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11 days - Small Group tour to Norway and Finland with southbound Norwegian Coastal Havila 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.
• Southbound voyage on the Havila Norwegian Coastal Voyage (Kystruten) in an outside cabin
• 3 nights in a glass roofed cabin in Lapland
• 1 night in a gamme (log) cabin in Kirkenes
• City guided tour in Bergen
• Husky safari
• Aurora hunting by car
• Reindeer experience
• Small group sizes, maximum 18 travellers
• Experienced tour escort for the complete journey
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.
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
3 nights in an Aurora Cabin at Aurora Village Ivalo
1 night in a Gamme Cabin at the Kirkenes Snowhotel
5 nights of cruise accommodation in an outside cabin on the Norwegian coastal voyage
1 night at the Bergen Børs Hotel
Meals in total: Daily breakfasts, 7 lunches, 10 dinners and 2 activity snacks & hot drinks (incl. all meals during the Norwegian Coastal voyage)
Winter or Autumn (before proper snow cover) activities depending on the season:
WINTER ACTIVITIES (Dec- Mar): Reindeer Farm Visit, Snowmobile Safari, Husky Safari, Aurora hunting by car
AUTUMN ACTIVITIES (Sept- Nov): Husky wagon ride, Panorama sauna and jacuzzi, Floating wood sauna experience, Aurora hunting by car and BBQ workshop.
ALL SEASONS: King Crab Safari
Please note that the arrival of snow is hard to predict but for a rough idea, autumn activities would be expected to run at least until Mid-November.
Portage is not included - you will be responsible for carrying all your luggage.
Arrive in Ivalo and transfer to your Aurora Cabins, located high above the Arctic Circle in Northern Finland. Surrounded by breathtaking scenery, you’ll enjoy a rustic wilderness experience in the remote forests of northern Finland—far from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Check in to your glass-roofed Aurora Cabin, where you’ll spend the next three nights.
These unique cabins offer a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to admire the Northern Lights and a sky full of stars from the comfort of your bed. The thermal glass roof ensures clear views even in the coldest temperatures, while the cozy interior and modern amenities provide a warm and comfortable aurora-viewing experience. Each cabin includes 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.
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.
After breakfast, prepare for today’s highlight: a thrilling husky safari through breathtaking winter landscapes.
Upon arrival at the husky farm, you’ll be provided with a warm thermal outer suit, gloves, and a hat. Then, you’ll be introduced to your very own team of huskies. Before setting off, you’ll receive a briefing on how to drive the sled and how to interpret important hand signals from your guide.
Each team consists of approximately six dogs, a driver, and a passenger seated comfortably in a wooden sled. During the safari, you’ll have the opportunity to switch roles so both participants can experience driving and riding.
In the evening enjoy aurora hunting by car to spot the Northern Lights.
After breakfast, transfer by bus to Kirkenes, Norway. This scenic 200-kilometre journey winds past serene lakes and snow-covered forests.
Along the way, stop in Inari for lunch and a guided visit to a cultural site dedicated to Sámi heritage. Your guide will provide fascinating insights into the exhibitions, offering a deeper understanding of the rich history, traditions, and way of life of the Sámi people.
Upon arrival in Kirkenes, visit the Snowhotel and explore its beautifully hand-crafted snow rooms. You’ll have the chance to admire the intricate ice sculptures and, if you wish, enjoy a drink at the Icebar (additional cost). Afterward, take a short walk to your cozy Gamme Pine Cabin, located within the same resort.
In the evening, enjoy a delicious three-course dinner featuring traditional, locally sourced ingredients. After dinner, take a stroll around the Snowhotel grounds, greet the resident reindeer, and—if the skies are clear—keep an eye out for the magical Northern Lights.
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 Havila 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.
In the stillness of night, your journey brings you to Mehamn—a quaint fishing village once home to the largest whaling station in all of Finnmark. Though quiet today, its past echoes with maritime history.
Next, you’ll arrive in Hammerfest, a town with roots stretching back to the Stone Age. Officially founded in 1789 to foster trade with Russia, Hammerfest soon earned its title as Norway’s Polar Capital, serving as a launch point for daring Arctic hunting expeditions.
Don’t miss the Meridian Column, erected in 1854 and now recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hammerfest has long been a pioneer in energy innovation—back in 1891, it became the first place in Northern Europe to light its streets with electricity powered by wave energy. Today, that legacy continues with a major liquefied natural gas plant just outside town.
As you sail south from Øksfjord, crossing open waters, you’ll make a brief stop at the charming island of Skjervøy before gliding into the breathtaking Lyngenfjord, flanked by the dramatic peaks of the Lyngen Alps.
Your voyage then leads to Tromsø, where a magical experience awaits: the Midnight Concert at the Arctic Cathedral (Ishavskatedralen) — a serene and unforgettable moment beneath the Arctic sky.
Welcome to the wild and picturesque Lofoten Islands, where dramatic peaks rise above soft white-sand beaches and charming fishing villages. These communities thrive on a strong fishing tradition, and locals still rely on coastal ships for daily travel and transport.
Today’s journey takes you through Risøyrenna, a man-made channel that offers a sheltered passage between Harstad and Sortland. As you arrive in Sortland, known as the “Blue City,” you’ll notice buildings painted in various shades of blue—a creative vision brought to life by local artist Bjørn Elvenes, who imagined the town as a living, three-dimensional artwork.
Continuing south, the ship appears to glide straight into a wall of mountains—but in fact, you’re entering Raftsundet, a narrow and scenic strait between the Vesterålen and Lofoten islands. If conditions allow, you’ll take a breathtaking detour into Trollfjord, a dramatic fjord with towering cliffs and a chance to spot majestic sea eagles soaring overhead.
Your final stops are Svolvær, the main town in the Lofoten archipelago, and Stamsund, where you’ll get a stunning view of the towering Lofoten Wall, a dramatic mountain range that defines the skyline.
The Helgeland coast in winter is a serene and magical landscape, where snow-dusted islets, frost-covered farmland, and towering granite cliffs create a breathtaking scene. It’s well worth rising early to witness this Arctic wonderland. Today also marks your final day north of the Arctic Circle, which you’ll cross between Ørnes and Nesna — an iconic moment on your voyage.
This stretch of coastline is rich in myths and legends. You’ll pass the Seven Sisters, a dramatic row of snow-capped peaks tied to ancient folklore, and Torghatten, the mountain with a mysterious hole said to have been pierced by a magical arrow—its story even more enchanting against a backdrop of winter skies.
As you sail from Sandnessjøen to Brønnøysund, you’ll pass the Vega Archipelago, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Even in winter, the islands tell a story of harmony between people and nature. For centuries, locals have protected nesting eider ducks in exchange for their precious down, a tradition that continues to this day.
Your day ends in Brønnøysund, a cozy and lively town that glows under the soft winter light. Take a peaceful walk along Havnegata, where boats rest quietly in the harbour and the crisp air carries the scent of the sea. The snow-covered archipelago adds a quiet charm to this vibrant coastal community.
Today offers another chance to explore the historic city of Trondheim. A must-see is the Nidaros Cathedral, Scandinavia’s largest medieval structure. This grand cathedral has witnessed the coronation of three queens and seven kings, and its gothic spires are especially striking against the winter sky.
Further along the coast lies Kristiansund, perched along the scenic Atlantic Road. Known as Norway’s klipfisk capital for its long-standing tradition of exporting dried and salted cod, the town has a unique maritime charm. While here, consider visiting the Atlantic Road itself — one of Norway’s most iconic and photogenic routes, especially dramatic in winter with waves crashing against the winding bridges.
As you continue your journey, you’ll pass the islands of Munkholmen and Hitra, crossing open sea toward Molde. Often called the “City of Roses,” Molde’s mild Gulf Stream climate gives it a surprisingly lush feel, even in winter. As you depart, look to the horizon for the jagged silhouettes of the Romsdal Alps, their snow-covered peaks rising sharply against the fading light.
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!
After breakfast, transfer on your own to the airport.
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. The twin bed requests at the Bergen hotel cannot be guaranteed.
All departures are guaranteed.
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 Helsinki 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.
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—you’ll be responsible for carrying your own luggage on outdoor paths. Portage services are limited in Scandinavia, and tour escorts 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.
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.
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, 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.
Please note this tour is not suitable for children under the age of 14.
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 2025.
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.
During the 2021 UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) in Glasgow, 50 Degrees North Nordic, along with 300 other tourism companies, became one of the founding signatories of the Glasgow Declaration. Here is our plan forward. You can follow our progress by reading our annual Impact Reports linked at the bottom.
