Itinerary
- Day 1
Tromsø
You'll arrive in Tromsø and head straight to your accommodation while taking in the midnight sun if you're visiting between mid-May and mid-July. The city's known as the Venice of the North, so wandering around on your own is a good way to get oriented. If you want a broader perspective, the cable car up to Storsteinen gets you above the city with views of the fjords and surrounding peaks. The whole area spreads out nicely from up there.
Optional Activities
- Cable car ride to Storsteinen (ticket available on site)
Landmarks/POIs Storsteinen Tromsø Bridge - Day 2
Tromsø to Narvik
This morning you'll drive south toward Narvik, passing snow-covered mountains and fjords along the way. Keep your eyes open for whales and orcas in the coastal waters as you go. Narvik sits north of the Arctic Circle and works as a harbor town with its own cable car option if you want to get up to the local mountain. From there you can see the Ofotfjord and the mountains surrounding it pretty clearly.
Optional Activities
- Cable car ride to local mountain (payable locally)
- Stop at coastal sections to observe wildlife
Landmarks/POIs Ofotfjord - Day 3
Narvik to Lofoten Islands
You'll drive to the Lofoten Islands, which feels like stepping into a completely different landscape with red fishermen's huts built on stilts, jagged mountains, and deep blue water. After checking in at your accommodation (either a traditional stilt house or hotel), you can start exploring the area. Try bacalao at one of the fish restaurants for a taste of local food.
Optional Activities
- Visit fish restaurants and sample local specialties like bacalao
Landmarks/POIs Lofoten Islands - Day 4
Lofoten Islands
Spend your time exploring Lofoten using the European highway E10 that strings the islands together. Henningsvær is a small fishing village spread across eight islands connected by bridges, and it's worth checking out for its stilted houses and cafés. From there, head to the Trollfjord, which runs 2.5 kilometers through narrow waters and has a distinctive look that makes it worth the trip.
Optional Activities
- Walking tours of the Lofoten Islands
- Visit Henningsvær fishing village
- Café stops in Henningsvær
- Visit Trollfjord
Landmarks/POIs Henningsvær Trollfjord - Day 5
Lofoten Islands
Focus on Lofoten's beaches today. Haukland Beach and Uttakleiv Beach are both accessible without much effort. If you want something more remote, hike out to Kvalvika Beach. During the midnight sun period between mid-May and mid-July, you'll have extended daylight for exploring the turquoise waters and island landscapes.
Optional Activities
- Beach visit to Haukland Beach
- Beach visit to Uttakleiv Beach
- Hiking to Kvalvika Beach
- Self-guided island exploration
Landmarks/POIs Haukland Beach Uttakleiv Beach Kvalvika Beach - Day 6
Lofoten Islands to Harstad
Leave Lofoten and drive east toward Harstad, stopping at any spots you missed like the fishing village of Nusfjord to see the red stilt houses one more time. Once you reach Harstad, check in at your hotel and look around the area. Gangåstoppen mountain has a hike that rewards you with views across the landscape.
Optional Activities
- Visit Nusfjord fishing village
- Hiking to Gangåstoppen mountain for panoramic views
Landmarks/POIs Nusfjord Møysalen Gangåstoppen - Day 7
Harstad to Tromsø
Drive back to Tromsø and spend time rediscovering the city's colorful wooden houses, cobblestone streets, and cafés. Take the cable car back up to Storsteinen for another look at the city, fjords, and the Tromsø Bridge from above. In the evening, settle in for a typical Norwegian dinner and experience the local hospitality.
Optional Activities
- Cable car ride to Storsteinen summit
- Walking tour of Tromsø's colorful wooden houses and cobblestone streets
- Dinner at a traditional Norwegian restaurant
Landmarks/POIs Storsteinen Tromsø Bridge - Day 8
Departure from Tromsø
Return your rental car at the airport and head home with memories of Norway's landscapes and Nordic culture. Your time in the north leaves you with images of fjords, mountains, and the unique experience of the midnight sun.
