Norway Tours & Holidays
Small Group Tours & Tailor-Made Holidays
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Overview
A perfect winter destination, the Arctic landscapes of Norway present some of the most pristine and isolated environments left anywhere in the world. One of Europe’s last wild frontiers, it remains one of the most exciting destinations left in Europe, blessed with an incredible diversity of life and culture and a landscape of peerless beauty and majesty.
This is the land of reindeer herders and wandering polar bears, where the unique Northern Lights play out against the dark ...
A perfect winter destination, the Arctic landscapes of Norway present some of the most pristine and isolated environments left anywhere in the world. One of Europe’s last wild frontiers, it remains one of the most exciting destinations left in Europe, blessed with an incredible diversity of life and culture and a landscape of peerless beauty and majesty.
This is the land of reindeer herders and wandering polar bears, where the unique Northern Lights play out against the dark mantle of the polar night. Serene and untamed, it is a land of stunning contrasts, where the sweeping panoramas of the Arctic tundra present the ideal landscape to explore by dog sled and snowmobiles.
A world of ice and rock, this breathtaking landscape has been settled by humans since the Stone Age and, far from devoid of life, this wild and dramatic land is dotted with traditional fishing communities and indigenous cultures that have endured for generations. You can visit remote villages and enjoy the traditional hospitality of Saami families, or spend an evening at the famous Igloo Hotel in Alta made of ice. Amongst the seemingly inhospitable islands of the Lofoten archipelago, off Norway’s western coast, you can also find some of the richest bird colonies in the world, whilst the waters beneath you provide a bountiful hunting ground for orcas, whales and seals.
Start your journey
TAILOR-MADE HOLIDAYS
Whether you want to travel on one of our award-winning itineraries or build your own journey from scratch, our expert consultants will help create the perfect tour for your tastes and budget. Below are a few suggestions of the kind of trips we can offer, all of which can be tailored to you.
SUGGESTED ITINERARIES
Sweden & Norway: Ultimate Arctic Adventure
Explore this wild and remote area of the world in style, staying at the unique Treehotel and the Arctic Retreat under the Northern Lights as you enjoy popular activities in the region and Sami traditions
Norway: Land-based Summer In Svalbard
Based in a Nordenskiöld cabin, the few days here will be spent exploring the area via summiting peaks, hiking glaciers and kayaking the Arctic waters in search of the resident wildlife that come out during the summer
Norway Northern Explorer
Get a taster for life in the northernmost lands of Norway and Europe and experience the activities and traditions of the indigenous Sami people whilst staying in charming hotels and lodges
Norway: Snowmobile Svalbard Adventure
Explore the Svalbard Archipelago’s pristine and remote fjords and snowy terrain by snowmobile for a chance to see the mighty polar bear and the Northern Lights, staying in a cosy log cabin and a converted radio station
Norway: Svalbard Winter Husky Expedition
Explore the Svalbard Archipelago’s snowy terrain, travelling between expedition lodges and wilderness cabins in search of the ice cave using the traditional means of transport, dog sledding with a pack of huskies
Norway: Tromsø To The Lofoten Islands
Choice highlights include husky sledding, hunting the Northern Lights from a catamaran and exploring the magical Lofoten Islands and coastline. Accommodation, even the guesthouse and typical cabin, is of a high standard
Cruise: From The Highlands To The High Arctic
Perfect for wildlife enthusiasts and bird afficionados, this 12-day cruise explores the fauna and marine life along the islands from northern Scotland to Arctic Norway including the Shetland, Faroe and Svalbard islands
Cruise: Norwegian Arctic Encompassed
Begin in the northern Scottish islands, travelling up the Norwegian coast through fjords and UNESCO sites and stopping off at historic villages, before ending in the Arctic Svalbard Archipelago for some wildlife spotting
Cruise: Realm Of The Polar Bear
Dedicated to spotting Arctic wildlife this cruise explores the fjords and glaciers of the High Arctic around the Svalbard archipelago. Based on the ship, you’ll take zodiacs out in search of whales, seals and polar bears
Cruise: Franz Josef Land & The Russian Arctic
Journey from Norway’s Svalbard to the Russian High Arctic to reach little-explored Franz Josef Land, home to polar and marine life. To reach its islands, travel through icy landscapes looking for whales along the wayHIGHLIGHTS OF NORWAY
TOP PLACES TO VISIT
Lyngen Alps
A serene arctic wonderland, the Lyngen Alps lie to the east of Tromsø, along the western shores of the Lyngen Fjord. An ideal setting for snowshoe adventures, dog sled safaris and snowmobile rides,...
Tromsø
Located some 350 kilometres to the north of the Arctic Circle and ringed by mountains and fjords, Norway’s ‘Paris of the North’ is an engaging mix of natural and cultural attractions....
Alta
Home to UNESCO-protected rock carvings and indigenous tribal cultures, Alta is the largest town in Norway’s northern extremes. Set along the inner reaches of the Alta Fjord,...
Lofoten Islands
Stretching along the Norwegian coastline for more than 100 miles, the stunning Lofoten Islands present a beautiful, unspoiled tableau of deep fjords, long beaches and towering ...
Svalbard
Enter the realm of the magnificent polar bear! Scattered across the Arctic Ocean, midway between Norway and the North Pole, the Svalbard Islands occupy a world of unique wildlife,...
OUR FAVOURITE PLACES TO STAY
Basecamp Hotel, Longyearbyen
Built using reclaimed driftwood, the rustic and charming Basecamp Hotel (also known as Trappers Lodge) is furnished throughout with Arctic bric-a-brac and traditional furnishings. A warm and welcoming…
Clarion Hotel The Edge, Tromsø
Located on the city’s waterfront in the heart of Tromsø. All 290 rooms come with private bathrooms, free Wi-Fi, and satellite TV, whilst the relaxed ambience of the restaurant offers an ideal sport to…
Isfjord Radio Hotel, Isfjord
The world’s most northerly boutique hotel. It is beautifully situated on the Nordenskiöld coast framed by the majestic Svalbard Mountains and overlooking the open sea. Until few years ago, the radio…
Lyngen Experience Lodge, Lyngen Alps
Lyngen Experience Lodge is situated in Ulsfjord and is surrounded by pristine landscapes, allowing for superb Northern Lights viewing. Only a two-hour drive from Tromsø, the lodge ensures easy access…
Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel, Sorrisniva
Situated on the banks of the Alta River, 20 kilometres from the centre of Alta itself, this stunning ice hotel lies amidst the spectacular landscapes of the Finnmark region of north-eastern Norway.…
Svinøya Rorbuer, Svolvær
Stay within the gorgeous Lofoten Islands in a converted original rorbu on the island of Svinøya. At the Svinøya Rorbuer you are surrounded by an authentic fishing village, connected to the mainland and…Discover more
WHEN TO GO
Oslo
Tromso
INSPIRATION
Meet the expert, Jamie
Jamie is our Scandinavia and Arctic expert, who has travelled extensively in the region.
Speak to Jamie by calling
+44 (0)20 3944 6258
USEFUL INFORMATION
Health and Vaccinations
There are no mandatory immunisations for travellers to Norway though you should be up-to-date with Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio and Hepatitis A. Please note we are not medical professionals and so we highly recommend you seek advice from your local GP or travel centre as to the correct immunisations and preventative treatments.
Currency
In Norway the official unit of currency is the Norwegian Krone.
To check out the latest exchange rate for the places that you are visiting you can go to www.oanda.com.
Cultural Sensitivity
On our tours you will frequently interact with local people, each with their own distinct customs and traditions. We therefore ask you to be considerate and to treat them with respect. Your tour-leaders and guides will always be able to advise you accordingly.
Language & Religion
Derived from Old Norse, the Norwegian Language is a Germanic language which is similar to Danish and Swedish. English is a second language in Norway and is widely spoken across the country. The Sami people have many languages and the Northern Sami language spoken in Troms and Finmark is described as the closest to Norwegian and 15,000 Norwegians speak it.
The largest religion in Norway is the Church of Norway with over 70% of Norwegians baptised under the church. It is an Evangelical Lutheran branch of the Christian church which originated in the 16th century. There are a few Christian denominations as well as small populations of Muslims and Jews.
The Sami way of life used to follow a shamanistic belief system which involves ritual drumming and chanting using a traditional drum by shamans known as noaide. The religion is now long gone but some elements of the religion are referenced today.
Time
Norway is 1 hour ahead of GMT.
A useful website to check the time zone differences is www.worldtimezone.com.
Food and drink
Food in Norway is largely centred around fish, no surprise as it has one of the world’s largest coastlines! Norway is the second largest seafood exporter in the world, but nothing beats a fresh Norwegian catch. Local specialities include king crab, smoked arctic char, whale and skrei – a spawning cod best enjoyed in the winter months.
Norwegian’s are coffee lovers and most drink it black and strong. Cured meats, lamb, wild berries and vegetables are also a staple of the Norwegian diet. Vegetarians will struggle in rural areas of Norway, but cities will be fine. Vegan options in Norway are near impossible to find.