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Arctic Roadtrip: Norway’s Lofoten Islands
Self-drive through dramatic fjords, whale zones and Viking coastlines
Overview
The lowdown
This is Norway on your terms – a self-drive epic from Tromsø – the Arctic’s lively gateway city – to the show-stealing drama of the Lofoten Islands that blends freedom, fjords, and a front-row seat to Arctic life. Cruise along cliff-hugging roads, explore remote fishing villages and sleep in traditional red rorbuer cabins by the sea. With whales in the water and puffins dotted along the cliffs, every stretch of this 1000+ km route puts on a show. No tour buses. No tight schedules. Just the open road and the wild north at your wheels.
Highlights
The best bits
Take In Tromsø From Above
Known as the “Paris of the north” for its heightened sophistication versus the rest of the Arctic, Tromsø is quite the cultural hub – get lost in the surprising foodie scene found in its back-alleys and cosy pubs, before switching up perspectives with a ride on the Fjellheisen cable car. From way up high on Mount Storsteinen, sweeping city views are framed by Norwegian fjords and picture-perfect peaks.
Itinerary
The day to day
Day 1
An Arctic Arrival
Day 2
Tromsø Views
Day 3
The Open Road to Sortland
Day 4
Whale Safari in Andenes
Day 5
Onwards to Svolvær
Day 6
Trollfjord Cruising
Day 7
Mortsund via Reine & Hamnøy
Day 8
Mortsund to Narvik
Day 9
The Road Back to Tromsø
Host
The experts
ARRIVAL's Local Legends
We’ve teamed up with the legends on the ground – the local fixers, guides, and magic-makers who make sure your trip runs smoother than a cold beer on a hot day. Think private hosts, behind-the-scenes logistics wizards, and all-round good sorts who bring the place to life while keeping things seamless in the background.
Accommodation
The quarters
A sleek, central stay that’s walking distance to Tromsø’s best coffee and polar history. Clean and practical – what more could you need?
Thon Tromsø
Grønnegata, Tromsø, NO
Blue-hued Sortland stays as quiet as it is charming and this hotel has you right in the middle of it all. Expect views upon views, plus a bar that comes complete with its own reading library. Yes, please.
Sortland Hotel
Vesterålsgata, Sortland,...
Quality buffet breakfasts, an on-site gym (should that be your thing) and the Thon’s signature modern interiors. Settle into this northern outpost after a day on the water – an idyllic post-whalewatch warm-up spot.
Thon Partner Hotel Andrikken
Storgata, Andøy, NO
It’s sleek, it’s modern, it’s what you’ve come to expect of your Nordic stays. Think harbourfront minimalism with fjord-facing windows and splashes of colour injected into all rooms.
Thon Hotel Svolvær
Avisgata, Vågan, NO
This one is guaranteed to get a feature in your Instagram dump – classic Lofoten fishermen’s cabins so picture-perfect they almost steal the show from the dramatic coastal views classic. Expect rustic interiors and dodgy wifi.
Statles Rorbusenter
Mortsundveien, Vestvågøy,...
The Thon brand is like an old friend to you by now. Parking up front, functional modern rooms and an onsite restaurant in case you’re feeling room service. It’s the launchpad for your final leg – surrounded by sloping mountains and fjordland silence.
Thon Narvik
Skistua, Narvik, NO
Activities
The fun stuff
Set your own pace across Norway’s Arctic north, from fjords to fishing towns, with ten days’ freedom behind the wheel.
10 days of hire care included
Tromsø, NO
Glide above Tromsø for epic views of Arctic peaks, islands and fjords. Spot sea eagles and watch the city glitter below.
Fjellheisen Cable Car (Tromsø)
Tromsø, NO
Head offshore with marine experts to spot sperm whales, orcas and puffins on an unforgettable Arctic wildlife encounter.
Whale Watching Safari (Andenes)
Andenes, NO
Drift through Trollfjord aboard a silent hybrid boat. Soaring cliffs, eagles above and underwater drone views below.
Silent Trollfjord Cruise (Svolvær)
Svolvær, NO
Sleep in a traditional fisherman’s cabin by the sea, surrounded by Lofoten’s jagged peaks. A cosy slice of Arctic heritage.
Iconic Rorbuer Cabin Stay
Jektveien, Vågan, NO
Fine Print
The small stuff
Cancel 65+ days out for a 70% refund. Within 64 days, we’ve locked in logistics, so no refund can be offered. Thanks for understanding – it keeps things running smooth for everyone.