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    11 days - Escorted Small Group tour to Norway and Finland with southbound Norwegian Coastal Voyage

    Chase the Northern Lights in some of the most magical destinations in Scandinavia and the Nordics. For 11 days experience untouched wilderness, the coastal voyage and tour Bergen. There will be unforgettable experiences, from three nights in a glass roofed cabin where you may be able to marvel at the northern lights from the comfort of your bed to exhilarating husky experiences.

    Highlights include

    • Southbound voyage on the Norwegian Coastal Voyage (Kystruten)
    • Sights and sounds of the Norwegian coast
    • 3 nights in a glass roofed cabin in Lapland
    • 1 night in a gamme (log) cabin
    • City tour in Bergen
    • Husky experience
    • Aurora hunting by car
    • Reindeer experience
    • Small group sizes, maximum 18 travellers
    • No unnecessary bus driving

    Day 1
    Arrive to Ivalo, transfer to your hotel
    Day 2
    Reindeer Safari & Snowmobile Safari
    Day 3
    Husky Safari through the forests and Aurora hunting by car
    Day 4
    Bus to Kirkenes, skirting lakes and snow-clad forests
    Day 5
    Arctic King Crab Safari and then board your Norwegian Coastal Voyage ship
    Day 6
    Enjoy the last of the North- Hammerfest and Tromsø
    Day 7
    Vesterålen and Lofoten
    Day 8
    Embrace the 7 sisters mountains in the Arctic Circle
    Day 9
    Old towns of Molde and Kristiansund, then Trondheim
    Day 10
    Western Islands, then disembark in Bergen
    Day 11
    Departure Day
    Start Place
    Ivalo, Finland
    End Place
    Bergen, Norway
    Destinations Visited
    Finland
    Norway
    Duration
    11 Days
    Start Date
    Scheduled
    Group Size
    6 - 18
    Travel Style
    Escorted Tour
    Suitability
    Group tour with moderate walks and active components. No luggage handling included.
    Carbon Footprint
    935Kg of CO₂e Average carbon footprint per person?
    Code
    50DN1240

    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.

    Details

    Transportation

    Coastal ferry Havila, bus, train and transfers.

    Please see the cabin description here.

    Here is the Ship Deck plan.

    Included
    • 3 nights at Aurora Cabin, 1 nights at Gamme Cabin, 1 night central hotel in Bergen and 5 nights cruise accommodation in an outside cabin on the Norwegian coastal voyage
    • Daily breakfasts
    • English speaking tour leader
    • English speaking local guide for city tours in Bergen
    • Outdoor clothing for winter activities/safaris (winter boots, balaclavas, woollen socks, mittens, overalls, tube scarf) at the Aurora Cabins
    • Free use of snowshoes, cross-country skis, toboggans, ice-skates and kick sledges at the Aurora Cabins
    • Free aurora alert at the Aurora Cabins
    • Dinners at the Aurora Cabins
    • Final group dinner in Bergen
    • Overnight in a Gamme cabin at the Kirkenes Snowhotel including dinner
    • Lunch and a guided visit to cultural site dedicated to Sámi heritage in Inari
    • Three nights in Aurora cabins (similar to a glass igloo with open glass roof)
    • Voyage from Bergen to Kirkenes with Havila, 6 nights 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).
    • All meals during the Norwegian Coastal voyage
    • Transfers: Ivalo Airport to Ivalo/Inari and to Kirkenes
    • Winter or Autumn activities depending on the season: King Crab Safari, WINTER ACTIVITIES: Reindeer Farm Visit, Snowmobile Safari, Husky Safari, Aurora hunting by car
      AUTUMN ACTIVITIES: Husky wagon ride, Panorama sauna and jacuzzi, Floating wood sauna experience, Aurora hunting by car and BBQ workshop. (Please note that the coastal voyage optional activities are not included.)
    • Meals in total: Daily breakfasts, 7 lunches, 10 dinners and 2 activity snacks & hot drinks
    • 24-hour emergency service
    • Taxes and service fees
    Not Included

    International flight tickets, Norwegian coastal voyage optional excursions, any airport taxes, airport departure transfer in Bergen, travel insurance, visas, gratitudes and any items of personal nature.

    Portage is not included - you will be responsible for carrying all your luggage.

    Itinerary

    Day 1 - Arrive to Ivalo, transfer to your hotel

    Arrive to Ivalo and transfer to your aurora cabins which is located high above the Arctic Circle in Northern Finland. Surrounded by stunning scenery, we will enjoy this rustic wilderness experience in the remote forests of northern Finland, away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

    Check in to your glass roofed Aurora Cabin where you will be spending tonight.

    These glass cabins provide a one-of-a-kind opportunity to admire the Northern Lights and millions of stars in the crystal clear sky with a comfortable room temperature. The glass thermal roof ensures that the window will stay clear even in the lowest temperatures, and the warmth and amenities of the cabin will ensure you the most comfortable aurora observing experience we can offer you. Each cabin offers a private bathroom.

    Your escort will meet you this evening in the hotel lobby at 5pm and then enjoy a welcome dinner with your group. Dinner at the restaurant.

    Meals
    1 Dinner
    Transportation
    Hotel transfers
    Accommodation
    Aurora Village or similar

    Day 2 - Reindeer Safari & Snowmobile Safari

    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. 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.

    Meals
    1 Breakfast
    1 Dinner

    Day 3 - Husky Safari through the forests and Aurora hunting by car

    After breakfast, get ready for today's husky safari - an unforgettable journey through breathtaking winter scenery.

    On arrival at the husky farm we will provide you with a warm outer thermal suit, gloves and hat and then we will present 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 enjoy aurora hunting by car to spot the Northern Lights.

    Meals
    1 Breakfast
    1 Dinner

    Day 4 - Bus to Kirkenes, skirting lakes and snow-clad forests

    After breakfast, transfer by bus to Kirkenes, Norway. This 200 kilometre drive skirts lakes and snowclad forests.

    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.

    On arrival to Kirkenes, you will visit and see the snow rooms at the Snowhotel. 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 snowhotel and say hello to our resident reindeers, and with any luck, catch a glimpse of the northern lights.

    Meals
    1 Breakfast
    1 Lunch
    1 Dinner

    Day 5 - Arctic King Crab Safari and then board your Norwegian Coastal Voyage ship

    This morning, 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.

    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.

    Then transfer to the harbour to board the Norwegian Coastal Voyage ship. As the ship starts its voyage south, you can first enjoy lunch then head up to the panorama lounge to enjoy the views of the surrounding Arctic landscape or venture on deck.

    In the afternoon, the ship again docks at Vardø, Norway’s easternmost port. Continuing south, we cruise along the Varanger peninsula to Båtsfjord, before reaching Berlevåg in the evening.

    Meals
    1 Breakfast
    1 Lunch
    1 Dinner
    Transportation
    Norwegian Coastal Voyage Ship.

    Day 6 - Enjoy the last of the North- Hammerfest and Tromsø

    In the middle of the night we dock at Mehamn- a small fishing village that had the biggest whaling statin in all of Finnmark in the past.

    Next stop is Hammerfest which was a settlement dating back to the Stone Age and is still playing an important role as a fishing port. Founded in 1789 to develop trade with Russia, Hammerfest reconfirmed its position as Norway's Polar capital of its time, acting as a base for hunting expeditions in the High Arctic.

    Make sure you visit the The Meridian Column, erected in 1854- now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As early as 1891, wave energy provided power to the first electric street lighting in Northern Europe and energy innovation is still a signature for Hammerfest with its large Liquid Gas Plant just outside town.

    As you continue south from Øksfjord after crossing open water we have a quick stop at Skjervøy before sailing through Lyngenfjord- surrounded by the gorgeous Lyngen Alps.

    From here we head to Tromsø. The Arctic Cathedral Midnight in Ishavskatedralen is a wonderful experience not to be missed.

    Meals
    1 Breakfast
    1 Lunch
    1 Dinner
    Accommodation
    Norwegian Coastal Voyage

    Day 7 - Vesterålen and Lofoten

    Today you will pass through Risøyrenna, a channel providing vessels an 'inside route' between Harstad and Sortland. Coming into Sortland- the blue city, local artist Bjørn Elvenes came up with the idea of turning the city into a three-dimensional artwork using a blue colour palette. You then continue onto Stokmarknes, where you will see the MS Finnmarken as a monument as you come into port. You can also learn about Norway's coastal history at the Hurtigruten museum.

    Continuing south from Stokmarknes it looks as if you are sailing straight through the mountain wall, but you sail through an opening in the narrow Raftsundet, a picturesque narrow channel between the Vesterålen and Lofoten islands. If time and weather permits, you will take a detour into the spectactular Trollfjord where steep cliffs hug the ship's sides, home to the majestic sea eagles. The daylight sailing through the Lofoten Islands is a highlight for many as the Lofoten region is renowned for its natural beauty with steep mountains, fishing villages and beautiful scenery.

    Svolvær is the main settlement on the Lofoten Island followed by Stamsund where the majestic peaks of the huge Lofoten Wall can be viewed.

    Meals
    1 Breakfast
    1 Lunch
    1 Dinner

    Day 8 - Embrace the 7 sisters mountains in the Arctic Circle

    The Helgeland coast with hundreds of islets, fertile farmland and steep granite walls is worth getting up early to experience. Today will also be the last one north of the Arctic Circle as you cross it between Ørnes and Nesna. This part of the coast is rich in local lore with stories including the legend of the Seven Sisters, a picturesque row of peaks, and the myth about how the arrow formed the hole in Torghatten mountain.

    On our way from Sandessjøen to Brønnøysund, the Vega Archipelago, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is on the list due to the unique interaction between man and nature as the local population have protected the eider duck nests in return for the highly valuable down from the birds.

    Brønnøysund is a vibrant and pretty little town - nice for a stroll through Havnegata looking at the small boats and bustling life of the archipelago.

    Meals
    1 Breakfast
    1 Lunch
    1 Dinner

    Day 9 - Old towns of Molde and Kristiansund, then Trondheim

    Today gives you another opportunity to explore the city of Trondheim. Nidaros Cathedral is Scandinavia's largest medieval building and three Queens, and seven Kings have been crowned here.

    The town of Kristiansund, located on the scenic Atlantic Road, holds the rather obscure title of Norway's klipfisk (dry and salted cod) capital because of the nature of its main export. Whilst in Kristiansund you can visit the Atlantic Road, one of Norway's most picturesque and frequently visited tourist destinations.

    Passing the islands of Munkholmen and Hitra you cross the open sea to Molde, known as the 'city of roses' due to its lush Gulf Stream locations. When leaving Molde you can see the pointed peaks of the Romsdal Alps.

    Meals
    1 Breakfast
    1 Lunch
    1 Dinner

    Day 10 - Western Islands, then disembark in Bergen

    As your voyage comes towards the end, you pass Ålesund, Torvik and Måløy during the night and in the morning you might want to enjoy the last leg of your journey seeing the picturesque Nordfjord below the enormous Jostedalsbreen glacier, Norway's longest fjord- the mighty Sognefjord and the gorgeous Bergen Archipelago.

    After checking into the hotel, meet your city guide and enjoy a 3-hour walking tour of Bergen, including the famous Bryggen, the old Hanseatic Quarter. In the evening we will enjoy a special farewell dinner and toast your trip with your fellow group members!

    Meals
    1 Breakfast
    1 Lunch
    1 Dinner
    Accommodation
    Bergen Børs or similar

    Day 11 - Departure Day

    After breakfast, transfer on your own to the airport.

    Meals
    1 Breakfast
    Dates & Prices

    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, Kirkenes Snow Hotel and Aurora Village. Bergen hotel cannot be guaranteed.

    All departures are guarenteed.

    Dates
    Start Date
    End Date
    From Price
    Status
    Accommodation
    4 Nov 2024
    14 Nov 2024
    4 Nov 2024
    14 Nov 2024
    NZD 7,952
    Fully booked
    Standard
    4 Nov 2024
    14 Nov 2024
    4 Nov 2024
    14 Nov 2024
    NZD 3,818
    Fully booked
    Extra for Single
    7 Dec 2024
    17 Dec 2024
    7 Dec 2024
    17 Dec 2024
    NZD 9,087
    Fully booked
    Standard
    7 Dec 2024
    17 Dec 2024
    7 Dec 2024
    17 Dec 2024
    NZD 3,750
    Fully booked
    Extra for Single
    4 Jan 2025
    14 Jan 2025
    4 Jan 2025
    14 Jan 2025
    NZD 10,173
    Closed
    Standard
    4 Jan 2025
    14 Jan 2025
    4 Jan 2025
    14 Jan 2025
    NZD 3,808
    Closed
    Extra for Single
    20 Jan 2025
    30 Jan 2025
    20 Jan 2025
    30 Jan 2025
    NZD 10,298
    Fully booked
    Standard
    20 Jan 2025
    30 Jan 2025
    20 Jan 2025
    30 Jan 2025
    NZD 3,845
    Fully booked
    Extra for Single
    14 Feb 2025
    24 Feb 2025
    14 Feb 2025
    24 Feb 2025
    NZD 10,337
    Fully booked
    Standard
    14 Feb 2025
    24 Feb 2025
    14 Feb 2025
    24 Feb 2025
    NZD 3,943
    Fully booked
    Extra for Single
    2 Mar 2025
    12 Mar 2025
    2 Mar 2025
    12 Mar 2025
    NZD 10,725
    Fully booked
    Standard
    2 Mar 2025
    12 Mar 2025
    2 Mar 2025
    12 Mar 2025
    NZD 4,212
    Fully booked
    Extra for Single
    22 Mar 2025
    1 Apr 2025
    22 Mar 2025
    1 Apr 2025
    NZD 10,481
    Fully booked
    Standard
    22 Mar 2025
    1 Apr 2025
    22 Mar 2025
    1 Apr 2025
    NZD 3,827
    Fully booked
    Extra for Single
    22 Sep 2025
    2 Oct 2025
    22 Sep 2025
    2 Oct 2025
    NZD 9,596
    Available
    Standard
    22 Sep 2025
    2 Oct 2025
    22 Sep 2025
    2 Oct 2025
    NZD 3,837
    Available
    Extra for Single
    6 Oct 2025
    16 Oct 2025
    6 Oct 2025
    16 Oct 2025
    NZD 10,365
    Available
    Standard
    6 Oct 2025
    16 Oct 2025
    6 Oct 2025
    16 Oct 2025
    NZD 4,358
    Available
    Extra for Single
    19 Oct 2025
    29 Oct 2025
    19 Oct 2025
    29 Oct 2025
    NZD 10,365
    Available
    Standard
    19 Oct 2025
    29 Oct 2025
    19 Oct 2025
    29 Oct 2025
    NZD 4,358
    Available
    Extra for Single
    2 Nov 2025
    12 Nov 2025
    2 Nov 2025
    12 Nov 2025
    NZD 11,250
    Available
    Standard
    2 Nov 2025
    12 Nov 2025
    2 Nov 2025
    12 Nov 2025
    NZD 4,595
    Available
    Extra for Single
    5 Dec 2025
    15 Dec 2025
    5 Dec 2025
    15 Dec 2025
    NZD 11,250
    Available
    Standard
    5 Dec 2025
    15 Dec 2025
    5 Dec 2025
    15 Dec 2025
    NZD 4,595
    Available
    Extra for Single

    Important Information

    PLEASE NOTE: Winter departures have unspecified outside cabins with windows on the Norwegian coastal voyage, we are able to upgrade cabins on request to superior or suites.

    Activities differ when travelling in Autumn (before the snow arrives). Autumn Activites in Ivalo will be a husky wagon ride, wood sauna experience and Aurora hunting by car.

    We recommend arriving into Helsinki a day or so before the tour starts and enjoying this city. The first few days on tour is very busy and not being affected by jetlag will help you enjoy the activities.

    You can pre-book your optional Norwegian Coastal Voyage excursions with us. However, you can also wait until you are on board and do it then. Excursions and their contents are subject to maximum/minimum numbers and weather/local conditions.

    MEDICAL AND HEALTH INFORMATION:

    All travellers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully on this trip. When selecting your trip please make sure you have read through the itinerary carefully and assess your ability to manage and enjoy group travel. During winter, roads and footpaths can be icey so please consider carefully how much luggage you bring as you will be responsible for carrying all the luggage on these outside paths. There is limited portage service in Scandinavia and your tour escorts cannot help you, beyond reason.

    Scandinavia is a fairly accessible destination for people with restricted mobility and other disabilities and is actively working to be more accessible every day. However, please note that our group tours are often not suitable for persons with limited accessibility due to inclusions and pace. 50 Degrees North is committed to making travel widely accessible, regardless of ability or disability and we can tailor-make independent itineraries for travellers when needed. Please contact us for further details.

    SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL:

    Several of your accommodations on this itinerary are Nordic Choice hotels, who we support due to their outstanding sustainability policies. This group of hotels are ISO 14001 certified (which is given to enterprises that have a high-quality environmental managing system), 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 Nordic countries 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.

    Your glass igloo hosts in Ivalo were the first accommodation in Northern Lapland to receive the Green Key award, the leading standard for excellence in the field of environmental responsibility and sustainable operation within the tourism industry. This prestigious eco-label represents a commitment by businesses that their premises adhere to the strict criteria set by the Foundation for Environmental Education. Some examples of how they carry this out include offering recycling facilities in all cabins and no longer offering plastic bottles in accommodations, along with protecting the diversity of the surrounding nature, i.e., bird house and insect hotels. Hiking, biking, and skiing tracks are direct from the hotel and as such they encourage low carbon activities such as snowshoeing and toboggans.

    Your journey along the iconic Norwegian coastline comprises a large element of this tour. Traditionally the company Hurtigruten had exclusive access to this route, but in 2017 the Norwegian government ended their 130-year monopoly by granting Havila access and allowing them to also take travellers along the coastline. With this change comes innovation; traditionally the ships on this route are powered by fossil fuels however the Havila ships are fitted with batteries and can partly run on renewable hydroelectric power. Not only will the lack of noise and emissions improve the tourist experience and disruption to the environment, but the approach is essential to meet the strict zero emissions regulations for the fjord region to be introduced by the Norwegian government later this decade. We are proud to partner with Havila for this journey, and welcome their newer, greener ships.

    Please note this tour is not suitable for children under the age of 14.

    Interactive Tour Map

    Inspiration

    What is the best month to see the Northern Lights 2024

    Planning your Northern Lights trip and want to get the best advice? As we approach another Solar maximum period, solar activity will start ramping up, and auroras should increase in frequency, peaking in 2024/2025.

    Read Article

    Havila Voyage Handy Hints

    Our 'helpful hints' guide to your Norwegian Coastal Voyage with Havila. Many of our Scandinavian staff have travelled on a coastal voyage and offer detailed explanations to how it works on-board.

    Read Article
    View all Inspiration

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