15 days | Small group tour | Sep–Mar | Oslo to Ivalo
Small group tour from Norway’s iconic fjords and coastal voyage to Finnish Lapland, designed with comfort and character throughout.
Travel from Oslo and the Norwegian fjords to Bergen before sailing north on a contemporary Havila coastal ship to Kirkenes. Continue into Finnish Lapland for three nights beneath glass-roofed Arctic skies. This immersive small group journey blends Norway’s iconic coastline with authentic Arctic experiences, delivered with comfort, character and careful attention to detail throughout.
Havila Voyages offer: book between 15 September and 15 November 2026.
As a Certified B Corporation, 50 Degrees North has designed this itinerary using handpicked local hoteliers and suppliers who share our ethos of delivering services and activities of high social and environmental standards.
Through our Climate Action Plan, we measure our carbon emissions each year and set goals to reduce them. But our responsibility does not end when the journey does. A share of our annual profits goes to our Impact Fund, supporting conservation, restoration and the communities we work in.
Coastal ferry Havila, bus, train and transfers.
Please see the cabin description here.
All accommodation in shared double rooms with private facilities
Experienced Tour Leader for the entire journey
2 night's stay in the heart of Oslo
1 night at the Fretheim Hotel in Flåm
1 night at the Bergen Børs Hotel
6 nights of cruise accommodation Voyage from Bergen to Kirkenes with Havila, in unspecified outside cabin (15m2) with window, fridge, sofa, desk, TV with international channels, hairdryer, tea and coffee making facilities, toilet & shower. (Pre-booked cabin upgrades available on request subject to availability)
1 night in a Gamme Cabin at the Snow Resort Kirkenes
3 nights in a glass roofed Aurora Cabin at Aurora Village Ivalo
Meals in total: Daily breakfasts, 9 lunches, 11 dinners (drinks paid locally)
English-speaking local guide for city tours in Oslo & Bergen
Train: Oslo to Flåm via Myrdal
Fjord cruise: Flåm to Gudvangen
A guided visit to a site dedicated to Sámi heritage in Inari
Winter or Autumn (before proper snow cover) activities depending on the season:
WINTER ACTIVITIES (Dec-Mar): Reindeer Farm Visit, Snowmobile Safari, Husky Safari, Crafting and Aurora hunting by car.
AUTUMN ACTIVITIES (Sep-Nov): Husky wagon ride, Reindeer feeding, Panorama sauna & jacuzzi, Floating wood sauna experience, BBQ workshop and Aurora hunting by car.
ALL SEASONS: King Crab Safari
Please note the arrival of snow is hard to predict but for a rough idea, autumn activities would be expected to run at least until November but subject to change.
Aurora alert at Aurora Village
Portage is not included - you will be responsible for carrying your luggage for short distances in cities. The section where you will need to carry your luggage is between the Oslo hotel and the station (200 metres), transferring across the platform to board the Flåm train, Flåm station to Fretheim Hotel (300 metres on straight asphalt), then Fretheim Hotel to the Fjord Cruise to Bus (300 metres each). Once you have arrived in Bergen, it is a transfer to Havila which has porter service included. The Snowhotel and Aurora Village provide portage to your accommodation, so you don't need to carry your bags over the snow at any stage.
Arrival transfer in Oslo is not included. There is a very convenient and fast airport train.
Booking your flight from Ivalo to Helsinki with Finnair in combination with your international flight is a more affordable option.
Arrive Oslo and make your own way to your central hotel in the heart of Oslo. The Norwegian capital has a great deal to offer the discerning traveller. If you arrive early, we can recommend a walk around the centre of town to view the Parliament, the Castle & the Harbour area. Check in will be between 10am - 3pm. Close to the hotel, climb the new Opera House for a chance to orient yourself to this small capital. If you have a few hours, we suggest heading to close by beautiful peninsula of Bygdøy by ferry to visit the Fram Museum this afternoon.
Your Tour Leader will meet you this evening in the hotel lobby and then enjoy a welcome dinner.
The Norwegian capital has much to offer the discerning traveller, and you have a full day set aside to explore its highlights. After breakfast, you will meet a knowledgeable local guide for a four-hour city tour by minibus, offering an engaging introduction to Oslo’s history, culture and modern life.
The afternoon is free for independent exploration. Take a leisurely walk through the city centre to admire the Parliament building, the Royal Palace and its surrounding park, and the lively harbour area.
Catch an early morning train from Oslo to Myrdal. The train journey over Northern Europe’s largest mountain plateau is spectacular. In the comfort of your train, watch fjord scenery with beautiful waterfalls, flowing rivers, deep valleys and mountains.
Arrive in Flåm and have the afternoon to explore this small fjord side village. Optional walks and activities available.
The day starts with a spectacular 2-hour fjord cruise from Flåm to the tiny fjord village of Gudvangen. Enjoy the magnificent views of the Aurlandsfjord & the Næroyfjord-a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The boat docks in Gudvangen, and from there the journey continues by a private transfer along the scenic route to Bergen.
On arrival into Bergen, settle into your hotel and perhaps head down to the fish market or fish restaurants by the wharf for dinner.
After breakfast enjoy a 3-hour walking tour of Bergen, including the famous Bryggen, the old Hanseatic Quarter.
The afternoon is free in Bergen - be sure to enjoy the indoor & outdoor fish markets with their platters, sushi & paella options. Ride on the funicular to Mt. Fløien for the best views of the city and fjords way below. Keep an eye out for your coastal voyage vessel that arrives into Bergen during the afternoon.
In the mid afternoon you will transfer to the cruise terminal for check-in. Settle into your cabin & then meet your escort for your first meal on-board the ship.
Please note, you carry your own luggage onboard from the pier to check in/cabin.
An information meeting is usually held on the evening of departure from Bergen and included details of safety onboard. There is an information folder in each cabin and safety procedures are illustrated on the back of your cabin door and in public areas. The cruise tour leader on board will assist with general information and optional excursions available.
A winter voyage along Norway’s coast is a truly magical experience. The landscape is blanketed in pristine snow, the air is crisp and invigorating, and clusters of warm, glowing houses dot the shoreline like flickering embers.
As your ship sails north, weaving past skerries and scattered islands, you’ll arrive in Ålesund, a town known for its elegant Art Nouveau architecture. Stroll through the charming pedestrian streets of Apotekergata and Kongensgate, where the buildings tell stories of a beautifully rebuilt city. For a panoramic view, climb the 418 steps to the top of Mount Aksla, where the winter landscape stretches out in all directions. Don’t miss the Atlantic Sea Park (Atlanterhavsparken) — one of Europe’s largest saltwater aquariums, offering a fascinating glimpse into marine life along the Norwegian coast.
Next, you’ll visit Molde, often called the “Town of Roses,” even in winter. From here, you can enjoy the breathtaking Molde Panorama, a sweeping view of 222 snow-capped mountain peaks that line the horizon.
Leaving Ålesund we head north towards Trondheim. Overnight on board the ship.
A visit to the historic royal city of Trondheim in winter is like stepping into a snowy fairytale. For a perfect view of the city, head to the Old Town Bridge (Gamle Bybrua). Built in 1861, this neo-Gothic wooden bridge was once the only way into the town centre and still offers one of the most picturesque views of the city, especially when dusted with snow.
Nearby stands the majestic Nidaros Cathedral, Norway’s largest Gothic church, built between 1070 and 1300. Just next door, in the Archbishop’s Palace, the Norwegian Crown Jewels are safely housed. As you explore Trondheim, you’ll also see the charming Hanseatic-style storehouses along the river, perched on wooden stilts, and the grand Stiftsgården, the largest wooden palace in Norway and the royal residence when the monarchy visits the city.
As your ship departs Trondheim, it sets course for the scenic Kjeungskjær Lighthouse, standing proudly among a maze of tiny islands and rocky outcrops. The journey continues through the narrow and dramatic Stokksund strait, before arriving in the welcoming coastal town of Rørvik, known for its maritime charm and winter tranquility.
This morning, between Nesna and Ørnes, your ship will pass a small islet marked by a globe — signaling your crossing of the Arctic Circle. This invisible line marks the gateway to the Arctic region. In summer, it brings the phenomenon of the Midnight Sun, where the sun never sets. But in autumn and winter, it offers something even more magical: some of the best chances to witness the Northern Lights dancing across the sky.
To mark the occasion, first-time Arctic travellers are invited to take part in a light-hearted tradition: the Arctic Circle Baptism, hosted by Njord, the mythical ruler of the Seven Seas. It involves a brisk ice cube down your back or front — completely optional, but always entertaining to watch!
As the journey continues toward Bodø, the ship sails along the stunning Helgeland coast. One of the highlights is Torghatten, a mountain famous for the massive hole that runs straight through its center—30 meters high, 25 meters wide, and 160 meters deep.
During the night, your ship navigates the narrow and dramatic Raftsund strait, a passage made even more magical under the winter sky. After a brief stop in Harstad, located on Hinnøya — Norway’s largest island — you continue sailing via Finnsnes toward Tromsø, where you’ll enjoy an extended stay.
Tromsø has long been a gateway to Arctic exploration. Legendary expeditions, including those led by Roald Amundsen, began here, with the city providing both crew and supplies. Today, Tromsø remains a hub of polar research, home to the Norwegian Polar Institute, and proudly holds the title of Norway’s Polar Capital.
Be sure to visit the striking Arctic Cathedral (Ishavskatedralen), a modern architectural icon that glows beautifully in the winter light. For panoramic views of the snow-covered city and surrounding fjords, take the Fjellheisen cable car up to Storsteinen, a mountain ledge offering breathtaking vistas. And if you're in the mood to warm up, why not enjoy a drink from the world’s northernmost brewery?
After your time in Tromsø, the journey continues north into one of the best regions for spotting the Northern Lights. As night falls, gather on deck or beneath the ship’s glass roof and keep your eyes on the sky—this is one of the most awe-inspiring natural displays on Earth, and winter offers the perfect stage.
Today, your ship sails through the icy waters of Magerøysund, making an early stop in Hammerfest before continuing to Honningsvåg, the gateway to one of the most awe-inspiring destinations in the Arctic: the North Cape. Towering 300 metres above the ocean at 71° 10′ 21″ N, this dramatic cliff places you just 2,000 kilometres from the Geographic North Pole. Standing on the North Cape Plateau in winter, with snow swirling and the sea stretching endlessly below, truly feels like standing at the edge of the world.
This remote region is also a haven for Arctic birdlife. Nearby lies Gjesværstappan, a protected bird sanctuary that hosts up to 250,000 seabirds, including puffins and other species rarely seen elsewhere on the Norwegian mainland.
In the summer, you might spot reindeer herds and Sámi campsites, but in winter and spring, the experience is more intimate. Sometimes, local fishermen from Kjøllefjord come aboard to share their fresh catch—cod and king crab, straight from the icy Barents Sea.
As you approach Kjøllefjord, keep an eye out for Finnkirka, a striking rock formation that rises like a cathedral from the sea. This sacred site holds deep spiritual significance for the indigenous Sámi people, adding a layer of cultural depth to the dramatic Arctic landscape.
You will arrive in Vadsø early in the morning. Located in the Varanger region this is one of the most attractive and popular bird-watching areas in the Arctic due to it being directly in the path of the birds migrating from east to west.
The last port on the Voyage North is Kirkenes. The well policed Russian border and the Koala peninsula are close by which explains why the road signs are written in both Norwegian and Russian.
Disembark the ship and get ready for a totally unforgettable experience on the frozen fjords of Kirkenes. This is your chance to catch, learn how to cook, and most importantly eat the Arctic King Crab. If you enjoy eating crab, be sure to arrive HUNGRY!
The Arctic King Crab is one of the most sought-after meals in top restaurants, and yet here, you get to eat the best and the freshest, pulled from the fjord in front of your eyes. You all take part in helping to saw the hole in the ice and bring up the catch. You will see how the crab is prepared by your master guide, and you will be taken by snowmobile sled (an experience in itself) to a beautiful farmhouse by the lake.
It is here by a cosy log fire that your King Crab meal awaits. Although presentation is simple, the superb, white leg meat and claws with their particularly juicy and naturally sweet taste puts this meal in a league of its own.
Warm clothing and a helmet is provided. Please note: This tour is done by snowmobile (the fisherman drives the snowmobile with you in a sled behind the snowmobile), and not by divers or in a boat.
Today you will visit and see the snow rooms at the Snow Resort. Explore this hand-built snow hotel and perhaps enjoy a drink at the icebar (extra cost) before heading to your Gamme pine cabin, a short walk away in the same resort.
Your evening will then progress to a delicious 3 course dinner. The food served is charmingly traditional and locally sourced. Your guide will be available to help you prepare for the evening ahead, making sure you are as comfortable as possible. After dinner you will have the opportunity to walk around the snow resort and say hello to the resident reindeers, and with any luck, catch a glimpse of the northern lights.
After breakfast, take a drive through wild forests and around pristine lakes to Inari, the Sami capital (traditional nomads of Scandinavia, reindeer herders).
In Inari, we will enjoy lunch and a guided tour at a cultural site dedicated to Sámi heritage. The guide will provide insights into the exhibitions, offering a deeper understanding of the rich history and traditions of the Sámi people.
From Inari we will continue to the Aurora Village, our home for the next 3 nights.
Check in to your glass roofed Aurora Cabin where you will be spending three nights. You will also get your Winter clothing set (winter boots, balaclavas, woolen socks, mittens, overalls, tube scarf).
Dinner is included at the restaurant. On one of the evening's during your stay at the Aurora Village Ivalo, an 'Aurora Hunting by Car' tour is included - the night it is done depends on the weather as it is planned to maximize your chances of seeing the Northern Lights.
After breakfast, meet the reindeers. In the old days people used reindeer for transportation. Today you will meet the local reindeers at work, Manu, Pelokas and Papu. Papu will take you for a short reindeer sleigh ride. In a traditional Kota-tent you will have tea, coffee and a small snack by the open fire while our Sámi-reindeer herder tells you stories about reindeer. You can also try your skills at throwing lasso!
In the afternoon, join an exciting snowmobile safari. You will be kitted out in warm clothing before leaving. Two persons share one snowmobile and there will be an opportunity to change drivers during the safari.
Afterwards, if the skies are clear, head out for a walk to look for the northern lights! Dinner at the restaurant.
After breakfast, get ready for today's husky safari - an unforgettable journey through breathtaking winter scenery.
On arrival at the husky farm, dressed in your warm outer thermal suit, gloves and hat, you will be presented with your very own husky team. You will be given a lesson on how to drive the sledge and how to observe important hand signals given by your leader.
Each team consists of about six dogs, you, the driver, and your passenger who is comfortably seated in the wooden sledge. The driver and the passenger can change places during the safari.
In the evening we will enjoy a special farewell dinner. Toast your trip with your fellow group members!
After breakfast, transfer to Ivalo Airport. You can add an extra few days in Helsinki and a day tour to Tallinn as an extended package.
Price per person, seaview superior with a double bed. Any other cabin type including twin cabins are subject to price and availability. Upgrade only possible to request for the Coastal Voyage part of itinerary.
NOTE: TWIN bed requests are only possible for the Coastal Voyage, Fretheim, Snow Resort Kirkenes and Aurora Village. Oslo and Bergen hotels cannot be guaranteed.
Havila Onboard Credit (OBC)
Onboard credits are available when you book and pay 180 days or more prior to departure.
Medical and health information
All travellers must be in good physical health to fully participate in this trip. Please read the itinerary carefully and assess your ability to manage and enjoy group travel. During winter, roads and footpaths can be icy, so please pack light, as you'll be responsible for carrying your own luggage on outdoor paths. Portage services are limited in Scandinavia, and tour leaders can only assist within reasonable limits.
Scandinavia is generally accessible for travellers with restricted mobility or other disabilities and is continuously improving in this regard. However, our group tours may not be suitable for those with limited mobility due to the pace and included activities. 50 Degrees North is committed to making travel accessible and can tailor independent itineraries to suit individual needs. Please contact us for more information.
Please note this tour is not suitable for children under the age of 14.
What to expect from your tour leader
This tour travels with one of our own tour leaders. Your tour leader is with you from the first day to the last, and they are the person who makes the journey run. They are not a local guide, and knowing the difference helps you get the most from the trip.
What your tour leader does
Your tour leader looks after the journey itself. Timings, transfers, check-ins, the daily rhythm of the trip, the practical problems that travel throws up. They also share what they know of the region as you travel. They are your constant point of contact and the person holding everything together, so you can give your attention to the places rather than the logistics.
Why your tour leader may not be Nordic
Many of our tour leaders are from the Nordics. Some are not. We choose them for how well they lead a group, how they care for people across long days and changing conditions, and the passion they have for the Nordic region. The Nordic region is vast, and even a single country holds more local knowledge than any one person can carry. A tour leader who knows one fjord intimately will not know every town, trail and tradition along your route. So we don't ask them to. That knowledge comes from elsewhere.
Where the local knowledge comes from
Local guides. In the places where it matters, and for the activities that call for it, you are joined by guides who live there and know it first-hand: the fjord, the city, the wilderness, the culture. This is where the Nordic expertise we are known for reaches you, from the people who hold it. Your tour leader joins these activities alongside you, so the group shares them together.
Is this a guided tour?
Not in the sense of one guide narrating from start to finish. Your tour leader leads the journey; your local guides lead the experiences within it. If you are hoping for continuous commentary from a single person throughout, this way of travelling works differently, and it is worth knowing that before you go. Your tour leader will, however, share their own insights and experiences along the way, including what to do with your free time.
The short version
Your tour leader leads the journey and shares what they know. Your local guides reveal the places and their culture. Both are with you where it counts.
Important note: Weather conditions may occasionally affect certain activities, and as a result, the schedule may be adjusted to ensure the best possible experience for all guests. For multi-activity stays, the order of the activities is often confirmed locally on arrival. Activities might vary slightly in their duration or location due to the weather and local conditions. Any activities that cannot be re-scheduled due to weather will be refunded as a general practice, as determined by the activity provider.
Please note
Winter departures feature unspecified outside cabins with windows on the Norwegian coastal voyage. Cabin upgrades to superior or suite categories are available upon request.
Activities vary when travelling in autumn (before the snow arrives). Autumn activities in Ivalo include a husky wagon ride, a traditional wood sauna experience and aurora hunting by car.
We recommend arriving in Oslo a day or two before the tour begins to enjoy the city and adjust to the time zone. The first few days of the tour are quite busy, and avoiding jet lag will help you fully enjoy the activities.
Norwegian coastal voyage excursions
For your convenience and flexibility, all excursions are booked directly on board the ship. The onboard expedition team will help you choose excursions that best suit your interests. Booking on board allows you to consider current weather conditions, as many experiences are weather-dependent. You can also cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the excursion.
Sustainable travel
Your glass igloo hosts in Ivalo were the first accommodation in Northern Lapland to receive the Green Key award, the leading standard for environmental responsibility and sustainable operation within the tourism industry. This eco-label represents a commitment by businesses to meet the strict criteria set by the Foundation for Environmental Education. Examples include recycling facilities in all cabins, no longer offering plastic bottles in accommodation, and protecting the diversity of the surrounding nature, for example bird houses and insect hotels. Hiking, biking and skiing tracks lead directly from the hotel, encouraging low-carbon activities such as snowshoeing and tobogganing.
Your journey along the Norwegian coastline forms a large element of this tour. Hurtigruten had operated this route alone since 1893. In 2018, the Norwegian government opened it to competition, awarding part of the coastal contract to Havila, who began sailing the coast in 2021. Havila's ships run on a combination of liquefied natural gas and some of the largest battery packs fitted to any passenger ship. Charged in part by hydropower ashore, the batteries let the ships move through the World Heritage fjords silently and with zero emissions for up to four hours at a time. This is more than a quieter, cleaner experience on board. From 2026, the smallest tourist ships have sailed these fjords emission-free, with larger vessels to follow by 2032. Havila has done it since 2022, ahead of the rules. We are proud to partner with Havila for this journey, and welcome their newer, greener ships.
Animal welfare policy
At 50 Degrees North, animal welfare is a top priority during all our tours and packages. We carefully select suppliers who adhere to strict animal welfare standards, ensuring that wildlife interactions are respectful and comply with local, national and international regulations. We avoid offering excursions that involve captive wildlife, except where they are properly regulated, and all activities are designed to minimise disturbance to natural ecosystems. Our travellers are educated on responsible travel, including responsible animal interactions, through our 'Responsible Travel Tips' for travellers, and our guides are trained to lead by example, promoting ethical conduct towards both wild and domesticated animals. By prioritising animal welfare in every aspect of our tours, we ensure that your travel experience is both enjoyable and ethically sound. Read our article on Animal Welfare to learn more.
Norway is one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights. Above the Arctic Circle, many towns and cities offer excellent chances to witness the lights from mid-September 2026 to early April 2027.
The Norwegian coastal voyage is one of the great unhurried journeys. Sailing between Bergen and Kirkenes along a coastline of islands, fjords and remote fishing communities, the Havila ships call at 34 ports in each direction, carrying locals, cargo and travellers in equal measure. It is not a cruise in the conventional sense, and understanding what it is, and what it is not, will help you get the most from the experience.
Finland is well known as a 'Northern Lights' travel destination. Above the Arctic Circle, small villages and resorts in the wilderness over unique chances to see the lights between mid-September to early April.
