Chasing Northern Lights: Finland and Norway 10-Day Itinerary

  • Day 1: Helsinki, Finland
    Travel Time: 20-minute drive (13 km)

    Arrive in Helsinki and visit the Senate Square and the Temppeliaukio Church, also known as the Rock Church, a unique church built directly into solid rock. End the day with a visit to the Helsinki Market Square to taste some fresh Finnish food.

  • Day 2-3: Rovaniemi, Finland
    Travel Time: 10-hour train ride or 1 hr 45 min flight (860 km)

    Head to Rovaniemi, the capital of Lapland, and visit Santa Claus Village, where you can meet Santa Claus himself, tour the Finnish wilderness on a husky or reindeer sled, and don't miss the amazing Northern Lights.

  • Day 4-5: Tromsø, Norway
    Travel Time: 5-hour drive or 1 hr 45 min flight (690 km)

    Explore Tromsø, known as the Gateway to the Arctic, and visit the Polar Museum, learn about the Sami people in the RiddoDuottarMuseat, and take a cable car up to Mount Storsteinen for some of the best views of Tromsø and the surrounding fjords.

  • Day 6-7: Lofoten Islands, Norway
    Travel Time: 6-hour drive or 8-hour ferry ride (380 km)

    Visit the picturesque fishing villages of the Lofoten Islands, including Henningsvær and Reine, hike the famous Reinebringen trail, and experience the unique traditional food and drink of Norway.

  • Day 8-10: Bergen, Norway
    Travel Time: 16-hour ferry or 1 hr 40 min flight (1230 km)

    End your trip in Bergen, known as the gateway to the fjords, and take a ride on the Fløibanen funicular up Mount Fløyen for breathtaking views of the city and surrounding areas. Other must-see attractions include the Bryggen Wharf, the Fish Market, and the St. Mary's Church.

Time and Cost Estimates

  • Senat Square and Temppeliaukio Church (2 hours, Free)
  • Helsinki Market Square (2 hours, 20 EUR)
  • Santa Claus Village (1 day, 30 EUR)
  • Husky or Reindeer sled ride (2 hours, 80 EUR)
  • Tromsø Polar Museum (2 hours, 10 EUR)
  • RiddoDuottarMuseat (2 hours, 8 EUR)
  • Mount Storsteinen (2 hours, 35 EUR)
  • Lofoten Islands sightseeing (2 days, Free)
  • Reinebringen hike (4 hours, Free)
  • Fløibanen funicular (2 hours, 20 EUR)
  • Bryggen Wharf (1 hour, Free)
  • Fish Market (1 hour, Free)
  • St. Mary's Church (1 hour, Free)
  • Total Estimated Costs: 203 EUR

Transportation

Consider renting a car if you want to travel at your own pace and have flexibility. Train and flights are also available but expect a longer travel time. Flights are suggested for distances more than 690 km.

Average transportation cost is 1000 EUR and 76 hours.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider spending extra days in Tromsø for the Midnight Sun or visiting the Alta Museum. For travelers with less time, cut down the Lofoten Islands visit to 1 day.

Airports

The main airports that serve this itinerary are Helsinki Airport (HEL) and Bergen Airport (BGO). Helsinki Airport is located 18 km north of Helsinki's city center, and Bergen Airport is located 20 km south-west of Bergen's city center.

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