Tour Senja, Vesterålen and the Lofoten, Northern Norway
Take a unique tour of the most beautiful places in Northern Norway
DISCOVER THIS TRIP HERE
Your 16-day tour of Northern Norway in short
You start your tour at Bodø airport. Via the beautifully situated harbor town of Narvik you travel to beautiful Senja. You will stay for three nights in this stunning environment. You then travel to the magical archipelago of Vesterålen where you will stay for two nights. Then follows a six-night stay on one of the most beautiful archipelagos in the world, the Lofoten. Here we have reserved two exceptional rorbuer, old fisherman’s houses, for you. You end your trip back in Bodø. An unforgettable journey past countless highlights. Every day you will be amazed by the new discoveries and the abundant nature. You can expect deep fjords, high mountains, panoramic views, azure seas, picturesque fishing villages, pearly white beaches, winding roads and a rich animal life during this trip. In addition to the carefully selected accommodations, where breakfast is ready for you every morning, you can participate in many unique excursions such as a whale safari, bird safaris, sea kayaking and cycling. Directly from the accommodation or in its immediate vicinity you can take great walks and enjoy the Scandinavian gastronomy of local delicacies; moose, mushrooms and berries from the forests, reindeer from the mountains and fish from the rivers, lakes and sea.
Naturally, you can adapt this amazing trip to your own travel pace. Would you like to enjoy Northern Norway longer? Please let us know, we will be happy to help you extend your trip at one or more accommodation addresses so that you can experience the pure North even more intensely.
Some highlights of this trip to the Lofoten in Northern Norway
- the fascinating island groups of Lofoten, Vesterålen and Senja
- stay in excellent Rorbuar and hotels
- spectacular fjords and stunning mountain formations
- whale watching and other unique excursion options
- midsummer night sun, delicious local cuisine
- great hiking opportunities
Your route during this tour on the Lofoten in Northern Norway on a map
Your day by day journey through Northern Norway
Day 1. On to Northern Norway!
From Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, Brussels Airport or Düsseldorf International Airport (the choice is yours), you fly to Oslo in just under two hours, where you transfer to your flight to Bodø. Your rental car is already waiting for you here. The location of the city is special, on a peninsula, with rugged mountain peaks and wide skies in the background. The Bodø area has the largest population of sea eagles in the world, earning the city the nickname “capital of sea eagles”. Thanks to its vibrant cultural life, Bodø will become the European Capital of Culture in 2024. While enjoying a drink, toast to a great holiday under the midnight sun. You will spend your first night in Northern Norway in the extremely comfortable Scandic Havet hotel, right on the water in the middle of the city.
Driving distance Bødo airport – hotel Scandic Havet: approx. 3 km
Day 2 to 4. Narvik, Northern Norway
After your first delicious Scandinavian breakfast it is time to leave. Today you travel to the Norwegian port city of Narvik, but not before taking a walk around the city in Bodø, perhaps stocking up on something tasty for the road at the Brødrene Berbusmel bakery or visiting the ice cream and cake paradise Craig Alibone Pâtisserie; a must for anyone who is curious about the combination of champagne and sweets, or just fancy a fresh macaroon. On the way to Narvik you will get a taste of all the natural beauty that awaits you on this trip; a series of beautiful fjords and extraordinary mountains. The city of Narvik, where you will stay for two nights at the Scandic Hotel Narvik, is beautifully situated on the fjord and surrounded by high mountains up to 1,700 meters high. Here above the Arctic Circle, nature is accessible in various ways all year round. Take a family-friendly walk to Verdenssvaet and marvel at the fantastic views. Are you adventurous? Then join a local guide and climb to the top of Mount Stetinden, which has been crowned the National Mountain of Norway, or hop on a mountain bike or go on an eagle safari. One of the most beautiful train journeys in Norway (and according to many in Europe), the Ofoten railway, starts in Narvik. Find a comfortable spot and enjoy the spectacular landscapes along the magical route. The “Ofotbanan” takes you through many tunnels and bridges to the border with Sweden. If desired, you can travel to Kiruna for a short visit to this Swedish city. Get off at Riksgrensen and take a day walk straight along the earthworks road, from the Swedish border in the east to the fjords of Norway in the west. For a shorter version of the walk, get off at Katterat station. Sami culture is also an important part of Narvik’s history. The Sami were the first to settle here and have herded reindeer ever since. Visit Njalasouka Adventures and delve into Sami traditions and culture; from the sounds of the joik to the strong connection they have with nature. Try the traditional Sami dish bidos, a stew of reindeer meat and vegetables. Narvik has many museums (including the famous war museum), cozy cafes and excellent restaurants. Also visit “Fiksehallen” – the local fish market – if you like fish and healthy shellfish. Another literal highlight in Narvik is the view from Narvikfljellet, which you can reach by cable car. Here you can enjoy the midnight sun or the magical Northern Lights at the end of August.
Driving distance Bodø – Narvik: approx. 300 km | 6:30 am drive
Day 4 to 7. The sensational Senja, Northern Norway
Take your time on your route today. You will want to stop many times to photograph all the beauty you see. If you want to get to know the Arctic animals, we advise you to stop en route at Polar Park for an encounter with wolves. lynx, arctic foxes, brown bears, moose and many more animals found in the Arctic regions. Your journey ends on the Norwegian Queen’s favorite island, Senja. You will notice why: Senja is magical, with mountains rising steeply from the sea and it has an enormous variety of landscapes. You will stay in a small harbor on the island, Mefjord. The small-scale resort has a 5-star location! Naturally, you have great views over the bay and the surrounding mountains. You will see and experience a lot on the island in the coming days. You will be a guest at Mefjord Brygge for the next three nights, the ideal base for all your adventures on Senja. The hike to the Segla mountain top is a “must” if you enjoy walking through the mountains. The peak rises majestically 639 meters above the sea. You will be rewarded with indescribable views over the Mejfjorden fjord. Also take the walk to the Husfjellet, which rises 635 meters above the sea and look out over the three fjords Bergsfjord, Steinfjord and Ersfjord. You can also climb to the top of Mount Sukkertoppen or walk through the Ånderdalen national park, which is a miniature of all Northern Norwegian biotopes. Or rent a bike and enjoy the panoramic views, waterfalls, fjords and small fishing villages. Go on a fishing excursion, a fjord sightseeing trip or go sea kayaking. The many waters along the coast are enchantingly beautiful. You can also drive the beautiful Senja National Tourist Road that winds along the coast. The route offers unforgettable views along the way. Tired from a whole day of adventure? It doesn’t matter, you can sit down in the restaurant in the evening and be surprised by the delicious local cuisine!
Driving distance Narvik – Mefjordvær: approx. 230 km | approx. 3.30 hours drive
Day 7 to 9. The fantastic Vesterålen, Northern Norway
You drive to the harbor of Gryllefjord where you take the approximately 1.30 hour ferry crossing to Andenes, located on the Vesterålen archipelago. The Vesterålen tempts you with a combination of hundreds of islands and islets, Caribbean-looking sea water, snow-white beaches, rugged high mountains, green hills, deeply carved valleys, narrow fjords, the midnight sun, fishing villages, unique flora and an unprecedentedly rich animal life. Just try not to fall in love with that! Use these four days to take beautiful walks through the high mountains or take part in organized activities such as a whale safari. The chance that you will see them is more than 98% because there are many whales (usually sperm whales) around Andenes. You will first receive an extensive tour of the whale museum and then you will go out to sea. When whales are spotted, the boat tries to get as close as possible and then you have to wait until the whale dives and the tail slowly disappears into the water. A seal safari or a puffin safari in the Bleiksøya Bird Reserve or at the Anda lighthouse are unique experiences. Hop into a sea kayak and paddle to deserted beaches. Cycling on the Vesterålen is also a fantastic experience. You will stay for two nights in a hotel in Andenes, which is partly built on stilts in the sea.
Driving distance Mefjordvær – Andenes: approx. 60 km | approx. 2.30 hours of travel (including ferry crossing)
Day 9 to 14. The unparalleled Lofoten, Northern Norway
After you have packed the car again, travel to Melbu where you take the short ferry to the Lofoten. Keep your camera handy because you will see many panoramas or scenic places along the way. You will spend the next few nights on the Lofoten in luxurious rorbuer, former fishermen’s houses. For six days you can fully enjoy everything that makes the Lofoten so special and discover for yourself why this archipelago is considered by many to be the most beautiful archipelago in the world. You can discover the nature of the islands in many different ways. Drive around the winding roads where the fantastic views keep stopping you, walk through the ubiquitous nature on the many hiking trails and go out to sea by boat or kayak to really get a good look at the fascinating landscape. Take an excursion by RIB boat to the narrow fjord Trollfjorden and see many sea eagles. The picturesque villages and the high mountains behind them will leave an indelible impression on you. Visit the Viking museum or the sea aquarium and laze on one of the many deserted beaches. You will first spend three nights in the centrally located Svolvær, after which you will drive to the idyllically located Reine.
Driving distance Andenes – Svolvær: 185 km | 3 hours travel (including ferry crossing)
Driving distance Svolvær – Reine: approx. 120 km | 2 hours drive
Day 15. By sea to the most powerful maelstrom in the world
You say goodbye to Lofoten, you will often think back to this wonderful archipelago. You drive your rental car onto the ferry which takes you from Moskenes to Bodø in approximately 3.30 hours. Today visit Saltstraumen, the most powerful maelstrom in the world. The water is pressed at speeds of up to 50 km per hour through narrow passages with eddies of up to 20 meters in diameter! Can’t get enough of walking? There are many possibilities in the area around Bodø. There are no fewer than 30 peaks of more than 1,000 meters in the vicinity of the city. The hike to the mountain peak Steigtind (793 m), one of Bodø’s most characteristic mountains, rewards you with panoramic views in all directions. Close to town, and one of the locals’ favorite walks, is to the 366 m high Keiservarden mountain.
Driving distance Reine – Bodø: approx. 105 km | 3.30 hours of travel (including ferry crossing)
Day 16. End of your tour through Northern Norway
For the last time on this trip you will wake up in the pure North. After you have gained your last impressions of Bodø, you will travel back to Bodø airport where you will return your rental car and check in for your return flight, via Oslo, to Amsterdam, Brussels or Düsseldorf. An unforgettable journey has come to an end.
Your stay in Northern Norway during this trip
Day 1 and 15 Scandic Hotel Havet in Bodø
Realm
The four-star hotel for your first and last night during this trip is located right on the water in the cozy center of the city of Bodø. Here, far above the Arctic Circle, you will be surrounded by luxury. You can walk from your hotel to the Storgata shopping street and the Glasshuset shopping center within three minutes. Bodø Airport is 3 km from the hotel. However, nature is never far away and present everywhere.
Location
Bodø is located in the Norwegian province of Nordland, of which it is the capital. The city is rapidly developing and is one of the fastest growing cities in Norway. The population is approximately 50,000, making it a metropolis by Northern Scandinavian standards.
Facilities
Your modern room features bright décor, a flat-screen TV, free WiFi, a seating area, a minibar, and a bathroom with a shower. The hotel has 2 restaurants, including the Skybar Restaurant on the 17th floor, which offers panoramic views of Bodø and the sea. You can rent bicycles or work up a sweat in the fitness center.
Day 2 to 4 Scandic Hotel Narvik
The award-winning hotel is located on the main street, Kongens gate, of the port city of Narvik and is one of the tallest buildings in Northern Norway. You can enjoy panoramic views of Narvik, the beautiful fjord Ofotfjord and the surrounding mountains from the sky bar located on the 15th floor. With any luck you will see the first northern lights dancing in the sky here when you travel in mid-August. You are very welcome for breakfast in the restaurant “Tind”. You can also enjoy a tasty dinner based on seasonal ingredients. Your room has excellent beds, a bathroom with shower, TV and free WiFi.
Day 4 to 7 Mefjord Brygge in Mefjordvær
Realm
Mefjord Brygge is located in a bay that makes everything beautiful. Your accommodation is located in the picturesque fishing village of Mefjordvær on the island of Senja, surrounded by mountains. You will stay in a recently completed Superior room. In the summer it is pleasantly busy with (fishing) boats. The view over the fjord will stay with you for a long time! The area is ideal for walking, cycling and water sports activities. The Mefjord Brygge is located on the beautiful tourist route of Senja.
Location
Mefjordbrygge is located in the northwest of the island of Senja, and therefore has a beautiful view of the Atlantic Ocean and the Midnight Sun.
Facilities
Mefjord Brygge has a very good kitchen that uses ecological products from the Arctic world: fresh fish, seafood and many regional ingredients. Here you will truly be immersed in the local colors and flavors!
You will stay in Mefjord Brygge in a Superior room completed in June 2018. Your approximately 15 m2 room is equipped with two single beds, a seating area, coffee/tea making facilities, a bathroom with shower and toilet, free WiFi, a flat-screen television and, last but not least, a beautiful view of the surrounding mountains. The rooms are located on the 3rd floor of the main building and are accessible via stairs. The restaurant and reception are located on the ground floor of the same building. The extensive breakfast buffet served in the morning is included in your stay. Your accommodation organizes many activities, including sea eagle safaris and trips through the fjords. You can rent bicycles and fishing boats (possibly with a local fishing guide), take mountain walks accompanied by a guide, relax in the sauna, rent a BBQ hut or relax in a wood-fired bath tub. You can join us for lunch for €27.50 pppd. For €12.75 pppd you can bring a self-made packed lunch and for €38.50 pppd you can order a delicious two-course dinner and for €55 pppd for a fantastic three-course dinner
Day 7 to 9 Thon hotel Andrikken in Andenes
Realm
You will stay in lively Andenes, the mecca for whaling. Andenes is a small town, but with all the boats, sailors and tourists you have the feeling that it is alive!
Location
Thon Hotel Andrikken is centrally located in Andenes, not far from the Atlantic Ocean.
Facilities
You will stay in a double room with TV, WiFi, shower and toilet. In the morning you can enjoy a delicious, extensive Norwegian breakfast buffet before exploring the area. Andenes has various options for a delicious lunch and/or dinner.
Day 9 to 12 Svinøya Rorbuer in Svolvær
Realm
The scenic Svinøya Rorbuer in Lofoten combines modern accommodation with a long tradition. Located between the sea and the high mountains are about thirty recently renovated, centuries-old fishermen’s houses. Great emphasis during the renovation was placed on preserving the authenticity of former fishermen’s houses. The Rorbuer are idyllically situated between the fishing station, quay buildings, stockfish racks and other traditional local buildings.
Location
Svinøya Rorbuer is centrally located in the harbor of Svolvær, on an island in the sea. The island can be reached by a bridge. From your accommodation you can easily walk to the center of the town.
Facilities
Your cozy rorbu is equipped with all amenities and has a fully equipped kitchen, a bathroom with shower and toilet and a bedroom. You have a view of the mountains and/or the sea. Popular activities in the region include fishing, hiking, cycling, sea kayaking, museum viewing, nature safaris and an excursion to “Trollfjorden”, the troll fjord. The restaurant “Børsen Spiseri” is located in the old wharf from 1828 and is one of the most renowned restaurants in Lofoten. Breakfast is served here daily, which is included during your stay, and you can enjoy delicious meals; for €56 pppd you can enjoy an extremely tasty three-course dinner and for €66 pppd for a gastronomic three-course dinner.
Day 12 to 15 Eliassen Rorbuer in Reine
Realm
In the south of the Lofoten we have reserved another rorbu for you at a very special location. In Reine you stay just like the fishermen used to do who came to the Lofoten for the annual big catch. You will stay in such a rorbu, surrounded by unimaginable mountain landscapes and sea.
Location
These authentic but modern Norwegian fishermen’s houses are located in the harbor of Reine, right on the water, surrounded by beautiful nature.
Facilities
Your superior rorbu is comfortably and cosily furnished and offers plenty of space. The living room has an open kitchen, a seating area and a flat-screen TV. There is one bedroom with a private bathroom with shower and toilet. You can use a rowing boat for free and numerous activities are organized from your accommodation. Eliassen Rorbuer does not have its own restaurant, but from June 1, 2022, breakfast is included in your stay. There are restaurants in the area where you can enjoy delicious dinners.
Price overview and departure dates during this trip through Northern Norway
The travel price includes:
- Return flight between Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, Brussels Airport or Düsseldorf International Airport (the choice is yours) and Bodø in Northern Norway including:
- maximum 23 kg of checked baggage per person
- maximum 8 kg of hand luggage per person
- Airport taxes and fuel surcharges
- 10 days of rental car type Volkswagen Golf or equivalent including:
- all local taxes
- unlimited amount of kilometres
- full insurance
- Pick up and drop off from your rental car at Tromsø Airport
- 24/7 road assistance
- 2 nights in a double room at the Scandic Havet hotel in Bodø inclusive:
- accommodation on a bed & breakfast basis
- 4 nights in a luxurious rorbu fisherman’s house from Eliassen Rorbuer in Reine on the Lofoten archipelago including:
- accommodation on a bed & breakfast basis
- 4 nights in a luxurious rorbu fisherman’s house from Svinøya Rorbuer in Svolvær on the Lofoten archipelago including:
- accommodation on a bed & breakfast basis
With your booking you will receive extra from Trekking Trails Travels:
- Free extensive travel guide about Norway
- Free detailed road map of Norway
- Extensive travel information and personal tips from Trekking Trails Travels
Rates summer 2024 for this tour of the Lofoten in Northern Norway
Daily departure in the period May 12, 2024 to August 27, 2024. A later departure than August 27, 2024 is not possible due to the ferry between Gryllefjord and Andenes (between Senja and the Versterålen on day 7 of your trip) which departs at the beginning of September stops for the season.
The rates listed below are per person for two travelers. If you are traveling alone or with more than two people, we kindly request that you contact us for a quote without obligation.
| date of departure | travel price per person |
|---|---|
| 12-05 to 18-05-2024 | €2,570 |
| 22-05 to 25-05-2024 | €2,695 |
| 26-05 to 28-05-2024 | €2,730 |
| 29-05 to 31-05-2024 | €2,745 |
| 01-06 to 15-06-2024 | €3,070 |
| 16-06 to 19-08-2024 | €3,285 |
| 20-08 to 38-08-2024 | €3,250 |
| 24-08 to 27-08-2024 | €3,175 |
Your flights to Northern Norway
You fly from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, Brussels Airport or Düsseldorf International Airport (the choice is yours) to Bodø Airport in Northern Norway. There are several airlines that fly to Bodø. In consultation with you, we will book the most suitable flight schedule for you.
The rates stated above are based on the lowest priced flight class. Most airlines have different classes of carriage. Often there is only a price difference between different classes and no difference in leg space and/or care. After receiving your reservation request, we will check the availability of the flight class. If the desired flight class is no longer available, we will contact you immediately for consultation. You can then book a higher flight class for a surcharge or we will look for a different departure date.
Your rental car
- 10 days of car rental category Volkswagen Golf or equivalent*, including:
- Unlimited kilometers
- CDW insurance (damage to the rental car) with reimbursement of the deductible, also in the event of (attempted) theft of radio and navigation system
- TP insurance (theft) with reimbursement of the deductible
- Reimbursement for damage to glass, tires, bottom (incl. oil pan and clutch) and roof of the rental car. It is therefore not necessary to take out additional insurance locally for this
- Third party liability insurance in accordance with the legally applicable standard
- Additional third-party liability insurance of at least €7.5 million on top of local coverage
- Accident Insurance (PAI) with coverage of €20,000 per occupant of the rental car
- Reimbursement of towing costs and costs for the loss or damage of the car key/papers
- Local taxes
- Airport taxes
- Reimbursement of file costs for claims handling
- 24/7 Dutch emergency telephone number
* Would you rather travel in a different rental car category? Please let us know and we will be happy to provide you with a quote tailored to your wishes.
Your rental car does not include:
- Fuel (you will receive your rental car with a full tank of fuel and must return it with a full tank of fuel)
- Extras such as navigation system
- Additional driver
You can arrange and pay for extras such as the navigation system and extra driver on site
A driver of the rental car must have had a valid Dutch, Belgian or EU driving license for at least one year. The minimum age for driving a rental car is 19 years. The main driver of the rental car must have a valid credit card, which must be shown during pick-up.
Your stay during this tour in Northern Norway
For your overnight stays during this wonderful tour through Northern Norway, we work together with personally selected, high-quality accommodation addresses. We selected these accommodation addresses ourselves, visited them and stayed there. So we speak from experience! We only work with accommodation addresses that, like us, attach great importance to quality, hygiene and personal service. During this trip through Northern Norway you will stay on a bed and breakfast basis.
Ferry crossings
The fare does not include ferry crossings between Bodø and Moskenes on the Lofoten Islands on day 2 and between Svolvær and Skutvik on day 10 of your trip. This is because these trips cannot yet be booked.
The ferry crossing between Bodø and Moskenes takes approximately 3 hours and 15 minutes and the ferry crossing between Svolvær and Skutvik takes approximately 2 hours.
Additional costs per reservation number
Consumer contribution Guarantee Fund VZR Garan t
An amount of €7.50 per traveler in consumer contribution to the VZR Garant Guarantee Fund is charged per booking.
A tour operator based in the Netherlands must be affiliated with a guarantee fund. A reassuring thought for you! A guarantee fund guarantees your travel price if an affiliated tour operator unexpectedly encounters financial insolvency. If necessary, the guarantee fund will take over the execution of your trip or refund your travel price. The best-known Guarantee Funds are the SGR, VZR Garant and GGTO. Since we are a specialized tour operator, we have chosen to join VZR Garant. Click here (the page opens in a new window) for more information about the VZR Garant guarantee fund.
Trekking Trails Travels does not charge booking and/or administration costs.
Reservation request for this tour through Northern Norway
Reservation request for this summer holiday in Lapland How does your reservation request work? We ask you to fill in some information about yourself, any fellow traveler(s) and your wishes regarding this trip. We will then contact you as soon as possible to discuss your trip and travel costs with you. Only then, after your approval, will your trip be definitively booked. If you have any questions regarding your trip, insurance or excursions, for example, you can ask one of our employees in a personal conversation. NB: * The main booker is the contact person between Trekking Trails Travels and the travelers. * The surname and first name must match the passport of the main booker. The information you share with us will always be treated confidentially and only for the purpose of the intended reservation request.