The Grand Arctic

ITINERARY

Day 1 – London to Bergen

Fly from London to Bergen on Norway’s mountainous west coast.

Day 2 – The Famous Flåm Railway

We join a cruise up the beautiful Sognefjord to Flåm, arriving in time for lunch. We then take the superb Flåm Railway on the 12-mile scenic journey to Myrdal. We journey on one of the steepest lines in the world, climbing to a height of 2,854ft, stopping beside the powerful Kjosfossen Falls en route. From Myrdal we return to Bergen by mainline train.

Day 3 – Explore Bergen

A day to relax and enjoy the sights of this lovely old city. The waterfront area with Bryggen Hanseatic Wharf, a UNESCO World Heritage site and its vibrant fish and fruit markets are a must. You may also wish to take a ride on the funicular railway to Mount Fløyen which affords excellent views over the town.

Day 4 – Across the Roof of Norway

Enjoy a rail journey along Northern Europe’s highest railway line that delivers stunning mountain scenery as the fjord coastline gives way to the mountainous interior with high barren peaks, lakes and waterfalls. Look out for the mountain of Norefjell and the impressive Hardangerjøkule Glacier. This route is a railway engineering marvel.

Days 5 & 6 – At Leisure in Oslo

There is so much to see in Norway’s capital city but, at the very least, you should take a boat trip across the harbour to the Kon-Tiki and Fram Museums. For transport enthusiasts, there is a network of local lines, one of which, the Holmenkollen Line, terminates at the ski resort of Frognerseteren with stunning views of the city and fjord beyond. Your InterRail Pass also allows travel on the main line rail system.

Day 7 – North to Trondheim

By train to Trondheim, arriving early afternoon. The scenery is moorland rather than mountainous and, with the daylight hours lasting well into the evening, there is time to explore this historical city. There is so much to see with the Old Quarter, magnificent Nidaros Cathedral and picturesque waterfront houses of Bakklandet.

Day 8 – Across the Arctic Circle

We continue north by train on the Nordland Railway, travelling alongside stunning fjords and via remote, mountain passes. Enjoy your journey through a landscape full of contrasts including the spectacular Svartisen Glacier, as it extends from the mountains into the valley below. We cross the Arctic Circle late afternoon and continue to Bodø, a coastal port surrounded by high mountains. It won’t go dark tonight and the late evening view across the harbour towards a setting sun in the north is very memorable.

Day 9 – Bodø to Narvik

This trip is by coach as there is no rail access, but numerous road tunnels and a ferry crossing make this a journey with a difference. Relax and enjoy the breathtaking scenery along the route.

Day 10 – Ofoten Railway Towards Lapland

We leave Narvik on the “Iron Ore Route” a rail journey that climbs very steeply away from the town and the coast before crossing the border into Sweden. The stunning scenery changes from rugged mountain terrain to desolate tundra and stunted silver birch before reaching Kiruna, site of one of the iron ore mines which gives this line so much of its freight traffic. Journey’s end today is Gällivare.

Days 11 & 12 – Inlandsbanan

This is the start of a 2-day trip on the privately owned Inland Railway. Travelling by diesel railcars at a leisurely pace, there are many different attractions pointed out by the train staff and we will stop at some to explore. Very soon after leaving Gällivare we cross the Arctic Circle once more but this time the train stops for a few minutes, allowing you to alight and take photos. The landscape changes from mountains in the north, through marshland and forest to the fertile regions of the south. We break up our journey with overnight stays in Arvidsjaur and Östersund.

Day 13 – Östersund to Stockholm

A leisurely day on the mainline service takes us to the Swedish capital which is built up around a series of small islands.

Day 14 – At Leisure in Stockholm

We have a full day to explore this lovely city and a good start would be the “Under the Bridges” boat trip which gives a useful introduction to the city and its history. It is also possible to take a variety of interesting out-of-town excursions such as a paddle steamer to Vaxholm, a charming old village with historic wooden buildings. A farewell dinner is included at our hotel this evening.

Day 15 – Homeward Bound

Transfer to the airport for our flight back to London.