13 spectacular views to seek out during your next Norwegian self drive tour
Are you planning a summer self-drive in Norway? There are several gorgeous opportunities to enjoy both stunning landscapes and jaw-dropping architecture along the way.
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6 days | Independent tour | Jun-Aug | Tromsø to Lofoten
Classic Standard – This is an updated itinerary that has the same thoughtful route design, trusted local partnerships and carefully paced experiences that define our travel styles, with accommodation centred on comfortable 3-star hotels in convenient locations.
Experience the best of Lofoten and Senja on this 6-day independent itinerary, where travel is made easy by the convenient Arctic Route bus, connecting all the highlights of this magnificent region.
Your journey begins in Tromsø, a popular destination located above the Arctic Circle, magical in summer for its famous midnight sun, which bathes the landscape in golden light from mid-June to late August.
From Tromsø, you cross the arctic water by ferry to discover Senja, Norway's second largest island, often called Little Norway for its remarkable diversity of landscape. Steep ridges and deep fjords define the dramatic western coastline, while vast forest areas stretch across the south within the tranquil national park of Ånderdalen. A fjord sightseeing and wildlife safari are included, and you will also have time to hike the summits of Segla, soak in a hot tub with views of the incredible scenery, or try your hand at deep-sea fishing.
Continuing on, you travel to the legendary Lofoten Archipelago, staying in traditional fishermen's cabins perched over the water in Svolvær for two nights, with a day trip south to the iconic village of Reine.

As a Certified B Corporation, 50 Degrees North has designed this tour using handpicked local hoteliers and suppliers who share our ethos of delivering services and activities of high social and environmental standards.
The CO2-e per person per day of all tours is carefully measured following each season. We fully offset all emissions of our tours on your behalf, and we constantly look at ways to reduce emissions where possible.
The Arctic Route Bus. Included on this bus route: English-speaking driver, Scenic short stops to take pictures and stretch your legs, Free wi-fi onboard, Toilet onboard, Charger points for your phone (USB-port), Luggage space and Water.
Please note: We have not included evening dinners (half-board) in our Norwegian countryside itineraries but in some spots, the hotel you are staying at may be the only option and/or highly recommended. Norwegian countryside hotels often have well known restaurants or intimate family run dining rooms that the hosts take great pride in. Considering the price of meals in Norway we have left this flexible in case you choose to self-cater. Please ask us for our recommendations as determined by your final itinerary. You do need to book ahead for these evening meals.
Tromsø is a city packed with culture, polar history and fresh locally sourced food in its numerous restaurants. Mountains, fjords and islands also surround it, making it a great base for exploring the winter landscape. On arrival, self-transfer to your centrally located hotel right on the harbour's edge.
If it is a clear day, experience Tromsø’s best view! On the outskirts of Tromsø (it is a very small town) a cable car runs from Solliveien in Tromsdalen up to the mountain ledge Storsteinen (421 m above sea level) in just four minutes. From the viewing platform at the upper station, you can enjoy spectacular panoramic views of Tromsø and the surrounding islands, mountains and fjords. At the fully licensed Fjellstua restaurant, you can enjoy a delicious dinner based on local produce or select light meals from the café menu, while you take pleasure in the view.
This morning, travel by coach leaving at 08.45am to Senja island. Travel over the fjords on a ferry and arrive Hamn i Senja by 14.15. Settle into your harbour view suite before exploring the area. You can book a hot tub or an additional activity such as deep-sea fishing or e-biking.
This morning, set out on a guided boat cruise (1.5 hours) through the striking Bergsfjord archipelago, where steep mountains plunge into clear turquoise waters and white shell-sand beaches fringe the islands—often dubbed the Caribbean of the Arctic. Cruise past seabird colonies, with good chances to spot sea eagles, seals and other coastal wildlife along the way. Your knowledgeable guide shares insights into the region’s nature and history, making this a relaxed and scenic fjord experience. After the cruise, warm up with a hot drink in the restaurant or outdoors, weather permitting.
After a relaxing morning, you will join the Arctic Route bus departing at 14:15. Get ready for an incredible sightseeing afternoon as you travel along the Lofoten coastline all the way to Svolvær at the bottom of the archipelago. You will arrive around 21:30. You can buy food at the several stops along the way. You can also bring food with you. Remember, you are travelling when there is around the clock midnight sun so you won't miss any of the views.
Settle into your fisherman's rorbu this evening.
Discover the highlights of the Lofoten Islands on a full‑day guided road journey through dramatic fjords, rugged peaks and iconic fishing villages. Travel along scenic coastal roads to Nusfjord, one of Norway’s best‑preserved fishing villages, before visiting Flakstad Church and its sweeping coastal backdrop. Continue to the photogenic islands of Hamnøya and Sakrisøya, famed for their colourful rorbuer, then arrive in Reine, one of Lofoten’s most celebrated villages. The last stop is Ramberg Beach, where white sands meet the Arctic Sea, offering a final chance to enjoy the scenery and take photographs before returning to your accommodation. Duration: approx. 8 hours
Notes: Weather in Lofoten can change quickly; warm clothing and sturdy footwear are essential. And don’t forget your camera. Your guide can help you get some great photos.
After a final morning in Svolvær, make your own way to Leknes Airport for your onward flight. The drive takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, following a scenic route through Lofoten’s distinctive landscape of mountains, bridges, and shoreline that has shaped the journey from the start. If time allows before departure, Leknes has a well‑stocked supermarket and a café—ideal for a last Norwegian coffee before flying on.
All prices listed are per person, based on two people sharing a room. Prices are indicative.
SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL:
Tromsø, also known as the Arctic Capital or the ‘Paris of the North’, is the gateway to the Arctic and Northern Norway. It has been awarded as a ‘Sustainable Destination’, which is the Nordic region’s only national labelling scheme for travel destinations. It is a “tool for sustainable development of businesses and destinations when it comes to the environment, the local community, the cultural heritage, and the economy” Nordic regions awarded this title are not perfect, but they are working collaboratively to achieve a long-term goal. These regions are evaluated every three years to ensure they continue to adhere to these standards.
When staying in Tromsø you will stay in a hotel renowned for its’ environmental efforts. The hotel is ISO 14001 certified (which is given to enterprises that have a high-quality environmental managing system for organizational performance), has launched plastic free initiatives in partnership with WWF, where possible is powered by renewable energy and are taking great strides to reduce water consumption and reduce the use of chemicals. Even though access to water is not an issue in Norway compared to other parts of the world, this hotel is conscious of the energy consumed for heating, and chemicals required for purification, so reduction makes up part of their overall environmental policy. In addition to this they provide sustainable, organic, fair-trade food, and only use sustainably produced palm oil. Your hosts also encourage guests to eat less meat and substitute this for plant-based alternatives.
Senja, your main location for this trip, is also going through the process of becoming an accredited ‘Sustainable Destination’. Visit Norway in recent years named your accommodation in Senja as one of the most attractive accommodations in Norway, and it’s not hard to see why. The beautiful location of the site, nestled in the wilderness high above the Arctic circle, offers a unique diversity and a deep experience in nature throughout the year. Your activities for your stay have been selected as low carbon options which allow our visitors to appreciate their time in nature, such as our guided wildlife boat safari to learn more about the wildlife of the region and support its conservation efforts.
Arctic Route (part of Best Arctic Group) is proud to be Ecolighthouse certified company (The Certification Scheme - Stiftelsen Miljøfyrtårn (eco-lighthouse.org) They are ISO14000 certified.
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, often the order of the activities will be confirmed locally on arrival. Activities might vary slightly in their duration or location due to the weather and local conditions. Any activities that are unable to be re-scheduled due to weather conditions, will be refunded as a general practice, as determined by the activity provider.
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