When Danielle first said she was going to visit me in Norway in January I got super excited. And then the stress hit. Danielle isn’t a big fan of the cold and I knew she was pretty much only coming to see me, but I wanted to make her trip as worthwhile as possible. Plus I’m always trying to show people how magical winter in the north actually can be, so I wanted to show her the best time ever here.
And I think I succeeded!
When I put together our itinerary I focused on checking off what I consider to be the top Arctic bucket list experiences, as well as taking her to the prettiest spots in Norway.
So I thought I would share our itinerary with you guys as well.
Now, this isn’t our exact itinerary as I actually drove my car up from Mosjøen, which wouldn’t really make sense if you were renting a car. And then there was that huge blizzard that closed the main highway so I was two days late picking Danielle at the airport (this is why you should always get travel insurance when visiting Norway – the weather here can seriously mess with your plans!).
Day 1: Narvik
You’ll most likely get an international flight into Oslo or Trondheim, but then book a flight directly up to Evenes Airport in Narvik. You’ll rent your car for the week from here. I always rent from Sixt when I’m in Norway as they tend to have the cheapest rates and are always reliable, but you can also check RentalCars.com to compare prices at different rentals.
Once you get your car drive straight to Narvik, where you’ll be spending the night in an Arctic Dome!
This is one of my top Arctic bucket list experiences, as sleeping in a clear dome under the Northern Lights is probably the best thing ever. But even if you’re traveling in the summer sleeping in a dome is amazing, as you get such beautiful views all night long. The dome also has curtains if you want darkness while you sleep.
You can read more about our stay in Narvik’s Arctic Dome here. It’s pricey, but so, so worth it. And if you’re new to Airbnb you can get a discount by signing up here.
Day 2: Abisko/Kiruna
Today you’ll head over to Sweden!
Or at least, head over to Sweden if you’re visiting from October to March. In the summertime I actually would skip Day 2 and Day 3 of the itinerary, as the main reason for coming here is for higher chances of seeing the Northern Lights. I don’t think Kiruna is particularly beautiful in the summer, but of course it’s up to you if you still want to visit.
Cue all the Swedes coming to Kiruna’s defense, haha.
No, but Kiruna is great in the winter because not only is it an easy drive to Abisko, aka the best place to see the Northern Lights in Europe, but it’s also a center for Arctic tourism activities. So there’s so much cool stuff to do here!
Danielle and I opted for hanging out with huskies at this husky Airbnb, which I wrote more about here. But if you’re not a dog person, you could opt for staying at this reindeer Airbnb, which I wrote more about here.
However if you’re not interested in reindeer or huskies, I would instead try to stay in Abisko. There isn’t as much to do in Abisko during the day, but it is the best place to watch for the Northern Lights, thanks to its microclimate which tends to pull clouds apart from the center of the sky.
Plus Abisko is closer to Norway, so you’ll have a much shorter drive from and back to Norway, which is definitely a bonus.
My top accommodation choice in Abisko would be the Abisko Turiststation, where you can also organize Northern Lights tours if you wish. Plus they serve delicious Swedish pancakes at their lunch buffet on Thursdays! Check current prices and availability here
If you’re on a budget, I’ve also heard great things about Abisko.net Hostel & Huskies. Remember that in hostels in Sweden you’ll usually have to pay extra for bedding (which usually is obligatory).
Regardless of whether you’re in Kiruna or Abisko, tonight you can watch out for the Northern Lights!
Day 3: Kiruna
Spend today out in the snow! If you’re staying with the huskies this is a great time to organize husky sledding, or they also have cross-country skies for rent, and I think they even offer snowmobile tours.
Or if you’re staying with the reindeer, feed the reindeer in the morning and maybe see what activities are on offer there.
You could also spend your first night with the reindeer and then tonight move to the husky Airbnb – they’re only a fifteen minute drive apart.
And then tonight you can chase the Northern Lights! This is a great place to see them, but if the weather is bad you could consider driving up to Abisko, which has a micro climate and clearer skies.
Day 4: Vesterålen
You have about four hours of driving today, but it’s a beautiful drive! The route over the mountain back into Norway is lovely, and then you’ll be heading to one of my favorite areas of Norway – Vesterålen.
Danielle and I stayed in this incredible cabin.
I chose to spend two nights here because staying in a cabin like this is such a Norwegian experience. A lot of people visiting Norway just hit the main tourist spots and activities (which we did as well), but they don’t really experience Norway like a local would.
Norwegians love to go to their hytte, or cabin, and often they’ll spend their weekends and holidays at the cabin enjoying nature.
And that’s exactly what we did. This cabin is huge so you could come with lots of people, but it’s also really reasonably priced on Airbnb. And the owner is the nicest guy who also runs a nearby campground.
I would especially love to return here in the summer, as the cabin is right on a lake, which was frozen over and covered with snow when we were there. Though we did see a moose couple enjoying a stroll on the lake one morning!
There’s also a sauna here, and if you come in the winter you have to have the full experience of jumping out into the snow – it feels amazing, I swear.
Day 5: Vesterålen
Today you can either hang out at the cabin, do a little road trip around Vesterålen, or drive up to Andenes to do a whale safari.
And if you didn’t get a chance to see reindeer in Sweden you can drive over to Inga Sami Siida, which is really close to the cabin. You can read more about whale watching, reindeer, Vesterålen’s scenic route, and other things to do in Vesterålen here.
Danielle wanted to go whale watching so we left early in the morning to get to Andenes in time for her whale safari, and then we still had a bit of daylight left so we drove back down along the scenic route.
Then in the evening you can chase the Northern Lights, enjoy the sauna, or just make a fire and enjoy the cosy Norwegian hytte life.
Day 6: Lofoten
Danielle and I only drove down through Lofoten as a day trip because we were short on time after the storm, but I would recommend spending a couple of nights here if you can.
This is the most touristy area on the itinerary, but it’s also the most spectacular. Plus I find that the tourist crowds tend to gather in the south around Reine, whereas the rest of the islands are relatively quiet (except maybe in July when tourism hits its peak).
My favorite place I’ve stayed in Lofoten is Svinøya Rorbuer, which is in Svolvær, the main town in Lofoten. This is a great base for activities, like this amazing sea eagle RIB safari I did, as well as a good starting point for driving around to see the islands. Check rates and availability at Svinøya Rorbuer here
Day 7: Lofoten
Take this second day to drive down the islands. They get more beautiful as you head south. I’ve written about some especially scenic places to visit on Lofoten here.
And then tonight you can either stay at Svinøya, if you prefer not to move around too much, or if you’d rather stay somewhere new, my second choice for Lofoten is Eliassen Rorbuer near Reine. This is in the most scenic part of Lofoten – in fact you might recognize the red cabins you’ll be staying in:
This is also a very touristy area of Lofoten, but aside from July it should be fine. Check current rates and availability here
Day 8: Leave or Bodø
Today you’ll return to Evenes Airport and either leave Norway, or if you have a bit more time, you could head to Bodø! Easiest would be to fly, and if you book your flight early it will actually be cheaper to fly than to take the bus.
If you end up taking the bus you’ll need to first get the airport bus to Narvik, which takes 75 minutes, and then the bus from Narvik to Bodø, which takes about six hours.
If you fly into Bodø in the morning you’ll have all day in the city. You can read more about things to do in Bodø here, and visiting Bodø in winter here.
My favorite hotel in Bodø is Thon Hotel Nordlys, which has my favorite buffet breakfast in Norway. Check current rates and availability here
Bodø also has a bunch of great Airbnb options, which is especially helpful if you’re on a budget as they tend to be cheaper and have self-catering options – eating out in Norway is pricey.
Day 9: Mosjøen
Today you’ll get the train from Bodø to Mosjøen. Be sure to book your train ticket as early as possible (earliest possible is three months in advance), as early bird “mini price” tickets are heavily discounted.
Okay, so Danielle and I of course included Mosjøen in our itinerary because I wanted to show her my new home! But actually I think Mosjøen is worth a visit even if you don’t have a bff here.
Mosjøen is such a pretty town, and personally I think the train ride from Bodø to Mosjøen is the most beautiful train ride in all of Norway – take that, Flåm. And the downtown is right by the train station, so you won’t need to worry about renting a car here.
Tonight you can stay at Fru Haugans Hotel, which is right at the end of Sjøgata, Mosjøen’s famous old street. Dating back over 200 years, Fru Haugans is Northern Norway’s oldest hotel and also has two great restaurants inside. And apparently it has always been run by women! Check prices and availability here
If you’re on a budget, Airbnb also has a couple of great options in downtown Mosjøen.
Or you could stay at Mosjøen Hotel, which has a nice old fashioned vibe and is conveniently right across the street from the train station.
Day 10: Mosjøen
It’s definitely worth spending another day in Mosjøen if you have the time.
You can read more about things to do in Mosjøen here.
And if you’re visiting in the winter, this will be your last chance on the trip to see the Northern Lights. We see them over the town fairly often, so you don’t even need to worry about getting somewhere dark.
Day 11: Trondheim
Danielle got an international flight out of Trondheim, and if you can do the same then you could take a couple of more days to see Trondheim as well!
If you get the morning train from Mosjøen that leaves around 9:30 am you’ll be in Trondheim by 2:30 pm, so you’ll still have a good portion of the day to explore.
I used to live in Trondheim and have written a huge guide for things to do in Trondheim here.
I’ve also written a guide to the best accommodation in Trondheim for every budget here. Currently my favorite place to stay in Trondheim is either in an Airbnb or the Best Western Chesterfield Hotel, which is right by the train station and beautiful (and affordable!).
Day 12: Trondheim
You could either leave today or take another day to explore the city. Personally I would try to have a second day in Trondheim, but if you’re pressed for time you’ll be able to see most of the main sites in your first afternoon in Trondheim anyway.
And that’s it!
The Best Way to Get from Bergen to Oslo
Riley from Riley's Roves says
What a great bucket list! I hope to make it to Scandinavia someday. I’d always pictured visiting in the warmer months, but this itinerary looks incredible.
Silvia says
I think this itinerary would be lovely in the summer too!
Nicole W Matthews says
Wow,
This artical is more benifitable for all of world pepoles. It is importent foe me.
Thanks for this post.
Hong says
Thanks for the great post!
I am planning to visit in February mainly to see the northern lights and do some other winter activities.
I originally was going to go to Tromso and then to Lofoten, Abisko.
For 10 days trip, would it be better to skip Tromso, because main reason for being there will be northern lights. Other activities such as dog-sledding seems to be available in Abisko.
Silvia says
If you want something very easy Tromsø is a big tourist hub and has tons of Northern Lights tours. But the tours will be big and crowded (like with several buses stopped at the same viewpoints), so personally I would skip Tromsø. Abisko has much better weather so you’ll probably have the best chance of seeing the lights there, plus I prefer the vibe in Abisko and Kiruna.
ursula says
Hi ya. Loved reading your blog, makes me definitey want to put Norway on my list.
Do you have any idea what it would be like to visit here during the Summer (June-Sept)? or do you think that it would be better to hold off visiting during Winter season?
Also, would you mind if I asked whether, in your opinion, would you say Norway is an expensive country to visit?
Thank you 🙂
Silvia says
I would visit later if you want to see the Northern Lights, but otherwise it would be lovely in the summer too! And yes, Norway is expensive.
Amit khaitan says
Hi Silvia.. i just started reading one blog of yours but now like i want to read everything you wrote about your travel experience.
I am planning a 10-12 days trip to norway in feb or march.
Earlier i just planned to cover tromso, lofoten , senja, nordcape and kirkenes .. but now after reading your travel blog i want to cover kiruna/abisko and narvik.
So what is your suggestion for that to cover kirkenes..? Is it worth to visit kirkenes including nordcape? as i can book hurtrigen cruise ship from tromso to kirkenes or i should keep it up to narvik, kiruna/abisko, lofoten and tromso as per your iterneries ?
Kindly suggest or it will be bettter if can connect over whats app on +971555575049 or on messenger.
Many Thanks
Arvindh S says
Hey Silvia!
Thank you for writing this article.
We’re planning to follow this travel plan in the second half of September.
With that, I have six questions:
1. Would this travel plan make sense at that time?
2. Will there be snow?
3. Will Abisko have the northern lights?
4. Are there any special considerations I need to make if I’m traveling with a two year old?
5. How feasible/friendly is Norway for vegetarians?
6. Should we get the World Nomads Explorer insurance for all three of us (me, my wife and my baby girl!)
Silvia says
1. yes, definitely!
2. probably not, but there might be snow in the mountains
3. you should have a good chance to see the Northern Lights, but of course it’s a natural phenomenon that can’t be predicted or guaranteed
4. I don’t know anything about kids
5. I have several Norwegian friends who are vegetarians, so it shouldn’t be a problem
6. yes, I definitely recommend getting insurance for all of you
Have fun!
Amit khaitan says
Hello Silvia.. i just started with reading one of yours article but now like i want to read everything you wrote about your travel experience.
I am planning a 10-12 days trip to norway in feb or march.
Earlier i just planned to cover tromso, lofoten , senja, nordcape and kirkenes .. but now after reading your travel blog i want to cover kiruna/abisko and narvik.
So what is your suggestion for that to cover kirkenes..? Is it worth to visit kirkenes including nordcape? as i can book hurtrigen cruise ship from tromso to kirkenes or i should keep it up to narvik, kiruna/abisko, lofoten and tromso as per your iterneries ?
Kindly suggest .
Thanks
Anwesh Dayal says
Is it safe to drive (on the icy roads) from Kiruna to Vesterålen? Or in general that up north in the Lapland by yourself?
Silvia says
Yes, you just need to be careful and follow weather advisories in the winter.
Amit says
Hello Silvia,
Me and my friend planning to visit from mid feb to end of feb 2020.
I have followi g questions..
1. Is a good time to visit as per the weather conditions?
2. Will it be possible to drive by car that time on all the routes which you mentioned in your itrenery?
3.apart from northen lights we want to do some activities as well..like sea eagal safari,whale watching so all these activities will be avilable at time?
Awaiting your reply.
Thanks
Silvia says
Yes, those activities will all be available then.
Amit says
Is it the good decision to make plan from mid feb to till end of feb 2020 for this iternery?
Amit says
Hello Silvia,
Pls advise can i plan this iternery from mid of feb2020?
2. Will it be possible to drive by car all the place in the month of feb? ( my concern is of road closure due to snow or bad weather)
Pls advise so that i can start my booking accordingly.
Thanks
Silvia says
We did this itinerary in early January, so you will have an easier time of it in February! But it will help if you have some experience driving in snow. If you don’t just be sure to take it slowly and you should be okay.
amit khaitan says
thank you so much Silvia… we are all set to go.
we will be travelling from 13th feb.2020 to till 26th feb2020.
my route by car will be Oslo-evens-abisko-lofoten-andenes-vesterlan-senja-tromso-nordcapp-kirkenes-oslo-Dubai.
Thanks to all your blogs which helped alot while making bookings for this memorable trip.
regards
Jess says
Like many of the folks above, my wife and I are planning to visit in early February. It sounds like the best all-around time to visit. My only concern is the rental car. I have some experience driving in the snow, but some of these locations seem somewhat remote, and have limited daylight hours. Should I be worried about getting stuck, or not being able to reach any of these destinations?
Silvia says
There’s always a chance that there could be a big storm and the roads will close. The only way to avoid getting stuck would be to fly directly to one location and stay there your entire trip, as unfortunately storms and road closures are part of life in the Arctic. But it usually only happens a few times each winter, so hopefully you wont’ be unlucky! I would buy travel insurance just in case.
Jess says
Thank you! We’re going to go for it with insurance in our back pocket.
Jasmin says
Hello,
I am very new to your page so I don’t know how you feel about this question. But I would very much like to know how much a trip like this would cost. Thank you in advance.
Selina says
Hi Silvia, may I know if it is possible to do this trip without a car? We may do something like this:
2-3 days Kiruna
1 day travel from Kiruna to Tromso
2-3 days Tromso
We are thinking of taking the train from Kiruna to Narvik, then Narvik to Tromso.
Would you recommend stopping by Abisko for a night, or skip it and go to Tromso straight?
Can we do our own northern lights spotting in Abisko?
Thank you!
Maria says
hi!
I love your blog. I would love to do this rode trip with my Boyfriend. woulg you recomend november a good time to do it?
Silvia says
Yeah I think that should be good, as there won’t be as much snow so driving should be easier.
Ridhima Singh says
Very informative blog Silvia. Got your e-book too. Good stuff.
You might have answered this millionth time – But how good is first week of October for NL? Tromso, Lofoten and now adding Abiska after reading this Blog. And second question – Apart from rental car – do we have easy public transport which connects all these places?
Silvia says
October is a great time to see the northern lights! The only worry is the weather can be bad in the autumn, but to be honest that’s a problem here in the winter too, so you just have to hope for clear skies. Unfortunately there is not easy public transport here. You can look into getting a bus from Lofoten to Narvik, and from Narvik you can get the train to Abisko. And there should be a bus from Narvik to Tromsø, but I’m not sure how often it runs. If I were visiting without a car I would probably actually only visit Tromsø and take northern lights tours from there.
Meagan says
Hi Silvia,
I have enjoyed reading a few of your post tonight. My fiance and I want to honeymoon in the Artic and I was wondering what month you most recommend for this itinerary? Also, can you give a ballpark range for the cost of this trip? Thank you so much!!
Kristen says
Hey Silvia,
I’m so glad I found your blog. It’s incredibly helpful to get advice from someone who’s figured out the best ways to travel around the area. What airport would you recommend flying into from the US if we’re planning on doing a Northern Lights trip in February?
Silvia says
You’ll probably want to fly into Tromsø or Evenes, but may need to fly via Oslo.
Rhodri says
Hey Silvia. Love your articles, they’ve been really handy for planning my trip this winter. I’ve been planning on taking a train to Bode (after reading your article on it) and using that as a base to whale watch, visit lofoten and see the lights, but after reading this a road trip by car does sound appealing… My main concern though would be how to organise all the different accomodation. Did you book it all way in advance or as you went along? I love the idea of a flexible itinery but presumably it would be too hard/expensive to book last minute? Thanks in advance
richard says
We are visiting in late sept/early oct. Are there small group tours to Abisko or Lofoten to see the Northern Lights and small towns?
Dushyant Kanabar says
Hi Silvia,
Thanks for such a in depth and informative write up. It’s so helpful for someone who’s never visited that part of the world.
Since you know that area well, what are your thoughts on visiting this area around X-Mas time this year? We’re planning to self drive and replicate your itinerary above. Any suggestions/tips/comments would be highly appreciated. Are the lack of daylight hours a hindrance? Would you be able to recommend any good local travel agents please? Thanks.