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Tours

Northern Lights Express

  • Day 1 - Arrive Bodø and transfer to the new Wood Hotel before a group dinner
  • Day 2 - Reindeer Experience with local Sámi family
  • Day 3 - Saltstraumen and Stone Age before a short Norwegian coastal ferry journey to the Lofoten Islands
  • Day 4 - Discover Lofoten with a guided sightseeing tour and a visit to the Lofotr
  • Day 5 - Taste of Lofoten food tour
  • Day 6 - Bring on the ICEHOTEL
  • Day 7 - Explore the ICEHOTEL with active adventures
  • Day 8 - Departure Day

Price starting from $7113 AUD Read more...

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Departure Information

Journey beginning at Bodø, Norway and ending at Kiruna, Sweden

Available: 2025-09-01 to 2025-09-08 starting from $7113 AUD

Available: 2025-09-29 to 2025-10-06 starting from $7113 AUD

Available: 2026-01-05 to 2026-01-12 starting from $8172 AUD

Available: 2026-02-02 to 2026-02-09 starting from $8172 AUD

Available: 2026-03-02 to 2026-03-09 starting from $8172 AUD

Overview

Savour eight days in spectacular Norway and Sweden on the search for the Northern Lights. As you go looking for the Aurora, you’ll be treated to unique experiences along the way, including a stay in the original ICEHOTEL and in a fisherman’s cabin in the Lofoten archipelago. In autumn you get to experience the beautiful colours of the leaves changing colours, and learn how people in the North prepare and cope with the extreme temperatures.

The trip runs from Bodø, Norway to Kiruna, Sweden with five scheduled departures. With a maximum of only 15 fellow passengers, spend less time waiting and more time enjoying! Getting on and off the bus, hotel check-ins, comfort stops, meals – with a small group everything is easier and quicker, giving you more time to enjoy your holiday.

Day 1 – Arrive Bodø and transfer to the new Wood Hotel before a group dinner

Arrive in Bodø and settle into your stunning new hotel, almost crafted entirely from wood. This modern yet cozy retreat offers the perfect blend of comfort and nature. After check-in, take a leisurely stroll around the forest nearby or catch a cab into the charming centre of this small Arctic city, known for its vibrant culture and scenic beauty.

Once you’ve explored, head up to the hotel’s rooftop for a relaxing session (small cost involved). Enjoy the panoramic views of the majestic fjords while unwinding in the outdoor pool, sauna, and fitness area — a serene way to take in the breathtaking landscape around you.

Later in the evening, your group leader will meet you in the hotel lobby for a warm welcome. You’ll gather with your fellow travellers for a delicious welcome dinner at the hotel.

Day 2 – Reindeer Experience with local Sámi family

After breakfast, you’ll embark on a memorable trip to a local reindeer farm, where you’ll be immersed in Sámi culture. This unique experience offers a rare opportunity to connect with the ancient traditions of the Sámi people, who have lived in harmony with nature for thousands of years.

Meet the family’s reindeer and learn about their close bond with these magnificent creatures. As you gather around the fire in a traditional lavvu (Sámi tent), you’ll enjoy a three-course meal that showcases the region’s food culture. The meal is served with soft drinks, and of course, the highlight is Chaga tea — a sacred drink in Sámi culture, known for its numerous health benefits and deep spiritual significance.

This intimate setting provides the perfect opportunity to engage with the Sámi way of life, listening to stories passed down through generations, while savoring local delicacies. The warmth of the fire, the smell of traditional food, and the quiet beauty of the surroundings will leave you with a lasting impression of Sámi hospitality and ancient wisdom.

After this unforgettable cultural experience, return to Bodø for a free afternoon.

Day 3 – Saltstraumen and Stone Age before a short Norwegian coastal ferry journey to the Lofoten Islands

This morning, check out of your hotel and join a guided tour to Saltstraumen, home to the world’s strongest maelstrom. Every six hours, 400 million cubic meters of water rush through a 150-meter-wide, 3-kilometre-long strait, creating powerful whirlpools between Saltenfjorden and Skjerstadfjorden.

Next, visit a nearby Stone Age site, where you’ll step back in time to experience how early humans lived. Engage in hands-on activities like bow and arrow shooting, axe throwing, and learn about daily life from this ancient era. Afterward, enjoy a small Stone Age-style tapas lunch, prepared using traditional cooking methods from the time, offering a unique culinary experience that connects you to the past.

By 13:00, return to Bodø for a short time before boarding a Hurtigruten/Havila Coastal Ferry, traveling like a local across the stunning waters to the Lofoten Islands. You’ll arrive in the evening at 21:20, where you’ll transfer to your cozy fisherman’s cottage (Rorbu), an iconic way to experience life in the Lofoten Islands.

Day 4 – Discover Lofoten with a guided sightseeing tour and a visit to the Lofotr

After breakfast, embark on a guided scenic tour of the Lofoten Islands, with stops at the stunning Lofotr Viking Museum. Your local guide will take you to the best photo spots, sharing captivating local stories along the way. You’ll also have the chance to stroll along some of Lofoten’s most beautiful beaches, surrounded by dramatic landscapes.

Return to your fisherman’s cabin where you can eat at the rorbu’s seafood restaurant or wander into town to explore Svolvær. For an extra adventure, an optional Northern Lights photography tour is available, weather permitting, offering a chance to capture the magical aurora borealis in all its glory.

Day 5 – Taste of Lofoten food tour

Sleep in this morning or head out on a walk around Svolvær before joining a food tour late morning. Stop to admire the fish racks, and sample your first taste of Lofoten. At the unique glass fish factory, the northern stories and delicacies continue. An optional Sea Eagle Safari can be booked for this morning.

You’ll savor dried Arctic cod and salmon from the Lofoten waters, Lofoten lamb, cloudberries, and locally produced yogurt made with milk from cows grazing by the Arctic coast. Roe from the prized Arctic cod adds a special touch.

Later, transfer to Narvik for a free evening in town.

Day 6 – Bring on the ICEHOTEL

This morning, drive to the iconic and original ICEHOTEL, rebuilt each year, made entirely of ice and snow. Upon arrival, enjoy a delicious lunch before embarking on an exciting activity. In the autumn tours you will try your skills at Ice Sculpting, where as in the winter tours you will experience the thrill of Snowmobiling under the winter skies, and hopefully Northern Lights in the evening!

As evening falls, you’ll settle into your unique ice room for the night. Sleep in cozy thermal sleeping bags, laid out on reindeer skins atop a bed crafted from snow and ice. Inside the ICEHOTEL, the temperature remains a constant -5°C to -8°C, offering a cool, yet comfortable environment.

Dress in warm thermal underwear, put on a hat, and slip into your snug sleeping bag for the night. When morning comes, you’ll be gently awakened with a cup of hot lingonberry juice delivered to your bedside. Enjoy a delicious breakfast buffet, followed by a relaxing morning sauna. Towels and a warm sauna are also included in your stay, ensuring you feel refreshed and rejuvenated.

To keep you comfortable, the ICEHOTEL provides snow boots and, for those who feel a bit chilly, onesie snow suits – all free of charge. This experience promises to be a true winter adventure like no other.

Day 7 – Explore the ICEHOTEL with active adventures

Today, for autumn tours, enjoy a gentle hike in the stunning Abisko mountains, with a scenic lunch along the way. For winter tours, try your hand at ice sculpting, guided by local artists who will immerse you in this magical world of art and design. Next, embark on a thrilling short dogsledding adventure.

In the evening, relax in a warm, comfortable hotel room for a restful sleep. A farewell dinner with the group will be served in the restaurant, marking the end of your unforgettable journey.

Day 8 – Departure Day

After breakfast, transfer to Kiruna (20 – 30 mins) for your departure.

Inclusions:

  • All accommodation in a shared double/twin room, single supplement available
  • Experienced Tour Escort
  • 1 night in an ice room at ICEHOTEL
  • 1 night in a warm room at ICEHOTEL
  • Daily breakfast
  • 4 dinners
  • 5 lunches (including one three course meal in a Sámi Lavuu tent)
  • Reindeer Experience with local Sámi family
  • Saltstramen maelstrom tour with ‘Stone Age’ style lunch and activities at an ancient local site
  • Lofoten Sightseeing tour including entrance to the Lofotr Viking Museum
  • Taste of Lofoten tour
  • Ice sculpting at the ICEHOTEL
  • Winter activity: Snowmobile excursion and dogsledding (Jan – March)
  • Autumn activity: Abisko Mountain Hike (Sep – Oct)
  • Private arrival transfers in Bodø and departure transfers in Kiruna
  • Coastal Voyage (Hurtigruten or Havila) from Bodø to Svolvær (day crossing, no cabin)
  • Private mini-bus from Svolvær to Narvik, and Narvik to ICEHOTEL

Exclusions:

  • Meals not specified in the itinerary
  • Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
  • Gratuities and items of personal nature
  • Travel insurance

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

Enquiries

To find out more or to book this incredible tour, contact Globetrotter Lifestyle today!

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