TAILOR-MADE TOUR Norway ’ s Fjords to Arctic Circle by Nordland Railway
6 NIGHTS / 7 DAYS
This touring holidays offers the cultural attractions of the ancient capital of Norway , Trondheim , situated on its own fjord and the more adventurous exploits available with a stay in the Arctic Circle town of Bodø . You travel between these two places on the scenic Nordland Railway , 729 kms long , and enter the Arctic Circle at the Saltfjellet mountain range , where you can see the Northern Lights or the Midnight Sun , depending on the time of the year .
DAY-BY-DAY Day 1 Arrive in Trondheim Fly from London to Trondheim direct or via Oslo . Check into your hotel in Trondheim for the next three nights .
Days 2 and 3 In Trondheim Trondheim lies on the southern shore of the Trondheimfjord and has played a significant role in Norwegian history . As the country ’ s first capital city , it was the site where Norwegian Kings were crowned for over 700 years , specifically in the Nidaros Cathedral . We highly recommend taking a visit to this beautiful building , which is the world ’ s northernmost mediaeval cathedral and started construction in 1070 . South of this is the striking Archbishop ’ s Palace Museum , which offers an insight into the 1000-year history of the cathedral and its diocese . You will also find here the Royal Regalia , including the 200-year old Crown of Norway . For a glimpse of the more rustic side of Norwegian life , a visit to the Trøndelag Folk Museum is essential : dominated by the ruins of Sverresborg castle , this outdoor museum consists eighty historic buildings giving information about folk culture as well as rural monuments and the Haltdalen stave church , which dates from 1070 . Another picturesque area of the city is Bakklandet , a small neighbourhood of painted wooden warehouses home to galleries , cafes and restaurants .
Day 4 Trondheim to Bodø by Nordland train Today you embark on a magical journey across the Arctic Circle to Bodø . The 729 km Nordland Railway line is Norway ’ s longest and presents huge variety in culture , climate and landscape . The journey starts by skirting around the Trondheim Fjord , reaching the small town of Steinkjer two hours later at the head of the longest arm of the fjord . From here you head into the hills . Be sure to notice the colourful station buildings at the small Norwegian towns as you pass by . Leaving the steel works town of Mo I Rana the train skirts the Saltfjellet-Svartisen National Park , passing close by the Swedish border . Shortly after this you cross the Arctic Circle , before heading back towards the coast to reach the shores of Skjerstad Fjord . You continue along this spectacular natural beauty until you reach the station of Bodø , the final stop of the Norwegian railway system and your base for the next three nights .
Days 5 and 6 In Bodø The city of Bodø is an excellent base from which to explore some of Norway ’ s best scenery and natural attractions . One of its most well-known features is the Saltstraumen maelstrom , a small strait home to the world ’ s strongest tidal current . Here you can witness whirlpools bigger than 10 metres with the water moving as fast as 40 km / h . Slightly further out of the city is the Kjerringøy , a small , rural community featuring beautiful alpine landscapes ranging from mountains to white sandy beaches . The Kjerringøy trading post is a museum offering a unique insight into the lives of the powerful local merchants and information about the fish trade of the 19th century . For those looking for more adventurous activities , Bodø offers kayaking , RIB tours and even snorkelling in the surrounding fjords , and fishing is a popular local activity . There are also numerous hiking routes including Keiservarden , which leads up to Keiservarden hill overlooking Bodø , and Mount Ronvikfjellet , one of the top viewing spots for the Midnight Sun in the country . Within Bodø itself the beautiful harbour offers views from its pier dating back to 1904 and the Norwegian Aviation Museum offers an insight into the civil and military aviation history of Norway .
Day 7 Bodø to London by air After three nights in Bodø you return to the UK by plane via Oslo .
Trondheim , credit Svein Erik Knoff
PRICE GUIDE
Prices from £ 1,760 per person
£ 140 supplement per person for premium class on Nordland Railway Holiday code SCFR03
OUR PRICE INCLUDES
• Flight with British Airways , Scandinavian Airlines or Norwegian from London to Trondheim or via Oslo
• Scheduled flight with Scandinavian Airlines or Norwegian from Bodø to London via Oslo
• Second class travel on the train ( Plus class can be booked at a supplement )
• 3 nights ’ bed and breakfast in a Superior double room at Hotel Britannia , Trondheim
• 3 nights ’ bed and breakfast in a Superior double room at Thon Hotel Nordlys , Bodø
• Concierge service and Expressions Holidays regional helpful hints
OUR PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE
• Early check-in or late check-out at any hotels ( although we can arrange this on request at additional cost )
• Any other services not mentioned above , such as transfers and meals except breakfast at hotels
• Personal holiday insurance . This is essential and cover should be in place from when you book the holiday .
• Possible local tourist tax , usually the equivalent of £ 1 to £ 3 per person per night , and payable locally to the hotel
• Transfers in any cities
This holiday can be arranged throughout the year , subject to the opening dates of the hotels . Timings can vary depending on the month and day of the week of travel .
Midnight sun , credit Tommy Andreassen , www , nordnorge . com
16 FOR EXPERT ADVICE AND TO MAKE A RESERVATION CALL 01392 441250 www . expressionsholidays . co . uk
On the water near Bodo , credit Roger Johansen , www . nordnorge . com