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Categories Scandinavia Adventure & Eco Travel Winter Tours Independent Tours

Celebrate New Years in Lofoten Islands, the beautiful archipelago in Northern Norway!

The weather in Lofoten changes rapidly in winter. These swift changes provide you with magnificent light conditions that have inspired artists and drawn them to this area for several decades. The result of having Lofoten as a source of inspiration is evident in the many art galleries and photo exhibitions, as well as at the blacksmith's and the weaver's, or in the local glass, ice and ceramic arts. The magical northern lights will often flicker across the night sky, and if you are lucky, you might even catch one of the raging storms. The greatest experience is actually just being in Lofoten at this time of year. Watch the fish being hung out on the drying racks. Enjoy life in the harbor in the fishing villages. Have a "skreimølje" dinner and enjoy this local cod dish. Chat to the local fishermen in one of the pubs. Sun for breakfast, storm for dinner and a calm sea for supper. Svolvær is the administrative center of Vågan Municipality (9,200 inhabitants) in Lofoten, Nordland County, Norway. Svolvær is a transport hub and a good starting point for tourists visiting the area. Many artists have been inspired by the unique light in Lofoten, and there are many artists and galleries in Svolvær. Located in Lofoten on the south coast of Austvågøy, Svolvær faces the open sea to the south, and is backed by mountains immediately to the north. Svolvær is partly located on smaller islands, such as Svinøya, connected to the main island by way of the Svinøya Bridge. There is a regional airport near the town, Svolvær Airport, Helle, and Svolvær is a port of call for Hurtigruten.

Itinerary

Arrive Oslo by flight. Self-transfer from the airport to the city-based hotel.

Overnight and breakfast at Thon Hotel Bristol, Oslo.

Enjoy breakfast – before it is time to make your way to the Northern Parts of Norway - fly from Oslo to Bodø. NOTE: the flight from Oslo to Bodø is not included. In Bodø spend a little while before you board the Hurtigruten to Svolvær, the Lofoten region and the capital of Lofoten. The Hurtigruten arrives Bodø at 12.30pm and is ready to board. 3.00pm the ship departs from Bodø to Svolvær onboard Hurtigruten MS Kong Harald (deck seat only)

9.00pm arrival Svolvær and self-transfer from the pier to the Svinøya area. Taxis are readily available.

Overnight and breakfast in 1 bedroom Rorbu at Svinøya Rorbu, Svolvær

Enjoy breakfast – day in Svolvær, perhaps visit the Ice bar in the city center at daytime (entrance not included)?

In the evening get ready to go and hunt the Northern Lights! If you are lucky, you might see them – since it is a weather phenomenon, we can never guarantee that you will get to see it! It is all up to Mother Earth.

8.00pm " Northern Lights Hunt" - you get picked up at the Reception.

Join the experienced local guide on a hunt for the Northern Lights.

Learn the basics on taking good photos of the Northern Lights. The tour goes by minibus to an area with the best chances to see the lights this particular night. Away from artificial lights pollution. Duration: 4 hours. Remember to bring: warm clothes, camera, tripod, extra batteries.

Enjoy breakfast – another day in Svolvær – this day start with a Lofoten Panorama tour.

10:00amOur local and knowledgeable driver will guide you on this half day excursion. Explore a dramatic coastline, historical fishing villages and white sand beaches, surrounded by rugged mountains. Several photo stops along the way with breathtaking views.

Lunch is served in Præstengbrygga in Kabelvåg. Bacalao with bread - a traditional fish casserole with tomatoes, onion and potatoes. Duration: 4 hours - To remember: Warm clothes, camera. Overnight at Svinøya Rorbuer.

Breakfast at the Fisherman Cabins before you go on a Lofoten Nature Safari

9:00am: Lecture on local birds, mammals, geology and climate in Lofoten. After the lecture, we sail into the Vestfjord, and the beautiful fjord landscapes around the Troll Fjord. You are very likely to experience the eagles at close range, and many other seabirds. Fish soup is served on board for lunch. 

The tour ends at 2.00pm.

In the evening enjoy a New Years Eve Dinner at Svinøya Rorbuer, a real 3-course New Year dinner.

Breakfast at Svinøya Rorbuer before you go to Hurtigruten and to Tromsø: 11:30amTrollfjorden & Sea Eagle Safari - meet at 11:00 am at Lofoten Explorer - Svolvær. Join a RIB Safari (not guaranteed if less than 4 persons booked). and visit Spectacular nature spots and close encounters with eagles.

1:30pmTour ends and rest of day at leisure in Svolvær and visit Spectacular nature spots and close encounters with eagles.

9.00 pmSelf –transfer to Hurtigruten pier in Svolvær (not included)

10.00 pmHurtigruten Coastal Steamer Cruise departures from Svolvær and direction Tromsø. Enjoy overnight in outside cabin at sea onboard Hurtigruten, the MS Nordkapp:

Breakfast onboard at the Coastal Steamer and some relaxing time before entering Tromsø and the “Arctic North” .

2.30 pm The Coastal Steamer arrives at the pier in Tromsø, self-transfer to your hotel and check in. The hotel is situated not far from the pier about a 200m walk.

6.15pm DOGSLED SAFARI at Tromsø Villmarkssenter. Pick up in the city for transfer to the center. Drive your own team of huskies or take a ride with our experienced guides and chase the Northern Lights. Guided by headlamps and the dog’s nose we go through the snow covered landscape. If the weather is good and you are lucky the Northern Lights will appear. If not you will in either case have an experience, you will never forget. After about one hour of dogsledding we return to the Villmark Centre where you will be served “Bidos” with coffee and cake for dessert inside a Sami Tent (lavvo). Whenever you want you can step outside to scout for the Northern Lights. You will also have the opportunity to visit the puppies and make some four-legged friends. If you wish to drive your own sled let us know when you book, but if the weather is bad, you may need to take place in the sled. The price is the same for riding and driving. Please remember that the Northern lights, the Aurora Borealis, is a weather phenomenon – so we can never guarantee that it will appear.

10.30 pmReturn back from the Villmarkssenter to the city for overnight.

Breakfast at the hotel end of service.

Notes