
• Travel along the Arctic coast on an overnight cruise
• Stay in traditional fishing cabins, luxury lodges, and fjord-side cabins

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Bodø, Zodiac Boat Tour

Welcome to Norway's Arctic north! Here, at the top of the world, the wild landscapes are defined by vast fjords and soaring peaks. Dotting the region are charming fishing villages and coastal cities, like your arrival destination of Bodø. One of the largest towns in the region and the gateway to regional highlights like the Lofoten Islands, Bodø is a prime destination in its own right, surrounded by unspoiled Nordic beauty—plus, it's a great place to experience the midnight sun in summer. This ethereal phenomenon, which occurs from late May to July, involves the sun never dipping below the horizon for an entire day.

When you arrive at the airport, a driver will be waiting to transfer you to Scandic Havet. This 4-star hotel is the largest in town, situated right on the waterfront. After checking in to your modern and spacious room, perhaps head up to the 18th floor and Roast Restaurant & Bar to enjoy panoramic views overlooking Arctic Norway. The fine restaurant also serves dishes utilizing locally sourced, seasonal ingredients.

Don't get too comfortable, because after dropping off your bags, you'll discover the region's natural beauty firsthand on a thrilling aquatic adventure by Zodiac. Head down to the harbor, where you'll board a RIB inflatable speedboat and set off to Saltstraumen, a small strait famous for having the world's strongest tidal current. It's at its strongest four times a day, and you'll be right in the middle of it! At the end of the two-hour ride, you'll return to your hotel.

Day 2: Snorkeling in Saltstraumen, Scenic Helicopter Flight

Besides boat tours, Saltstraumen also draws adventurers from around the world for underwater activities like diving and snorkeling. This morning, you'll hop back in a tour boat, and your captain will take you to one of the strait's prime dive spots. There, you'll put on a drysuit, grab your mask and fins, and hop in. Then, spend time swimming around the world's strongest aquatic maelstrom as you spot exotic marine life—get lucky, and you might even glimpse a giant Nordic catfish.

At the end of the two-hour tour, you'll return to your hotel. Shortly thereafter, transfer to the airport, where you'll board a helicopter for a scenic hour flight around Bodø. During the flight, you'll soar over major landmarks like the Saltenfjord, a shimmering fjord that stretches over 50 miles (80 km) inland from town. You'll also get to fly around snowy mountain peaks like those in the Børvasstindan range. Needless to say, you'll also pass plenty of glaciers on this flight.

Day 3: Transfer to Reine & the Lofoten Islands

Rise and shine! This morning, you'll board a ferry for the three-hour scenic cruise north across the Norwegian Sea to Moskenes. This port town is located at the southern end of the famous Lofoten Islands, a gorgeous archipelago comprised of seven main islands. Upon arrival at the port, a driver will pick you up for the five-minute ride north of Moskenes to Reine, a picture-postcard fishing village. Like many such hamlets in the Lofotens, the most striking buildings here are rorbu—bright red fisherman's huts dating to the 19th century.

Believe it or not, you'll be staying in just such a fisherman's cabin at the Tide Hotel. Your traditional rorbu has been re-imagined and redesigned as a modern bungalow that manages to retain its classic maritime style. The spacious waterfront cabin comes with a fully equipped kitchen, furnished living room, en suite bath, and windows offering prime harbor views. 

After checking in, you can head out and explore. There are plenty of options for outdoor adventures in the area, and it's possible to arrange photo sightseeing tours and guided hikes. The latter is a popular option, as the best hiking trails on the Lofotens are within a short distance. Perhaps embark on a memorable evening kayak ride on the Reinefjord during the midnight sun. 

Day 4: Transfer to Gimsøya, Surfing Lesson

Meet your driver early for the scenic 2-3 hour drive north through the Lofotens to Gimsøya. One of the most beautiful of Lofoten's seven main islands, Gimsøya is known for its natural beauty, rugged coastline, and colorful fishing villages.

You'll be staying on the island's rugged north coast at the Lofoten Links Lodges. Ideally situated on the wide and inviting Hov Beach, you can witness the majesty of Arctic Norway right from the patio of your luxury lodge. Also, as the name suggests, there is a fine golf course on-site if you want to play a round or two. And because the lodges face north, this is the ideal vantage point to witness the midnight sun—plus all those super dreamy beach sunsets.

Right upon arrival, you'll transfer over to a secluded beach for a private surf lesson with an expert instructor. That's right, you'll be "hanging ten" on the Arctic coast—a feat that even many of the world's most seasoned surfers can't claim. You don't need to be a pro to catch waves here either, as your instructor specializes in teaching beginners. Plus, this is the Lofotens' safest surf beach, with a sandy bottom and no dangerous waves or currents.

Day 5: Gimsøya Midnight Sun Activities

The day is yours to enjoy Gimsøya however you like. You can take a stroll around town or spend the day on the beach or your deck admiring the sea views. If you like, visit the Gimsøya Church, a medieval stone church dating to the 12th century, or explore the Viking Age settlement at the nearby town of Borg, which features reconstructed longhouses and exhibits on Viking history and culture.

In the evening, you'll choose your own custom itinerary of activities as you set out on a private, six-hour midnight sun adventure—choosing an adventurous excursion like a hike up one of the island's soaring peaks or an evening horseback ride along the beach. At midnight, still bathed in the sun's orange glow, you'll break for snacks and hot drinks around a beachfront bonfire before heading back to the lodge.

Day 6: Transfer to Svolvær, Overnight Havila Cruise

It's another travel day—this time with a twist. After breakfast, meet your driver for the quick 45-minute ride south to the port town of Svolvær. There, you'll head to the port and board a luxurious ferry for an overnight cruise. Havila is the first name in coastal travel, featuring eco-friendly cruise ships that can sail for hours with zero emissions.

Onboard, the spacious cabins feature Nordic decor and are equipped with flatscreen TVs and WiFi. As for dining, the ship's team of chefs has created a menu featuring traditional dishes from the local towns and villages along the route. They even handpick the freshest ingredients.

After settling in, feel free to spend the rest of the day on deck enjoying the fjord and mountain views. You can also view the midnight sun while seated in a comfortable lounge chair under the glass roof. Or perhaps you'd prefer to enjoy the views from a Jacuzzi heated by the ship's surplus heat? Whatever you decide, relaxation is the order of the day as you cruise up the coast to your ultimate destination: the city of Tromsø, "Gateway to the Arctic."

Day 7: Arrive in Tromsø, Transfer to Lyngen, VIP Whisky Tour

You'll cruise into Tromsø's port this morning, where a driver will be waiting to whisk you off on a three-hour scenic ride east to Lyngen. This dazzling region in Troms County is famous for its Arctic landscapes, which include glassy fjords and the soaring Lyngen Alps.

You'll be staying at the Aurora Fjord Cabins. Sitting right on the Lyngenfjord, these self-catering cabins are spacious and luxurious, offering instant access to the surrounding nature trails. Each cabin offers chic Scandi interiors, floor-to-ceiling windows, and sweeping fjord views that change with the season. One even boasts a hot tub at the water's edge, perfect for unwinding after your drive.

Day 8: Fly to Alta, Reindeer & Sámi Experience

Return to Tromsø this morning by private transfer and catch a 40-minute flight northeast to Alta. Located in Finnmark, the nation's northernmost county, this charming town lies within the Arctic Circle, putting you right up close to the mesmerizing phenomena of the midnight sun in the summer.

Upon arrival, you'll transfer to the Sorrisniva Arctic Wilderness Lodge. Sitting on the banks of the Alta River, this is one of the most luxurious hotels in Norway's high Arctic region. The 24 well-equipped rooms feature panoramic windows and balconies with river views—perfect to marvel at the northern lights. Also on site are an expansive lounge, bar, and Maku, a fine-dining restaurant that features the best ingredients from Arctic Norway, including reindeer and moose, fresh seafood, vegetables from local farms, and berries foraged in the wilderness.

After settling in, you'll meet a local Indigenous guide for a cultural excursion. During this two-hour tour, you'll be welcomed by members of the Sámi community, who are Northern Europe's only Indigenous group. This culture has existed here for thousands of years, which makes the northern Arctic their ancestral homeland. You'll witness their connection to the land as they lead you on a fun summer sleigh ride pulled by real-life reindeer—the Sámi's long-standing cohabitants in this region. Afterward, you'll get to feed these amazing animals.

Day 9: Alta River Canoe Tour

For your penultimate day in Norway, take it easy on a relaxing canoe ride down the Alta River. Let the water's currents do most of the work as you sit back and enjoy the surrounding Arctic scenery on this half-day tour. As it happens, this is one of the best rivers in the world for salmon fishing, and you might meet some local fishermen during the outing—or possibly spot salmon jumping around the water. If you're really lucky, you'll see Norway's "king of the forest": the moose. Lunch will be served over an open fire on the riverbanks. 

Later in the afternoon, you'll return to the lodge, where you can head to the on-site spa to rejuvenate after this morning's adventure or spend some time in the sauna. Another dinner of elevated Arctic cuisine this evening as you savor the final evening of your trip under the midnight sun.

Day 10: Depart Alta

It's time to bid a fond farewell to Norway and the magic of the Arctic north. In the morning, your driver will transfer you to the airport in Alta, where you'll catch your connecting flight home. Until next time!

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