Luxury two-centre Norway holiday with Trondheim and Bodø in the Arctic Circle and scenic train journey on the Nordland Railway
This Norwegian two-centre holiday combines a stay in the ancient capital of Norway, Trondheim, and in the Arctic Circle town of Bodø. In between you travel on the longest railway journey in Norway, the scenic Nordland Line, which crosses the Arctic Circle. Start your holiday by flying into Trondheim via Oslo. Located on the Trondheimfjord and the third largest city in the country, Trondheim is home to the world’s northernmost mediaeval cathedral, the Nidaros Cathedral. Formerly the site where Norwegian kings were crowned, it is today open to tourists. You may want to spend some of your time in Trondheim exploring the picturesque streets of Bakklandet, a small neighbourhood of painted wooden warehouses. For an excellent view of the city and the fjord you can climb to the top of the Tyholttarnet, the tallest building in Norway. After three nights here it is time for you to cross the Arctic Circle on Norway’s longest railway, the Nordland Line. This will take you through a huge variety of landscapes in its 729 km journey, from farmland and great forests to coastal areas and impressive mountains. You pass the Arctic Circle at the Saltfjellet mountain range, where you can see the Northern Lights or the Midnight Sun depending on the time of year. After approximately 10 hours of stunning views you arrive into Bodø, your base for the next three nights. Bodø is a relatively small city set amidst some of Norway’s most beautiful scenery. One of its main attractions is the beautiful harbour, whose pier offers stunning views across the Norwegian Sea. The Norwegian Aviation Museum, located close to Bodø’s airport, offers an insight into the civil and aviation history of Norway. For the more adventurous visitors there is a wide range of activities available around the city, from eagle safaris to glacier hiking. After three nights exploring all Bodø has to offer it is time to fly back to the UK via Oslo.
Highlights
Trondheim • Nordland Railway • Bodø in the Arctic Circle
Day by day
This holiday starts with a flight from London to Trondheim via a connection in Oslo. Check into your hotel in Trondheim for the next three nights.
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.
After three nights indulging in Trondheim’s cultural attractions it is time to 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.
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.
After three nights in Bodø you return to the UK by plane via Oslo.
What a simply wonderful train adventure you put together for us. Seems unbelievable we made it to the Black Sea via so many differing train journeys without a problem. Thank you so much for all your efforts with the bookings. Train connections, Coaches , seats , position of hotels, everything happened without a hitch. So, congratulations, we are all most grateful to you and Expressions Holidays.Mr and Mrs H, May, 2024
Holiday price guide
From £1,760 per person
£140 supplement per person for premium class on Nordland Railway
Holiday Code SCFR03
Call us on 01392 441245
Luxury two-centre Norway holiday with Trondheim and Bodø in the Arctic Circle and scenic train journey on the Nordland Railway
This holiday starts with a flight from London to Trondheim via a connection in Oslo. Check into your hotel in Trondheim for the next three nights.
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.
After three nights indulging in Trondheim’s cultural attractions it is time to 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.
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.
After three nights in Bodø you return to the UK by plane via Oslo.
What a simply wonderful train adventure you put together for us. Seems unbelievable we made it to the Black Sea via so many differing train journeys without a problem. Thank you so much for all your efforts with the bookings. Train connections, Coaches , seats , position of hotels, everything happened without a hitch. So, congratulations, we are all most grateful to you and Expressions Holidays.Mr and Mrs H, May, 2024
Holiday price guide
From £1,760 per person
£140 supplement per person for premium class on Nordland Railway
Holiday Code SCFR03
Our prices include
● Return flights with British Airways from London to Oslo
● Scheduled flights with Scandinavian Airlines or Norwegian from Oslo to Trondheim, and Bodø to 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 prices do 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
Additional information 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.
Call us on 01392 441245
Luxury two-centre Norway holiday with Trondheim and Bodø in the Arctic Circle and scenic train journey on the Nordland Railway
The Britannia Hotel is a traditional, grand, 5-star hotel in the centre of Trondheim, completely refurbished in 2019. Luxurious but discreet rooms, four dining options, bar and wine bar, spa.
Superior double room
The Thon Hotel Nidaros is a 4-star hotel in a central location offering bright, comfortable rooms in a Gothic-style building.
Standard room
Thon Hotel Nordlys in Bodø is a modern 4-star hotel next the city’s marina offering comfortable, brightly-furnished rooms with a bar and restaurant.
Standard double
What a simply wonderful train adventure you put together for us. Seems unbelievable we made it to the Black Sea via so many differing train journeys without a problem. Thank you so much for all your efforts with the bookings. Train connections, Coaches , seats , position of hotels, everything happened without a hitch. So, congratulations, we are all most grateful to you and Expressions Holidays.Mr and Mrs H, May, 2024
Holiday price guide
From £1,760 per person
£140 supplement per person for premium class on Nordland Railway
Holiday Code SCFR03
Call us on 01392 441245
Luxury two-centre Norway holiday with Trondheim and Bodø in the Arctic Circle and scenic train journey on the Nordland Railway
About Trondelag
Trøndelag is the region at whose heart sits the city of Trondheim, ancient capital of the kingdom of Norway and a place of pilgrimage in Scandinavia. Trøndelag is north of Vestlandet and hugs the rugged coastline with interiors of coniferous and deciduous forests. Trondheim, once known as Nidaros, is where King Olav Haraldsson was canonised in 1031 and today contains a charming mixture of historic sights and stylish, modern architecture. There are interesting museums (Museum of Art, the Maritime Museum, the Trødelag folk museum and the Museum of Decorative Arts), the warehouses of Bryggen, the royal residence and the Nidarosdomen, Scandinavia’s greatest mediaeval building, built over the grave of Olav the Holy, the patron saint of Norway. Inland is the well-preserved mining town of Røros, with colourful, wooden houses with turf roofs. Since the 17th Century until 1977, the community combined agriculture with copper-mining. At Austrått you’ll find a beautiful white manor house dating from the Viking age, and one of the best-preserved mediaeval buildings in Norway. Just offshore are several islands including Munkholmen, Hitra and Frøya. The latter two are renowned for their deep-sea fishing.
Highlights of Trøndelag
Trondheim, once the Viking capital of Norway, and today Norway’s third city, known as the culinary capital of the country. Scenic attractions of the fjords, the Nidelva River and forests nearby. There is the Bymarka Nature Reserve, the Lade Trail and the island of Munkholmen. In the city itself, historic sites include Nidaros Cathedral, dating from 1070, the Archbishop’s Palace, Stiftsgården, Kristiansten Fortress, Bakklandet old town, and the Trøndelag Folk Museum. Between September and March, you can book an Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) experience from Trondheim (book at least 48 hours in advance through the Visit Trondheim tourist office).
Cultural highlights of Trøndelag
Trondheim is often the focal point for stays in this area and the ancient city is bursting with cultural activities and sites: Nidaros Cathedral, Trondheim maritime museum, the Armory, the historic wharves, Steinvikholm castle. The Trondheim Symphony Orchestra and Opera give performances. Visit the Sverresborg Trondelag folk museum and the University museum. A short distance from Trondheim by train is the ancient mining town and now UNESCO World Heritage site of Røros. The old mining town is well preserved and the town has strong Sami traditions.
Festivals of Trøndelag
Røros has a 6-day winter fair, summer Olavsfest in Trondheim, Trondheim International Folm Festival, Trøndelag food festival, Jazz festival in May
Gastronomy of Trøndelag
The area is strong on seafood and fish. Hitra crab and Froya scallops are local foods. The region is also known for its cloudberries and reindeer meat. The countryside produces slow-growing vegetables. Must try specialities include crab, langoustine and other shellfish from Hitra and Froya; reindeer, moose and venison; cured meats and homemade flatbread; local baked goods such as lefse, lemse and pjalt; blue cheese and others. The region has many microbreweries and produces local juices.
Call us on 01392 441245
Luxury two-centre Norway holiday with Trondheim and Bodø in the Arctic Circle and scenic train journey on the Nordland Railway
About Northern Norway
This northernmost region of the country, with the large part of it sitting within the Arctic Circle, is one that conjures up much of the magic for the visitor to Norway. This is the land of snow and ice, endless tundra, red-painted houses of fishing villages, the land of the midnight sun and the eerily mystical Northern Lights. Perched on the coast near Narvik are the idyllic Lofoten Islands, with craggy peaks, inlets and fjords, fishing villages and farms. Svolvaer is the gateway to the Lofoten Islands and from here you can visit the charming villages of Reine, Stramsund, Ballstad and Nusfjord. The main town of the region is Tromsø, situated about 186 miles inside the Arctic Circle and the place from where Amundsen started his polar expedition. The town is a popular place for viewing the Northern Lights. Other places you might visit depending on how you travel through this region are Mo I Rana, Bodø and Narvik. From Narvik you can take the train to Kiruna in Sweden and on to Stockholm (by sleeper train).
Highlights of Northern Norway
Places of interest include the Lofoten Aquarium, the Lofotr Vikingmuseum, farm visits and visits to meet the locals. You can experience the Midnight Sun in summer and undertake many activities such as climbing, hiking, sailing, kayaking, sea safaris to visit Trollfjord and watch for sea eagles, fishing trips. There are scenic routes around the Lofoten Island affording ample photo opportunities and the chance to see striking artwork set amongst the natural landscape and near the viewing points. There are several art galleries on the Lofoten Islands displaying not only paintings and prints, but also glasswork and Lofoten woollen goods. From Bodø there are numerous hiking trails near the hotel, with the hotel recommending the Ramnfloget, Keiservarden, Ørnkloa, Bestefarvarden, and Finnkonnakken. There are also RIB excursions available nearby, and the area is home to the famous Saltstraumen maelstrom. Bodø is a short distance away, with restaurants, bars, shops, and museums, such as the Norwegian Aviation Museum. Mjelle Beach is further up the coast, known for its red sand, infused with garnet. Tromsø recommended highlights: Arctic Cathedral, Storsteinen mountain ledge, Polar Museum, Tromsø Museum, dolphin safaris, fjord cruises, Northern Light searches.
Cultural highlights of Northern Norway
Tromsø is home to a number of museums including the Polar Museum and the Tromsø museum. Svolvaer has its own local history museum and on Lofoten there is a Viking long house and museum. Near Bodø is the Kjerringoy trading post and the Bunkermuseum. Northern Norway is home to the Sami people and you can experience the Sami culture in a number of locations: reindeer herding, joik (Sami folk music), silver working, Sami clothing and ceramics.
Festivals of Northern Norway
Northern Lights festival in Tromsø held at the end of January, the Arctic Arts Festival in Harstad during the summer solstice in June and the Lofoten International Art Festival, which takes place alternate years and features contemporary art. Tromsø holds a jazz festival in the summer.
Gastronomy of Northern Norway
Stockfish is one of the signature dishes (dried cod served with carrots, bacon and scrambled eggs). All manner of fish and seafood: halibut, cod, herring, haddock, mussels, prawns and lobsters. Skrei is the wandering Atlantic cod, and one of the most protected and sustainable fish stocks in the world. Seaweed is harvested in the Lofoten islands and King crab is a delicacy in the region. Herring is served in a variety of ways: fresh, smoked, salted and pickled. Reindeer is a delicacy in northern Norway and is often roasted or cooked in stews. Lamb are reared locally on the Lofoten islands and on the Lyngen peninsula. Cloudberries are picked to make jam and desserts. The Mack brewery is based in Tromsø and produces popular local beers.
