Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
Norway – Senja Island – Vesteralen Islands – Lofoten Islands
100% customisable for you
This morning, it’s an early start to head to the airport and catch your two-hour flight to Oslo. Upon landing in the Nordic nation, you’ll have a short wait before a connecting flight to Bardufoss. Upon arrival, pick up your hire car and begin the hour-and-a-half drive to Skaland. Keep your camera ready, as the scenery quickly shifts – forests give way to open water, and the first hints of Norway’s wild coastline come into view.
Arrive in Skaland, a small village on Senja’s west coast, and settle into your waterfront stay for the next three nights. With wide views across the bay and a calm, contemporary feel, it’s the perfect place to unwind after a busy day of travelling.
Spend the rest of the day however you wish – perhaps with a walk by the water before tucking into some fresh seafood at the restaurant for dinner.
Today is all about exploring Senja – often described as a quieter, wilder alternative to Lofoten. After breakfast, set out along the island’s scenic routes, where mountains rise steeply from the sea and each bend in the road reveals a new viewpoint. Stop at Bergsbotn and Tungeneset for sweeping panoramas, then continue through fishing villages like Mefjordaer and Fjordgard, which sit at the foot of the mountains. There’s no fixed plan – just time to explore at your own pace, stopping at beaches, going for walks or simply grabbing your camera and taking it all in. If you like, we can also arrange a kayaking trip in the Bergsfjorden, with lunch on the beach afterwards.
Come evening, we’ll reserve a table for you at one of the island’s best restaurants.Tuck into some fresh, local seafood before turning in for the night, ready for tomorrow’s adventures.
With its mix of peaks, coastline and open space, Senja is made for walking. Today, lace up your hiking boots and choose from a range of hikes depending on your mood and energy levels. For experienced hikers, the climb to Segla offers one of Norway’s most iconic views, while gentler routes like Husfjellet still deliver sweeping panoramas over fjords and coastline.
If you prefer to take things slow, we can arrange a guided safari in the Bergsfjorden to spot the local wildlife.
After breakfast, it’s time to leave Senja behind and begin the five-hour drive to Narvik. The route takes you through varied landscapes, from coastal roads to inland valleys dotted with lakes, rivers and mountains.
Arrive in Narvik and check into your hillside retreat, where glass-fronted cabins are designed to make the most of the views.
As evening falls, the surrounding landscape becomes part of the experience – especially if you choose to reach your dinner location via the cable car (or, for the most energetic, via a one-hour hike).
Today, you’ll leave Senja and head to the next stop on your itinerary: Andenes. Located north of the archipelago of Vesteralen Islands, Andenes is famed for its whale sightings in the summer months. After a four-hour drive, crossing bridges and island roads, you’ll check into a quaint sea cabin for the next two nights. Relax in the peaceful setting or take a stroll around Andenes, perhaps visiting the historic lighthouse or driving to the nearby space centre, Spaceship Aurora. Keen to sample some local seafood? Our Dossier is there to help you pick the best spot for a tasty dinner.
Ever wondered what a close encounter with a whale was like? Well, today, you’re going to find out. You’ll be joining a group boat tour to Bleik Canyon – a deep underwater canyon known for drawing whales to its waters. Working alongside local marine scientists, including the Norwegian Orca Survey, your guide will identify the several whale species found here; all you need to do is keep your eyes peeled for these majestic marine mammals.
After the excitement of this morning’s activity, we recommend heading out on a hike in the surrounding wilderness – perhaps to the summit of Matinden, where views stretch across beaches, mountains and open sea. End a wonderful day with a well-earned meal and large glass of wine.
Leave Andoya behind this morning as the next leg of your journey beckons. You’ll be driving around four hours, heading south to the island of Langoya, also part of the Vesteralen archipelago. It’s one of Norway’s most scenic coastal routes, so expect plenty of superb viewpoints to stop at along the way. You may want to stop for a photo at the beach of Bleik, recognisable by its ‘shark fin’, or at the Borhella lighthouse, which is usually surrounded by sheep. If you’re lucky, you may see seals, whales and eagles from your car.
Reaching the village of Straumsjoen – where you’ll spend the next two nights – admire the picturesque colourful houses dotted along the waterline. Settle into your accommodation before heading out to try some local dishes for lunch.
Explore the great outdoors this afternoon and discover the area’s stunning scenes on a hike, bike ride or kayak trip. Whatever your chosen transport, expect lush green slopes, deep, steely waters and wild beauty at every turn. Tuck into some sublime seafood for dinner and soak up the relaxing atmosphere.
This morning, take to the water once more. Fuel up with a hearty breakfast before joining a guided boat trip through the fjord, where steep cliffs and open water provide the perfect habitat for seabirds – including the impressive sea eagle.
Back on dry land, it’s time to visit the remote village of Nyksund. This adorable hamlet, lost at the end of a trail that winds between the fjords, is a former fishing port abandoned in the late 1970s. The colourful facades are reflected in the water while mountain peaks stand dramatically in the background.
The rest of the day can be as active or sedentary as you like (it’s your holiday, after all).
After breakfast, it’s time to continue your island-hopping adventure. Hit the road and drive around five hours south to Ballstad, passing through small fishing villages and across island bridges with ever-changing views. If you’re feeling like a break, we’d suggest a stop in Henningsvær, a picturesque harbour town set across several small islands.
Arrive in Ballstad and settle into your traditional rorbuer – a restored fishermen's cabin by the water, where you’ll stay for the next three nights.
Once you’ve unpacked your suitcase, head to the restaurant for a bite to eat – the ‘sea-to-plate' dishes are a must.
Enjoy a hearty Nordic breakfast this morning before the day’s activities begin. The day is yours to do as you choose – perhaps start at the western tip of the archipelago to explore Å, one of the best-preserved fishing villages in Norway. Then, continue on to Reine, often described as one of the most beutiful spots in the country, and the starting point of a very popular hike – the Reinebringen. The climb is a little steep but the extraordinary view from the summit is well worth the effort.
Or, if you prefer, take to the water on a sunset kayaking trip through the fjords. Once back on shore, tuck into a satisfying dinner before hitting the hay.
Today, there’s more of Lofoten to explore. Beyond its dramatic peaks lie unexpectedly beautiful beaches, think stretches of white sand and turquoise water framed by mountains. On the northern coast of the island of Moskenesoya is Kvalvika, one of the most beautiful beaches in the Lofoten archipelago. On the right of the beach stands Mount Ryten, with a 1,640ft summit; there’s a hiking trail, if you’re feeling adventurous, offering a spectacular view of the beach below and the tumultuous waters of the Norwegian Sea.
Return to your accommodation for a final night of relaxation before the journey home tomorrow.
Sadly, your Norwegian adventure comes to an end today, so pack your bags and hop in the hire car for one final journey. It’s a long drive (around four hours) to reach the region of Evenes. Luckily, you’ve got the spectacular landscape to keep you company on the journey. From Evenes, catch a short domestic flight south to Oslo, where you’ll catch your flight home to the UK. Just two hours later, you’ll touch down on home soil. We can only hope you’ve stocked up on enough Norwegian chocolate to stave off the inevitable holiday blues.
Everything in this itinerary is entirely customisable, down to the smallest details. Here are some more suggestions of what could be included
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
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