Norway Holidays to see the Northern Lights:

Vesteralen + Lofoten Islands (fly-drive)

 

The far north of Norway has a captivating and dramatic beauty. The Lofoten Islands is an archipelago boasting distinctive glacier-carved peaks, tranquil fishing villages and some unbelievable sandy beaches. Combine this with the greener, gentler Vesteralen Islands for one of Europe’s best kept secrets. See puffins and sea eagles and look out for porpoises and whales.

If travelling late in the season, from September to March you may be fortunate enough to see the amazing Aurora Borealis burning through the polar sky. All our Norway holidays to see the Northern Lights can be tailor made to your needs.

  • Price: from £1,467 pp sharing

  • No. nights: 8

  • Deposit: £150 pp

  • Best Time: May – September

  • Reference Code: DNO3

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SAMPLE ITINERARY

 

Day 1: Fly to Evenes & drive to Sortland

Fly via Oslo to the small town of Evenes and collect your hire car from the airport.

Then drive to Sortland, located on Langøya island in the Vesteralen archipelago, where you will stay for 3 nights (approximate journey time: 2 hours / 132 km).

Days 2 & 3: Exploring Vesteralen

From your base in Sortland, spend a couple of days exploring the islands of Vesteralen. Experience the joy of island driving, with picturesque coastal roads & stunning scenery everywhere.

Head north to the island of Andoya and the small town of Andenes. Perhaps join a whale watching tour with a chance to see sperm, minke, pilot and humpback whales, as well as harbour porpoises. There is also a whale museum. Alternatively enjoy a puffin safari from the town of Bleik nearby. Return to Sortland via the dramatic west coast of Andoya.

We also recommend a visit to the abandoned fishing village of Nyksund, or don your hiking boots and enjoy a coastal walk.

Day 4: Drive to Svolvaer & Lofoten Islands

Leaving Vesteralen, head south to Lofoten and the town of Svolvaer along the E10, one of the most picturesque drives in Europe (approximate journey time: 2 hours / distance 120 km).

Stay two nights in traditional cabins in this charming fishing town.

Day 5: Exploring Svolvaer

At leisure to enjoy the fantastic scenery of jagged peaks (some of the oldest rocks in the world), fjords, rugged cliffs, idyllic white sand beaches and thousands of tiny islands.

Here the locals live from farming, fishing and some tourism, but this is a place with a truly unspoilt feeling. See traditional red-painted fishermen's huts known as 'rorbuer', photograph tiny fishing boats bobbing about in the harbours, browse local handicraft shops and galleries, discover inlets, secret coves and staggering scenery not typically associated with Norway.

Don't miss the chance to venture out onto Trollfjorden by comfortable motor cruiser, thrilling Zodiac inflatable or peaceful kayak. Just 2 km long and barely 100m wide at its entrance, the fjord is framed with smooth, vertical granite slabs rising to 1,000m. Here sea eagles are often spotted. If you would rather stay on dry land, you can explore the town itself and soak up the harbour atmosphere.

You can also visit the village of Henningsvaer, popular with artists.

Day 6: Drive to Reine

A short but spectacular drive today through the heart of the Lofoten archipelago, winding down the E10 towards Reine, where you will stay for three nights (approximate journey time: 2 hours 15 min / 122 km).

The many tiny fishing villages that surround this beautiful area epitomise the spirit of the islands. Those with the energy can enjoy a hike to a stunning mountain point above the bay.

Days 7 & 8: Exploring Reine

At leisure to explore this area and maybe visit ‘A’, a village of great character at the absolute end of the E10.

You can take a boat trip from Moskenes to Vaeroy, whose soaring bird cliffs face the ocean and support a wide range of species.

Maybe visit the remote village of Nusfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in a breathtaking location, en route to the Viking farmstead at Borg. Unstad and Eggum are two isolated settlements on the north coast of Lofoten, where steep cliffs flank white sandy beaches.

Discover turquoise sea and white sand beaches, perhaps unexpectedly, and hike through breathtaking landscapes.

Day 9: Drive to Harstad

Head back over the Lofoten Islands to Harstad, pausing along the way for a photo stop at the quaint village of Henningsvaer, with its pretty painted houses.

Continue to Harstad for overnight (approximate journey time: 5 hours / distance 290 km).

Day 10: Drive to Evenes & Fly Home

Depending on your flight time, you may be able to visit Trondenes, a historic part of Harstad located a short distance east of the town. It has a medieval stone church and the Historical Centre Museum.

Then head back to Evenes airport, drop off your rental car and fly home.

 

PRICING

Price is based on two adults sharing en-suite accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis. Car hire is included. Airfares are quoted separately to the holiday price and start from around £280 per person (with higher fares during peak times). When enquiring, our Travel Specialists will provide the best fare possible from your preferred airline / airport.
Note: Airfares tend to be cheaper the earlier you book.

We offer a choice of hotels at different prices, so please discuss your requirements with us. All hotels are subject to availability.

Before your departure, you will receive personalised holiday information including recommended routes and suggestions on places to visit, to help you get the most from your holiday.

It is essential that you have personal holiday insurance and an appropriate driving licence. The AA and FCO should also be consulted.